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Review content:
I've been bragging to my wife about another steakhouse for years in Tampa, Charley’s. So my wife and I finally went on vacation to Tampa in July of 2009. As soon as the plane lands, I get a call from a friend who has been to both steak houses. He insists that I should go to Bern's instead while stating it was the best he's had.
I called Bern's and make the reservation, three days in advance. I ask if they are booked up, they stated no so I made my reservation for 5:30. Three days later I get there with my wife, brother, and his wife. The place was relatively empty and even though we all were dressed appropriately for the place, they sat us in the very rear room and in a corner. My first turn off.
The restaurant was very nicely decorated with older antique looking furniture. I like the ambiance and the fact that each room was decorated differently.
The place started to fill up fast and eventually it got so loud that our table had to lean towards each other to hear our own conversation. It was as loud as a night club. Second turn off
Having been to some very fine restaurants, I am used to the establishment having a sommelier that’s only function is to advise, suggest and serve wine. Yet I was surprised when my “sommelier” came back and took our order. It was obvious that his knowledge of wine was limited to what he had picked up while being employed at Bern’s. Before bringing our dinner, he brought my bottle of wine. We ordered a 1987 Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico and asked to have it poured in a decanter. When our “sommelier” attempted to open up the wine, be broke the cork in the bottle and then strained the wine through a cheese cloth. Multiple turn offs here.
Upon receiving our dinner from what looked like a bus boy, we immediately noticed that their interpretation of many simple recipes was downright gross. When I eat a steak, I want real sautéed mushrooms, real mashed potatoes, etch. Our sautéed mushrooms was served as “minced mushrooms” in a sauce of some type. It was just brown goop to put it mildly. I forgot how the mash potatoes where, but it did not leave a positive memory.
A highlight was when we took the tour of the kitchen and wine cellar on our way to the dessert room. I highly recommend the dessert room. I can’t deny that it was the best of all the restaurants I’ve been to.
I must compliment the parking valet guys. While we were eating our dinner, my wife got a bad head ache. Our “sommelier” got one of the valet guys to go to a local Circle-K to get my wife some advil. They would not take any money, but suggested I just leave it with the tip.
I personally would not go to this steak house ever again. For the same money, there is better. We did not feel pampered in this place. I’ve been to Charley’s three times and I feel it is among one of the best steak houses I’ve ever been to. When in Tampa or Orlando, go to Charley's
To finish my long story, I called my friend who apologized and admitted that it was years since he was there. He did have knowledge of a change in management.
Pros: Wine list and dessert room
Cons: extremely loud, some of the food
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