Bern's Steak House
Opened in 1956, Bern's is known for its "art in steaks" philosophy and an extensive wine list of 6,500 labels. The menu is practically a primer on fine dining, with each steak - aged five to eight weeks - described in terms of thickness, weight, doneness, color, juice and serving size. Although prices appear steep, each entree includes French onion soup au gratin, house salad, baked potato, onion rings and organic vegetables from Bern's farm. The restaurant also features 21 choices of caviar, fresh seafood, cheese aged on site in Bern's Cave du Fromage, and a separate dessert room featuring Cognacs, spirits, coffees, pies, cakes, souffles and sundaes. Not open for lunch; closed Christmas Day and Labor Day. Business-casual and semi-formal dress only. Reservations required and available online.
1208 S. Howard Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-2421
www.bernssteakhouse.com
Malio's Prime Steakhouse
Originally established in South Tampa in 1969, Malio's in 2007 relocated to downtown Tampa along the Hillsborough River. It still attracts sports stars and celebrities but also caters to a swank business crowd lured by $5 Happy Hour on weekdays. Steaks range from an 8-ounce filet to an 18-ounce prime rib, each seasoned with salt and pepper and served with a pat of butter and a lemon wedge. Side sauces such as hollandaise and Wild Mushroom Port are available for extra flavor. Hot bread, baked fresh daily, is served at each table, but other sides such as a 1-pound, salt-crusted baked potato and Malio's Famous Gorgonzola Salad are a la carte. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday; dinner only on Saturdays. Closed Sundays. Reservations available online.
400 N. Ashley Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 223-7746
www.maliosprime.com
Timpano Chophouse & Martini Bar
Timpano's Tampa location is one of three in Florida; there are two others nationwide. With its velvet drapes and white tablecloths, the restaurant exudes a cool Rat Pack vibe, complete with a "Sinatra martini bar" called the Starlight Lounge. Featured aged steaks on the menu include an 8-ounce hand-cut filet, a 12-ounce New York strip sirloin and a 20-ounce bone-in ribeye. In addition to a four-page wine list, diners can opt for resh oysters, tuna shooters, mussels, prawns, Florida stone-crab claws or Alaskan king crabs from the raw bar, or choose from a selection of fresh pastas and savory flatbreads. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with live entertainment Tuesdays through Saturdays starting at 7:30 p.m. Reservations available online.
1610 W. Swann Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 254-5870
www.timpanochophouse.net
Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse
The most casual option listed here, Sam Seltzer's location in Tampa is one of six in Florida and is known for being family-friendly. Located north of Raymond James Stadium and Steinbrenner Field, it offers a separate menu for children as well as a full bar for adults, making it a popular stop for sports fans seeking more than a brew-pub atmosphere. Steaks include a 10-ounce filet mignon, a 16-ounce New York strip steak and the house-specialty prime rib, available in 20 and 32 ounces. Aged and slow-roasted, the prime rib is served au jus with a choice of regular horseradish or creamy horseradish sauce. Other menu options include lobster tails, a rack of lamb, chicken marsala and rotisserie chicken, plus different signature soups each weekday and desserts such as creme brulee and cheesecake. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
4744 N. Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 873-7267
www.samseltzers.com
