Few American Restaurateurs have paired great wine and great food with as much passion as Bern and Gert Laxer.

The Laxers began with almost nothing in the 1950's on a not-so-fancy corner of Tampa and quickly built Bern's Steak House into one of the most famous Steak Houses in America, creating a must-experience destination for wine connoisseurs around the world.

Bern's Rare and Well Done gives a unique glimpse into the story of one of the World's most remarkable restaurants. Our mantra of "we do things differently here” is a philosophy that we embrace even today.

Whether a neighbor or celebrity, newcomer or seasoned aficionado, we welcome our patrons to witness our kitchen and see behind the scenes through this book.

Bern's Rare and Well Done is our inside look both back in time into the rare story of Bern & Gert, their legacy and how we have carried on the family tradition, through our new restaurants, and hotel.

We share particulars of the people behind what we serve as vital ingredients to the Bern's family business. Top chefs, mixologists and sommeliers share recipes, their advice and tips on beloved steak house classics and stunning contemporary dishes. The book also gives a glimpse into how the support from the maintenance crew touches all departments; time spent out at Bern's Farm, and how so many complete the picture to create this family business’ self sufficiency and attention to detail. Most importantly, the story of the main passion of Bern, service, is considered a main ingredient that creates the Bern’s difference.

We tell our story in Bern's Rare and Well Done how Bern's operates like no other.

For nearly 60 years, Bern's has tended to every aspect of restaurant hospitality in its own particular way.  With the addition of the Epicurean Hotel this experience has become all encompassing.

Please share in our unique and remarkable restaurant and its secrets, through our story, Bern's Rare and Well Done.

Through the James Beard Foundation, we fund the Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship.  Created in memory of our founder, Bern Laxer, the scholarship is designated to fund students in the state of Florida, in the areas of culinary studies, oenology, or front of the house hospitality.  Each year two worthy candidates are awarded each a $4,500.00 scholarship to assist with their studies.  To date we have contributed over $50,000 to the next generation of restauranteurs.

Bern was always focused on education and we are proud to be associated with the James Beard Foundation in helping facilitate this scholarship program.  

$3.00 of each book sold, supports the proceeds to fund this scholarship.