SideBern's is Bern's Family of Legends' hip, progressive restaurant. Its menu features Executive Chef Chad Johnson's modern cuisine served in a stylish, relaxed fine dining atmosphere. SideBern's offers its guests the ability to taste different flavors and textures created with innovative culinary techniques.
"Sideberns used to be one of our favorite restaurants in Tampa. We went for special occasions like anniversaries or other special dates as a couple or with friends. But the menu change that has happened sometime in the last two years - doing away with dim sum and the limited entrée choices - really surpised and disappointed us. Service was good, wine list still impressive, and atmosphere was still nice (though more open than before which I didn't like as much as the former floor set up). Sadly, the food is not now worth the price to us and we will not be back unless there is a chef change. In trying to be super edgy, Sideberns has lost its edge."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The prices are on the high-end, but the food is worth it! Went for a celebration,after graduation Started with free valet parking, then the hostess who greeted us by last name and was very friendly and chatted with us for a while, asking how we decided on this restaurant. We let her know it was mostly through Open Table, although my daughter had heard of Bern's, the 'main' restaurant. Our waiter was very gracious and knowledgeable about the menu, ingredients and pairings, making suggestions that helped us decide. After we ordered, we were brought a free oyster appetizer which was as delicious as unexpected. The entrees were absolutely extraordinary! Dessert was an adventure over the top, just incredible!"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We used to go there ten years ago and the restaurant was really exceptional. Excellent food, that was really well presented with a lot of creativity and research. The food is still very good, but some entrees are un remarkable. And the presentation is not there anymore, just standard and unremarkable. So still a very good restaurant but now it is too expensive for what it is. It lost some magic."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"I took my wife here for Mothers Day. An outing away form our three kids and the food was awesome!! My wife and I ordered from the "sampler" menu trying all kids of foods we've only really seen on TV. The experience was fun and exciting, however it's important to mention that this comes all with a price. At the time I didn't blink an eye at it as to not ruin the mood, but it was killing me inside. In fairness to SideBern's I think we both ordered the most expensive entree on the menu and I did knotice lesser priced items.
With all that said I would do it again!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"The vegetarian choices were appreciated. An "amuse bouche" raw oyster was brought out for each guest. An unexpected treat from the chef. Overall, a nice meal well served."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Third time I have been there. I find it a bit expensive for what you get. This last time we sat in a booth in the bar-ish area. Service was horrible. 2 of us and we spent $200. Service should have been better. Has been in the past. Manager was very nice as was the hostess."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Drink offerings were good, well matched to the items being served. Presentation and quality of food was excellent. The duck was very well prepared. Pork tenderloin was as well. The Creme Brule was very good, but not traditional, contained cinnamon for a different but refreshing taste."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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"From the bar drinks, to the freshly made butter and breads, from salads to the wine list and OMG the filet mignon was THE best steak all 4 diners have ever eaten. Food prep was flawless and presentation amazing. We enjoyed some after-dinner cigars in the patio area on a perfect Florida night. We like'd Bern's, but enjoyed SideBern's even more."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We had an 8:30 reservation, we called to notify them 20 minutes before that we may be 5 minutes late. Upon are arrival at 8:34 they said they needed 10 more minutes. We ended up waiting until 9 to be seated. From then on service was slow, both food and bar items. Food was good but nothing memorable or worth returning or recommending."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"I had a fantastic experience at SideBerns. The service was excellent. The food was outstanding. It was the best steak I've ever had. They were extremely accommodating to our needs. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"We two foodies loved the cuisine. Everything was expertly crafted and presented. This is truly thought provoking food. HOWEVER - two hours and $250 later we were both still hungry! I really wish the 4th and 5th tasting plates had been portioned for dinner! Next time we will go to the Refinery and get our $$$ worth!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"This review is of our April 5 dinner reservation for June Simmons Ackerstein. Our experience was really terrific. It was our 21st anniversary...I mentioned that to our waiter.
He was absolutely delightful. He was informative about the menu without going overboard. I would look for his station again. We didn't want dessert..but he brought out the simplest dessert with a single candle. It was really enjoyable.
junesimmons"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Small and quiet compared to big brother, Berns; casual atmosphere which is relaxing and calming. crowd reflected the decor/nice but casual. would have liked a few more steaks to choose from on menu."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"This was my first trip to Sidebern's. Food was excellent, drinks were great and the service was very good. I would definitely return the next time I am back in Tampa."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Have eaten here several times. They have wonderful food with a very nice wine list. It can get loud in there, and rather crowded during peak hours. Service was excellent. Pricey, but a nice addition to Bern's next door if you aren't in the mood for steak. Servers are very knowledgable about food and the wine."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Very nice restaurant. Oysters with white wine vinegar were the best i've ever tasted. Filet mignon was extremely tender and tasty. Outside setting was very nice, comfortable. I really enjoyed this restaurant on my 43rd birthday. :-)"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"The food was good but service was quite slow. We agreed that the original Bern's is better food and service, especially for the price. Probably would not come back here."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"The food was terrific however the service wasn't as good as it could have been, perhaps because we were sitting outside. Drinks took a while throughout the night. Also, our server lead us to believe that Berns Dessert Room could accomodate us straight away and in fact it was an hour wait. We would have stayed at SideBerns for dessert had we known. That said, the food was amazing, prepared beautifully and our party of 8 were given our meals at that same time which meant no one had to wait. If you are looking for good quality food and an interesting menu then SideBerns is for you."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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"Second time at Sidebern's, and the food was as good as we remembered --from appetizers like the exceptional beet salad, or the dramatically presented octopus with eggplant, to the very unique main dishes like guinea hen, or striped bass from New England. Ambience was a bit less dreamy, however. Our party of four was unfortunately seated at a table next to group of 10 at another table against a wall. That created a gridlock situation for the several servers trying to gain access to the larger group as they worked through the several courses of their meals. We got through it unscathed but it was a distraction. I would definitely request one of their cushy oversized booths next time we make a reservation."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"Was disappointed in the food. Menu is great our dinners we nicely presented but bland. On Saturday night a 8 pm the resturant use to be packed. Empty tables on this visit. Think it's the food. Certain ally not the service wine list or ambiance. This resturant has always been a Tampa must. Something wrong."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
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"My daughters recommended Sideberns so I went with a couple of business associates. Admittedly, I peaked at the menu on line ahead of time and paid even more attention to the wine list. I was intrigued.
First, the service was impeccable, with a knowledgeable waitress who was spot-on with her viewpoint on the do's and maybe-nots. I had the beet salad and a trout dish that was completely over to top in appearance, presentation and taste.
The atmosphere is a perfect blend of upscale yet relaxing. An overall excellent experience that will definitely bring me back for more."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"The food from start to finish was excellent. I had the best filet mignon I could remember here. Service was very professional and ambiance very chic."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"One of best dining experiences during our 6 months in Fl. Had a great server named Craig. My compliments to the chef. Made reservation on line and feel there is a bit of over kill on reminders. Thanks for a special evening"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
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"We visited because a few years ago, it was our guest's favorite Tampa restaurant. The menu was strange, at best, with lots of wild game. The wine list was difficult. We know quite a bit about wine, but the list was loaded with wines we don't know, and those we did were 4 times the retail price. There were 3 of us, and none of us enjoyed our meals. My husband's pork looked like ham rather than tenderloin. My risotto was not cooked enough and dry.. I ordered guinea hen which I couldn't even finish. The dark meat, which the server said would be white tasted awful. We would never go back to this over-priced and very ordinary restaurant, and our guest was disappointed , as well."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
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"As always, Sideberns does not disappoint. The food is delectable and creatively presented and the atmosphere inviting. We still think that this is Tampa's best. Don't waste your monies and time on Bern's - rather go to Sideberns."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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"terrific place. If you get there early, bring your happy hour drink to the outdoor seating area. The charcuterie selection is fabulous. The wine list is kept current using a Kindle for selection"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This was my first time at Sidebern's. I expected the Bern's reputation and quality in a relaxed atmosphere. Here's a quick overview:
Service - very good, knowledgable, courteous, quick.
Food - wish we had stopped after our "hot starter". The Charcuterie, Cold Starter, and Hot Starter were very, very good! The entrees, huge disappointment. My wife ordered steak. We expected Bern's quality. The steak was rather bland and surprisingly overcooked. She asked for medium rare and received medium.
Noise - Very loud. A small party in the corner was obnoxiously loud. I mean Chucky-Cheese Loud. Several customers were visibly displeased but management did nothing. It cheapened the ambiance.
Overall, it was only OK. I will not be returning"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
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"I found Sideberns good but not great. I much prefer Bern's, the mother restraunt of Sideberns. Sideberns is expensive for the amount and quality of food they deliver. The wine "buy the glass" portions are laughable.Other than to enjoy the bar, I won't be returning there anytime soon."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list
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"The service at SideBern's was outstanding, our server was very knowledgeable and attentive. However the ambience was awful, it was way to loud to sit in the main room where the bar is. So we asked to be reseated to the area on the side away from the bar noise.
I ordered the seared tuna and I did not care for it or the sides that came with it. The wine was wonderful, we ordered the cheapest one by the bottle. All in all for what I paid for this meal the value and quality was not there for me. I can think of many other restaurants where it is more reasonbly priced and better value for my money. I will not return."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"It is always sad, and slightly unsettling, when a restaurant that was once a pretty glittering gem is reduced to an experience best summed up in one word: 'Meh.'
Higher prices, smaller portions, service that has dropped several notches. Our party of 3 left and collectively said 'well, we haven't been in a while, and now we don't really feel a pressing need to go again.'
Perhaps this explains why Sidebern's ALWAYS has tables available on OpenTable (a sure sign that crowd is falling off). SUCH a disappointment!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
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"Somewhat disappointed in Sidebern's. Doesn't live up to the family reputation. I'd say I've had similar meals in a cruise ship main dining room. I don't mind paying for quality but anyone that thinks this is a great restaurant must not have traveled outside of Tampa very much. Wine and drink menu is impressive though. Bottom line: Overpriced and underwhelming."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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"Great: Outstanding culinary experience: Great food and superb service
Not so great: Atmosphere a bit too loud and tables a bit too close together for a fully romantic dinner experience. It would help if acoustic attenuators were installed.
Cheesy: Will not waive $20 corkage fee for your bottle even if you buy one of theirs (which is quite the custom for local area restaurants)."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"First time coming to SideBerns with my wife for Valentine's. Love the look and feel of the place but really for the money the filet we had were not worth the price. It was our fault for not ordering a bottle and have 4 glasses of wine total. I just felt for almost dropping $200 the food was not worth it. Sorry. We will probably come back to sit at the bar and maybe have appetizers."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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