South Tampa

Naysayers can grouse, but there's no denying the fine meat and one of the world's best and cheapest wine lists. You can drink back through 20 years in Spanish, Italians, Rhones and zins for $75 or less. Lighten up and relax; just exploring the menu's new additions takes time. Dessert takes more.

Read Laura Reiley's 2008 review.

The bar scene: Obviously, this is first and foremost a restaurant, arguably the most famous for miles around. But it's also a good place to drink. In fact, we'd go so far as to say it's the best place to get a glass of wine anywhere in ... well, America. Because of its reputation -- and its ability to buy world-class wines -- Bern's offers a wine list extensive enough to make even the most tried and true oenophile swoon. But even without that killer cellar, the Bern's bar is still a destination in and of itself. It's a dimly lit, low-ceiling, bordello-feeling room where you can get a pitch-perfect mojito and one of those absolutely delish off-the-menu steak sandwiches. And if you're not that hungry, you can always head upstairs to the Harry Waugh Dessert Room for cheese, brandy or even a Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate. Order light, and you could get in and out for under $20. (Okay, maybe $50.)

Insider tips:

A tour is offered to each diner for free. Take them up on it if you can. Here's what you can expect.

They take dinner reservations up to three months in advance, starting at 8 a.m. the first day of each month. For example, on Jan. 1st, reservations opened for March. Reservations for Valentine’s Day opened Dec. 1 and went quickly.

Related Bern's restaurant: SideBern's is a more casual dining spot and serves as sort of a culinary R&D academy for the Bern's brand.