Bern’s Steak House, located at 1208 S. Howard Ave, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its legendary Harry Waugh Dessert Room. This is already one of the most popular and well-known culinary destinations in all of Florida.
Bern’s Steak House is celebrating the occasion with a unique new collaboration. The iconic Tampa destination has partnered with Hidden Springs Ale Works, a local family-owned brewery, to launch the Dessert Room Beer Series: Three limited-edition barrel-aged brews inspired by the restaurant’s most beloved desserts.
The Harry Waugh Dessert Room is an unforgettable dining experience
The Harry Waugh Dessert Room’s story began decades ago during founders Bern and Gert Laxer’s travels abroad. While dining at the home of Harry Waugh, then director of the French wine estate Château Latour, the couple shared an evening filled with vintage port, Stilton cheese, cognac, coffee, cigars, and conversation. Seven years later, that unforgettable experience inspired the creation of the Dessert Room, where guests could enjoy sweet treats, fine beverages, and intimate conversation after dinner.
Today, the Dessert Room remains one of Tampa’s most cherished dining experiences. Nestled in cozy booths crafted from old wine casks, guests can enjoy after-dinner drinks, decadent desserts, cheeses, and specialty coffees in a dimly lit, relaxing atmosphere. Favorites include Banana Cheese Pie, Baked Alaska, and S’mores Bread Pudding, alongside seasonal specialties like Butterscotch Pie and Macadamia Nut Ice Cream, all made in-house with the finest ingredients.
The iconic Baked Alaska | Photo via Bern’s Steak House
Celebrating 40 years of 5-star desserts
To mark the 40-year milestone, Bern’s Director of Spirits Nathaniel Wilson teamed up with Hidden Springs CEO Josh Garman to craft three distinctive beers that capture the essence of the Dessert Room’s menu:
Bananas Foster Inspired Imperial Sweet Stout (12% ABV): Aged in E.H. Taylor, Jr. bourbon barrels and brewed with real bananas, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a rich, caramelized finish.
Carrot Cake Inspired Imperial Pastry Sour (10.5% ABV): Aged in Meyers Rum barrels with roasted pecans, cinnamon, vanilla, and sweet carrot for a layered, indulgent flavor.
Imperial Sweet Stout with Roasted Macadamia Nuts (12% ABV): Aged in Nashville Company Distillery bourbon barrels, featuring in-house roasted macadamia nuts for a velvety, nutty profile.
“From barrel selection and recipe development to the final tastes, this project embodies the attention to detail and craftsmanship that define both our brands,” said Garman. “It’s been an honor to partner with the Bern’s team to bring Nate Wilson’s vision to life in celebration of the Dessert Room’s 40th year.”
Wilson added, “We set out to honor the relaxed, intimate moments that have defined the Dessert Room for four decades. Josh’s creativity made him the perfect collaborator to bring this project to life in a fun and meaningful way.”
Photo via Bern’s Steak House
How to reserve your spot at the legendary sweet spot
The Harry Waugh Dessert Room accepts stand-alone reservations daily between 6 and 6:45 p.m. Note that those reservations are for the Harry Waugh Dessert Room only. All dinner reservations at Bern’s Steak House include a dessert room experience. Guests interested in sampling the exclusive Dessert Room Beer Series can make reservations online.
For more information about Bern’s Steak House and the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, visit Bern’s website. We also highly recommend paying a visit to the sister concept Haven, which is located down the block at 2208 West Morrison Avenue.