I think Bern's is over-rated, and overpriced, it looks like a Vampire Bordello inside, that's the only thing that was amusing about it. If you must go there, I would recommend just going to their dessert room upstairs which is nice - but still expensive. I didn't like the taste of their filet mignon or their side dishes. If you don't like aged steaks, skip it. I would rather eat at Texas Cattle Company in St. Pete or Ruth's Chris Steak House in Tampa.
Moon Under Water was bad, awful actually, been once and won't go back.
Red Mesa has great food, which I hate to admit because they had terrible service, at least when we have been there. Seriously bad service, unprofessional staff, you would think with an empty restaurant with about 8 employees in the place you'd get served quickly - but no, they decide to all cook their own food (or order food from the kitchen, putting their orders ahead of ours) and have a party in the dining room while 2 of their maybe 4 paying customers have to wait and wait for their food to come out 45 mins after ordering.
We've been to 4th St. Shrimp company many times, it's decent, service is good.
If you are in St. Pete, try Three Ravens, they had very good food, I like their smoked pepper burger and sweet potato fries.
The Columbia Restaurant is nice, authentic food, delicious bread, love their salad.
There is also The Spaghetti Warehouse also in Ybor (pronounced "E-boar", just in case you are wondering, I've heard people call it "Why-boar"), used to go there all the time. The it's in an old warehouse, decorated with antiques. It's been there as long as I can remember. The food is good.
There are the usual chain places, like P.F. Changs, Maggiano's, Lee Roy Selmon's, Carrabba's, Cheesecake Factory, etc.
If you want to try Amish, there is Yoder's or Der Dutchman in Sarasota.
) ybor city is a fun place to have a drink and walk around..
