Bernie’s is back.
For fans who miss that authentic American dining experience that brings back the nostalgia of old-school favourites, look no further than Bernie’s Restaurant.
Nestled in Jalan Riang near Serangoon Garden, this American-themed eatery has made a comeback, capturing the essence of these familiar comfort food.
Perhaps you have not visited the old Bernie’s before (Now, who remembers those days?).
The concept is actually based on recipes of “Bernie” – none other than the man behind the popular Botak Jones.
So you can expect the likes of hearty mains liked Blackened Fish, Mexican Chicken and Wagyu Striploin, to burgers, hot dogs, pastas, soups, salads, indulgent desserts, and more.
As you step into Bernie’s Restaurant, you would be transported to a bygone era, where the old adage “old is gold” holds true.
The seating arrangement consists of 45 seats, providing an intimate dining experience for families and groups of friends.
What sets Bernie’s apart from other American-themed restaurants is their commitment to using Bernie’s original recipes and quality ingredients.
Hungry for more? Here are some of the top recommendations from Bernie’s Restaurant:
Blackened Fish ($14)
Cajun-style Blackened Fish is a flavourful dish that originates from the culinary traditions of Louisiana, but this is seldom found in Singapore.
The key to achieving the perfect Cajun blackened fish lies in the spice rub, known as the “blackening seasoning”.
After ensuring that every nook and cranny of the Pacific Dory is coated with the mixture, the fish is then seared to create a distinctive blackened crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
No wonder this is the best seller for Bernie’s so far.
What I really liked was the blackened seasoning that added a subtle smoky flavour without overpowering the natural taste of the fish. Add a squeeze of lemon for that zest.
Mexican Chicken ($12)
The Mexican Chicken at Bernie’s Restaurant showcases a vibrant fusion of flavours, and it is quite affordably priced too at $12.
The tender grilled chicken was marinated in a tantalising blend of spices (the cumin is quite strong on this one), topped with tangy salsa for a refreshing kick.
The portion size was considerably substantial, ensuring a satisfying meal.
Honey Baked Chicken ($12)
The chicken beautifully caramelized with a glaze of honey, boasted a crispy skin that encased moist meat.
The dish was complemented by toppings of caramelised capsicums and onions, adding a contrasting earthiness to the overall taste.
Good for those who love that symphony of honeyed-sweet and savoury flavours.
Ribeye Steak ($25 for 250g)
Perhaps a carnivore’s dream come true. The New Zealand prime ribeye was meaty and bursting with juices.
If you need extra flavours, give the meat on dip on the house-made brown sauce.
Or order some add-ons of baked beans, coleslaw, grilled vegetables, cheese potato, or boiled corn to go along.
Cheesesteak Sandwich ($18)
One of my favourites here with cheesy flavours that may just transport you to the streets of Philadelphia.
What you get are thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese tucked within a soft and slightly toasted ciabatta bread.
Served with a side of crispy fries.
Fish Burger ($12)
Four types of burgers are available at Bernie’s – Beef, Cajun, Thai and Fish Burgers, inexpensively priced from $11 to $14.
The Fish Burger starts with Pacific Dory or Premium White Basa, seasoned and coated in Japanese bread crumbs, which provide a satisfying crunch and a delightful texture.
Fried to order, I liked that light crispiness contrasted with flaky fish on the inside.
Fish Fingers ($12)
I say order this if you need a nibble. Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, the fish fingers were perfectly breaded and fried to a golden brown.
Give it a dip on the tangy tartar sauce for that extra ‘oomph’.
A delightful starter that should please both children and adults alike.
Waldorf Salad ($7)
The salad featured a medley of crisp lettuce, crunchy apples, juicy grapes, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a creamy and tangy dressing.
A wholesome choice for those seeking a healthier appetiser.
Shiitake Mushroom Soup ($6.50)
A comforting and aromatic bowl of goodness. The rich and velvety soup was infused with the earthy flavours, and included quite a lot of those shiitake mushrooms pieces which I enjoyed.
Insane New Orleans Bread Pudding ($9.50)
Moving on to desserts, the Insane New Orleans Bread Pudding is a showstopper.
This decadent treat is a personal creation from Bernie himself. He mentioned that his friend after trying it, could not stop having more and more. It was such a crazy experience, and thus the name “insane”.
The bread pudding itself strikes a balance between being somewhat dense and delightfully fluffy.
But the true magic is what truly takes this dessert to another level is the house-made Tequila cream sauce served alongside.
Boozy, but you won’t get drunk on this.
Bernie Crispy Waffle ($8.50, additional ice cream +$4)
The waffle was light and crispy while remaining buttery and fluffy on the inside.
While Bernie’s is not like the typical cafe, I was pleasantly surprised that the texture of the waffle was actually not bad.
Served with a portion of butter and drizzled with maple syrup, this is a classic and indulgent combination.
Top up $4 for a big scoop of creamy ice cream.
In addition to its American-style delights, Bernie’s also offers a well-rounded beverage selection to complement the dining experience. From housepour wines, draft beers, to artisanal coffee, there’s something to please every palate.
From classic favourites, warm atmosphere to its wallet-friendly pricing, this is indeed one restaurant for families to look out for.
Welcome back, Bernie’s.
Bernie’s Restaurant
15-9 Jalan Riang, Singapore 358987
Tel: +65 8842 1127
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 9:30am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Bernie’s Restaurant.
