Bernie’s: A Taste of Classic American Comfort in Upper Thomson, Singapore

For lovers of hearty American cuisine, Bernie’s is a name worth remembering. Created by the man behind the iconic hawker stall Botak Jones, Bernie’s has found a new home in Upper Thomson, right next to Springleaf MRT, after relocating from Jalan Riang.

A Menu That Delivers on Flavor

At Bernie’s, expect a satisfying lineup of starters, hot entrees, burgers, pasta, hot dogs, and brunch options—all made with generous portions and bold flavors that pay homage to classic American dining. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, a plate of comforting pasta, or a perfectly grilled hot dog, Bernie’s delivers dishes packed with personality and quality ingredients.

A Warm and Inviting Ambience

Step inside Bernie’s, and you’ll be greeted by a cozy, wood-filled interior that exudes warmth and charm. The restaurant’s decor creates an inviting atmosphere that feels like the perfect spot for a laid-back meal with friends and family.

Fresh Oysters $21

Half dozen oysters 

For seafood enthusiasts, few things compare to the simple pleasure of fresh oysters. At Bernie’s, a half dozen of these ocean gems are presented on the half shell with lemon wedges for a clean and classic experience.

The first thing you’ll notice about Bernie’s oysters is their exceptional freshness. Chilled to the perfect temperature, each oyster is plump, glistening, and brimming with briny goodness. As you take that first slurp, the natural flavors transport you straight to the sea—clean, slightly salty, with a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate. The texture is smooth and slightly creamy, offering the perfect bite for oyster lovers.

Bernie’s keeps things simple by serving the oysters with lemon wedges, allowing the natural taste of the shellfish to shine. The citrus enhances the oysters’ sweetness while cutting through their brininess, creating a balanced and refreshing bite. For those who enjoy a bit more flair, adding a dash of hot sauce or a light mignonette can introduce an extra layer of acidity and spice.

As a starter, Bernie’s fresh oysters set the tone for a great dining experience. Their clean, refreshing taste prepares the palate for heartier dishes to come, whether it’s a juicy burger, a plate of comforting pasta, or one of Bernie’s signature hot entrees.

For oyster aficionados and first-timers alike, this dish is an excellent way to appreciate seafood in its purest form. Fresh, simple, and expertly served, Bernie’s oysters are a reminder that sometimes, the best flavors need nothing more than a squeeze of lemon to shine.

NZ Angus Ribeye Steak $29

Grilled Ribeye steak 250g served with homemade brown sauce, cajun fries

Add on daily grilled vegetables $5

This 250-gram cut of premium New Zealand Angus beef is grilled to perfection and served with homemade brown sauce, Cajun fries, and the option to add on daily grilled vegetables. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that brings out the best in high-quality beef while staying true to Bernie’s signature comfort food style.

The first thing that stands out is the steak’s beautiful sear. Grilled to the diner’s preferred doneness, the ribeye arrives glistening with natural juices, promising rich, beefy flavors in every bite. The marbling of Angus beef ensures a tender, buttery texture, while the slight char on the outside adds a smoky depth that enhances its overall taste.

The homemade brown sauce is a well-balanced complement to the steak. Deep and savory with a hint of richness, it enhances the natural flavors of the beef without overpowering them. For those who prefer to enjoy the pure taste of the meat, the sauce can be used sparingly or set aside altogether—either way, the ribeye holds its own.

Served alongside are Cajun fries, adding a bold and flavorful contrast to the meal. Lightly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these fries are seasoned with just the right amount of spice, offering a satisfying kick without being overwhelming.

For those who enjoy a well-rounded meal, adding the daily grilled vegetables is highly recommended. At Bernie’s, the vegetable selection includes aubergines, bell peppers, and zucchini, all expertly grilled to bring out their natural sweetness and smokiness. The aubergines are soft and almost creamy, absorbing the light char from the grill while maintaining a rich, slightly earthy taste. The bell peppers add a burst of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements of the dish, while the zucchini offers a mild, slightly nutty flavor with a tender yet firm bite. Together, these vegetables create a vibrant and flavorful contrast to the rich steak and fries, making the dish feel more complete.

Juicy, flavorful, and paired with comforting sides, it’s a dish that makes every bite count, proving once again that Bernie’s knows how to serve up classic American fare with quality and heart.

Suggested Wine Pairing: Alceno Lucia Seleccion 2021 $15 per glass $65 per bottle 

A great steak deserves a great wine, and at Bernie’s, the NZ Angus Ribeye Steak finds its perfect pairing in the Alceño Lucia Selección 2021. This Spanish red is a full-bodied, deeply expressive wine that complements the richness of the grilled ribeye while enhancing its flavors with layers of dark fruit, spice, and velvety tannins.

In the glass, Alceño Lucia Selección 2021 presents a deep, dark ruby hue, hinting at the bold and concentrated flavors to come. On the nose, it opens with aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, and blueberry, mingling with notes of black cherry, licorice, and a touch of balsamic that add complexity and depth. As the wine breathes, subtle hints of cocoa and vanilla emerge, revealing its time spent aging in oak barrels.

On the palate, this wine is rich and full-bodied, delivering a lush mouthfeel with intense flavors of blackberries, dark plums, and a touch of spice. The presence of cocoa and vanilla rounds out the fruit, adding a smooth, slightly sweet warmth that lingers on the tongue. Its firm tannins and long, structured finish give it the strength and depth needed to stand up to the bold, beefy flavors of the ribeye.

When paired with Bernie’s NZ Angus Ribeye Steak, the wine’s fruit-forward nature enhances the natural juiciness of the meat, while its tannic backbone cuts through the richness of the marbling, cleansing the palate between bites. The slight smokiness from the grilled steak harmonizes beautifully with the wine’s oak-aged notes of cocoa and vanilla, creating a seamless balance between savory and smooth.

For an even more dynamic pairing, adding the grilled vegetables—aubergines, bell peppers, and zucchini—further complements the wine’s profile. The caramelized edges of the vegetables highlight the wine’s balsamic and licorice undertones, while their natural sweetness contrasts with the steak’s bold, umami flavors.

Together, the NZ Angus Ribeye Steak and Alceño Lucia Selección 2021 offer a dining experience that is both indulgent and well-balanced. The robust structure of the wine ensures that every bite of steak is enhanced, while its dark fruit and velvety finish leave a lasting impression, making it a pairing that steak and wine lovers alike will appreciate.

Warm Banana Cake With Rocky Road Ice Cream $15

Homemade banana cake, salted caramel ice cream, toasted almond

Dessert at Bernie’s takes a comforting and indulgent turn with the warm banana cake served alongside rocky road ice cream. This homemade treat combines the familiar sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, nutty flavors of toasted almonds and the luscious creaminess of salted caramel ice cream, creating a well-balanced and satisfying end to any meal.

The banana cake arrives warm, with a golden-brown crust that gives way to a soft, moist interior. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas infuses each bite, complemented by subtle hints of vanilla and spice. The warmth of the cake enhances its aroma, making it even more inviting as the flavors deepen with every forkful.

Paired with the cake is a scoop of ice cream, adding a contrast of texture and temperature. The salted caramel ice cream introduces a smooth, buttery depth with just the right amount of saltiness to balance the dessert’s sweetness. The ice cream offers layers of flavor that complement the banana cake’s softness. As the ice cream slowly melts into the warm cake, it creates a decadent combination of hot and cold, rich and light.  The toasted almonds scattered on top provide a delightful crunch, adding an extra layer of texture that enhances the overall experience.

This dessert is a nostalgic and heartwarming treat, perfect for those who appreciate classic flavors with a touch of indulgence. Whether enjoyed as a solo indulgence or shared at the table, the warm banana cake with ice cream is a satisfying way to round off a meal at Bernie’s, leaving a lasting impression of comfort and sweetness.

With its roots in Singapore’s beloved Botak Jones and a commitment to serving delicious, fuss-free American fare, Bernie’s is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in American comfort food done right.

Bernie’s

924 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 787119

Tel: +65 8491 6395

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