The dish that made Bernie's famous. These are not your average frozen sticks; they are massive, hand-breaded logs of mozzarella fried to a perfect golden brown. The cheese pull is legendary. They are served with a simple, bright marinara sauce that provides the necessary acidity to balance the richness. Reviewers often call them the best mozzarella sticks in New York City.
Tips from diners
One order comes with four massive sticks. It's plenty for 2-3 people. Eat them as soon as they hit the table for the best cheese pull.
A full rack of ribs that actually live up to the 'fall-off-the-bone' cliché. They are slow-cooked until tender and glazed in a tangy, slightly sweet house-made BBQ sauce. Served with fries and coleslaw. It's a classic American dish executed with refined precision, avoiding the mushy texture of lesser ribs.
Tips from diners
The portions here are huge. If you're two people, sharing the mozzarella sticks and the ribs is usually more than enough food.
Bernie's is a masterfully executed retro-diner located across from McCarren Park. It's the kind of place that serves mozzarella sticks, wedge salads, and baby back ribs with zero irony and extreme technical skill. The red-checkered tablecloths, wood-paneled walls, and bustling atmosphere make it a neighborhood staple for a fun, high-calorie night out.
Bernie's does not take reservations. Put your name in and go grab a beer at The Gutter or Turkey's Nest nearby. The wait can be long, but it's part of the experience.
If you're a party of 2, try to sit at the bar. It's faster and you get a great view of the dining room energy.
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