Some appetizers are ordered. Others get talked about for years.
On a busy stretch of road in Clearwater, one steakhouse has built a loyal following around a slab of bacon with a name big enough to match its price tag. Steak fans drive in from Tampa and St. Petersburg for it, and the parking lot fills up fast, even on a Tuesday night.
Locals call it a Pinellas County staple, and it has been holding that title for more than two decades. The story here goes well beyond one starter, though.
There are aged steaks, a dining room much bigger than it looks from the road, servers who swap napkins to match your outfit, and a weekly deal worth planning around. Keep reading to learn when to go, what it costs, and why this chophouse keeps people coming back.
A Chophouse on Ulmerton Road
Plenty of Florida restaurants hide down side streets, but this one sits right where thousands of drivers pass it every day.
Bascom’s Chop House is found at 3665 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater, FL 33762, in the United States. The spot lands in Pinellas County, between the heart of Clearwater and the St. Petersburg side of Tampa Bay.
That location makes it an easy stop for a wide stretch of the region. Diners from St. Petersburg, Largo, and even Tampa make the trip across the bay just to grab a table.
The restaurant is a steakhouse at its core. Its focus is classic chophouse fare, led by aged Angus beef and backed by a menu with seafood options for anyone not in a steak mood.
Many locals know the building long before they ever step inside. It is the sort of place people point out on their commute and promise themselves they will try someday.
Once they finally do, a lot of them become regulars. The road out front might be busy, but the real traffic jam happens at the door around dinnertime, so plan ahead and the rest of the evening tends to fall into place.
Two Decades of Staying Power
Restaurants come and go fast in Florida, which makes a run that started in 2001 feel like a small miracle.
Bascom’s has been serving Pinellas County since then, and it has earned a reputation as a dependable choice for a serious steak dinner. Long-time guests who return after many years often find the experience much like they left it.
That consistency is a big part of the appeal. Some diners come back after twenty years away and still recognize the same style of service and the same classic menu approach.
The restaurant has also become a regular pick for business dinners. Local professionals bring out-of-town clients here when they want to make a strong impression without any guesswork.
There is an ongoing friendly debate about which steakhouse rules the entire Tampa Bay area. Many of the big names sit on the Tampa side of the bridge.
Bascom’s, however, has firmly claimed its spot as a premier destination on the Clearwater and St. Petersburg side. For a chophouse that opened over two decades ago, holding that position is no small steak, er, stake.
Bigger Than It Looks
First-timers often say the same thing once they get past the front door: the place is much larger than it appears from the parking lot.
The restaurant spreads out into several areas, which helps it handle big crowds on busy nights. Even when every space outside is taken, the wait for a table can be surprisingly short with a reservation.
An upstairs dining room adds extra seating. It has a brighter, more energetic feel than some of the cozier rooms on the main floor, so it is worth asking about if you have a preference.
Bar seating is another popular choice. Solo diners and couples who want a more casual experience often grab a spot there, and it comes up again and again as a favorite way to enjoy a meal.
The overall setting is described as elegant yet welcoming. It feels upscale without being stiff, and the size means groups, couples, and work crowds can all find a corner that suits them.
A quick tip from the regulars: mention your seating wishes when you book, because the vibe can change quite a bit from one room to the next.
The Bacon That Earned Its Fame
Few appetizers get a name with that many zeros attached, and fewer still live up to it.
The Billionaire Bacon is the starter that put this chophouse on so many must-try lists. It is a thick-cut piece of pork belly bacon finished with a heavy peppercorn crust and a honey spice glaze.
The combination of pepper and honey is what makes it stand out. The two elements balance each other, giving the dish a bold profile that many diners call the highlight of the night.
Plenty of guests order it before they even glance at the steak options. For some, it is the main reason they made the drive in the first place.
It is presented as an eye-catching plate, the kind that gets photographed before anyone picks up a fork. Many fans call it outstanding and say it delivers on every bit of its indulgent promise.
Not every plate lands the same for every guest, of course. A few find the pepper a bit strong for their liking, so those who prefer milder flavors may want to share one with the table first and see how it goes.
Millionaire, Billionaire, or Billion Dollar
Depending on who you ask, this bacon has gone through a few promotions.
Some diners call it Millionaire’s Bacon. Others call it Billion Dollar Bacon, and the most common name heard around the dining room is Billionaire Bacon.
Whatever the title, everyone seems to mean the same famous starter. The name changes, but the excitement around it stays the same.
The price matches the high-end branding. It is not a cheap appetizer, yet many regulars say it is worth every cent, even after they see the bill.
Sharing is a smart move here. Since the restaurant serves large portions overall, splitting the bacon among the table leaves room for a steak and a dessert later.
It also pairs nicely with the restaurant’s bread service, another popular starter. One small note: the bread and butter come at an extra charge, which surprises some first-timers who expect it to be free.
Knowing that ahead of time makes it easier to plan your order. Call it what you like, but just make sure to call it in early, because this is the dish most tables seem to start with.
Aged Angus and Your Choice of Extras
Bacon may be the opening act, but beef is still the headliner.
The menu centers on aged Angus beef, served with a choice of sauces and toppings. That setup lets diners keep their steak simple or dress it up however they like.
Many guests say the steaks need no sauce at all. Some simply cut and eat, letting the beef speak for itself.
The New York strip is often treated as the true test of the kitchen, and it tends to pass. Diners frequently mention that their steaks arrive cooked exactly to the temperature they ordered, whether medium or medium rare.
The filet and prime rib also earn plenty of praise. Some call them among the best pieces of beef they have had in years.
Servers often walk the table through the preparation process for the steaks. That extra explanation helps newcomers choose a cut with confidence.
Consistency is not perfect every night. A handful of guests have noted a steak that arrived cooler than expected, and the staff encourages diners to speak up right away so the kitchen can fix it on the spot.
Tuesday’s Tomahawk Deal
Here is a secret worth marking on the calendar: Tuesdays can save you real money.
The restaurant has run a Tuesday special on its 38-ounce bone-in tomahawk ribeye. The steak normally costs $138, but on that night it has been offered at $108.
That is a $30 savings on the biggest steak on the table. For groups, it makes a natural centerpiece to share.
The tomahawk is a showpiece cut, and it draws attention when it lands at the table. Diners who order it say the portion size is solid and the cooking temperature is on target.
Opinions on the trim vary a little. Some guests prefer more of the cut left on, while others are happy with how it arrives.
Because Tuesday nights can still be packed, booking ahead is a smart idea. Specials can change, so it is worth confirming the current deal when you make your reservation.
Still, a discount on a premium steak midweek is hard to ignore. It turns an ordinary Tuesday into a reason to celebrate, no special occasion required.
Service With an Eye for Detail
Two guests dressed in dark outfits sit down for dinner, and before they even reach for the menu, the host quietly swaps their white napkins for black ones.
That small gesture sums up the service style here. The team pays attention to details that many restaurants never think about.
Servers are known for knowing the menu inside and out. They explain the nightly specials thoroughly and answer questions about steak preparation with real expertise.
Many diners lean on their server’s suggestions and end up glad they did. Half the table might order a recommended special, and the picks often become the stars of the meal.
Group dinners run smoothly too. Professional, seamless service lets business parties focus on conversation instead of flagging someone down.
The welcome even starts before arrival. Booking a table is described as quick and friendly, whether online or with the team on the phone.
Service is not flawless every single night, and a few guests have wished for more attention at busy times. On the whole, though, the staff is a major reason people say this place feels special from start to finish.
Live Music and Big Occasions
Anniversaries, Father’s Day plans, and client dinners all seem to end up at the same address.
The atmosphere is described as romantic and upscale, yet relaxed enough that nobody feels out of place. Some call it chill and upscale at the same time, which is a tricky balance to strike.
Live music adds another layer to the evening. It comes up often enough to suggest it is a regular part of the experience, so ask about performance nights when booking.
Couples celebrating milestones make up a big share of the crowd. Many choose it for anniversaries and say the setting made the night feel truly special.
Families book tables for parents and holidays. Professionals use it to host clients from out of state.
It also works for a solo night at the bar or a casual dinner with friends. The range of seating areas gives each group the right backdrop.
Fine dining is the clear goal here, and prices reflect that. Many diners suggest saving it for a moment worth marking, though plenty of fans admit they keep finding new reasons to come back.
Hours, Parking, and Planning Ahead
A little planning goes a long way at a restaurant this popular.
Bascom’s is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 9 PM. On Friday, hours run from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Weekends start later. Saturday hours are 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM, and Sunday runs from 4 PM to 9 PM, so lunch is a weekday-only option.
Reservations are strongly encouraged. Booking online a few days ahead is quick and easy, and it can cut your wait to just a few minutes even on packed nights.
The parking lot fills up fast, and some guests end up parking on side streets. The good news is that complimentary valet parking is available, which makes arrival much simpler.
Budget for a fine dining bill. Prices are often compared to major national steakhouse chains, and a full dinner for two with steaks and sides can reach around $300.
Portions are large, so nobody leaves hungry. Takeout is also an option for those who want the menu at home, making this chophouse easy to enjoy on a quiet night in.
Worth the Drive Across the Bay
Some meals are about filling up, and others are about marking a moment.
This Clearwater chophouse firmly belongs in the second group. It blends old-school steakhouse tradition with a few modern sparks, and the result has kept tables full since 2001.
The Billionaire Bacon is the headline grabber, and for good reason. It gives first-timers a clear place to start and gives regulars something to crave between visits.
Behind that famous starter is a solid lineup of aged Angus steaks, attentive staff, and a dining room large enough for a crowd. Add free valet, live music, and a money-saving Tuesday special, and there is plenty to like.
It is not a budget dinner, and a few plates may miss the mark on occasion. Most diners still leave saying it was worth both the price and the drive.
For anyone in the Tampa Bay area with a celebration coming up, this spot deserves a place on the short list. Book a table, order that bacon early, and let the evening take care of the rest.
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