Founded in 1955 and for years a favored watering hole and not-so-secret hideaway for Nashville's journalists and politicos, the Gerst Haus has enjoyed a renaissance since being transplanted a few blocks east to allow for construction of the NFL's Tennessee Titans coliseum. Excellent sausages, schnitzels, fried oyster rolls and other sturdy Bavarian dishes are served in the bunting-draped environment, with the no-nonsense manner of a German beer hall – how do those petite waitresses carry all that stuff? – and the draft beer arrives in fish bowl-sized goblets. Order a Gerst, the restaurant's namesake amber beer that is now brewed in Evansville, Ind. (site of a Gerst Haus spin-off) instead of Nashville, where the long-defunct brewery first began in 1890. Owned by Sportsman's Grille proprietors Jerry and Jim Chandler, the restaurant also serves a mean fried catfish plate. The long bar area is a great place to watch sporting events. Signature dishes: bratwurst, veal schnitzel, corned beef and cabbage, spatzle, oyster rolls (big and fat) and ham rolls (small and crunchy), pig's knuckles, and strudel. A live polka band plays Fri-Sat nights. Full bar. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Sun brunch beginning 9 am for all Titans home games, with a beer garden with brats, Bloody Marys and mimosas beginning at 10 am.