August 13th, 2007 By Jenna Walker
West Side Review: Gerst Bavarian Haus
My father and I ventured down to West Franklin Street where you can find the Gerst Bavarian Haus. This is the restaurant in Evansville that truly captures our predominantly German heritage.
The restaurant actually has its roots in Nashville, Tennessee, it’s only other location. In Evansville, it is located in an old hardware store and the owners chose to keep much of the original style of the building, which gives it a great feeling. Very high ceilings, pressed tin walls covered in deer heads, with heavy wooden tables and booths best describe the interior. Not quite a pub feel, but that’s the best I can describe-very casual and comfortable. The one large room is divided into a bar and dining area. Of course you can eat in both, but it depends on your taste. The bar area also has a row of 29 beers on tap, and that’s just the beginning.
The menu is divided into German and American food, though it obviously predominates as German food. This means that even if you aren’t a big sausage or goulash fan, you can still find something you will enjoy! One of my favorite items to get is their Pork Chop, and it is uncharacteristic of me to do so, but anyone who has ever had it can easily attest that it is filled with flavor and are always excellent cuts. A good friend of mine never fails to get the fried catfish dinner, another great thing-best asked for well done though. Today I got the Kielbase Dinner, and my dad got his favorite, the Ruben Sandwich. We both enjoyed the food, which I believe is made fresh in haus. My dad got the cornbread for his side, but it is not your everyday run of the mill cornbread, these are little flat cakes with pepper in them for a little kick. I got their mashed potatoes as my side-thick and lumpy with a great brown sauce, what could be better?
The Gerst Haus is known for their beer selection from all over the world. Today my dad simply got a Blue Moon, but a nice touch was that the waitress also brought him a sample of the beer of the day. My friend’s parents always enjoy getting the fishbowls of beer or margarita. Most importantly, it shouldn’t go without saying that the Gerst Haus has their own Gerst beer that they brew.
Go try this stable of German-heritage Evansville out. It will be worth your time and money whether you eat the German bratwurst or schweine schnitzel or opt for something American. Do know that sometimes it can take a little time to get your food-but it always comes out piping hot, cooked to order.
Gerst Bavarian Haus is located at 2100 W. Franklin St. (812) 424-1420. Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm.
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Heather
August 13, 2007 @ 12:20PM
I heard that their fried pickles are awesome. I think it sounds disgusting, but he swears that they are delicious.
Ryan Reynolds
August 13, 2007 @ 01:35PM
Nothing tops a Mett Ring and a fish bowl o’ Blue Moon on the patio at the Gerst.
Teresa
August 13, 2007 @ 05:20PM
You can’t go wrong with ANYTHING and a Blue Moon, but I must say…Gerst’s Breaded Tenderloin sandwich and their haus-made Chicken Tenders are spectacular.
sloppyjoe
August 13, 2007 @ 05:32PM
Interesting review….never been crazy about their food, but the beer selection is superb, and I had NO clue they brewed their own. Any pics of the micro-brew side? Or does it come from TN?
Cindy
August 13, 2007 @ 11:27PM
Glad you ventured west for the Gerst Haus. It’s a favorite of my family. While you still have West on your mind…maybe you should try a good home cooked style breakfast at the Cross-Eyed Cricket. Talk about local…… Have to side with your Dad on the Gerst fav…the Ruben is fantastic!!
Emily
August 14, 2007 @ 07:46AM
Fried pickles are awesome! And I don’t even like pickles.
Jerry
August 14, 2007 @ 06:41PM
Please allow me to add my 2 cents in regarding Jenna’s review regarding the Gerst Haus. First my family and I have eaten there many many times over the past few years and can honestly say the food has continually went down hill. They changed the German fries big time. Don’t even resemble the original ones they used to have. That also goes for the sauerkraut. Too bitter these days.Tastes like its out of a can. I mentioned this to a server once and she said the cook left and went back to Nashville. With this said Gerst is still an amazing place to eat. I always get the catfish dinner (cooked well done please). It is the best in town in my opinion. The pork chop is also top notch. All of the German entries are tasteful as well. Surprisingly, the salads are to die for, with all the dressings being homemade. As far as beer goes, I always order a fish bowl of Bud Light, because I am a pussy beer drinker according to regulars on “It’s Evansville”. Don’t let this great place pass you by.
sloppyjoe
August 15, 2007 @ 06:04PM
Jesus, I praise the beer offerings and all of a sudden I’m accusing some dude of being a pussy beer drinker?
What is this, the comment section in the C&P?
Justin Williams
August 15, 2007 @ 07:31PM
Please god don’t say that. I will shut this place down tomorrow if it turns into that cesspool of negativity and cynicism.
Dawm
August 16, 2007 @ 07:23PM
The Gerst always feels “dirty” to me….it could be the fact the building is way old and it’s always dark, but still, I prefer a cleaner place to eat for the price. We’ve stopped eating there.
Jerry
August 17, 2007 @ 06:57AM
Calm down “Slopy Joe”. My comments regarding the beer at Gerst Haus generated from a earlier review of Turnoi’s, which you were not involved in. It is just a little inside joke. Sorry that I offended you. Peace.
Mike S.
October 08, 2007 @ 03:12PM
Nice review! I was a seven-year resident of Evansville until 2006. I spent, nearly, every Friday from 2003 - 2005 at the Gerst Haus. Their food is terrific, especially the breaded tenderloin and the chargrilled chicken. The Gerst beer is not a locally brewed beer however. Until recently it was brewed by a company in Pittsburg which stopped production in early 2007. I am unaware of where the beer is brewed now as I did not have a chance to ask during Fall Fest this year. It is still available and is usually my choice when buying a fish bowl. I do agree with Jerry that some of the menu items have gone a bit downhill but I’m too much of a tenacious fan to let that ruin my fun. Anyone in Evansville that hasn’t been to the Gerst Haus is definitely missing out!