New Home for Chris Mack Show

[Muskie]

Link (http://www.goxavier.com/news/2015/9/22/MBB_0922152004.aspx)

Xavier University Athletics and its multimedia rights partner, Learfield Sports' Xavier Sports Properties, today announced that the Coach Chris Mack (http://www.goxavier.com/coaches.aspx?rc=89) Show has a new home at The Holy Grail at The Banks. Located in downtown Cincinnati, The Holy Grail is one of the city's most popular sports venues, and offers Xavier fans a centralized location in Greater Cincinnati to take in the weekly show. The first of the 13 shows at The Holy Grail will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12.

[fellahmuskie]

Sweet. Will finally be able to go the show. Dilly's was way too far away for a homebody like me.

[X-band '01]

You must answer these questions three to proceed to the Holy Grail:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMxWLuOFyZM

[Caveat]

Heard about this a few weeks ago -- not a fan. The food at the Holy Grail is straight garbage and their alcohol selection is pretty shallow (could usually convince the wife to go to the Dilly on the promise of wine or good micros). Plus, you're stuck using the Banks garage, and I don't think I've ever paid less than $9-$10 when parking their for dinner.

[muskiefan82]

They have chosen........wisely.

[gladdenguy]

So much better than Dilly's. Great move.

[nuts4xu]

So much better than Dilly's. Great move.

I live on the east side, I am a huge fan of Dilly Deli, but I do believe the Holy Grail is a better option for the C Mack Show. I look forward to attending, and expect Gladdenguy to buy me a beer or two!!

[LA Muskie]

Seems to me this is a much better location for Mack as well. During the season he's got to be burning the candle on both ends (and then some). There are only 24 hours in a day. This should save him about one of them.

[Kahns Krazy]

Dilly is about 8 minutes from campus and 10 from downtown. Not a huge time save.

I think the food at Holy Grail has gotten a little better. It might be up to average. Beer selection blows diseased goats though, and it gets loud as hell in there. Probably won't go much. Are they moving it to Thursday, or is that just for the first one?

[birdman71]

I like the Grail's food. Parking is pricey. I want to thank the Dilly manager, Jim, a former XU team manager for the great job he did with the show during the Dilly years.

[casualfan]

Dilly is about 8 minutes from campus and 10 from downtown. Not a huge time save.

I think the food at Holy Grail has gotten a little better. It might be up to average. Beer selection blows diseased goats though, and it gets loud as hell in there. Probably won't go much. Are they moving it to Thursday, or is that just for the first one?

I think it's a good move as long as the noise isn't a problem. Your are correct that the place gets LOUD.

Might be an issue especially if the show is moving to Thursdays.

[bleedXblue]

I like the Thursday's.....but the Grail food sucks and not many decent beer options.....but the location makes sense for all

[Milhouse]

Dilly is about 8 minutes from campus and 10 from downtown. Not a huge time save.

I think the food at Holy Grail has gotten a little better. It might be up to average. Beer selection blows diseased goats though, and it gets loud as hell in there. Probably won't go much. Are they moving it to Thursday, or is that just for the first one?

Much closer to Mack's home in NKY though

[D-West & PO-Z]

There are so many free places to park downtown at 7pm. I always chuckle when people complain about parking downtown (especially in Cincinnati). I dont get it. I guess people want to pull right into a parking lot next to their restaurant and walk in but if you walk a couple blocks pretty much everyone should be able to find free parking at that time.

[boozehound]

Too bad it's not Yard House or something better, but I like the downtown location. I haven't had food at the Holy Grail too often, but their beer selection is generally all just boring, widely available domestics. It also seems like kind of a 'UC Bar'.

[ballyhoohoo]

What happens if the Chris Mack show happens to be the same night as a sUCKs game being broadcast? Will mouth breathing UC fans interior the broadcast. Just curious

[xu82]

Too bad it's not Yard House or something better, but I like the downtown location. I haven't had food at the Holy Grail too often, but their beer selection is generally all just boring, widely available domestics. It also seems like kind of a 'UC Bar'.

Think of it as missionary work. Maybe some souls can be saved....

[Caveat]

There are so many free places to park downtown at 7pm. I always chuckle when people complain about parking downtown (especially in Cincinnati). I dont get it. I guess people want to pull right into a parking lot next to their restaurant and walk in but if you walk a couple blocks pretty much everyone should be able to find free parking at that time.

Actually no -- all parking downtown is metered until 9 PM, and has been for a while now. And I can tell you that my desire to do something that requires me to walk multiple blocks from a meter in the dead of winter is usually minimal.

[Lamont Sanford]

There are so many free places to park downtown at 7pm. I always chuckle when people complain about parking downtown (especially in Cincinnati). I dont get it. I guess people want to pull right into a parking lot next to their restaurant and walk in but if you walk a couple blocks pretty much everyone should be able to find free parking at that time.

Care to share the location of all these free places to park?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Actually no -- all parking downtown is metered until 9 PM, and has been for a while now. And I can tell you that my desire to do something that requires me to walk multiple blocks from a meter in the dead of winter is usually minimal.


Care to share the location of all these free places to park?

My bad, I moved from down there 2 years ago and now live in Columbus didnt realize they made the meters until 9pm. Thats bogus. Wonder if they stepped up meter enforcement down there? In two years at the banks I saw hundreds of cars illegally parked and parked at expired meters and maybe 1 meter maid ever. Did they turn it over to a private company?

The Banks garage is $7 for 3 hours, not sure how long the show lasts? $5 if its only 2 hours. To me that isnt bad at all for downtown parking with a garage that is pretty convenient (when not a big event). If its the same as last time you could still park close to the banks at a meter on the street for about $1/hr.

[Juice]

My bad, I moved from down there 2 years ago and now live in Columbus didnt realize they made the meters until 9pm. Thats bogus. Wonder if they stepped up meter enforcement down there? In two years at the banks I saw hundreds of cars illegally parked and parked at expired meters and maybe 1 meter maid ever. Did they turn it over to a private company?

The Banks garage is $7 for 3 hours, not sure how long the show lasts? $5 if its only 2 hours. To me that isnt bad at all for downtown parking with a garage that is pretty convenient (when not a big event). If its the same as last time you could still park close to the banks at a meter on the street for about $1/hr.

The meter people are Nazis now. And they jacked up the prices on the meters in "high traffic" areas, i.e. the Banks, OTR, etc. But I do agree with your overall point though that parking isn't as bad as everyone (people from the 'burbs) says it is.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The meter people are Nazis now. And they jacked up the prices on the meters in "high traffic" areas, i.e. the Banks, OTR, etc. But I do agree with your overall point though that parking isn't as bad as everyone (people from the 'burbs) says it is.

Interesting. Did the city sell the rights to a private company?

And yes regardless, I always find it funny when people complain about downtown parking.

[Porkopolis]

Right downstairs for me. Sweet.

[paulxu]

Streetcar!

[gladdenguy]

Looks to me that we will have a couple Xavierhoops gatherings at the Chris Mack show this season. Nuts, I have your beer or 5. Get Kahns, pimp, xeus, birdman, Xpectations, boozehound, XUrunner, Snipe, XU87, Garvin, and Lamont and we will have a full crew.

[xu82]

Streetcar!

Trouble maker!

[XUMIOH12]

people need to relax about the parking availability. Downtown Cincinnati has by far some of the best, easiest, and most convenient parking compared to the downtown areas of many other cities.

[D-West & PO-Z]

people need to relax about the parking availability. Downtown Cincinnati has by far some of the best, easiest, and most convenient parking compared to the downtown areas of many other cities.

Definitely. If I have heard correctly the banks garage is the largest urban underground parking garage in the country.

[Caveat]

people need to relax about the parking availability. Downtown Cincinnati has by far some of the best, easiest, and most convenient parking compared to the downtown areas of many other cities.

I hate paying for parking.

I'll do it when the food is exceptionally good or there is some major event, but I don't see myself paying to park to go drink Yuengling and eat Applebee's-level food. I'm glad other people are happy about the switch.

[PM Thor]

Too bad it's not Yard House or something better, but I like the downtown location. I haven't had food at the Holy Grail too often, but their beer selection is generally all just boring, widely available domestics. It also seems like kind of a 'UC Bar'.

That doesn't exist. In fact, we can take over any bar in this town whenever we want to do so.

Also, if you have to pay at a meter, it's like $2.00 or $2.25 or so an hour, for at most two hours. It's really nothing to complain about. And Caveat, I will pay for the convenience of the show, not the level of food nor drink, because those things aren't deal breakers.

[Strange Brew]

What? Chris Mack too good for Dana's??

[birdman71]

Looks to me that we will have a couple Xavierhoops gatherings at the Chris Mack show this season. Nuts, I have your beer or 5. Get Kahns, pimp, xeus, birdman, Xpectations, boozehound, XUrunner, Snipe, XU87, Garvin, and Lamont and we will have a full crew.

GG, I plan to be a regular. Short walk from Mt. Adams downhill. I'll worry about the walk home later.

[fellahmuskie]

GG, I plan to be a regular. Short walk from Mt. Adams downhill. I'll worry about the walk home later.

I'll be doing the same...perhaps we can help guide each other home.

[nuts4xu]

I hate paying for parking.

I'll do it when the food is exceptionally good or there is some major event, but I don't see myself paying to park to go drink Yuengling and eat Applebee's-level food. I'm glad other people are happy about the switch.

Did you eat filet mignon at Dilly Deli? How good does the food have to be to attend a coach's show? I am asking sincerely. I have been to a few coach's show locations, the only time I remember eating at one of those events, was because I went somewhere for dinner and didn't realize it was the night of the Huggins show. Every other time I have gone to one of these things, I am there to have a few pops and see the coach. If I happen to eat, I am not looking for a Jeff Ruby steak, or some sit down white table like meal.

If a few bucks for parking is your issue, or the lack of top shelf cuts of beef, then you might want to listen on the radio from your country club in the burbs. Dilly Deli didn't have you pay to park, and their food was a cut above Applebee's...but it seems odd that people would complain about the Banks. Heck, Coach Mack used to have his show at TGI Fridays, and no one complained about the food. He had it on campus, in a place that sold subway sandwiches, and no parking within a 1/4 mile walk...no one complained about the parking issues there.

The coaches have their show where they can get the best deal. The radio helps book the location, and they are looking for a number of different things when they pick the site. The Holy Grail has many similar type events (Coach Marvin Lewis has had his show there) and I think they will be a great host to Coach Mack and Xavier Nation.

[nuts4xu]

I'll be doing the same...perhaps we can help guide each other home.

Take an Uber ride home. I am an Uber driver and took a woman from Mt Adams to Nada a few weeks ago, and it was a $6 ride one way.

Too cheap and convenient not to do. Hell, if I am at the show, I will Uber you back up the hill!

[Muskie]

[QUOTE=nuts4xu;513862]Take an Uber ride home. I am an Uber driver a.../QUOTE]

This has the makings of some sort of taxi cab confession like documentary.

[fellahmuskie]

Take an Uber ride home. I am an Uber driver and took a woman from Mt Adams to Nada a few weeks ago, and it was a $6 ride one way.

Too cheap and convenient not to do. Hell, if I am at the show, I will Uber you back up the hill!

I take Uber or Lyft after Reds games pretty often. Just depends on the weather. But in the winter, I imagine I won't be walking back quite as much.

Are those $6 rides around downtown even worth it to Uber drivers? I usually tip a few bucks because it's so ridiculously cheap.

[nuts4xu]

I take Uber or Lyft after Reds games pretty often. Just depends on the weather. But in the winter, I imagine I won't be walking back quite as much.

Are those $6 rides around downtown even worth it to Uber drivers? I usually tip a few bucks because it's so ridiculously cheap.

It is worth it if you stack them up. I am not depending on my Uber job to pay my rent, I am just doing it for side money. We appreciate the tips, but they are not expected. To answer your question directly, the business model is a better set up for the customer than the driver.

[X-band '01]

Take an Uber ride home. I am an Uber driver and took a woman from Mt Adams to Nada a few weeks ago, and it was a $6 ride one way.

Too cheap and convenient not to do. Hell, if I am at the show, I will Uber you back up the hill!

Ubering with Nuts ought to make for some wonderful X-Lounge material.

[gladdenguy]

We took an uber from Residence Inn to Boathouse to Mt. Adams back down to the banks one night and it was unbelievably cheap. Uber is absolutely awesome.

As for the food.......comparing Dilly Deli and Holy Grail can't be that far off and if you are complaining about money to park we would rather not have you in the crowd. People love to bitch just to bitch.

See you at the banks Nuts.

[Cheesehead]

It is worth it if you stack them up. I am not depending on my Uber job to pay my rent, I am just doing it for side money. We appreciate the tips, but they are not expected. To answer your question directly, the business model is a better set up for the customer than the driver.

Will you be offering Cash Cab activities? You could ask Xavier basketball trivia.

[ballyhoohoo]

[QUOTE=nuts4xu;513862]Take an Uber ride home. I am an Uber driver a.../QUOTE]

This has the makings of some sort of taxi cab confession like documentary.

Or taxi cab conviction with a bad attorney

[D-West & PO-Z]

We took an uber from Residence Inn to Boathouse to Mt. Adams back down to the banks one night and it was unbelievably cheap. Uber is absolutely awesome.

As for the food.......comparing Dilly Deli and Holy Grail can't be that far off and if you are complaining about money to park we would rather not have you in the crowd. People love to bitch just to bitch.

See you at the banks Nuts.

Lyft is usually even cheaper and just as readily available. I love Lyft and Uber. If you took a cab from Mt Adams to the banks it would cost $4.50 as soon as you pulled away. Can't remember the last time I took a cab but I take Uber's and Lyft's monthly.

[Snipe]

Looks to me that we will have a couple Xavierhoops gatherings at the Chris Mack show this season. Nuts, I have your beer or 5. Get Kahns, pimp, xeus, birdman, Xpectations, boozehound, XUrunner, Snipe, XU87, Garvin, and Lamont and we will have a full crew.

I am up for it. I will be going to the show for sure this year.

[Lamont Sanford]

Pre-game at Snipe's West End gated compound????

[nuts4xu]

Pre-game at Snipe's West End gated compound????

We have no other choice, right? When I finish spouting the written words of Snipe from my street corner soap box in OTR, I mosey on over to the West End for a live taping of Cops...and to pick up Snipe, of course.

[xu82]

GG, I plan to be a regular. Short walk from Mt. Adams downhill. I'll worry about the walk home later.

I might stroll downhill, and Uber uphill. That's my style.

[Kahns Krazy]

I'm not sure it's fair to say people discussing parking expense are "bitching". They moved the coach's radio show out of the studio nearly 20 years ago. Since then, to my recollection it has never been held anywhere with all paid parking. Comparing downtown Cincinnati parking prices to other cities is irrelevant. How does it compare to parking at the coach's show before? It's more, and outside of event pricing, it is some of the most expensive parking in Cincinnati.

It's also more than evening parking has been downtown in prior years. No matter how you look at it, it's more expensive.

It's part of the progress downtown. You don't build the largest contiguous parking garage in the country then make it free. People will get used to it.

I'm more bothered by the step back in food quality and leap back in beer selection. Booooooo. On the upside, the standard waitress attire is yoga pants, so if you are lucky, it's not bad.

[gladdenguy]

Kahns and I were about to get punched by the drunk UC fan rooting for Butler at B-dubs during the Big East tourney. I guess there could be more opportunities like that down at the Grail. You know I love your company and chest bumps.

Btw, I just saw Snipe was banned........why did Snipe get banned? I am truly in offseason mode.

[Kahns Krazy]

I think Snipe was stirring the pot on the Pope thread. I didn't see what got him banned.

[Caveat]

Did you eat filet mignon at Dilly Deli? How good does the food have to be to attend a coach's show? I am asking sincerely. I have been to a few coach's show locations, the only time I remember eating at one of those events, was because I went somewhere for dinner and didn't realize it was the night of the Huggins show. Every other time I have gone to one of these things, I am there to have a few pops and see the coach. If I happen to eat, I am not looking for a Jeff Ruby steak, or some sit down white table like meal.

If a few bucks for parking is your issue, or the lack of top shelf cuts of beef, then you might want to listen on the radio from your country club in the burbs. Dilly Deli didn't have you pay to park, and their food was a cut above Applebee's...but it seems odd that people would complain about the Banks. Heck, Coach Mack used to have his show at TGI Fridays, and no one complained about the food. He had it on campus, in a place that sold subway sandwiches, and no parking within a 1/4 mile walk...no one complained about the parking issues there.

The coaches have their show where they can get the best deal. The radio helps book the location, and they are looking for a number of different things when they pick the site. The Holy Grail has many similar type events (Coach Marvin Lewis has had his show there) and I think they will be a great host to Coach Mack and Xavier Nation.

I don't need the show to be held at Rubys, but there are so many good places around town they could hold a show like this -- almost all of them with better food and better drink selections -- that it's disappointing they decided to hold it at a place like the Holy Grail. Even if you were hell-bent on holding it downtown at the Banks, you could have gone next door to the Moerlein Lager House and had better beer and way better food. I understand the goal is to support the school / program, but I know I'm much more likely to hit the show up on a whim (or suggest to the wife that we go) if it's being held someplace I'd actually go to independent of a coaches show. Holy Grail is an OK place to grab a few cheap bud lights before a Reds game, but not someplace I'd ever go for drinks otherwise.

The paid parking thing is just an extra annoying cherry on top -- especially since there are a ton of mediocre, bud-light bars they could host this in that offer free parking.

[XUFan09]

I've never been there. Is this the kind of place where Yuengling is considered a good beer?

[Xavier]

What are your thoughts on UC having it at Montgomery Inn? I always thought that would be awesome, but probably too expensive.

[Cheesehead]

What are your thoughts on UC having it at Montgomery Inn? I always thought that would be awesome, but probably too expensive.

I have been in Cincinnati since 1993 and IMO, Montgmery Inn is really living off its former reputation. I have been there twice in last six months, both at the Boathouse and the food is average and honestly, I make better ribs at home.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I have been in Cincinnati since 1993 and IMO, Montgmery Inn is really living off its former reputation. I have been there twice in last six months, both at the Boathouse and the food is average and honestly, I make better ribs at home.

You shut your mouth when you're talking to me!

[GoMuskies]

Well sonofabitch. A buddy of mine is heading to Cincinnati for the first time this weekend to catch a couple of Reds games, and I told him Montgomery Inn Boathouse is a must. Now you're telling me I steered him wrong?!?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Well sonofabitch. A buddy of mine is heading to Cincinnati for the first time this weekend to catch a couple of Reds games, and I told him Montgomery Inn Boathouse is a must. Now you're telling me I steered him wrong?!?

No, you did good.

[muskiefan82]

Well sonofabitch. A buddy of mine is heading to Cincinnati for the first time this weekend to catch a couple of Reds games, and I told him Montgomery Inn Boathouse is a must. Now you're telling me I steered him wrong?!?


No, you did good.

I agree. I still love the Boathouse although I have started to enjoy their Pork Chops more than the Ribs.

[nuts4xu]

I ate at the Boathouse a few weeks ago, and I still enjoy their ribs. I know a few people that come from out of town, and enjoy Montgomery Inn over many of the other Cincinnati destination places to eat. I would recommend the Boathouse to anyone in Cincy for the first time, and I think their service remains at the top of the ranks in this city.

[paulxu]

I've been to the Boathouse a grand total of one time. And it was the night of the OJ Bronco "chase."

Talk about a bizarre experience.

[GIMMFD]

I ate at the Boathouse a few weeks ago, and I still enjoy their ribs. I know a few people that come from out of town, and enjoy Montgomery Inn over many of the other Cincinnati destination places to eat. I would recommend the Boathouse to anyone in Cincy for the first time, and I think their service remains at the top of the ranks in this city.

For us broke post-grad kids, I always recommend Eli's. Because the BBQ is amazing, and it's cheap. Plus the atmosphere is good. I only got to go to Montgomery Inn once in my 4 years, but not being a native-Cincinnati person, damn that is some good food.

[D-West & PO-Z]

My uncle is a New Yorker who makes fun of everything midwest (lovingly of course) but the one thing he absolutely loves and cant go without when visiting us in Cincy is Montgomery Inn. He absolutely loves it.

[XUFan09]

For us broke post-grad kids, I always recommend Eli's. Because the BBQ is amazing, and it's cheap. Plus the atmosphere is good. I only got to go to Montgomery Inn once in my 4 years, but not being a native-Cincinnati person, damn that is some good food.
Eli's is awesome!

[BMoreX]

Eli's is fantastic.

[drudy23]

Ribs are def good at Montgomery Inn...everything else is vastly overrated. But I guess they don't pay the bills with everything else either.

[LA Muskie]

Back to the topic, I thought Strange Brew asked an apropos question -- why not Dana's??? BJ have they ever approached you about it? I presume they want to be paid in real US currency and not just free beer? How much real US currency do they want?

[94GRAD]

Looks to me that we will have a couple Xavierhoops gatherings at the Chris Mack show this season. Nuts, I have your beer or 5. Get Kahns, pimp, xeus, birdman, Xpectations, boozehound, XUrunner, Snipe, XU87, Garvin, and Lamont and we will have a full crew.

Is my name Skip?

[94GRAD]

What? Chris Mack too good for Dana's??

We cant charge enough for beer/food to cover the cost of hosting the show the show.

[94GRAD]

Back to the topic, I thought Strange Brew asked an apropos question -- why not Dana's??? BJ have they ever approached you about it? I presume they want to be paid in real US currency and not just free beer? How much real US currency do they want?

VERY expensive to host the show. Dealing with Learfield is not cheap.

[LA Muskie]

VERY expensive to host the show. Dealing with Learfield is not cheap.
Well that's annoying. Not surprising, but annoying.

[X-band '01]

Pretty much every college in D-I is linked with either Learfield or IMG in terms of broadcasting now. Not too many programs would have mom-and-pop shows anymore.

[paulxu]

VERY expensive to host the show. Dealing with Learfield is not cheap.

What? Have they no school pride...no sense of history?

[gladdenguy]

Is my name Skip?

I will have my Saturday Danas gatherings as well. Really enjoyed watching the Georgia St. and Arizona games at Danas. Doesn't get any better than that.

[94GRAD]

I will have my Saturday Danas gatherings as well. Really enjoyed watching the Georgia St. and Arizona games at Danas. Doesn't get any better than that.

I'm more concerned about not being invited to the show.

[nuts4xu]

I'm more concerned about not being invited to the show.

You have a standing invite BJ. Always welcome with this band of misfits.

[gladdenguy]

I'm more concerned about not being invited to the show.

Oh I totally misunderstood what you were putting down. Of course 94Grad is welcome with us. In fact, I would love to be able to drink a beer with you instead of buying a beer from you (a very well priced beer that is).

[94GRAD]

Oh I totally misunderstood what you were putting down. Of course 94Grad is welcome with us. In fact, I would love to be able to drink a beer with you instead of buying a beer from you (a very well priced beer that is).

See you guys there!

[Porkopolis]

I went to the Holy Grail for the first time in ages yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised that they had both Great Lakes Burning River and Mad Tree psycHOPathy on tap. Definitely better than BMC swill.