^ been there twice for lunch, service is  very very slow, food is good but over priced

Food was just okay for me, especially for the price. The service was slow, and the night I went (IIRC, a Saturday night), it was completely deserted and they were still testing out what music works best for the place. It was a mix of country, pop and rock, and they had some games on the big screen televisions that were being switched over to FOX News. It's stuff you can get elsewhere. Toby Keith's has better food and has a better atmosphere - mainly because there are other people there!

 

Reviews from Yelp (2.5/5): http://www.yelp.com/biz/johnny-rockets-cincinnati-3

 

"Johnny Rockets WRITES IN THEIR OWN GRATUITY TO YOUR CHECK AFTER LEAVING."

^ I've heard this occurring several times. I gave a reasonable tip on my last visit, and didn't notice a charge.

 

Reviews from Urbanspoon (36%): http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/1627717/restaurant/Downtown/Johnny-Rockets-The-Banks-Cincinnati

I was never expecting good quality from Johnny Rocket's (or Toby Keith's, or whatever cheesy chains open at The Banks). Those establishments serve the role of getting visitors to see a brand they recognize, stick around after a game and say, "Wow, there's a lot happening in Downtown Cincinnati." It's also convenient for the residents of The Banks. But those places certainly won't be a frequent destination for people from other neighborhoods. Places like the Lager House, Ruth's Chris, and Mahogany will.

March 2012 Banks Update Report:  http://www.thebankspublicpartnership.com/sites/default/files/TheBanks.MarchMonthlyReportFINAL042012.pdf

 

Looks like the riverfront trail segment will begin in the fall.

March 2012 Banks Update Report:  http://www.thebankspublicpartnership.com/sites/default/files/TheBanks.MarchMonthlyReportFINAL042012.pdf

 

Looks like the riverfront trail segment will begin in the fall.

 

and they are planning on widening the 2nd St sidewalk. Excellent

^I saw that too. That makes me happy as 2nd and 3rd are way too wide. Some large scale plantings would be nice. As would any pedestrian oriented street furniture. 2nd Street just feels so inhospitable due to its scale, the speed at which people drive by, and the proximity to the Fort Washington Way trench.

 

Also mentioned was the removal of  the Race Street bridge? Is there some sort of bridge there that I'm missing? What bridge do they speak of?

^I saw that too. That makes me happy as 2nd and 3rd are way too wide. Some large scale plantings would be nice. As would any pedestrian oriented street furniture. 2nd Street just feels so inhospitable due to its scale, the speed at which people drive by, and the proximity to the Fort Washington Way trench.

 

Also mentioned was the removal of  the Race Street bridge? Is there some sort of bridge there that I'm missing? What bridge do they speak of?

 

I believe that refers to the bridge from W Freedom Way (where Race St now ends) to what was Berry Way. That portion is closed but still there, even though the portion of Berry Way that was there is gone.

^ It's that stub of Race St. south of Freedom Way.

Ah, yes, that makes sense. I guess my mind didn't jump to that stub when I read bridge. Thanks for the replies.

The Second St. sidewalk widening project won't go to bid until Spring of 2013. Wonder if that's to coincide with Streetcar construction in the area?

A little birdie just told me the New York Times is doing a story on The Banks.  Don't know if it's from a sports angle or a development angle. 

A little birdie just told me the New York Times is doing a story on The Banks.  Don't know if it's from a sports angle or a development angle. 

 

I have heard this as well. I'm guessing development from what I've heard.

I think the 2nd street streetscape leaves a lot to be desired at this pont; seems sterile to me.  It doesn't help that Toby Keith's looks a bit chainey with very little attention to quality.  To warm things up, do you think some planters could be used?  They would be permanent and could  replace the need for those steel barriers they use during Reds games and really warm things up.  See link on a potential planter; I really hope they consider this:

 

http://www.streetscapes.biz/catalog/manufacturers-tournesol-planters-urban-square-urban-square-planter-fg-1824-pi-5059.html

 

Made my first visit to MLH yesterday.  5*.  Also was nice to see how active it was in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday.

 

On the planters:  The Federal Reserve has some that I would think would work well that are along Main.

 

I think the 2nd street streetscape leaves a lot to be desired at this pont; seems sterile to me.  It doesn't help that Toby Keith's looks a bit chainey with very little attention to quality.  To warm things up, do you think some planters could be used?  They would be permanent and could  replace the need for those steel barriers they use during Reds games and really warm things up.  See link on a potential planter; I really hope they consider this:

 

http://www.streetscapes.biz/catalog/manufacturers-tournesol-planters-urban-square-urban-square-planter-fg-1824-pi-5059.html

 

I would even take it a step further. Something along the lines of the big sidewalk flower islands in downtown Chicago would look great on Second Street - and there's more than enough room to accommodate them and large game crowds.

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS251&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbnid=XLevXljtqUEDRM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mmbcross/13/1255727174/tpod.html&docid=kAg9McG7vhvTmM&imgurl=http://images.travelpod.com/users/mmbcross/13.1255727174.magnificent-mile-sidewalk-garden.jpg&w=550&h=413&ei=qQioT8_TBoSC8ATnhfzGAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=602&vpy=319&dur=1353&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=99&ty=157&sig=102973470042781514701&page=2&tbnh=144&tbnw=195&start=18&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:18,i:135

 

Or, here's the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver:

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS251&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbnid=0XN5OK4oM3E0EM:&imgrefurl=http://ttarch-realestate.com/neighborhoods/downtown-denver/&docid=m5x0SDDQKEL2RM&imgurl=http://ttarch-realestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/16th_st_mall-034.jpg&w=800&h=600&ei=NgmoT_fmHoOs9ASLia3AAw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=296&sig=102973470042781514701&page=1&tbnh=128&tbnw=171&start=0&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0,i:96&tx=92&ty=56

 

Even the Oregon District in downtown Dayton:

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?start=345&um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS251&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbnid=4_OjoU98n1iRdM:&imgrefurl=http://mostmetro.com/dayton-dining/getting-lucky.html&docid=3Cw8u-WCotimzM&imgurl=http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_0329.jpg&w=3264&h=1832&ei=jxKoT-HLFYm-8ASa5rymAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=552&vpy=336&dur=1021&hovh=168&hovw=300&tx=180&ty=94&sig=102973470042781514701&page=15&tbnh=103&tbnw=183&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:345,i:141

 

Or, total pipedream, but here's the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Obviously Second Street isn't remotely to that caliber, but there's more than enough room for similar plantings of real, lush trees:

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?start=91&um=1&hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS251&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbnid=YZ_CbMvuc44akM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/travel-attic/a-stroll-down-the-champs-elysees/&docid=7Oxl9j_olEYjtM&imgurl=http://blog.atlastravelweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Champs-Elysees2.jpg&w=338&h=506&ei=gROoT9CSEImq8ATu-InNAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=180&vpy=217&dur=1551&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=80&ty=132&sig=102973470042781514701&page=5&tbnh=148&tbnw=103&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:18,s:91,i:44

Rocky, clearly you get the idea.  I don't mean to complain because I am not a huge fan of being critical prior to the completion of the project. It is very possible that they are waiting for Crave to finish to put anything in.  But in looking at it now,the sidewalk clearly needs something along the flowered planter lines.  And geez, can Toby Kieth do a little better with their outdoor dining barriers?  They are using ones from the sidewalk with metal chairs and tables.  No charm and extremely uninviting. 

Before last Thursday's day game with the Cubs, I witnessed a couple in their 50's cross mid-second street, detach the steel barriers, and walk into Toby Keith's. Some people are just that important.

Rocky, clearly you get the idea.  I don't mean to complain because I am not a huge fan of being critical prior to the completion of the project. It is very possible that they are waiting for Crave to finish to put anything in.  But in looking at it now,the sidewalk clearly needs something along the flowered planter lines.  And geez, can Toby Kieth do a little better with their outdoor dining barriers?  They are using ones from the sidewalk with metal chairs and tables.  No charm and extremely uninviting.

 

Agree 100 percent about Toby's appearance. The metal barricades are atrocious and the "patio" area looks as uninviting as it gets. I know they can't control the streetscape, but they could add some planters or something to differentiate their space from the rest of the bland sidewalk.

Dunno if TKILTBAG management thinks about that kind of stuff.

I'm hearing from some of the residents in the Banks that Yard House is going in on the east part of the empty lot due south of the Freedom Center

 

http://www.yardhouse.com

if that is indeed true, that is a great choice.  That is a true family option that we were talking about earlier on this thread but isn't necessarily a lower chain. I would say it is an upper scale cheese-cake facotry which I think  is ok for that spot. 

I love Yard House! A little worried that it could be too similar to what's already there or scheduled to open though.

Confirmed- Yard House to open first Ohio location. Have not heard a timeline on construction.

I wouldn't exactly call Yard House a "family option" but it's going to have a great location.

Yard House coming to The Banks

Business Courier

 

Yard House, a upscale-casual restaurant known for its American fusion fare and huge beer selection, will open its first Ohio location next year at The Banks in downtown Cincinnati.

 

The restaurant will occupy more than 10,000 square feet of space in a new building to be built south of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

 

“We are extremely pleased to be bringing a Yard House to The Banks,” Harald Herrmann, CEO of Yard House, said in a news release. “We’ll be offering our award winning and extensive menu of American fusion cuisine, great rock music and, of course, our vast selection of ales and lagers.”

 

Cont

I have been to one for dinner and plenty of kids wer there.  Heck they have a Kid's Korner menu.  I will agree that it turns into more of a bar later but I would say it is more family that Holy grail or TKILTBAG.  Crave seems like it will be an upper scale more eclectic menu and not too kid geared.

Hmm, another national chain restaurant signs at the Banks.

 

Why do I feel like I'm starting to watch The Hunger Games: Restaurant Challenge. I wonder who will be the first to fall...

It sounds like a good fit for the Banks. Perfect for a special night on the town for the Applebee's crowd.

Does anyone know when the next phase  of apartments are set to start construction?

The Banks trying to round out retail tenant mix

Business Courier by Dan Monk

 

The first phase of The Banks retail leasing was heavily focused on bars and restaurants, as evidenced by Tuesday’s news about Yard House opening its first Cincinnati location one block south of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

 

But the man chasing retail tenants for the Cincinnati riverfront project is planning a different approach with phase two. Mark Fallon, vice president of leasing with Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate Inc., has 125 meetings booked with potential tenants at the International Council of Shopping Centers annual convention in Las Vegas starting May 20. He’ll try to round out The Banks retail product mix in the yet-to-be built block west of the Freedom Center.

 

Cont

^ Couldn't they have chosen a more flattering picture of Mark Fallon?

WKRC had an incredibly positive piece on the Banks.  Also, they had some facts wrong... but it wasn't too bad.  Overall The Banks has gotten great coverage in the last year. 

 

 

Does anyone know when:  Tin Roof, Wine Guy & Mahogany's are going to open!?  I don't think they are even under construction. 

 

I've seen a lot of work at Crave and am under the impression it will be opening in about a month, but haven't seen any work in those other three locations.

It sounds like a good fit for the Banks. Perfect for a special night on the town for the Applebee's crowd.

 

My thoughts exactly, but hey...their money is as good as anybody else.

 

But c'mon retail!!!! and especially grocery!!!!

Yard House coming to The Banks

Business Courier

 

Cont

 

This past March, I went the Yard House in Glendale AZ at the Westgate Center. I didn't even know it was a restaurant. It had a huge bar in center and was packed. We had a few drinks before a concert and it did attract a steady amount of concert goers.

 

I can't say it was that unique, but it was in a good location near the arena for the concert, movie theater, shops, etc. I guess we'll find out how many bars/restaurants the Banks will support.

 

So this will be a stand alone building!??! Wow.

Yeah baby!

 

He said there is growing interest among grocery operators for The Banks project, but declined to identify any prospects on his meeting schedule because talks are at an early stage. Only 12 percent of the 96,000-square-foot first phase is still available for lease at The Banks. That’s generating some excitement for phase two, he said.

“There’s a line to get in the Banks now, so we’re kind of picking and choosing,” Fallon said.

The Applebys comment is just plain stupid.  Comments like that are as short-sighted and negative as the many people in the community that hate downtown and the negative hipsters that populate it.

^ wat.

why do all the comments from the clueless always have terrible grammar?

Look deep into that question and you will find the answer.

I'm curious what kind of retail is realistic to expect at a project like this. I think some is obviously needed to serve the residents there and to help ensure that the restaurant/bar market doesn't become oversaturrated but as I look at The Banks, CBD, and OTR, it seems logical that each area evolve with its own character, offerings, and niche in which it appeals to.

 

A grocery store and possibly a Joseph-Beth or Barnes & Noble are entirely realistic options for The Banks. With all the young people moving to The Banks and elsewhere in downtown and OTR, you can't go wrong with a Gamestop. Victoria Secrets look good from the sidewalk. Move the I Love Cincinnati shop from Tower Place down to The Banks into one of the smaller spaces to capitalize on the tourism draw of The Banks - sell some UK, UC and OSU shirts and jerseys along with Reds and Bengals. Then, maybe even a movie theater to keep the year-round activity going when the Reds and Bengals aren't playing? And, sooner or later, Cincinnati is going to get a second Apple store ... I can't think of a better location for that.

 

On a side note regarding Crave: Did anyone notice the group of about 20 people picketing on the sidewalk outside today? I didn't get close enough to read their signs, but they were marching in the standard picket circle just outside Crave's construction entrance along Main. Is there an issue with the construction company or Crave itself? I hope it's not directed toward The Banks.

good responses so far.  Seriously, the condescending attitude from many on here is so silly.

I don't see a book store coming in ...we all know they are hurting these days with amazon and Barnes already has a Newport location.

WKRC had an incredibly positive piece on the Banks.  Also, they had some facts wrong... but it wasn't too bad.  Overall The Banks has gotten great coverage in the last year. 

 

 

Does anyone know when:  Tin Roof, Wine Guy & Mahogany's are going to open!?  I don't think they are even under construction. 

 

I've seen a lot of work at Crave and am under the impression it will be opening in about a month, but haven't seen any work in those other three locations.

 

Wine Guy and Crave have pending liquor licenses, the other two do not have anything registering in the OHDLC system

good responses so far.  Seriously, the condescending attitude from many on here is so silly.

 

I honestly don't understand what you mean. If you were referring to my Applebee's comment, I was being dead serious. This restaurant seems like a good one to appeal to people who like Applebee's. I didn't mean that in a negative way. Quite the opposite, I think it's a good fit for the Banks. I see the Banks as an appropriate place to put that type of thing. It's a part of Downtown which is ideal for attracting a more mainstream crowd that might be more into football than musicals at the Aranoff. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

Downtown should have something to offer everyone, and one of the demographics that isn't catered to enough currently is Joe Suburb and his wife and kids. The Banks is a perfect showcase to get those people accustomed to coming Downtown. Come for the game or the park, see that there are places to eat, enjoy it, keep coming. Maybe get adventurous and walk up to Fountain Square or, heaven forbid, ride the trolley folly to OTR. This restaurant helps make that kind of scenario possible.

WKRC had an incredibly positive piece on the Banks.  Also, they had some facts wrong... but it wasn't too bad.  Overall The Banks has gotten great coverage in the last year. 

 

You mean incredibly amazingly energetically positive! LOL.

 

http://www.local12.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=3479350&navCatId=20036

On a side note regarding Crave: Did anyone notice the group of about 20 people picketing on the sidewalk outside today? I didn't get close enough to read their signs, but they were marching in the standard picket circle just outside Crave's construction entrance along Main. Is there an issue with the construction company or Crave itself? I hope it's not directed toward The Banks.

 

The "Rat Busters" at work... protesting GC Midwest Construction. Usually 2-3 people there everyday. They've ramped it up the past two days.

Yard House seems more akin to Moerlein Lager House than it does Applebee's, but then again that's coming from a guy who's never been to a Yard House and hasn't been to an Applebee's in a decade.

WKRC had an incredibly positive piece on the Banks.  Also, they had some facts wrong... but it wasn't too bad.  Overall The Banks has gotten great coverage in the last year. 

 

You mean incredibly amazingly energetically positive! LOL.

 

http://www.local12.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=3479350&navCatId=20036

 

That last line from Kit Andrews was lifted from UrbanCincy.com this morning. Compare:

 

UrbanCincy [http://urbn.cc/p2hm] at 11am said, "Cincinnati Mayor Mallory has already hinted that groundbreaking could take place this summer."

 

Kit Andrews for WKRC at 5pm said, "Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory has hinted that the city could break ground for the second phase of The Banks sometime this summer."

Behold:

 

The nicest "Appleby's" ever built-

 

Yard House seems more akin to Moerlein Lager House than it does Applebee's, but then again that's coming from a guy who's never been to a Yard House and hasn't been to an Applebee's in a decade.

 

I stand by the "upscale Applebee's" comment, though I haven't eaten at one, either. Frankly, you could make that same argument about the Lager House if it weren't for the fact that it is not a chain and has an acclaimed chef there making a menu for the specific restaurant and overseeing the kitchen...both of which cannot be said about the Yard House.

 

Poke around on their menus. I think you'll agree they are similar. I guess Applebee's is "American Fusion". LOL.

http://www.yardhouse.com/menus/house-favorites.aspx

 

http://applebees.com/menu/sizzling-entrees