Downtown restaurants ramping up for Reds playoff series

CINCINNATI - At 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon, there wasn't much traffic on East Freedom Way.

But inside the eateries lining the street in the shadow of the Great American Ball Park, managers were busy anticipating big crowds swamping their establishments if the Reds bring the National League Division Series to their home turf.

"We always staff up, just to make sure we can get people in and out...who want to go to the game," said Mahogany's general manager Damion Lynch.

Lynch also says they will be bringing out their "Redlegs Martini" for the games.

Johnny Rockets will make sure everyone knows they are fans, rooting for the home team.

"We'll shut our jukebox system off and we'll actually send the game through our sound system, so you'll hear it on the street," said owner Rick Thompson.

Because the specialty hamburger house prepares their meals fresh, Thompson says they will be coming in extra early — just a couple hours after they close — to get ready.