Crosstown Tip-Off Challenge

By: Stephanie Denzel 

Did you C the latest challenge sweeping the Queen City- the Crosstown Tip-off Challenge. University of Cincinnati and Xavier fans are challenging each other to donate big tips to local restaurants.

But how did this start? How much money has been tipped? And who is winning?

The Origins

 It all started at a popular burger joint in Mt. Lookout. On the afternoon of January 9, one customer at Zip’s left a $1,000 tip to his bill with this message:

“Please share this tip with all of your employees as they work so hard and are dealing with COVID. Go Xavier!”

Beyond grateful for the tip, Zip’s Mt. Lookout posted the receipt and napkin message on Facebook.

UC fans saw a kind of challenge in this kind gesture. They felt the need to reciprocate. Five days later, Keyston Bar & Grill in Clifton was left a $1,001 tip with a note:

“Earlier this week I saw a Xavier fan tip $1,000 at Zip’s. I believe now more than ever we need to support our local restaurants. Let’s see how long we can keep this going… Bearcats up by 1!!”

Just like that, the rivalry between these two schools went from the hardwood to the dinner table.

1-9 Zip's Mt. Lookout

1-14 Keystone Bar & Grill – Clifton

1-27 Chandler's Burger Bistro - Delhi

1-27 Goose & Elder

1-28 Johnny’s Westside Bar & Grill

1-28 O'Bryon's Bar and Grill - Newport

1-28 Sacred Beast

1-29 Arnold’s Bar and Grill

1-29 Dead Low Brewing

1-30 China Gourmet

1-30 Price Hill Chili

1-30 Red Feather

1-31 Bellevue Bistro

1-31 Skyline Chili Oakley

1-31 Zips Mt. Lookout

2-1 Incline Public House

2-2 The Echo

2-4 The Holy Grail Tavern & Grille

2-4 Montgomery Inn Boathouse

2-4 R.P. McMurphy's

2-5 Mio's Clifton

2-5 Slatt's Pub

Let the Game Begin

We’ve seen three-pointers, turnovers, a helicopter dunk and radio broadcasters going crazy over this Crosstown Tip-Off Challenge. Fans on both sides of this rivalry are not only laying down the cash, they are laying down the smack talk.

Check out the creative game calls fans are leaving:

Tip-Off Challenge T-Shirts

Cincy Shirts is getting in on the challenge in their own way. The Cincinnati company is offering Crosstown Tip-Off shirts- one in UC colors, the other in Xavier. Portion of the proceeds from these shirts will benefit the Ohio Restaurant Association’s Employee Relief Fund.

The Generosity Continues

While UC and Xavier fans continue this rivalry, it’s the restaurant workers that are the winners. 

At our count, more than $27,061.37 has been tipped since January 9 in this challenge.

Who knows what quarter we are in?

Or how much time we have left on the clock?

We hope this is one challenge that will go beyond the game clock.

Do you have a tip to contribute to this story? Email us at cincinnatipeople@gmail.com.