The menu is straightforward, with familiar appetizers, burgers, salads and pasta. The most expensive item is a $15.95 Cajun rib-eye steak.

Customers can dine before a show, or eat upstairs while watching.

"We are busiest when there are shows, but we're trying to build our lunch business," he said.

"We're battling the reality of the economy. It couldn't be a tougher time. But on the other hand, we benefited from the economy, because big chains aren't expanding. So the only person who would take a space like this right now is an independent owner." (www.wiseguyscomedy.com or 801-532-5233)

Family affair

J. Wong's Asian Bistro, 163 W. 200 South, got its name from owner Kwan Wong's four sons who help her run it: Jason, Josh, Jordan and Jesse. Kwan has owned the China Platter in Bountiful for over 20 years.

Plans for a Salt Lake restaurant were in the works a few years before the recession hit.

"It took us awhile to find the right spot and to remodel it," said Jason Wong. "So by that time, you don't stop."

Kwan Wong is optimistic. "We have a good location, with valet parking, and good Chinese and Thai food," she said. "We get a lot of convention business, since we're across from the convention center."

The restaurant earned 3 1/2 stars in Deseret News restaurant critic Stacey Kratz's May 8 review. She praised the attentive service and the "intelligently selected Asian favorites, mainly Thai and Chinese, striking a balance between the kitschy, fun dishes that characterized the Chinese restaurants of yesterday and the more modern, authentic food people want today."(801-350-0888)

Small plates

Eva, 317 S. Main, serves tapas, or "small plates" for lunch and dinner.

So you can graze on a $4 plate of sauteed brussels sprouts or a $4 order of crispy, parmesan-dusted fries. Or you can have more of a meal with spanakopita or a "French pie" pizza topped with pears, brie and toasted walnuts.

"The trend is people wanting to try a lot of things, and not too expensive," said chef Charlie Perry, who named his restaurant for his grandmother, who inspired him to become a chef. "We have pizza and pasta dishes for under $10 that are a filling dinner for one person. Or you can do several different small plates, and it won't break the bank."

For alfresco dining, there's a narrow patio sandwiched between two buildings in the back, jazzed up with flower boxes and paper lanterns.