Wiseguys Comedy Club Downtown Salt Lake City — Restaurant in Salt Lake City

Super long review, but I got a lot of "what to expect" info in here for how this place works.

For starters, I had a great time here. The setup was nice. There are plenty of seats, with a lot of options to choose from (some people like up close, others off to the side).

I went to see Russell Peters, and you had to be 21 or older to attend, so immediately we had gotten carded at the door (not all shows are 21+ but this one was - their website indicates which ones are).

Once you're in, they allow entry based on the name for who bought the tickets, so you just give said persons name and then they'll allow you into the main bar area (pretty standard will-call). You can then stop by the bar for drinks, or continue on to the show room (no need to hit the bar, there are waitresses that'll come by your seat when you enter the show room).

When you walk into the show room, there will be a couple workers there to assist with seating. As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of different angles to choose from for where you would like to watch the show and those helpers are fantastic at their job. They ask you where you want to sit, how many are in your party, then do well to not sit others in the necessary seats you'll be needing (so first come first serve, naturally. Doors open an hour ahead of show time).

After being seated, a waitress will come by to see if you want drinks and/or food. Solid selection of both food and drinks. Tito's and OJ (vodka orange juice) ran me $9 a pop, but that's pretty average relative to the other places in the Gateway/downtown. Nachos were like $15, but it was a lot for sure. As for service, my waitress was fantastic. So kind, and she definitely accommodated my drinking request (told her to just keep the drinks coming all show). I probably bought 6 rounds of drinks in the hour that I was there drinking, so it was probably a good pace (could have been faster, but honestly I think she was just trying to make sure I didn't get trashed. She would bring 3 drinks at a time - technically one for me, one for my girl, and another for her friend - but she definitely knew I was drinking all three lmao so it was responsible af of the waitress to do it how she did both respecting my wishes and doing what's best for the establishment).

I wish I would've taken more photos, but I was too busy laughing/drinking. The only reason they didn't get a 5 star from me, was because the chairs were literally right next to each other. As a bigger guy, I prefer to be a little more spaced out, but honestly don't let this make you not go. I'm just trying not to glaze this place too hard, and had to pick on something (and honestly, I could've just chosen an aisle seat and be fine but I just didn't want my guests to sit next to strangers).

Highly recommend...

Wiseguys has changed a lot since my last visit. They've taken over the space next door and built a restaurant-style waiting area with well-arranged tables and chairs, which you must go through to get to the actual venue. It appears they may be doing open mic night (or preparing to do) it in that area, since there is a tiny stage with a mic on it. We were a little confused at first but a server and then a manager or owner explained how it works.

Essentially, you can come early, order food & drink, eat it and then head into the venue. Or if you aren't finished eating or haven't gotten your food, they will bring it to you inside the venue. The venue itself is basically unchanged, with office-style seating at rows of counters. They pack in the chairs so it can get a little tight if the show is sold out.

The food is good, if lacking in variety (some burgers, a few wraps, salads and appetizers). I've sampled some of the drink menu and it is good as well. I think the menu has actually gotten smaller over the last few years but that could be my imagination. Didn't they used to have pizza...?

Anyway, I can't knock their food but the service is pretty terrible. While usually friendly, the servers are overworked at every location. There have been multiple times when I've wanted to order a dessert or drink and simply never saw my server once the show started. God forbid you have a problem with your food because you will never get it resolved. As much as I like Wiseguys, I had to dock it a star for this one reason.

And Keith...thanks for replying and for showing us around. That said, it isn't just your location (or SLC) that I am complaining about. I've seen multiple shows at all three locations and they all suffer from poor service.

And your suggestion is to get up in the middle of a show to find you so I can order an AMF or a slice of cheesecake? How would it be if everyone did that? Not very pleasant for the comedian, I'd wager. No...the service needs to come to us, which means either better training or more servers. Or you can change nothing and I'll keep coming to shows and you can keep leaving money on the table due to...

As someone who is not from Utah, I have complained maybe once or twice about the lack of things to do in this unique "Utah Culture." We are over the clubbing age, but still want fun and affordable things to do at night, apart from just going to a bar.

We are actually moving soon, and one of the things I will truly miss the most when it comes to things to do here is the amazing comedy scene, which is all thanks to Wiseguys. They book such great comics!

And I watch/listen to a ton of comedians, both stand up and their podcasts. Anytime I'm doing random chores, I'm on YouTube listening to something. I've really come to appreciate different comedy styles overall craft. Anyhow, pretty much anyone you see floating around on social media and on tour will come to Wiseguys. They even have big names come through for their "practicing new material" shows, and they keep the cost in a normal range. Considering how expensive everything is now, it's nice to know that they don't try to price gouge.

I have seen some of the big name comedians at larger venues at a higher cost, but imo it's so much better at Wiseguys. Comedy is just better in a smaller space. It feels more connected and intimate. It's also much better for crowd work of course.

I've been to both locations, and both are great. But overall, I personally like the downtown vibe better. There is a bar in the main area if you get there early and want to eat or drink. Or you can wait to sit down and get service. I do think they should add fried pickles to the menu lol, but that's about it.🤪

I totally recommend for a date night, girls night, get me out of my seasonal depression night, birthday celebration, or...