BYU NewsNet - Discovering Provo's Center Street

Those looking to step outside of the "BYU bubble" need only travel a few blocks south of campus. Provo Center Street is a hub of culture and sophistication. This section of Downtown Provo offers a variety of ethnic foods, eclectic sounds and independent local art.

Restaurants

Osaka Japanese Restaurant, 46 W. Center St.

Native Taiwanese couple, Frank and Manzi Lin, treat all of their patrons like family, from their daily customers to their star-studded clientèle, including Steve Young, Bruce Willis and Michael Douglas.

For the full Japanese experience, reservations can be made in the shoji room, an intimate setting that includes rice paper walls and tatami mat seating. (801) 373-1060

Sensuous Sandwich, 163 W. Center St.

This typical college-town deli offers all-American sandwiches with enticing names like "The Bodacious" and "The Tantalizer." Comic strips cover the tabletops and light-hearted posters plaster the walls, along with a wall of Polaroid pictures displaying "The 24 Inchers Club."

Admission to the "club" requires eating a 24-inch sub in fewer than 30 minutes, and club members receive a free T-shirt and medium drink. (801) 225-9475

Maestro's Gelato Cafe, 22 W. Center St., 691-5550

A distinct west coast, modern feel dominates this BYU student-run gelato café. Despite opening just three months ago, Maestro's has already developed popularity among the college crowd.

The café offers 24 different gelato flavors - the largest variety, with the cheapest prices, in Utah. (801) 691-5550

Shopping

What's Hot, 110 W. Center St.

Get your fix of designer duds at this high-class boutique. What's Hot has a wide selection of designer jeans, including True Religion, Frankie B and 7 For All Mankind. The store also includes purses and shoes from Marc by Marc Jacobs and Steve Madden lines.

(801) 377-5212

Man in the Moon Antiques, 120 W. Center St.

This shop possesses a charming mix of antique and quirky pieces, from relic Relief Society manuals to unique vintage jewelry. Rare collectibles can also be found at this fun shop. (801) 375-5033

America Welcomes the World, 1 E. Center St., Ste 100

Find souvenirs from across the globe at this multi-cultural store. America Welcomes the World has a massive collection of flags, stickers and other interesting tokens. (801) 356-2727

Entertainment

Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W. Center St.

Featuring a sound system second only to the Conference Center, this new theater showcases local artists and traveling performers and also offers open-enrollment classes on subjects from ballet to business etiquette. (801) 852-7007 www.coveycenter.org

Comedy Sportz, 36 W. Center St.

Besides offering the original, popular "ComedySportz Main Event," this interactive improv group also presents an extended-length improv show called "Yellow #2" and an "American Idol" meets "ComedySportz" meets "The Price is Right" style show called "Big Shot Karaoke." (801) 377-9700

United Studios of Self Defense, 78 W. Center St.

Shaolin Chuan-Fa, a martial arts style from ancient China, is taught at this local studio. Classes are offered Monday through Saturday for all ages. Anyone can drop-in on a class to try a new form of exercise, relieve stress, increase self-control or improve concentration. www.ussd.com

Center Street Musical Theater, 177 W. Center St.

Provo's only dinner theater is a family-owned company that offers dance classes and workshops along with theater productions. Local actors are performing "The Sound of Music" nightly through Oct. 6. "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" begins Oct. 19. (801) 373-4485 www.csmtc.com

Art

Storefront Galleries Multiple vacant properties along Center Street have been transformed into temporary art galleries that expose local artists, such as the currently featured Amy Robinson. Bi-monthly art rotations take place throughout the year. www.downtownprovo.org