Angry about economy? Smash some plates and move on

Off duty San Diego sheriffs officers and employees (L-R) Rachel Klindt ,Ben Klindt, Lisa Williams Rachel Klindt Jill Farris (C) and William Stearmer and Dody Patterson put on their safety gear before they head into a "break room" at Sarah's Smash Shack for an evening session in San Diego, California September 29, 2008.[Agencies]

The Shack won't let patrons drown in their sorrows -- neither drinks nor food are served. On the "menu" there are delectable glass and ceramic breakables, neatly arranged on shelves, ready to be obliterated in one of several "break rooms" outfitted with checkerboard tiles and slabs of dented steel bolted to a far wall.

One of the most popular items, "The Smash Shack House Special," mimics a rowdy Greek supper club, where diners smash plates when they enjoy the entertainment. The Smash Shack version features 15 plates for 15 minutes for $45.

The advantage to the plates, Lavely said, is that clients can write nasty little epithets on each one in a thick black marker before hurling. Guests also favor highly breakable frames (3 for $10) into which they slip photos of enemies.