what's lovely and open on Monday nights?

Restaurants often close for a break on Monday nights. But in the coming months, our work schedule means Mondays are optimal for us to go out - and surely chefs etc who usually get Monday off want to go out somewhere themselves. What are your favorite date-y / nice / ambitious places open for dinner on Mondays?

Le Bouchon is a great option -- was just there on Monday and was reminded that Mondays are half-price bottle nights.

Anteprima is also a great option and has a $29 prix fixe that is one of my favorite deals in the city.

Northcenter Joe wrote:Anteprima is also a great option and has a $29 prix fixe that is one of my favorite deals in the city.

That was my first thought. Across the street, Big Jones is another great choice.

And for great old school Sushi and Japanese food, GNR Renga Tei is open on Mondays (Closed Tuesdays). GNR Aroy Thai is likewise open Monday and closed Tuesday.

Renga Tei
3956 W Touhy Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 675-5177

Aroy Thai
4654 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 6062
(773) 275-8360

Most of the affordable and ethnic places are open on Mondays. It's primarily the chef-driven, upscale places that are closed that day of the week. And even in that group, many are open Mondays. These include MK, Naha, RPM Steak, Boka, Shanghai Terrace, Blackbird, NoMI Kitchen, Travelle, The Lobby, Brindille, and Spiaggia.

If you're not necessarily focused on upscale places, then the decision is just like any other night of the week. Some of my favorites include Dos Urban Cantina, Salero, La Sirena Clandestina, Lula Cafe, Piccolo Sogno, Dusek's, the Bristol, GT Fish, Perennial Virant, Mercat a la Planxa, Seven Lions, Quartino, Mixteco Grill, Yusho, Anteprima, La Sardine, Salpicon, tesori, Carnivale, and the Florentine.

Lula Cafe is one of my favorites.

Two of the best things I've tasted this summer were pastries yesterday.

I also enjoy Publican and Old Town Social.