Dear Critic,

Is it possible that my wife and I are the only people in this town who like to eat out on a Monday night? So many restaurants around here are closed Mondays, it’s getting downright difficult to find a lousy plate of food for sale that night.

And to be honest, I’d rather find a terrific plate of food for sale.

Personally I think Monday is a perfectly reasonable night to need a break. We spent all weekend entertaining; we spent all Monday enduring the fact that it was Monday. I can’t think of a better night for a pro to cook my dinner. We just need to find one.

Signed,
Just as Hungry Monday as I Was Saturday But Twice as Depressed

Dear JAHMAIWSBTAD,

You asked the right critic. I go out on Monday all the time…but only to places that feel like Saturday.

A few of my Monday night faves are flung across the neighborhoods. Mona’s Bistro & Lounge near Green Lake boasts a swanky, Speakeasy feel (they got cocktails, another Monday necessity) with a kitchen that doesn’t treat roast chicken like a poor relation.

If you live downtown, head for La Vita E’Bella Cafe and Pizzeria; it makes Belltown feel like a neighborhood, with its sweetheart Italian waiters and its infectious Moonstruck pasta-twirling mood. And good pizza.

Let’s see, if you live farther south…how about Island Soul in Columbia City? One step inside the color-splashed joint and you’re at a surfside hut in the Grenadines downing Mojitos and plantain chips.

Or head for Lee’s Asian in West Seattle, a hole-in-the-wall with stunning Seven Flavor Beef.

Or, if you’re Eastwardly inclined, go to Bellevue’s Main Street and follow the crowd to the 520 Bar & Grill, where the food is standard pub grub but the comfortable ambiance is pure Cheers.

Because sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name.

Especially on a Monday.

Signed,
The Critic

MORE ADVICE FROM THE CRITIC:
Where to grab a quick weeknight dinner.
Where to enjoy the last of Seattle’s alfresco dining.