EAT
OPENS MONDAY
Plein Air Cafe & Eatery 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave. 773-966-7531
The new French-inspired spot—the name comes from a term meaning to paint outdoors—shares the Seminary Co-op Bookstore building and offers breakfast items including quiche lorraine ($6.75) and heartier fare such as a croque monsieur on grilled sourdough with bechamel ($9.25) plus grain bowls, entree pies and house-made sweets. 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
DRINK
Free Monday
Empty Bottle 1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600
Does your wallet need a rest from the weekend? Grab a $2 can of PBR and settle in for a free show featuring sets from local synth-pop band New Canyons, Brooklyn industrial post-punk duo Yvette, two-piece Brooklyn rock band Lushes and Chicago atmospheric music ensemble Many Moons. 9 p.m. No cover.
New Cocktails
Bellwether Meeting House & Eatery 302 E. Illinois St. 312-222-1800
Mixologist Amy Grant debuts new cocktails such as the Ginger Citrus Mule (vodka, lime, ginger syrup, ginger beer; $10) or Chi-Lychee One (vodka, chai spice syrup, lychee, champagne; $12). Or opt for Monday-only specials including $8 Ketel One martinis and Don Julio margaritas. 11 a.m.-4 a.m. No cover.
DO
Mental Graffiti
Cole’s Bar 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-276-5802
Chicago spoken word artist Marty McConnell headlines this monthly performance poetry night, which also features a slam competition and an open mic. Want to learn to create your own? Arrive at 6:30 p.m. for a poetry discussion and mini-workshop with McConnell. 8 p.m. Donations accepted.
(Free!) ‘American Promise’
Victory Gardens Theater 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-871-3000
See a screening of this documentary—a Sundance 2013 Official Selection—directed and produced by a middle-class African-American couple who explore issues of race, class and opportunity through the differing experiences of their son and his best friend—from kindergarten through high school graduation—at one of the country’s most prestigious private schools. 7 p.m. RSVP required: victorygardens.org/also-playing/public-programs
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
Blackhawks Stanley Cup playoff tickets go on sale at noon Monday: ticketmaster.com
Julia Borcherts is a RedEye special contributor.
