"At yakiniku spot Niwa, daters can avoid uncomfortable silences with a meal that they help to cook. If the night is going well, imagine locking eyes over the gently smoking grill; a too-hot bite can be cooled down with a sip of chilled sake. Tuesday nights are happy hour from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and that’s a good excuse to get this experience of a meal for a bargain. Niwa is located in Deep Ellum, so the warnings about parking apply — allow time to arrive early and find a spot. Lots can be expensive, up to $30 on the weekends, so factor that price into your night as well." - Courtney E. Smith, Rachel Pinn