"The stylish space, upbeat soundtrack, and delicious Southern food at Etc. can help loosen up a daunting first date. The gravy-covered grits with buttery oxtail are so rich and comforting that you’ll be unphased by even the most awkward of silences. And if good cocktails can make you feel more at ease, get one of their classic and seasonal ones, like a cozy pine-infused Old Fashioned. After trading bites of savory rice cooked with turkey hocks and taking turns Shazaming some R&B deep cuts, you’ll be ready to plan date number two—assuming you kept your cool." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen