"This moody cocktail bar in Ballard is dark enough to hide the fact that your teeth might need whitening, but not so dark that you run the risk of poking your date in the eye when you try to run your fingers through their hair. The romantic setting is perfect for drinking sparkling Campari drinks on tap and splitting the burger with some charred vegetables. But if burgers aren’t your thing and pizza’s the only key to your heart, Essex could work before or after dinner at Delancey, the classy pizzeria next door." - aimee rizzo