"Belltown has plenty of spots that would work for a first date, but Black Bottle has some top-tier atmospheric magic happening. It’s noisy enough not to be awkward, but not so loud that you’ll miss any red flags that might come up in conversation, like that passing mention of your date’s creepy antique doll collection. The cocktails are strong, and the menu is full of decent little snacks if you’re hungry, like katsu-style avocado fries, crab artichoke dip, wild boar riblets, and prosciutto-topped flatbread." - aimee rizzo