Okay I'm spiraling a little. Third date on Tuesday, we're meeting near BAM around 8. She's gluten-free (not celiac, but sensitive), and I really don't want to do the whole 'loud pizza bar but we share one salad' thing. Needs to be sit-down, not crazy pricey, and quiet enough that we can actually hear each other. I usually end up at bar food around there and I don't trust myself. Any recs? Is it all tapas and pizza now? Help.

Ooh, this is EXACTLY my zone! Have you tried Imani on Fulton? It has a really nice, warm room and they are so accommodating about actual dietary restrictions, not just eye-rolling at 'gluten-free.' The cornbread is NOT gluten-free though—do not fall for that one—but the rice bowls and the greens are magnificent! If you want closer to the theater, Roman's is the quiet date move, but it can get tight. Are you okay with a bar seat? Because the dining room books up but the bar is great for conversation if you get there before 8.

Skip Roman's if you're worried about price and tight tables. I like Colonia Verde over in Fort Greene but it might be a little table-close. For gluten-free and easy convo, honestly Sofreh up in Prospect Heights does small plates but they give you space and the service doesn't rush you. Tuesday is usually calmer. If she's not celiac then most of their stuff works. Or just walk a bit to Miss Ada and ask to sit in the back; the front gets loud.

Oh this is helpful, I'm trying to plan something near BAM too! Is Colonia Verde good for a Monday or Tuesday? I walked by once and it looked super dark and datey but I couldn't tell if it's reservation-only. Also for gluten-free, do they actually mark the menu? I always get nervous asking because I don't want to seem high maintenance but I get sick from actual wheat. Is Roman's too hard to get into right now?

Thank you! RiverdaleRambler Imani looks perfect, but I'm nervous about the cornbread because it's right there and I know I'd accidentally rave about it. Woodhaven_W Miss Ada has been on my list but I thought it was Mediterranean small plates and maybe we'd be fighting for table space. firstwinter I'm also worried about coming off as the host who didn't check the menu. I didn't realize Roman's bar was a good move. Might call Imani and ask if they have a quiet corner, but Tuesday 8 is probably fine?

Yes, call Imani! Ask for the little two-top by the window—NOT the table near the open kitchen pass, you'll be shouting over the pickup station. And they'll swap in rice or grilled sweet potato for the flatbread if you say gluten-free upfront. Also have you tried Place des Fêtes for a wine-and-small-plates option? The staff said they can mark a menu, and it's dark but not deafening. Perfect third date territory, honestly. Just don't order the fried chicken, obviously. Let us know how it goes!