Picking a bar is like picking a date. Do you choose:

a) friendly and comfortable?
b) sporty and fun?
c) dark and mysterious?

If it’s the latter (naturally), have we the guy, er, place for you.

Step through an indistinct alley door into Bathtub Gin & Co., a romantic hole-in-the-wall. An apartment building’s former boiler room, the hidden spot presents a Poe-ish underground of secluded seats, candlelight, brick walls, and bookshelves.

But bellying up to the intimate bar may be the hottest seat in the house. Choose the Bobby Love margarita, made with tequila infused with peppered Anejo. Or meet your match with a shot of house tequila, garlic, honey and Cointreau familiarly referred to as “hoof bite.” With knowledgeable bartenders and a drink menu that encourages discussion, you’ll invite company.

Then be back for amore.

Bathtub Gin & Co., 2205 Second Avenue, at Blanchard Street (206-728-6069).