I'd avoid Dullboy, the Archer, Barcade, if you want to be able to hear each other. I've gone on more than one date at Pet Shop and was able to have a conversation. Either the couch in the back, or downstairs at the wine bar, are the quieter spots.

A bar at a restaurant may be better for conversation, with respect to volume, ex: White Star? And then if things go well you can grab a more substantial dinner. No good for right now, but if you still need this info in the summertime then Smorgasbar is fantastic for this. (And then Dullboy becomes an option too, if, and only if, you can sit outside.)

I know it means I'm getting old but I really don't know what the point is of cranking the volume up so much people have to shout at each other. I go to bars when I want to just hang out and talk with whoever I'm with.