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Best Bars in Chicago, for Singles.

Welcome to Chicago's bustling singles scene! Unleash the fun with thrilling singles bars and events right in your own backyard. Whether you're all set for a speed dating night to remember or a laid-back catch up at the city's hotspots, there's always an exciting event happening around the corner.

The question: Where are the best singles bars near me?

We know the bar scene. We've handpicked our favorites, each bursting with character to match your style and mood. From hip beach bars to elegant cocktail lounges, the choices are as diverse as the lively crowd that gathers.

So, get your best outfit on, flash that captivating smile, and dive into the exciting world of singles bars and events. It's time to have fun, meet people, and maybe even spark some romance. The adventure awaits!

Cultivate by Forbidden Root (Ravenswood)

4710 N RAVENSWOOD AVE, Chicago.

Forbidden Root, located over in West Town, is Chicago's first brewery dedicated to crafting fine botanic beers using all-natural ingredients. Forbidden Root also has chef-driven dishes like Duck and Dumplings or Pork Schnitzel, along with seasonal cocktails and a wine menu. Set in an industrial-like space, diners can also enjoy a look into the taproom while they dine. This event will be taking place at Cultive by Forbidden Root in Ravesnwood.

See dates at Cultivate by Forbidden Root (Ravenswood)

Bar Moxy

530 N La Salle Dr, Chicago.

Hey, single Chicagoans! Get your groove on at Bar Moxy, where the city's pulse meets a party paradise. This ain't your ordinary joint, folks! Bar Moxy is a whole new level of fun, with a playful vibe that'll make your night unforgettable. Picture this: live music, vibrant decor, and killer cocktails that'll make your taste buds jump for joy. Going solo? No problemo! The friendly crowd and communal seating create the perfect atmosphere for mingling. And the cherry on top? The Moxy magic that makes every visit a unique adventure. So, gather your squad or fly solo, and let Bar Moxy work its charm. Single life just got a whole lot sweeter in the Windy City!

See dates at Bar Moxy

Depot 226

226 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago.

You're invited to our 1st event at a new venue for us - Depot 226 - located in the sophisticated Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop. This stylish, retro themed bar, cafe, and restaurant is right across the street from Willis Tower. Depot 226's menu features classic & craft cocktails, coffee cocktails, mocktails, wine and draft beers along with a variety of dishes including shareables, sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, entrees and more.

See dates at Depot 226

Carnivale

702 W Fulton Market Street, Chicago.

Carnivale in the West Loop ain't your average night out. Imagine sippin' mojitos in a whirlwind of color, pulsing with energy! We're talkin' Latin fusion cuisine that dances on your taste buds - the ceviche is like a party in your mouth. And the atmosphere? Think Mardi Gras meets Chicago style. Salsa your way to the bar, where mixologists whip up cocktails hotter than a Chicago summer. Perfect for flying solo or with a flock. Come down, and let Carnivale spice up your life!

See dates at Carnivale

City Winery Chicago

1200 W Randolph Street, Chicago.

Come meet Chicago singles at a new venue for us - City Winery Chicago. Located on West Loop's bustling W. Randolph Street, this winery, restaurant and entertainment venues offers a lively experience. The event event will be held in a reserved area.

See dates at City Winery Chicago
Single giving a testimonial about a CitySwoon singles event
"Amazed at how well I was matched and how fun and easy it was! Really great hosts and fun dates."

Sarah M, 23 star

Single man's testimonial about a CitySwoon singles event
"Awesome night with amazing people!"

Denis C, 30

Singles testimonial about a CitySwoon singles event
"I like the flow of the event. The pace was perfect. I would definitely come to another one of your events, if I am not in a relationship by then :)"

Diana L, 33

Frequently Asked Questions About Speed Dating:

What is speed dating, and how does it work?

So, you're single, and ready to mingle? - but you're sick of swiping, and you want depth. That's where speed dating comes in. Think of it like a real-life dating app, where you get to meet a bunch of eligible singles in one fun-filled evening.

The concept is simple - you attend an event, typically held in a bar or restaurant, where you're given a set amount of time to chat with a potential love interest. Usually, you'll have around five to ten minutes to get to know each person before moving on to the next.

After the event, you'll let the organizers know who you're interested in, and if they feel the same way, you'll be matched up. It's like a romantic game of musical chairs, except you're not left standing alone at the end!

It's a great way to meet new people. For speed dating on steroids, try Speed Dating 2.0 with CitySwoon. It's incredibly fun - think algorithmic matching meets live events!

What is Cityswoon, and how is it different to traditional speed dating?

Cityswoon: it's speed dating's cooler, more adventurous cousin. Picture this: instead of being cooped up in some dimly-lit back room, chatting with every Tom, Dick, and Harry, you're out in the main part of the bar with everyone else, dating a handpicked group of singles. Yup, that's right - no more speed dating roulette. Cityswoon uses fancy algorithms to match you with compatible folks based on personality, values, and interests. It's like having Cupid as your personal dating assistant.

But wait, there's more! Cityswoon doesn't just set you up with some rando and call it a day. Oh no, they take it to the next level. You see, after each date, you give live feedback. And guess what? They use that info to tweak your matches on the very same night. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure novel, but with actual humans. And the stats don't lie: a staggering 95% of peeps meet someone they're attracted to, and 90% score at least one 5-star mutual match.

So ditch the humdrum world of traditional speed dating and give Cityswoon a whirl. With unique venues and a more laid-back vibe, you're bound to have a night you won't forget. And who knows? You might even meet someone who changes your world. Now go on, get out there and have a blast!

What questions should I ask at a speed dating event?

Psst, here's a big secret: everyone's favorite topic of conversation is themselves! When people start talking about themselves, they generally feel that you are a great conversationalist.

At the start of each date, you'll be wanting to help put your date at ease - everyone is nervous at the start! So it is a great idea to ask questions that are easy to answer, just to get the conversation flowing, such as "Do you have pets?", "Where's your hometown?", "Have you been to an event like this before?". After each answer, you can ask more questions, so that they can elaborate on their answers.

As the date progresses, you can learn more about them with fun questions like "How would your friends describe you?", or "What is your favorite food?" or "What do you enjoy doing?".

You don't necessarily need to steer away from topics like religion or politics, but it could be hard to build up to deep topics in the 10 minutes or so that you have to chat. You will need to find out the answers to these questions eventually, if you like them, but you might find you naturally get to these questions at the bar, after the dating, or at a later date.

How should I prepare for speed dating?

Prep like a pro. Before you dive into the thrilling world of speed dating, you've got to get your game face on. Start by choosing the perfect outfit - something that screams confidence but keeps you comfy. After all, you'll be chatting it up with a bunch of potential matches, so you might as well look and feel fabulous.

Next, flex those conversation muscles. The secret is that everyone likes to talk about themselves. So, ask your date some easy questions, to help them relax, and let the conversation flow from there. Everyone will be feeling nervous at the start of the night - but will start to relax after the first dates.

The trick is to be genuine and kind. While you're schmoozing with the singles, remember that authenticity is key. Ditch the cheesy pick-up lines and just be yourself. Trust me, they'll appreciate it. And hey, even if you don't find your soulmate, at least you'll leave with some great stories to tell. So get out there, enjoy the ride, and remember - it's not a race, it's a journey. Happy speed dating!

How can I find a speed dating event near me?