Chicago Singles Scene

20 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Overindulging with friends is not just excusable, it's expected at this boisterous Irish bar. Looking for a mate? Rumor has it that the bar's Harvey Wallbanger cocktail possesses magnetic powers.

722 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Find a (tree) lover at this eco-minded Warehouse District lounge, buy her an organic elixir and ask her to dance. The earthy setting, with plenty of clay and straw, is enough to bring out the animal in anyone.

1543 N Kingsbury St #103, Chicago, IL 60642 (map)

A clientele of pretty young things and those seeking them flocks to this massive super-club to satisfy their guilty pleasures. Most of the action can be found on the large dance floor, though voyeuristic VIPs look on from balconies above.

937 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

Head directly down the cobbled alley, descend the clandestine steps and prepare to kick it at this longstanding Gold Coast nightclub. You'll be in good company: It's where the glitterati come to dance and get smashed.

1431 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607 (map)

The beats don't stop at this multi-level nightclub, and neither does the endless line of single-seeking VIPs waiting to get in. On Fridays, come for deejay-spun hip hop, or swing by on Saturdays when beats range from reggaeton to bachata, merengue and rock en Espanol.

12 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Carefully groomed and outfitted tipplers, plenty of them ironically clutching brown-bagged 40s, pack this petite, industrial-chic watering hole. Of course, deejays offer a diversion (and motivation to booty shake).

600 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Dress to impress when bound for this swanky, moodily lit sushi house. The chic, lower-level lounge, rendered cooler by low-slung furniture and gracious river views, boasts fabric-draped cabanas that invite scoping.

22 W Hubbard, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

A sib to The Underground, this unpretentious space designed by Nate Berkus, heats up during the wee hours. Come early to tackle a Kobe burger downstairs; then ascend to the sceney second-floor lounge, where matches are most likely to be made.

226 W Ontario St - Entrance in Alley, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Slinky clothing--short skirts on girls, tight tops on guys--is de rigueur at this hedonistic hang with countless bars, multiple deejay booths and plenty of space to shimmy.

504 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Riotously colorful and ever hopping, the interior of this River North restaurant is as intriguing as the Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian-tinged fare it serves. To increase your chances of swapping numbers, grab a drink in the buzzing rooftop lounge: It's often the site of festive, themed bashes.

56 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Capture the date of your dreams (or at least spot celebs) at this bomb shelter-themed hot spot in River North. Just order a few cocktails, many with military-chic names, before putting your strategic ops into action.

330 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Strike a pose at this bowling-centric lounge with 24 lanes, bumping tunes and a martini list loaded with froufrou libations. Fortunately, the retro-cool bowling shoes ensure your fashion sense won't suffer.

3535 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)

Sure, keggers are behind you--now you're known to down craft brews. You'll find them, along with plenty of good-looking sports fans, at this Wrigleyville haunt, a favorite among former frat cats. But a solid menu of beer-bolstered eats means everyone finds common ground.

940 W Weed St, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

TVs cover the walls, a large stage hosts popular local and national bands and a huge bar churns out all the mainstays. Sounds like the ice breaker you need! Come with your buddies (cheesy pickup line in tow), and you just might leave plus one.

5 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Daters, be forewarned: This raucous River North pub is a game-lovers paradise. If you can match cheers with the best of them, you might catch a fellow fan's eye. Of course, if you strike out, there are plenty of TVs to fall back on.

1383 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

Cabaret crooning strikes a sultry tone at this swanky, velvet-bedecked piano bar--a haven for the more mature set in young, trendy Wicker Park--wherebubbly lovers and single malt sippers unite.

444 N la Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654 (map)

Mature in feel, this tri-level River North pub is a civilized place to make eyes if you're so inclined. But it's also a spot to kick back, Pimm's Cup in hand, over British eats like Newcastle-battered fish and chips.

1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

Big, bigger and biggest is the mantra at this carnivore's den that's legendary for steaks and football-sized lobster tails. But if it's a connection you seek, sidle up to the bar, eye the suit across the way and hope he sends a massive martini your way.

151 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Well-dressed professionals swill the namesake drink at this luxe playground. Despite the crowds, there's plenty of room to roam: Tables, a stage showcasing nightly acts and a sprawling patio help control the flow.

1031 North Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

Dig into steak, and lots of it, at this venerable Gold Coast meat market where digit swapping and people watching are standard pastimes. Just watch out for tourists and cougars. Unless, you know, that's your thing.

16 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Flirt the night away at this spirited piano bar, where vets join in song and onlookers peruse the dimly lit, perpetually packed room. A lengthy list of single malts, tequilas and bourbons helps lube conversation.