If you're new to Oakland or just looking to expand your social circles, you've come to the right place. As a long-time Oakland resident with extensive dating experience in the city, I've explored numerous venues and spots that make meeting new people enjoyable and exciting. In this guide, I'll share my insights and firsthand knowledge to help you navigate Oakland's vibrant dating scene. Whether you're interested in casual hookups or meaningful connections, there's something here for everyone.
Oakland is bustling with people looking for a hot hookup every night. With so much to do in this great city, there are many spots that might leave you going home disappointed. You'll also find an endless list of online hookup platforms that turn out to be a waste of time. Figuring out which places will guarantee Oakland hookups can be a bit confusing. With so many choices available, I've filtered through all of the top options to help you get laid in Oakland.
From Piedmont to Alameda Point and even the small town of Lafayette, it doesn’t matter where you live. My recommendations will work for anyone, anywhere. Take a look at the following suggestions and feel free to give us your feedback in the comments section below!
The hookup apps in Oakland dating coaches prefer
For those who prefer online dating, Oakland has a vibrant dating app scene. These apps cater to a wide range of preferences. Here, I'll recommend a few popular dating apps and provide insights on how to make the most of your online dating experience.
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now  | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome  | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys  | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
Table of Contents
The top hookup options in Oakland
Before we dive into the best hookup spots and dating venues, it's essential to understand Oakland's dating culture. The city is known for its diversity, welcoming atmosphere, and a wide range of dating preferences. Whether you're into bars, clubs, or casual coffee meetups, Oakland offers something for every dating style.
Mad Oak is one of the most popular bars in downtown
@madoakbar
This beautiful bar near Lake Merritt is one of the best places to find Oakland hook ups. With its industrial chic decor and laid back atmosphere, it’s one of the most popular spots to get a drink downtown.
The beautiful and spacious yard, shielded with trees, reminds us a little of the atmosphere of beer gardens. It’s definitely a great place to approach girls in a casual atmosphere, especially if the high-pressure atmosphere of other bars are cramping your style. There is an extra bar upstairs, which is typically closed on weekdays. It’s also quieter than the main bar on the weekends.
AFF is the best hookup option for most (try it free)
Every year we rank the best online hookup options. Some of these hookup options have been around for ages, while others have only recently graced the city.
If you are only looking for a no-strings-attached hookup, AFF is your best option. It has a massive user base that goes online for the sole purpose of hooking up. Unlike Tinder, the users on AFF are not mostly interested in getting their egos stroked. Instead, they want quick and easy access to singles who are looking to get lucky.
Guys who are actually willing to take a little action and not sit on their butts all day are going to get solid results with AFF. They have a lot of women using it but you still need to be the one making the first move. We have seen way better results here than the competition and have seen especially good results for normal dudes who haven't had great success on Tinder. It is well worth checking out their free trial with the links below.
AFF has been around for ages and has been the most established hookup platform since 2006. If you've been unlucky on other options, AFF is where you can get laid in Oakland.
Most guys are going to have the best results hooking up by far on AFF compared to any other option.
Not sure if AFF is for you? Give their free trial a shot below and see. You're probably missing out on some solid options by waiting around.
Unbeatable bars to find hookups in Oakland
Oakland is home to a dynamic bar scene that caters to various tastes. As a local who has spent countless nights exploring these venues, I can vouch for their social atmosphere. Whether you're into craft beers or signature cocktails, these bars offer excellent opportunities to strike up conversations and meet new people.
Drink delicious craft beers and get laid tonight at Beer Revolution
@thegoldenbullbar
Beer Revolution is Oakland’s top specialty craft beer bar and bottle shop. Located in the Jack London District, this hookup bar excels at matching up beer lovers. Out of all the craft beer bars around, we don’t know of one that can outdo Beer Revolution’s impressive list.
As one of the best bars to get laid, Beer Revolution is bound to have plenty of quality options to choose from while you mingle with the locals. Once you set foot into this comfy dive bar, you will see the chalkboard list of every beer option available that day. If you happen to know a lot about beer, go to Beer Revolution and impress the crowd with your knowledge.
Bar Shiru is a great option for music lovers looking for hookups in Oakland
@barshiruoakland
Located downtown, Bar Shiru is always filled with sexy girls because it has great jazz music. They play music out of an analog stereo system to get the same audio quality as in the golden era of jazz. San Francisco singles also love listening to some jazz here.
The sophisticated, upscale atmosphere attracts many classy girls. The interiors are Japanese-inspired, and the walls are decorated with old vinyl records. In addition, you’ll find many Japanese drinks on the menu. It’s like stepping into a Haruki Murakami novel!
Drinks are very good and the staff is definitely knowledgeable about mixology. However, you’ll find only cocktails and spirits, no beers. Bar Shiru also doesn’t serve food.
Honorable mentions
Can’t seem to blend in with the crowd in the Oakland hookup bars above? Don’t worry because below are a few more suggestions for those looking for something a little more specific. Each one of these bars is as awesome as the last and we cannot choose a favorite. Instead, I suggest you check them all out and decide which one is the best bar to get lucky:
I won’t say I hope you enjoy these places because I know you will. Save these Oakland hookup bars in your top favorites, and check them out whenever you are looking for a great time!
The hookup apps in Oakland dating coaches prefer
For those who prefer online dating, Oakland has a vibrant dating app scene. These apps cater to a wide range of preferences. Here, I'll recommend a few popular dating apps and provide insights on how to make the most of your online dating experience.
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
The best clubs for Oakland hook ups
If you're more interested in finding a club with good music and room to dance these have been the best spots to find hookups in Oakland.
Crybaby is the dance club where Oakland’s energy really comes alive
@crybabyoakland
You know it’s going to be a wild night when you hit Crybaby. This place fills up fast after midnight, drawing in a mix of stylish girls, music lovers, and locals just looking for a good time. If your goal is to meet new people or see where the night leads, this club definitely delivers—plus it brings to mind some of the best spots for hookups in Fremont.
Crybaby keeps things fresh with DJ sets that jump from hip-hop to electronic, and you can count on the crowd to keep the dance floor moving all night. The vibe here is unpretentious and fun, so you don’t have to drop a lot of cash to have a memorable experience. Parking can get tight, so it’s smart to come early or grab a rideshare. Whether you’re out with friends or just want to see who you meet, Crybaby makes it easy to let loose and enjoy the Oakland scene.
Honorable mentions
Here are other great clubs where you can meet single girls in Oakland:
Great places to meet sexy city girls during the day
Dating doesn't always have to happen at night. Oakland boasts coffee shops and cultural events that provide ideal settings for daytime interactions. Here, I'll share some of my favorite coffee spots and local events where you can easily strike up a conversation with fellow Oaklanders.
Tertulia Coffee brings culture and art to your Oakland hookup spot
@tertuliacoffeehouse
Although native to the Bay Area, the owners of Tertulia Coffee have strong roots in Puerto Rico and El Salvador. With this cultural background, you can rest assured that your expectations for delicious coffee will be met as you check out the local beauties.
This spot is especially great if you have an artistic touch. Local artist’s paintings are professionally displayed in the coffee shop. If you are of Chican or Latino descent, Tertulia Coffee makes a point to showcase artists who are of these cultures. Imagine meeting a beautiful woman here and telling her that painting behind her is yours.
If there is one thing I know for sure, women love socializing over coffee. So head down to Tertulia Coffee and witness for yourself the beautiful women who are enjoying their favorite java drink.
Blue Bottle Coffee is an upscale-looking coffee shop
@bluebottlecoffee
This coffee shop looks more upscale than Ain't Normal Cafe. But this spot still attracts many girls who want to study, do some homework or relax with a nice drink. Plus, it serves only coffee that has been roasted in the past 48 hours. So you’ll be able to enjoy some fresh brews each time you drop by! The prices are a little higher than other coffee shops around, but the drinks are well worth it!
The Chinatown Street Festival attracts many single girls
@chinatownchamber
One of the best ways to meet people in Oakland is by attending local festivals and events. The city hosts numerous cultural celebrations throughout the year. From the Chinatown Street Festival to the Oakland Art + Soul Festival, these events are not only fun but also offer a chance to make new connections. Can't get laid in San Jose? You just might here!
The easiest place to get laid in Oakland
If you have one place to go it's gotta be this:
The Uptown Nightclub is a trendy venue filled with attractive girls
@uptownnightclub
If your goal is to enjoy a fun night out and potentially meet someone special, the Uptown Nightclub is the place to be. With its stylish ambiance, live music, and various events, this venue has been a personal favorite of mine for connecting with like-minded individuals. It even reminds us of some of the places where we've found Stockton hookups.
Other great hookup spots to meet girls
Here are a few more spots worth checking out:
The most underrated hookup spot is a supermart, so check out your local Piedmont Grocery Store
@PiedmontGrocery
Have you ever heard a friend say they met a gorgeous woman in a grocery store? Then this friend went on to tell you how they hooked up with them time and time again? If not, that’s because your friend might not want to share his local spot and possibly lose a hook up to you.
When you're going through all the alternatives to meet local women wanting sex the grocery store has to be near the top. You have less competition, there are a ton of single women, and it's easy to strike up a conversation. It's one of the secret spots to get laid in our city. Not surprising, but if you're looking for an Oakland BBW this is also a great spot.
Well, I am here to share a little tip with you: your local grocery store is a perfect place to pick up women. This is because many women go to the grocery store for two reasons: to get groceries and to bump into attractive men. Believe it, or not, many women expect to find men they are attracted to in the grocery store.
Tinder will help you get laid in Oakland if you're in the younger crowd (if you're hot)
If you are a student at California College or you’re enrolled at Mills College, you will find that Tinder is one of the best options out there for some guys, especially if you want to find a hookup tonight. Most of the users on Tinder are young and attractive people, and this is where you will find some of the finest women in their late teens and early 20s.
The only downside to using Tinder is the fact that a lot of the really attractive women use this just for attention. You can swipe right on 10 women, and only one might bother to reply to your message. The good news is, if you are an attractive man, you will have much better luck meeting whoever you want. So it's where you can get laid if you're young or hot enough. It's still one of the best hookup apps in Sacramento, though, so it's not impossible to get lucky on Tinder.
Even though Tinder used to be considered the best platform for hooking up, it has evolved into more of a general one.
Ain’t Normal Café is the best hangout for meeting cool girls in Oakland
@aintnormalcafe
Ain’t Normal Café is one of those neighborhood coffee shops where you feel at home as soon as you walk in. It’s always filled with creative types, students, and girls catching up or working on their laptops over iced lattes and fresh pastries. The chill decor gives the place a lived-in, local vibe—making it super easy to start up a conversation with a girl at the next table or maybe even score a casual date.
The crowd is a mix of Oakland locals and out-of-towners. Even Fresno girls make the trip just for the coffee and the easygoing scene. The friendly baristas are always down for a chat and will probably remember your name after just a few visits. If you’re looking for a spot where it feels totally natural to strike up a conversation or spark something new, Ain’t Normal Café might be your new favorite place to hang out.
Fitness SF is another great place to pick up sexy Oakland girls, believe it or not
fitnesssf.com
Yes, you can actually have much luck finding hook ups in Oakland at Fitness SF, one of the most popular gyms in the city. And the best thing about it is that all girls in there are either already fit or working towards it.
If you’re too scared to approach a girl on the treadmill, don’t worry: Fitness SF also offers fitness classes like Zumba, where there are typically many more women than men. Aside from all the girls you can meet in there, hitting the gym is a great way to boost your confidence. So approaching someone gets easier over time.
Fitness SF has a full weight floor where you can put on some muscle mass, as well as cardio equipment to help you lose those extra pounds. As a nice bonus, the gym offers towels and body products to look and smell your best when talking to girls.
As a local with deep roots in Oakland's dating scene, I've seen firsthand how this city can offer countless opportunities to meet new people. Whether you're seeking casual encounters or something more meaningful, remember that it's about enjoying the journey and the connections you make along the way. So, take the insights I've shared here, explore Oakland's dating scene, and create your own unforgettable experiences.
Map of My favorite places to find hookups and meet girls
In order to make things a lot easier for you to plan I've put all of my favorite spots in Oakland on the map below. As you can see, it isn't too tough to try out multiple places in a night. If you really want to get a lot of success with girls you're going to need to bounce around a bit.
How to be more successful in meeting girls
A lot of guys around town are struggling to meet single girls. Even with so many options you need to know what you're doing to really do well here. Below are a few articles that will help you in the spots we list above:
- If you're getting girls numbers but it fizzles read our guide on determining what that means
- If you're tired of doing all the work and want to flip the script learn how to get a girl to ask you out
- If you're running out of things to say try some of our favorite deep topics to talk about with girls
- If you still don't feel great about yourself start learning more about how to be confident around girls
If you want to pick up other types of girls try these recommendations
