Despite being one of the best places to live in America, dating in Dallas can be a bit difficult, especially after the pandemic. Like any big city, the past-paced life in the Big D can be problematic for romantic singles who don't have enough time or energy to find good dates.
The good news?
You can still have fun in Dallas with some guidance - and effort. Dating is all about finding the right pool of prospects then presenting yourself in the best way possible to attract your desired person of interest.
In other words, dating is just a matter of how and where...
- How to be more attractive (both in and out): Taking good care of your looks, becoming more confident (in and outside the bedroom), having a fun, friendly personality, being nice to strangers but still setting strong boundaries, and finally, being reliable, and knowing how to have deep, fun and intimate conversations with other people.
- Where to find other singles: You can be the hottest guy or gal in your neighborhood, but if you don't properly put yourself out there (even on social media and dating sites), then you'll only end up with a fraction of dates that you could've got if you were more socially active.
We already covered the "how" question in several dating guides all over the site. So we'll keep this guide to show you where to find attractive singles in Dallas and where to date them. Keep reading...
The Apps Dating Coaches Recommend Most For Dating in Dallas
If your dating life needs a boost, but you can’t seem to meet any more women when you go out, dating apps are the solution. Plenty of women prefer dating apps because it helps them filter out creeps and get to know some really good guys like you. So use at least one of the options below to meet lots of single women!
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try eHarmony 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder
Table of Contents
What Dating in Dallas Is Like Right Now
The dating stats in Dallas are both promising and confusing. On one hand, it just ranked #77 among 130 large cities in terms of being singles-friendly.
But on the other, it's one of the richest cities not only in America but the world. It's big, diverse - especially downtown Dallas -, and almost a third of its population (31.4% or 427k residents) are singles (209k men, 218k women). These numbers mean that, regardless of your taste or gender, or background, there's a big chance you find what you look for in Dallas, with some work of course.
Also, for those aiming at the 18-25 age range, there are more than 20 colleges in the Dallas areas and a ton of single bars and clubs serving this particular type of audience.
Also, many techs and Fortune 500 companies either operate or have headquarters in Dallas, including AT&T, Southwest Airlines and Trinity Industries. This means thousands of newly-relocated young singles who, just like you, are looking for a chance to mingle in Dallas.
Like I said earlier, dating in Dallas is not that depressing. You just need to know where to look exactly. And here's where...
Where to Meet Someone to Date in Dallas
As I said earlier, Dallas is a big city (1.36 million residents). It's the most populated city in Texas (9th in America) and there isn't any shortage of fun things to do.
We already have a full guide on where to find Dallas hookups, (feel free to check it), but to cover all the good spots, I listed below a handful of venues that are both cool and budget-friendly. These spots also have the following criteria in common:
- Lots of singles
- Fun atmosphere
- Easy to mix and mingle with new people
- Quiet enough to actually have a conversation
- Alcohol is a plus
- Relatively inexpensive
Why you should be using at least one app
The lockdown year was the year of face masks and dating apps. All of a sudden everyone realized what they get with 4 good photos and a few swipes, especially in a busy city like Dallas. But even in a post-pandemic world, dating apps are still your best bet when it comes to meeting someone to date.
Just think about it: what other method lets you hang out at home while you connect with other singles nearby? What's more, with so many people using dating apps, it's easier to find someone whose interests align with yours. While sure, not every single person you meet online will make for a great date, but it's a good start.
Not sure which apps you should be using? These two have consistently worked for us:
eHarmony is the best option for finding relationships (4% of America's marriages start on eHarmony)
In my quest for meaningful, lasting love in the dynamic dating scene of Dallas, eHarmony has undoubtedly been my guiding star, and I'm thrilled to share my personal journey. When it comes to finding genuine, committed relationships, eHarmony unquestionably reigns supreme. It's no surprise that a remarkable 4% of marriages across America begin on this platform, and my own experiences are a testament to the power of eHarmony's unique compatibility matching system. With a focus on values, interests, and long-term aspirations, eHarmony ensures that you're not just swiping through profiles but connecting with individuals who share your vision for a lasting partnership.
What sets eHarmony apart is its unwavering commitment to creating meaningful connections. The platform's in-depth profiles and the astounding statistic of 4% of marriages nationwide make it a standout choice for those looking for love in Dallas. Whether you're ready to take the next step towards marriage or simply seeking a deep and meaningful relationship, eHarmony is your ultimate choice for forging connections in the heart of Texas. Give it a try, and you'll quickly see why it's my top recommendation for those on the quest for true love in Dallas.
AFF is best for more casual fun as everyone on AFF is looking to hook up
In my exploration of the dynamic dating scene in Dallas, I've discovered that when it comes to more relaxed and casual fun, AFF (Adult Friend Finder) is the unrivaled champion, and my personal experiences truly reflect this sentiment. Everyone on AFF is there with the same goal in mind – to hook up and have a good time. This unique focus on casual encounters creates a platform where like-minded individuals come together, making it the top choice for those seeking no-strings-attached connections in the Big D.
With its diverse and active user base, AFF offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of features that make it a breeze to find partners for casual fun in Dallas. Whether you're a seasoned pro in the world of casual dating or just looking to add some excitement to your romantic life, AFF provides a safe and discreet space for exploration and connection. If you're in it for the casuals and want to meet others with the same mindset, look no further – AFF is the go-to app for finding like-minded individuals ready to hook up and have a blast in the heart of Texas.
BUT, you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. Your perfect match can be anywhere in Dallas not only on Tinder, Bumble or Hinge. Socializing too will get you dates - lots of them actually - and I'll show you where to start.
The Best Singles Bars in Dallas
In this section, I'm going to share with you the best, and coolest bars to meet singles in Dallas. We tested dozens of venues to come up with this list. It doesn't include every cool bar, rooftop, and lounge in Dallas but we know for sure these ones can and will deliver. Also, feel free to share some of your selections in the comment section or via email.
- Foundation Room - 2200 N Lamar St
- Cowboys Red River - 10310 Technology Blvd W
- Double Wide Bar - 3510 Commerce St
- The Grapevine Bar - 3902 Maple Ave
- Single Wide - 2110 Greenville Ave
- The Nines - 2911 Main (also a fantastic place to meet Dallas cougars)
Now that you know where to go for a night of fun in Dallas, it's time to show you where to meet local singles during the day.
A few other great places to find a date in Dallas
I'd like to expand my efforts beyond bars and clubs. There's more to do in Dallas than hopping between bars. I personally find it more thrilling to hit on women while doing regular, or even mundane day-to-day activities - think walking my dog or finishing legal paperwork.
If you're a morning person, a busy person, a non-drinker or just someone who wants more options, then you can give these places a try:
- It’ll Do Club - 4322 Elm St
- Coffee House Cafe - 6150 Frankford Rd
- Stupid Good Coffee - 1910 Pacific Ave #2060
- Meetup groups - Loaded with singles and will help you a lot, especially if you just moved to Dallas
- Pete's Dueling Piano Bar - 4980 Belt Line Rd #200
- Louie Louie's Dueling Piano Bar - 2605 Elm St
- Natural Grocers - 11661 Preston Rd #224
- Online dating is here to stay (check out the best dating sites in Dallas here)
The Apps Dating Coaches Recommend Most For Dating in Dallas
If your dating life needs a boost, but you can’t seem to meet any more women when you go out, dating apps are the solution. Plenty of women prefer dating apps because it helps them filter out creeps and get to know some really good guys like you. So use at least one of the options below to meet lots of single women!
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link Experience Highlights Try eHarmony Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free Tinder Highlights Try Tinder
What about speed dating in Dallas?
I like speed dating. I even did a lot during the pandemic.
It can be intimidating or even terrifying, to put your personality on the line for other strangers to rate it but so does Tinder. Plus, it toughens you up and improves your communication skills way beyond imagination.
Sounds convincing?
If yes, then the following are some of the biggest speed dating groups in Dallas. Give them a try if you're interested:
Our Best Date Ideas in Dallas and Why They Work so Well
Ok. So you met a fun gal/guy, texted them for a while and you want to take them out. Now what?
First off, congratulations
Second, don't take them to the movies or anywhere with so much distraction. You want their focus to be completely on you which will rarely happen if you take them to see a movie or a comedy show.
Keep it simple, and make sure that the venue you choose meets the following rules:
- Has a fun and upbeat energy
- Things are going on around you that you can talk about
- Doesn't involve you sitting face-to-face for long periods of time
- Has you both moving around a bit
- Isn't too expensive
- Doesn't last for hours and hours so you can cut it short if there isn't any chemistry
- Allows both of you to feel comfortable
- Has a little friendly competition
But what if you don't want to go to a bar or lounge, what should you do instead?
As much as I prefer that you have your first date in a bar or a cafe, there are still a few more things you can do in Dallas than just sit at a table and have a few drinks. Like these:
- Ice skating
- Take a dance class together
- Shoot some arrows at an archery range
- Go to the driving range
- Check out a street fair (we have tons)
- Axe throwing
- Escape room
- Roller skating
- Take a walk with your dog somewhere fun (if you have one)
- Painting class (preferably with booze)
- Museum
- Botanical garden
The first date idea that we always recommend
The ideas above can be great first dates but we have a better idea. When people ask our team what the best first date in Dallas is we always tell them the same thing, meet up at a laid-back lounge or coffee shop and get to know each other a bit.
A full-blown date is a lot of pressure and isn't cheap. It takes time to plan and might involve you taking a bus around town to get there. Before you make that kind of investment you want to know that you and your interest have at least some level of compatibility. The last thing you want is to get stuck for hours on a date that you knew 10 minutes in that it wasn't going anywhere.
Instead, tell them that you're really busy but would love to meet up for a drink to get to know each other a bit. If things go well you can always extend the date into one of the activities above. If it doesn't, you haven't lost much. This also takes a lot of pressure off both of you so you can both relax and be yourselves.
Dallas' Best Date Bars (Especially for First Dates)
Bars and cafes are relatively cheaper than lounges and restaurants, which makes sense because you don't want to splash a lot on the date then find out that he or she is not a good match.
Another reason is that some women think a fancy first date pressures them into doing stuff they don't want to do - i.e., being intimate with a guy - and make them feel "bought".
Below are some of the best inexpensive, yet super chill, bars for a fun first date in Dallas:
- Cidercade Dallas - 2777 Irving Blvd #200
- The Gallery Lounge - 1325 Botham Jean Blvd
- Taboo Lounge Dallas - 1418 N Riverfront Blvd
- Waterproof - 1914 Commerce St 19th floor
- Dallasite Billiards - 4822 Bryan St
- LC Lounge - 305 Centre St
- One Eyed Penguin - 2, 1, 1404 Main
- The Goat - 7248 Gaston Ave
- Lounge 31 - 87 Highland Park Village
The Date Spots in Dallas that We Love
Some people still stand firm against having a date in a cafe. Others are committed people who want to break the routine by doing something wild or new with their partners.
Is that you?
If yes, then don't worry. We made you a list of some of the best experiences to share on a date in Dallas. From parks to game centers, these are some of the things you can do that don't involve drinking:
- Skating around at Texas Skatium
- Bet on the turtle racing at Backyard Dallas (Monday's only)
- Check out the Dallas Zoo (it's free)
- The Sixth Floor Museum, Perot Museum of Nature, and Dallas Museum of Arts
- Try a group dance lesson together at Salsabysal Dance Studio (offers Bachata classes too)
- Shoot some targets together at Westlake Archery Range
- Watch the Mavs together at American Airlines Center
- Walk through one of the MANY street fairs in Dallas
- If you can solve a puzzle try Dave & Buster's
The Date Night Restaurants in Dallas that Really Stand Out
For all those foodies in Dallas, we got something for you...
Even though I still stand for not having a first date in a restaurant. Some of our readers are long-term couples who want to spend a cool night with their partners that involve food and candles.
For them, I made a list of some of the best restaurants in Dallas that offer delicious food an intimate atmosphere. Here they are:
- Pappas Bros. - 10477 Lombardy Ln
- North Italia - 2301 N Akard St Suite 280
- Sassetta - 1530 Main STE 100
- Sachet - 4270 Oak Lawn Ave
- Yardbird Table & Bar - 2121 N Pearl St
- Eddie V's - 4023 Oak Lawn Ave
- 3 Eleven Kitchen and Cocktails - 311 N Market St # 100
- The Mansion - 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd
