As the weather finally starts to resemble the winter, one thing is becoming readily apparent—it’s cuffing season. But as big and little spoons pair off for a few months of cocooning, what happens to those without a Netflix buddy? Maybe you want your own partner to warm all of the cold nights, or maybe you’re seeking a buddy for one evening only. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s time to go old school. Skip the swiping and head to some of the best hook up bars in town.
Photo by LaTur.
WONDERLAND BALLROOM: Saying you want to go to Wonderland in the weekend’s early morning hours is essentially a euphemism for “I’d like a drunken, sweaty make-out session with a stranger, please.” The darkened upstairs of the Columbia Heights spot gets packed to the brim late Friday and Saturday, largely with new college graduates who love flailing their limbs around to Ja Rule and other hits from the naughty aughties. If you’re looking for a little bump-n-grind and you’re not too keen on conversation, you’ll most likely find a willing dance partner here.—Rachel Kurzius
Wonderland Ballroom is located at 1101 Kenyon St NW.
PENN SOCIAL: I visit Penn Quarter when I want to flex my free throw skills on the basketball arcade game (my record is about 10-4), then commemorate my win with a sports-themed picture at the photo booth. If you’re the competitive type, this is the perfect spot for hooking up because you can get an adrenaline rush via whatever game suits your fancy. Once you meet a good competitor, you can grab a drink at the bar and find a spot to chill—the two-level space that’s only crowded during scheduled events.—Christina Sturdivant
Penn Social is located at 801 E St NW.
KELLY’S IRISH TIMES: Dark corners, check. Spacious floor for impromptu dancing, check. Plenty of whiskey, check. Kelly’s Irish Times apparently has everything one needs for a love connection. It is also home to weekly trivia, social sport league gatherings, and occasional concerts, all facilitating the meeting of new people. And I may be biased because I’m betrothed to someone I basically fell on there, but I’m pretty sure it’s good luck.—Nicole Dubowitz
Kelly’s Irish Times is located at 14 F St NW.
TRYST: While we all know that I love coffee shops for posting behind my Macbook and stealing WiFi during the day, a booze-serving cafe is perfect for meeting that special someone—especially for nerdy couples who get stimulated over coffee talk. That’s why Tryst is a no-brainer. Whether you prefer your intimate conversations with a cocktail or Irish coffee, this is the ideal place for taking your intellectual feels to the next level. Also, I’ve found that the best time to snag a comfy couch at Tryst is an evening over the weekend because your typical Adams Morgan revelers are scouting the best dance clubs and dive bars—no one’s checking for the dimly lit coffee shop.—Christina Sturdivant
Tryst is located at 2459 18th St NW.
ROCKET BAR: Sometimes, people don’t approach one another because they’re not quite sure how to strike up conversation. At Rocket Bar, the bevy of activities for customers means that there’s always a relevant way to start talking to the people around you. From video games like Big Buck Hunter to shuffleboard to pool, you can ensure some friendly interaction with others.—Rachel Kurzius
Rocket Bar is located at 714 7th St NW.
POV: With one of the best views of the White House, fancy cocktails at your disposal, and comfy seats for cuddling, POV’s terrace makes for a great location. Even the more enclosed portion of the rooftop lounge gives the allure of romance with its dim lighting and swanky decor. It’s a tourist destination, but don’t let that scare you. It means that you’ll see new faces, including some folks who are probably seeking a vacation fling. Plus, you’re literally inside of a hotel. Need I say more?—Christina Sturdivant
POV is located at 515 15th Street NW.
SHOWTIME LOUNGE: Low ceilings, cheap alcohol, and the free jukebox filled with Motown classics make Showtime a bar that brings people together. All you’ve got to do is turn to the person next to you and start singing. (The effectiveness of this move probably depends on your vocal stylings.) Plus, the varied seating options—especially the walled-off booths—offer places to land a first smooch with as much privacy as you can hope to expect in a crowded bar. But if you’re feeling a little more shy, you’re in luck. Because the bar is cash-only, you might meet someone on the line for the ATM. “So…how much money are you taking out?” could be the ice-breaker that changes your life.—Rachel Kurzius
Showtime Lounge is located at 113 Rhode Island Ave NW.
CHEZ BILLY: This is the kind of place where you take some you’d like to impress. The modest exterior of the historical building belies a majestic inside, replete with a fireplace and chandeliers. It’s stunning. In the summer, the French bistro/lounge opens up its back patio for but it might be even more romantic in the winter, when the building’s many corners and alcoves make snuggling up close to one another a near necessity.—Rachel Kurzius
Chez Billy is located at 3815 Georgia Ave NW.
LITTLE MISS WHISKEY’S: There’s something about the purple glow at Little Miss Whiskey’s. It makes the chachkies and patterned wallpaper seem even more interesting than they would be otherwise, and that lighting could work on people, too. Sidle up to the bar and order something from the extensive beer menu. If you require that your buddy be a Saints fan, this is the place for you—the bar plays all New Orleans NFL games.—Rachel Kurzius
Little Miss Whiskey’s is located at 1104 H St NE.
Did we miss any? Sound off in the comments.
