Raleigh is arguably among the most underrated cities to live in the United States. It’s rarely making headlines or topping the various ‘best city for’ polls that are completed every year, but it has everything you need for a good life. For all you singles out there looking for Raleigh hookups, you might find that this city gives you a lot of opportunities. Those opportunities tend to open up when you use some of the top Raleigh hookup sites like these:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
“It’s the people and welcoming Southern community, the college town vibes and facilities, the greenspaces and oak trees…” says Craig Makepeace, co-founder of thisisraleigh.com. “The culture, the climate, the trails, the top schools, the solid economy, the affordability, the family-friendly neighborhoods…”
But what about dating in Raleigh? If you’re looking for Raleigh hookups we know the best options out there. We know that As a dating expert with tons of experience with Raleigh hookups, I know it can sometimes be hard to find the right hookup spot. This city has around half a million people, according to the latest Census. There are far too many different hookups options that aren’t worth your time or money. You want to avoid these, but you probably need a little guidance in doing so.
That is why I’ve teamed up with other local dating experts to put together this list. These recommendations are proven to give you the best odds of finding success, from Glenwood to Restful Pines all the way out to Knightdale. You don’t have to be an alum of North Carolina State or Meredith College to research the best hookup options. Just follow our advice and you’ll get laid in no time!
This city has almost half a million people, according to the latest Census. So, take a look at our recommendations and get ready to have a little fun. If there are any great spots we’ve missed, we would love to hear about them in the comments.
Table of Contents
Methodology for Finding the Ideal Spots to Hook Up in Raleigh
The thing with finding hookups is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Heart Insider frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to find Raleigh hookups:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding hookups. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if it really is easy to meet women and talk to them. They then use their charm to find hookups at each spot.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find hookups.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of hookup apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of hookup hotspots in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
Our favorite spots to find Raleigh hookups
Let's cut to the chase with the absolute best spots to find hook ups in Raleigh. These are the ones that almost always work out for us.
Boxcar Bar + Arcade is the city's best place to drink, play, and hang out
@boxcarRAL
Located in the Warehouse District, Boxcar Bar + Arcade is home to hundreds of classic and modern arcade-style games, pinball machines, dart boards and more. If you’re looking for affordable beer, approachable people and a touch of nostalgia, Boxcar Bar + Arcade is for you.
If you find that you have a tough time approaching other single people, this is the type of place that makes it easier. Save up your tokens, order an American craft beer and invite someone to join you at a game of Miss Pac-Man. Everyone is having fun, and you will too. You’ll see why this is one of the best Raleigh singles bars in no time. You wouldn't think an arcade would be one of the best options for finding hookups in Raleigh but it is.
What Other People Are Saying About Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Pau Garcia Quiles - Google Maps
“Videogames, arcades, pinballs, hockey, basketball... The most popular games are available at the BoxCar. Great place to go with your friends or significant other and spend a few hours. Wide selection of beers too.”
AFF is the simplest way to find a hookup in Raleigh (try it free)
If you’re not having any luck on Tinder (like most guys), AFF is where you need to be. We've consistently seen it give the best results for regular dudes. If you haven't tried their free trial below you need to.
When you have 60 million active members (many that are in Raleigh) and a laser focus on hookups you're going to see a lot of success. Now that Tinder is more about relationships AFF is the king of hookups.
The vast majority of guys will find their best success on AFF.
Too many women are only finding guys to hookup with online for you to ignore it. Plus, being able to meet women all day from your couch is pretty nice. Stop missing out on a lot of opportunities and give their trial a shot below. Nothing else comes close.
To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review.
What people are saying about AFF
Alison B. - Sitejabber
“Been on there off and on 10 or so Years. Been to SEVERAL meets and parties! I've made tons of fun friends and have more fun clubbing and swinging with them then any other peer genre! Too many nasty old, fat, desperate mean with high expectations. True sex addicts and swingers love this site and it works well for them.”
u/Changeusername5 - Reddit
“I think it partially comes down to the area you live in. I live within 30 minutes of a large city and have had decent success with the website. Yes, there are bots but they’re pretty easy to spot. Assume that any girl who has model looks or professional photos is likely fake. I find it humorous that a guy who is, say a 5 on a scale of 1 through 10, falls for messages from a gal who’s clearly way out of his league. When I message women on there I typically focus on those that are 7 or 8’s, as most bots use very attractive photos of themselves to reel in suckers.”
The best Raleigh pickup bars we've tried
Here are the bars where we had the most success finding Raleigh hook ups:
Foundation is a sophisticated cocktail bar
@FOUNDATION-234145455584
This sophisticated downtown cocktail bar, gets pretty packed on the weekends. So you’ll have the opportunity to meet many classy girls. Foundation, like the name suggests, is basement-level and has a cozy but upscale atmosphere.
Drinks are good, and the cocktail menu changes often, so you’ll never get bored with the same concoction. The prices are more or less average for our city, but you get top-notch mixologists creating your drink.
What Other People Are Saying About Foundation
Manuela Jones - Google Maps
“Such a cute vibe! The place is cute and cozy and great for conversations! Had the best cocktail too and wonderful service.”
Raleigh Beer Garden is a great place to socialize
@raleighbeergarden
The atmosphere of beer gardens is great for meeting new people. It’s also a surefire way to meet new girls in the city. The Raleigh Beer Garden is one of these magic places where the alcohol minimizes inhibitions and the outdoor space makes each interaction seem cool and casual. It's so cool that it reminds us of some of the best spots to get laid in Charlotte.
This place has a huge selection of tap beers to choose from (conversation starters!). But that also means it’s impossible to not find the perfect drink for you. Get your drinks with burgers, salads and pizzas. And since servings are big, you can share with the girls you’re chatting with!
What Other People Are Saying About Raleigh Beer Garden
Luiyer Murcia - Google Maps
“I love this place, it has a great variety of beers and is huge, There is a lot of space to have fun with friends. They have a backyard with games and more tables and couches.”
Looking for something classy and cozy? C. Grace Cocktail Bar is your place
@cgracebar
C. Grace Cocktail Bar is a classic jazz bar. The lights are low and the drinks are strong. What more could you look for in a Raleigh hook up bar? Live music? Well, they have that too. It gets a little crowded, especially on the weekends, so get there early to get a good spot. Can't score hookups in Durham? This Raleigh singles bar will make it easier for you!
If jazz isn’t your thing, there’s a backroom for quiet conversation and comfy couches. And, if you’ve connected with someone at one of the hookup options we mentioned, this is a perfect place to meet up.
What Other People Are Saying About C. Grace Cocktail Bar
Anindita Barman - Google Maps
“This place will teleport you to the 1800s. What decor! I highly recommend visiting just for the sake of experiencing the ambience. The live Jazz band that played on my day of visit, added more life to the vibe. The cocktails were amazing.”
Dram & Draught is a whiskey lover’s neighborhood bar
@dramanddraught
If you’re in the downtown area, stop in at Dram & Draught. It is simply a great place to have a drink. The atmosphere is unpretentious and the service is excellent. The drinks are award-winning (and strong!) and the crowd is fun. Places like this are some of the best ways to find sex partners near you.
Dram & Draught wants to be your neighborhood establishment. It aims to keep you entertained with a changing cocktail menu, events, and the feeling that the bartenders will remember your name and how you like your martini. It’s where you can get laid because of its romantic ambience.
What Other People Are Saying About Dram & Draught
Dan Smith - Google Maps
“This place won best cocktail bar from Raleigh Magazine for good reason. Knowledgeable bartenders working cocktail magic putting together a delicious collection of house cocktails and anything else you can think of.”
Honorable mentions
Here are other great bars and cocktail lounges where you can take advantage of liquid courage to approach girls:
The hookup apps in Raleigh dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| 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 |
How to stay safe on hookup apps in Raleigh
A recent study by Social Catfish found that North Carolina residents lost $18 million to online romance scams in 2022. This puts it among the top 10 most dangerous states for this crime.
Follow these tips to keep yourself safe.
- Keep your personal details safe. If online strangers are pressing you for your full name, address or financial details, they may be planning an identity fraud.
- Take steps to protect yourself against catfishes. Some 71% of dating app users say that catfishing is “very common”, according to Pew Research. It’s therefore worth checking your matches’ social media and running a reverse image search on their photos. Two thirds of women say it’s socially acceptable to research a partner this way before a date, according to a poll by the Thriving Center Of Psychology.
- Don’t send money to online strangers. Romance scammers create attractive fake profiles, aim to build an online romance then fabricate emergencies in which they need to borrow money. “They have an unexpected medical bill, or they have a bank loan that's come through or something like that,” says Thomas Keenan, author of Technocreep. "That's a major red flag and if they want your money, they're not your honey."
A study published in CRIMXRIV suggests that the best way to cease contact with romance scammers is to send detrrent message. Explain you know what they’re doing and that you’re reporting them to the authorities.
The best clubs for finding hookups in Raleigh
We love going to nightclubs because we can always find so many attractive girls. Here are some of our favorites.
Ambis 1 Nightclub is the right place to have fun during the weekend
@ambis1nc
This trendy nightclub is one of the best places to find hookups in Raleigh. This club attracts plenty of sexy Latina girls, but the crowd is still pretty diverse. While their specialty is Latin music, talented DJs put a modern spin on the beats. So if you know some Latin moves, you’ll definitely be a star here.
Grab a drink, head to the dance floor and check out the crowd. With so many girls going wild and letting loose, you won’t have trouble getting cozy with them!
What Other People Are Saying About Ambis 1 Nightclub
Carolina B - Google Maps
“Very secure place to enjoy your night. Plenty of space to dance. A variety of music to listen to. Different cultures under one roof. Amazing bar-tenders. The staff are very nice people and made me feel welcome. This night club knows how to party like a rock star.”
Honorable mentions
Here are other dance clubs where we had plenty of success meeting girls:
Best places to meet sexy Raleigh girls during the day
If you want to take a break from the bar scene, these daytime hotspots for finding Raleigh hookups might work out for you!
Benelux Coffee is another good option for guys who prefer to approach girls during the day
@BeneluxCoffee
Located in Cameron Village, a trendy shopping center, this coffee shop is filled with sexy girls who want to relax in between shopping sessions, or simply work on their laptops.
The menu offers delicious waffles, pastries, excellent coffee and lattes, and you can even sip a Mimosa on Saturdays and Sundays. Benelux Coffee is pet-friendly, so many girls bring their dogs. If you see a girl you like, compliment her dog. This simple gesture will make it easier to start a conversation!
What Other People Are Saying About Benelux Coffee
Rob Mihelic - Google Maps
“Good spot to study or 'work from home'. It's a large space with plenty of room to sit and isn't too loud.”
Planet Fitness is one of the best places to pick up girls
@planetfitness
This gym is surprisingly a great place to meet fit, single girls. It’s always packed with attractive girls who really care about keeping their bodies toned. Planet Fitness is no exception. When inside, avoid trying to approach a girl while she’s sweating on the treadmill. Remember that everyone is there to focus on their workout. Instead, wait a moment when she’s taking a break to chat her up.
At Planet Fitness, there are also massage chairs, tanning beds and hydromassage beds to help you feel more confident. The more you take care of your body, the easier it will be to approach girls.
What Other People Are Saying About Planet Fitness
Lexx Harrison - Google Maps
“This gym is great, staff is competent and polite. Always staffed and always open! Clean facilities and it's nice and big!!”
The Lucky Tree coffee shop is very popular with sexy college students
@luckytreeraleigh
If you’re a student or simply want to meet a college-age girl, don’t miss Lucky Tree, which is near North California State University and Meredith College. This cozy place is very popular among girls who want to get some homework done and enjoy a nice drink.
The menu offers a lot of specialty lattes and pastries. Sometimes, Lucky Tree hosts open mic nights that attract a lot of college students. You’ll be able to approach many girls during these nights!
What Other People Are Saying About Lucky Tree
Michael - Google Maps
“We visited here for the first time a few days ago and we’re pleasantly surprised by the amount of different coffees (iced coffee and hot coffee), teas, other drinks, food options.”
Other great hookup spots to get laid in Raleigh
Need more options? Don’t worry, here are other places where we had success meeting single girls:
Brewery Bhavana is the best bar to get laid in Raleigh
brewerybhavana.com
Brewery Bhavana has everything that a great hookup bar should have: delicious food, great craft beer, cocktails and wine, a cool vibe and friendly attentive staff. But, it has so much more. Inside is also a florist and a bookshop, with art, poetry and gifts. Everything is designed to cultivate a conversation, perfect for meeting someone new. If Greensboro hookups aren't happening for you yet, this is where you should go.
It gets crowded on the weekends, so expect a wait. But even the wait at Brewery Bhavana is interesting. Spend some time perusing the bookshop and maybe you’ll bump into someone worth getting a drink with.
What Other People Are Saying About Brewery Bhavana
Shriya Amit - Google Maps
“Unique experience, fairly priced for a fine dine and the quality of the food is top notch.”
Tinder is a good choice for attractive guys looking for Raleigh hookups
Who doesn’t know Tinder, one of the most well-known dating platforms out there? With its huge user pool, Tinder actually works, but you also face a lot of competition. For this reason, most average guys still tend to have more success on eHarmony or AFF. If you have an impressive profile with eye-catching photos and a great bio.
When a girl has to decide whether to swipe left or right on you, she’ll mostly just judge you on your profile pic. That’s the reason you need great photos if you want to have a lot of matches. Plus, the girls’ inboxes are literally bombarded with messages from guys every single day. It’s pretty difficult to stand out from such a big crowd if your photos are so-so and your online messaging skills are mediocre. But even then, it's still one of the best hookup apps in Winston Salem.
That said, Tinder has a user-friendly interface and, of course, thousands of attractive girls you could meet. We’d still say it’s worth a shot.
What people are saying about Tinder
George Gaudet - Google Play
“With a complete profile and a Premium Account, expect to get more matches. The Super Like Feature is by far the easiest way to stand out more. Good platform all around. Needs a Live feature though. 5 Stars.
Schanequa McNeal - Google Play
Met my husband on this app almost 3 years ago. I was very skeptical on writing this review,but didn't want to not share our story. Thanks to tinder and taking chances, I met the man of my dreams!!”
Brewgaloo is a great festival to meet hot girls
@brewgaloo
This beer festival is typically held in April in the Fayetteville Street neighborhood. It is organized by the Shop Local Raleigh association. Vendors offer excellent local food, accompanied with many types of local craft beers and live music. The festival has an enjoyable party atmosphere, which makes it easy to socialize with sexy girls in a setting that is different from the usual nightclub. Even Lexington Fayette girls agree that this is a great place to have fun!
The lines in front of stands to get beer and food are usually pretty long. So take advantage of the situation and approach that attractive girl who is bored waiting for her turn in front of you!
What Other People Are Saying About Brewgaloo
Taylor Traversari - Google Maps
“What an incredible local beer festival. I was amazed by the amount of breweries in the area and they all seemed to be at the festival. Great representation of everything local in the triangle - food trucks, rockin' bands, vendors, restaurants and of course a whole lot of beer! A truly unique and can't miss experience.”
Angus Barn Steakhouse is one of the country’s best steakhouses
@AngusBarn
Angus Barn Steakhouse is known for its service, atmosphere and music. But most of all it is known for its perfect steaks and exquisite menu. If you’re not in the mood for fine dining or a lengthy sit-down dinner, head on over to their Wild Turkey Bar and Lounge for live piano and strong drinks. Oversized leather couches and dim lighting make this a great hookup bar for food lovers. With the romantic ambiance, great food and amazing company, Angus Barn is the best bar to get laid in Raleigh.
What Other People Are Saying About Angus Barn Steakhouse
Leigh Cutlip - Google Maps
“The Angus Barn never disappoints, and it's extra special when decorated for the holidays! Every inch of the venue/restaurant, both outside and inside is impeccable.”
Frequently Asked Questions on Raleigh Hookups
What is the best hookup site for Raleigh?
Research by datingnews.com indicdates that Christian Mingle is the most popular dating app in North Carolina, but this is very much for people seeking serious relationships.
Tinder is definitely the best hookup site in Raleigh right now due to how popular it is with the population. However, if you want better results for hookups, then AFF could be a good alternative.
Where can I meet girls in Raleigh?
The best places to meet girls is to visit Raleigh singles bars, such as:
- Boxcar Bar + Arcade
- Foundation
- C.Grace Cocktail Bar
- Dram & Draught
Online dating is popular with Raleigh girls too, so it’s worth putting a profile together on the most popular dating apps.
“I get the value of dating apps—it broadens your options and a chance to prescreen people. But don’t forget about meeting people in real life too!,” says local dating expert Elizabeth Overstreet. “Sometimes we are so consumed with getting stuck in one way of doing things that we miss the opportunity to connect with people IRL.”
Is Raleigh a good city for singles?
Raleigh was recently ranked as having the third best dating scene in the United States, following a study by Apartment List. Some 42% of locals said they were satisfied with the dating culture in the city.
“The influx of young professionals entering the area every year mixed with the 22,000 students attending local North Carolina State University is likely one of the reasons for the increase in dating satisfaction,” said Justin Chaplin, a spokesman for Apartment List. “With its robust tech scene, Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country,” he added.
With that said, data gathered by porch.com suggested that only 30.8% of Raleigh residents are single. Plus, the residents don’t exactly have a reputation for being outgoing and friendly.
“It’s more difficult here,” says local dating coach Alma Rubenstein. “People are more reluctant to meet. There’s not a lot of support systems for single folks.”
Ultimately though, we’ve found that if you can be that social guy who’s willing to meet new people, you can stand out as a real catch in Raleigh.
“You have to put yourself out there - You'll never find your mate if you're working all of the time and you're at home,” says dating coach Lamoont White. “Go where singles are and do things that you like to do for fun.”
Is Raleigh expensive for dating?
The Black Tux blog recently measured the cost of an average date in 50 United States, and Raleigh ranked as the 12th cheapest. You can expect less than the average American when dating in Raleigh, according to this study at least.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
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Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Andrius Saulis
Andrius, the mind behind Saulis Dating, is a professional dating coach and educator with over a decade of hands-on experience, who shows men how to deal with their insecurities and self-esteem issues, and teaches guys how to have consistently great dates that end up in casual hookups or serious relationships.
He has taught thousands of guys how to master their inner game by getting rid of their anxiety, shyness, nervousness, self-doubt, feat, and various mental blocks and limiting beliefs that hold most men back from being awesome with women! Andrius is also a successful author (Amazon) who has published multiple books on dating and relationships that have been highly received.
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