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What Dating in Indianapolis Is Like Right Now
The dating scene in Indianapolis has always been a challenge and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic made things worse. Many young singles choose Indianapolis as a great way to start a career in the capital of Indiana and enjoy a quality of life above other cities in the area. With so many career opportunities in establishments like The Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly, and more, new singles are moving to Indianapolis for its opportunities AND to find a compatible partner.
There is also plenty of diversity here in the type of partners you can find, especially for the Midwest. From down-home country types, cosmopolitan urban people, and young professionals, Indianapolis has it all - that is, if you’re willing to put in the effort.
If you look at the total number of singles currently in the Indianapolis dating scene, you’ll probably be surprised at just how many individuals are actually single (and looking). Currently, Indianapolis has 145,000 single women and 135,000 single men, accounting for nearly 33% of the total population. In other words, there are A LOT of singles out there.
Now, we know what you’re thinking: Why am I still single? If there are a lot of singles out there? Luckily, knowledge is power when it comes to meeting someone in the Indianapolis dating scene. Sadly, the truth is that having tons of dating options doesn't mean that dating in Indianapolis is going to be easy, but a realistic outlook should be encouraging.
Indianapolis: Where Careers and Love Meet
Understanding the Dating Demographics
Meeting the Indy Singles
Where to Meet Someone to Date in Indianapolis
While it's challenging to compile an exhaustive list of ideal places for dating in Indianapolis, I'll share some venues that have proven to be successful for both meeting people and finding meaningful connections. Keep in mind that your choice of venue should align with your dating preferences, so let's explore some options.
Let me share with you some of the best venues that will make it much simpler to meet and date Indianapolis singles who are into serious relationships (HeartInsider has a comprehensive list of suggestions on where to find Indianapolis hookups if you’re looking for that sort of thing).
These places tend to have the following criteria for finding serious relationships:
- Lots of singles
- Fun atmosphere
- Easy to mix & mingle with new people
- Quiet enough to have a conversation
- Alcohol options are a plus
- Relatively inexpensive
In my honest opinion, each of those six (6) characteristics plays a big part when meeting up with other available Indianapolis singles. Before we get into some specific recommendations, however, let's first turn our attention to which apps you’re using to date in Indy:
Why you should be using at least one app
If you're not on any dating app right now, then you're really at a disadvantage in today’s highly competitive dating scene. With all the social distancing and WFH (work from home), more people are using apps as their primary way to meet people!
Can you still find success without apps? Sure, you can. But it can be difficult if you’re busy or like to enjoy your free time.
If you've struggled in the past to choose which app works for you, check out our rankings of the best dating apps in Indianapolis to get a sense of what apps are the right ones for you. From young professionals, religious singles, and serious individuals looking for the most compatible option, there are a ton of apps that offer a unique user base.
If you feel too busy to read our in-depth article, these dating apps are the best first choice:
eHarmony (try for free!) -the best option for long-term relationships with a 70% success ratio in 1-year
When it comes to finding lasting love in Indianapolis, I've got to share my top two picks with you. eHarmony, which you can try for free, is hands down the best option for those seeking long-term, committed relationships. With an impressive 70% success ratio in just one year, it's a testament to the effectiveness of their compatibility matching system. This approach ensures you're not just swiping through profiles but connecting with individuals who genuinely share your values and relationship goals. The in-depth profiles and free trial period make it easy to dive in and discover why eHarmony is my go-to choice for those looking for meaningful connections in the Circle City.
If casual encounters and some fun are more your style, then AFF (Adult Friend Finder) is worth a shot, and you can try it for free as well. With a diverse and active user base in Indianapolis, it's a fantastic option for spicing up your dating life. The site's range of features and a thriving local community make it a breeze to find like-minded individuals. So, whether you're in the market for a long-term commitment or just some casual fun, these two options have you covered in Indianapolis, and my personal experience can vouch for their effectiveness. Give them a try and find your dating success in the heart of Indiana.
AFF (also try for free!) - the best option for casual fun while protecting your privacy
When it comes to spicing up your dating life in Indianapolis while keeping your privacy a top priority, AFF (Adult Friend Finder) is the ultimate choice, and I can't emphasize this enough from my own experiences. With the option to try it for free, AFF offers a perfect blend of excitement and discretion that's hard to find elsewhere. This platform's robust features and user-friendly interface make it a breeze to connect with locals who share your interests, all while maintaining a strong focus on privacy. Your personal details are safe, and you can engage with confidence, exploring casual fun in a secure environment that's designed with your needs in mind.
Whether you're a seasoned player in the casual dating game or new to it all, AFF's versatility and commitment to user privacy are unparalleled. With a thriving community in Indianapolis, it's the go-to choice for those seeking a little adventure while ensuring their personal life remains personal. Try it for free and experience firsthand why it's my top recommendation for those looking to have some casual fun in the Circle City.
After evaluating dozens of dating sites and apps, it’s clear that we have a pretty decent idea of what works in the real world. Check out our full rankings above to get you started on what’s good in Indianapolis.
Now, let's talk about our favorite spots around the city.
The best singles bars in Indianapolis
Using the six criteria cited before, we've narrowed down the best bars in Indianapolis for singles. These bars offer more chances for men and women to interact, have a refreshing drink (or three), and chat with interesting strangers.
These bars in Indianapolis are worth trying first:
- Bar One Fourteen in Oliver Johnson’s Woods - 114 E 49th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205
- The Rathskeller in Lockerbie Square - 401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Dorman Street in Cottage Home - 901 Dorman St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Alley Cat Lounge in Broad Ripple - 6267 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
- Howl at the Moon Indianapolis in Market East District - 20 E Georgia St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Union 50 if you want to meet an Indianapolis cougar - 620 N East St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Have fun and don’t be discouraged if you're not feeling it. We gathered different options from diverse neighborhoods, but there are plenty of factors where bars work depending on the time of day, or simply are the preferred choice for attractive social cliques. If you have any suggestions on what we should add, leave them in the comments below.
A few other great places to find a date in Indianapolis
Not everyone enjoys hitting up their local watering holes. Bars can be a great place to meet other Indianapolis singles, but they’re not the only option where you can interact.
While Indianapolis has a bit of a boozy reputation, you can still get great results outside of a bar - even during the boiling summers and the frigid winter months.
Take a look at a few more options below that have helped men and women in Indianapolis get to know each other. Being open-minded in trying new things gives you a significant competitive advantage.
Above all, don't take things too seriously. Just by focusing on enjoying life and spending time in these places, you’ll cross paths and get clues about where your next significant other will be!
- Bee Coffee Roasters in Eagle Creek - 5510 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis IN 46254
- Amberson Coffee in Fletcher Place and Fountain Square
- Prufrock Coffee Company in Canterbury - 5168 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205
- Georgia Street Grind in Downtown Indy - 1001, 25 W Georgia St #101, Indianapolis, IN 46225
- Monon Coffee Company in Broad Ripple - 920 E Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46220
- Whole Foods, Needler’s Fresh Market, or Trader Joe’s - Trust us, attractive single people shop upscale and organic!
- Meetup groups - There are tons of groups that are full of eager singles looking to share their interests, including music, tech, sports, and even singles mixers
- Again, apps and sites are a good option for just about anyone (check out the best dating sites in Indianapolis here)
The Apps Dating Coaches Recommend Most For Dating in Indianapolis
Modern dating requires modern solutions. So far, the best solution we’ve found for perpetual singledom is dating apps. Aside from going to places that are popular with single women, you should also be using at least one of the dating apps we’ve tried below.
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 Indianapolis
Speed dating has become more popular ever since the beginning of the pandemic - especially with the rising popularity of virtual speed dating. If you're busy and have some spare cash (events usually cost about $40 - $80 to attend), speed dating is an effective way to meet other singles in the space of an hour or so.
Most speed dating events follow the same pattern. First, you go on a bunch of "mini-dates" where you chat with another single participant for five minutes. Once five minutes are up, you move to the next table where the next woman is seated. As the night progresses, you make a list of the people you want to see again. If both people want to see each other again, the speed dating organizer provides you with the other match’s contact info.
The following are the best Indianapolis speed dating groups worth checking out:
Every suggestion we have covered in this section should give you a great start for finding someone available, single, and interesting to date. Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let's explore how to have a great date in Indianapolis!
Our Best Date Ideas in Indianapolis - and Why They’re So Great
Once you've met an interesting person, now’s the time to plan a great date to get to know them better. Most people default to the “classic dinner and a movie” date, which is usually a big mistake when it comes to first dates! Here’s why:
A dinner date between two people who just met is very likely to turn into some kind of pseudo-interview with general questions asked back and forth. Feels like work, and no one wants to work during their free time?
Instead, we’ve established a few ground rules that all of our date ideas generally follow. Use these to set a baseline to come up with some new ideas for yourself - or at least avoid boring dates that lead to failure.
A great date idea tends to be one that:
- 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
- Ice Skating: Head to Carmel Ice Skadium for some ice-skating fun. It's a great way to break the ice and share some laughs.
- Dance Lessons: Consider taking a dance class together at Naptown Ballroom. Dancing is not only fun but also a great way to bond.
- Archery: Challenge each other at an archery range like Koteewi Archery. It adds an element of competition and excitement to your date.
- Visit the Zoo: The Indianapolis Zoo offers a fantastic setting to enjoy the company of animals and each other. It's a unique and memorable experience.
- Art Fairs: Indianapolis hosts numerous art fairs throughout the year. Stroll through vendor booths, appreciate art, and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Botanical garden
This is a pretty short list, but this gives you an idea of where to start your search in Indianapolis. All of these are designed to be fun and provide a memorable experience for you and your date.
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 Indianapolis 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 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.
Best Date Bars in Indianapolis (Especially for Fun First Dates)
Indianapolis offers a wide range of date bars to set the mood for a memorable evening. I love how these bars have great drink specials along with their welcoming atmosphere. Here are some date bars in Indianapolis that won't break the bank:
- Tappers Arcade Bar (Fletcher's Place): This spot offers a blend of nostalgia and fun, with classic arcade games and a lively crowd.
- Nicky Blaine's Cocktail Lounge (Downtown Indy): If you prefer a more upscale setting with classic cocktails, Nicky Blaine's is a sophisticated choice.
- The Brass Ring Lounge (North Square): Known for its relaxed ambiance and live music, this lounge is perfect for a laid-back date night.
- Mucky Duck (South Port): This Irish pub offers a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal place to chat and get to know each other.
- Spoke & Steele (Market East District): If you're seeking a modern and stylish setting, Spoke & Steele is a great option with a diverse drink menu.
- Rick's Cafe Boatyard (Eagles Landing): Enjoy waterfront views and a seafood-centric menu at Rick's, perfect for a romantic date night.
- LO-FI Lounge (North Square): Located in the historic G. C. Murphy Building, LO-FI Lounge offers an artsy atmosphere and a variety of cocktails.
- Slippery Noodle (Wholesale District): Indiana's oldest bar is known for its blues music, making it an excellent choice for a night of entertainment.
This is a great starter list to help you set the scene for a memorable date. Remember, each neighborhood in Indianapolis has its own share of hidden gems and popular hangouts. Don’t be afraid to go barhopping in the neighborhood if the vibe isn’t right or find a place more suited to you and your date.
Best Date Night Restaurants in Indianapolis that Should Be Your First Choice
While traditional dinner dates are best reserved for later in your dating journey, there are still plenty of date night restaurants in Indianapolis where you can enjoy a quick, delicious meal before your adventures. I've invited some of my dates to to these restaurants since they offer excellent food and a cozy atmosphere. Most of them turned out really, really well, which is why I think you should try them out too!
- Bakersfield (Downtown Indy): With its tasty tacos and lively ambiance, Bakersfield sets the stage for a relaxed date night (334 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204)
- The Eagle (Downtown Indy): Fried chicken lovers will appreciate The Eagle, known for its crispy and flavorful dishes (310 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204)
- The Rooftop Garden (North Square): This rooftop restaurant offers stunning views and a diverse menu, making it a delightful choice for a date night (5th Floor, 1105 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203)
- Ash & Elm Cider Co. Restaurant and Cider Bar (Arsenal Heights): If you're looking for a unique experience, explore the world of cider and cuisine at Ash & Elm (1301 Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46201)
- Mann's Grille (West Indianapolis): This neighborhood gem serves up comfort food and provides a cozy setting for an intimate dinner (1214 S Tibbs Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241)
- Yard House (Mile Square): With an extensive beer selection and a menu featuring various cuisines, Yard House caters to diverse tastes (15 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46204)
- Saffron Cafe (Renaissance Place): Experience Mediterranean flavors and a charming atmosphere at Saffron Cafe (621 Fort Wayne Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204)
- Courses Restaurant (Historic Meridian Park): Offering a refined dining experience, Courses Restaurant is perfect for special occasions (2820 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208)
More Date Spots in Indianapolis We Love
As you may know, the quality of your date in Indianapolis comes down to more than just eating and drinking. With all that Indianapolis has to offer, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of activities to create memories with your date. Plenty of singles have great dates at these places and we're more than confident you can do the same.
Bear in mind that the time of year will make a difference with some of these recommendations (being outside for hours in the winter cold or the humid summer doesn't always make for a great date), so choose wisely!
- Ice Skating at Carmel Ice Skadium: This is where I go for winter dates. Ice skating provides an opportunity for hand-holding and laughter.
- Group Dance Lesson at Naptown Ballroom: Dancing is a great way to break the ice and connect on a physical level.
- Attend a Colts Game at Lucas Oil Stadium: When I match with a sports fanatic on eHarmony, this is where we go!
- Explore Cultural the Indianapolis Art Center and Rhythm! Discovery Center: Consider visiting the Indianapolis Art Center or the Rhythm! Discovery Center, which often host adult events with drinks and entertainment.
- Comedy Night at Helium Comedy Club: Laughter is a fantastic way to bond, and comedy clubs like Helium offer a fun night out.
- Indianapolis Zoo: Connect over your shared love for animals while exploring the wonders of the Indianapolis Zoo.
- Learn Archery at Koteewi Archery: Archery is surprisingly sexy, at least in my experience taking some dates here.
- Visit Local Art Fairs: Indianapolis hosts numerous art fairs, providing an opportunity to appreciate art and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Shop at Farmers Markets: Take a stroll through the Indianapolis Farmers Market and bond over fresh, organic produce.
- Challenge Your Wits at The Escape Game Indianapolis: If you enjoy puzzles and teamwork, an escape room adventure can be both thrilling and collaborative.
- Live Performances: Check out live music, ballet, and more at venues like Old National Centre.
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