There’s no denying it, dating in Memphis, Tennessee can be a tricky proposition. Certainly, there is plenty of fun to be had. After all, this city has one of the best nightlife in the region, if not the country.
Even so, navigating the best bars, clubs, and lounges for meeting people can be difficult. And what if you’re not much of a drinker? At times, it can feel like the Memphis dating scene is completely centered around alcohol. It can be tough out in these streets for sober (or just not hard-drinking) people.
Thankfully, there actually are plenty of dating options in this city, no matter your style. With all the great dating apps and plenty of fun social spots, Memphis is a great place to find love. You just need a little direction. Consider this article your love map through Memphis.
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What Dating in Memphis Is Like Right Now
There are essentially two stages to the Memphis dating scene: college/early 20s dating and everything after that. Whether you’re studying at the University of Memphis or you’re just emerging from school, opportunities abound. Dating apps like Tinder are always rocking and casual sex is pretty common. Once you pass 25, though, dating in Memphis gets a bit dicier.
Statistically, most people meet their spouses on the job. In Memphis, chances are that job will have something to do with healthcare. From St. Jude to Methodist Le Bonheur, most of the biggest employers are in that field. Healthcare workers can have less time to date, but on the plus side, they tend to have more stable careers. But what if dating a coworker isn’t an option?
The go-to meeting spot for most people is obviously Midtown. With its variety of music lounges and clubs, it’s a great place to catch a show and maybe get a number. Cameo Cocktail Bar is also a good spot for a grown-up date.
Still, the social scene is definitely harder once you hit your 30s. You’re not meeting a lot of single moms at a kegger, after all. Speaking of single moms: there are more single women than men in Memphis. Great for the guys, maybe not so much for the ladies.
With all that in mind, dating in Memphis can feel overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be, though. There are great ways to navigate the scene.
Where to Meet Someone to Date in Memphis
Some people are lucky. They just stumble upon the love of their life at the grocery store or in the park. For the rest of us, though, finding a date in Memphis takes more effort. There are countless Memphis singles passing each other in the street. They could finally find that special someone if they just knew where to go.
Truth is, there are many great places for meeting singles in this city. You can check out this article if you’re looking for hookups in Memphis. But, if you’re after something more – or just want more ideas – we can help. First things first, you have to know the right types of places to go to. There are specific factors that increase the odds of meeting someone.
Here are some important characteristics of places that increase that likelihood:
- 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
With those six characteristics in mind, here are some places we recommend for dating in Memphis.
Why you should be using at least one app
Are you busy? Do you find Midtown and the other hot spots too crowded, too loud, or simply too much? Then you should obviously be using a dating app. Apps are easier for people who have packed schedules or just don’t have the money to go out every weekend. Plus, most people are on them nowadays. Here is our list of the top dating apps in Memphis.
There are many options when it comes to dating apps. Not looking for anything too serious? Give AFF a try. It even has a free trial.
When it comes to navigating the dynamic dating scene in Memphis, it's clear that we've got plenty of options when it comes to dating apps. If you're not in the market for anything too serious and want to keep it casual and carefree, my personal recommendation is to give Adult Friend Finder (AFF) a shot. Based on my own experiences exploring the local dating landscape, I can confidently say that AFF is the ultimate go-to app for those looking for easygoing connections, and it even sweetens the deal with a fantastic free trial offer.
Memphis is a city that thrives on its rich music culture and diverse population, and AFF perfectly aligns with the desires of its residents. Whether you're a local looking to spice up your dating life or just passing through for some fun, AFF provides a platform to connect with open-minded individuals who share your appetite for no-strings-attached encounters. With its user-friendly interface and a range of exciting features, AFF makes it a breeze to engage with fellow Memphians who are ready to dive into the exciting world of casual dating. So, if you're ready to add a little excitement to your dating journey in the Bluff City, why not give AFF a try, especially with the added perk of a free trial!
Alternatively, if you are looking for love, we highly recommend eHarmony’s free trial. It’s the best option for people who are ready to meet their spouse and settle down.
When it comes to finding love amidst the vibrant dating scene in Memphis, I can personally vouch for the effectiveness of eHarmony. Based on my own experiences navigating the local dating landscape, I wholeheartedly recommend taking advantage of eHarmony's free trial. This platform is tailor-made for individuals who are genuinely ready to meet their life partner and settle down. Memphis, with its rich cultural heritage and soulful atmosphere, is a city where meaningful connections can truly flourish, and eHarmony's commitment to compatibility and shared values makes it the ideal choice for those seeking a deep, long-lasting relationship.
Memphis is known for its love of music and its warm, welcoming community, and eHarmony's precise matchmaking algorithm takes these unique qualities into account. Whether you're a Memphis local or new in town, eHarmony provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your aspirations of finding a lifelong love. With its user-friendly interface and a proven track record, eHarmony is your trusted partner on the journey to finding that special someone in the heart of Memphis. So, if you're ready to take a step towards a lasting and fulfilling relationship, eHarmony's free trial is your ticket to finding love in this soulful city.
Those are just two of our favorites, but there are tons more. If you’ve found the Memphis dating scene to be overwhelming, an app might be your best friend.
Absinthe Room: Memphis' Hidden Gem for Enchanting Connections
My recent visit to the Absinthe Room in Memphis was an unforgettable experience that quickly solidified its spot on my list of top recommendations for those seeking exciting connections in the city. From the moment I walked through the door, I was entranced by the unique atmosphere and the promise of a night filled with possibilities.
The Absinthe Room offers a blend of charm and mystique that's hard to find elsewhere. The dimly lit, intimate setting combined with the sultry music set the stage for mingling and dancing. The venue's chic decor and cozy seating arrangements provided ample opportunities to strike up conversations with fellow patrons, and the skilled bartenders were masters at crafting delicious cocktails that kept the night flowing smoothly. Whether you're seeking new friends, a memorable night of dancing, or the potential for a special connection, the Absinthe Room in Memphis delivers on all fronts. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to elevate their night out and create lasting memories.
The Best Singles Bars in Memphis
Good single bars tend to check all those boxes. They draw in lots of singles, they make it easy to mingle, and the alcohol isn’t too pricey. There are, of course, expensive single bars, or loud and jam-packed ones that cater to the college crowd. But, for our money, these are the best singles bars in Memphis:
- Silly Goose in Downtown - 100 Peabody Pl Ste 190 Memphis, TN 38103
- Alchemy Memphis in Midtown - 940 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104
- The Cove in Midtown - 2559 Broad Ave Memphis, TN 38112
- Wild Bill’s in Vollintine - 1580 Vollintine Ave, Memphis, TN 38107
- Celtic Crossing Irish Pub in Midtown - 903 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104
Other Great Places to Find a Date in Memphis
You don’t just have to go to singles bars, of course. With open eyes and a good opening line, you can meet a date in all kinds of places. Here are a few other great places – from coffee houses to dance clubs – to date in Memphis:
- Java Cabana in Cooper-Young - 2170 Young Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
- Silky Sullivan’s in Historic Beale District - 183 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
- The Fresh Market in Midtown - 2145 Union Ave #110, Memphis, TN 38104
- Rumba Room in Downtown - 303 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
- Ugly Mug Coffee in East Memphis - 4610 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117
- Don’t forget the apps and sites. Here are the best dating apps in Memphis
- We’d also recommend checking out the local Meetup.com options. It’s a great way to meet Memphis singles who share your hobbies or want to find new ones.
The Apps Dating Coaches Recommend Most For Dating in Memphis
Heart Insider makes it a point to help you find a date in a way that’s balanced and practical. If going out on weekends isn’t practical for you, the best way to meet lots of single women is by using the dating apps they enjoy. Here are the dating apps that are always full of 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 Memphis
We’re actually pretty big fans of speed dating. We know that it doesn’t always have a great reputation, especially because movies always make it look terrible. In fact, though, speed dating really can work, and most of the time it’s pretty fun. Also, compared to just going out and tossing back drinks, it’s very economical.
So, what exactly is speed dating? Well, it’s simply going to a hosted event with a group of singles and having “mini-dates.” You’ll generally get around five minutes with someone, though sometimes up to ten. In that little time, you can introduce yourself and get to know the basics. If you click with someone, and they like you, you exchange numbers.
If that sounds like it might work for you, here are some top options for speed dating in Memphis:
Our Best Date Ideas in Memphis and Why They’re Great
Alright, so you’ve met someone. Maybe in a bar, maybe on an app, or maybe at your local grocery store. Congratulations! Now you just need some fun date ideas in Memphis. Dinner and a movie is a classic date, but these days, it’s a bit stale. You want to shake it up a bit and show that you’re more interesting than the average person.
There are lots of fun first-date ideas in Memphis. You just have to use your imagination. Of course, the worry is that you’ll think something is fun and the other person will hate it. That is the risk of dating, but planning a first date shouldn’t give you anxiety. Just make sure it meets most (if not all) of these criteria, and you’ll be good:
- 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
A good date night idea in Memphis should involve some sort of activity. Sure, dating and drinks can be nice, but in the age of dating apps, it’s pretty boring. Especially when there are so many new and unique options for dates these days.
You don’t have to pick something you’re amazing at, by the way. In fact, it can be very charming to look silly on a date. It shows vulnerability and the ability to laugh at oneself, both attractive traits. With that said, here are a few good fun date ideas in Memphis that will help you stand out:
- 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
- Rollerskating
- Take a walk with your dog somewhere fun (if you have one)
- Painting class (preferably with booze)
- Museum
- Botanical garden
These are just a few suggestions to get your imagination going. There are plenty more ideas out there, you just have to think outside the box.
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 Memphis 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 to one of the activities above. If it doesn't, you haven't lost much. This also takes much of the pressure off both of you so you can relax and be yourselves.
Best Date Bars in Memphis
We’ve tried to give you as many ideas as possible that don't involve drinking. But, at the end of the day, a bar really is one of the best places to go for a date. Alcohol loosens people up, gets them more talkative, and gives them confidence. Face it, it also makes us more attractive.
These bars don’t even have to be specifically singles bars. Any bar can do if all you want is a drink or a small bite to eat with a date. If you’ve been dating someone for a while, you’ll definitely want to expand your date bar repertoire.
Here are some of the best date bars in Memphis. They aren’t always fancy, but they’re usually pretty fun:
- knifebird wine bar in Midtown - 2155 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
- Art Bar in Crosstown Arts - 1350 Concourse Ave #280, Memphis, TN 38104
- FLIP SIDE Pinball Bar in Midtown - 1349 Autumn Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
- Fat Charlie’s Speakeasy in Harbor Town Center - 107 Harbor Town Square, Memphis, TN 38103
- Earnestine & Hazel's in Downtown - 531 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103,
- Prohibition Lounge in Parkway Village - 4855 American Way, Memphis, TN 38118
- Lamplighter Lounge in Midtown - 1702 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
The Pocket (Temporary Closed) - in Downtown - 115 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Best Date Night Restaurants in Memphis
One of the big mistakes people make when planning a first date is defaulting to dinner. A dinner date the first time you meet someone can be massively awkward, especially if you don’t hit it off. No one wants to have to finish their spaghetti across the table from a weird stranger.
On the other hand, if you’ve been dating for a while, dinner dates are great. It allows you to have a conversation in a comfortable place, hopefully, while enjoying something delicious. Couples use dinner dates to get to know each other even better. So, if you’ve been with your significant other for a while and need good date ideas, we’ve got you covered.
From high-end restaurants to casual dining, here are our favorite date night restaurants in Memphis:
- Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar in Downtown - 39 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
- Seasons 52 in White Station - 6085 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119
- Char Restaurant in East Memphis - 431 S Highland St #120, Memphis, TN 38111
- Ubee's in East Memphis - 521 S Highland St, Memphis, TN 38111
- Itta Bena (B.B. King’s) in Historic Beale District - 145 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
- The Majestic Grille in Downtown - 145 S Main St, Memphis, TN
More Date Spots in Memphis We Love
Whether you’re meeting for the first time or you’re going out for an anniversary, fresh date ideas are always welcome. There are plenty of things you can do all year round that don’t just involve drinks and food. In cold weather, there are some great indoor activities, while during the sunny months you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors:
- Explore the city on the Memphis Discovery Tour
- Check out one of the city’s great museums, like the MoSH
- Get to know musical history with the Beale Street Walking Tour
- Take a bike ride through Shelby Farms Park
- Test your combined wits at the Memphis Escape Rooms
- Visit the historic Sun Studio
- Get a sweet treat at Margie's 901 Homemade Ice Cream and Cakes
- Lace up your skates at Skateland Raleigh
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