With so many ways to meet new people these days, it can’t be that hard to find Portland hookups, right? For many people, it’s still a challenge, especially among those who don’t know where to start looking. There are literally hundreds of hookup apps and sites in Portland that you can use, but narrowing down the best is something we pride ourselves on. Here’s a sneak peek into the Portland hookup apps and sites that have worked for us:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
When discussing the best U.S cities to hook up, Portland definitely deserves to be in the conversation.
An OKCupid poll found that Portland had its highest percentage of users looking for casual sex. It was also named kinkiest city in the United States by kink.com, based on the percentage of locals who belonged to a fetish community. On top of that, Census data suggests that 59% of residents are single and there’s a 100:156 male to female ratio among straight college-educated 20-somethings.
“By all accounts, meeting singles in Portland is actually pretty easy,” says local blogger Matt Seymour. “The dating pool is huge, so running into a few singles anywhere you go isn’t much of a problem.”
Cities don’t get much more beautiful than Portland either. Sure, the mountains, rivers and parks are nice to look at, but we’re talking about all the sexy people. Whether you’re going online or heading out to the bars, the talent in this town is downright ridiculous but it isn't always easy to find Portland hookups without the right guidance.
Unfortunately, getting laid here can be easier said than done. Even with State and Reed College bringing an influx of attractive singles every year, everyone has dry spells from time to time. We’ve all had those nights where the bars are empty and no one's online. It can be pretty discouraging.
The problem for most people is they’re hitting up the wrong bars and using the wrong online platforms. If you know where to go and where to go online, you’ll have way better odds, no matter if you’re in Forest Park or Centennial. This is a city of over 650,000 according to the latest Census. It’s not some backwoods stop like Bend.
That’s why we’ve created this list of our favorite places to go to find hook ups. Read on and watch your lonely nights disappear. Comment down below to let us know how they work for you.
Table of Contents
Our favorite spots to find Portland hookups
Need the quick rundown of our favorite spots to find hook ups in Portland? Here are the ones that always make the top of our list.
The Coffin Club is the best bar to get laid in Portland if you're into horror
@lovecraftbar
People want us to “Keep Portland Weird,” so we really couldn’t end out our list without mentioning one of the most idiosyncratic bars in the city. The Coffin Club is a horror-themed nightclub named after one of the masters of the genre. This is a truly strange place with pentagrams and other ghastly images all around.
A horror bar might not be what you think of when you’re looking for casual sex, but trust us, this is a unique gem. Sure, the crowd can be a little intense at times, but they’re also open-minded, up for anything and ready to have fun. If that’s not what you look for in a hookup bar, you’re probably in the wrong town.
What Other People Are Saying About The Coffin Club
Courtney Lynn-Hartley - Google Maps
"Cool little place!!! Definitely very unique in the decor and atmosphere. Thought the vending machine full of little novelties was pretty cool. Seems like a fun place to spend a weekend night."
Hookups in Portland come easy on AFF for most guys (try it free)
Most of our list covers are favorite spots in town but we also wanted to mention the online option that we've seen the most success with. Out of all the competition we've been seeing singles, especially guys, do the best using AFF.
For us, it comes down to numbers and interest. There are a lot of options that claim to help you find a hookup but they just don't have the number or they just can't deliver. AFF has over 50 million active users, many of whom are in Portland, and the most engaged women we've found.
Unlike Tinder, which is full of attention seekers, we really only found women that actually wanted to meet up here. It makes sense when you think about it though, why else would you be on AFF? 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.
When you combine a lot of active women and the ability to try it for free (check out the link below) you get a pretty solid option. It's beating everything else out there right now and you should definitely check it out if Tinder hasn't been kind to you lately.
What people think of AFF
Justin T - SiteJabber
Some fake profiles, just weed through them and don't waste your time. With a little bit of patience you will sure find some real members. Adultfriendfinder still pretty much kicks $#*!. In my honest opinion adult sites like Adultfriendfinder still work better than any popular dating app. At least everyone on here is pretty much forward and gets straight to the point
Louis S. - SiteJabber
AFF has been around for a long time and it is an established community with mostly real users. I have used it in the past and what can I say: I had a blast. Messaged a countless number of chicks but actually hooked up with two of them. My advise. Just send out messages that really work, nothing like hey Hun, What's up?!... just be creative and don't forget to stay active.
The best Portland pickup bars we've tried
Bars are great if you need alcohol for a bit of a confidence boost! So if you’re good with words and one-liners, then head out to one of these bars.
Dixie Tavern is one of our favorite places to party after a workday
@DixieTavern
Located in Old Town, Dixie Tavern is one of our favorite go-to spots in the area. What makes this place so special is the rock 'n' roll-theme that pervades the entire place. The bar features two different levels that both have DJs who play amazing music. The dance floor is always full of gorgeous girls looking for fun.
What we like most about this place is the energetic atmosphere of the bar. Everyone that comes here is looking to blow off steam especially after a long day at work. We definitely recommend coming here if you like the idea of a hybrid bar-club feel.
What Other People Are Saying About Dixie Tavern
River Yager - Google Maps
"Great energy, great people and great food. What more could you ask for in a bar?"
Lots of single girls love to grab drinks at Prost!
@Prost-Portland-123791420107
There’s really no better place to find hook ups in Portland than at Prost! It’s a fantastic neighborhood pub specializing in German beer. Along with fantastic beer, the place is also a lively beer garden that serves up tasty food. So if you enjoy socializing and starting up a conversation with someone new, then we definitely recommend coming here.
For starters, the beer garden makes it easy to communicate with others. The place has lots of communal tables, so don’t feel shy to find a seat next to someone cute. Grab a draft beer and find your way around. You really can’t beat the vibe of this fun and friendly beer garden.
What Other People Are Saying About Prost!
Kristy Metzger - Google Maps
"Great selection of German beer! Yummy pretzel, lovely low lighting, delicious Germaine food. I wish they had A bigger selection!!! Great place to hangout and eat while trying a new brew on tap."
Pépé Le Moko is intimate and sexy--perfect for finding Portland hook ups
@pepelemokopdx
Situated in the Ace Hotel on 10th Avenue, Pépé le Moko is an intimate bunker-style bar with a European flair. It’s an underground bar with mood lighting that will make you and your companion feel like you’re the only two people there. It’s a pretty small bar, so it can require a wait, but that just helps intensify the connection once you’re seated inside.
Visitors love the cocktails, and that makes sense because our city is a cocktail bar heaven. They have a small menu of bar snacks and international small plates, but you don’t come to Pépé for the food. The atmosphere is all about seduction, making this spot one of the best Portland hook up bars.
What Other People Are Saying About Pepe Le Moko
Trio Santa Cruz - Google Maps
"I love this place. It has the vibe of a speakeasy. Great cocktails, made by super competent bartenders. its a must go to bar when visiting Portland."
Teardrop Lounge is cool and sexy
teardroplounge.com
Found in the Pearl District, the Teardrop Lounge helped establish the city's cocktail craze when it opened in 2007. For fans of mixed drinks with style, this lounge has a lot to offer when you're looking for local hookups near you. Their cocktail list is long (with a glossary to help you navigate it) and includes both classic and original concoctions.
Bring a date here and they will definitely be impressed, not only with the excellent drinks but also the cool vibe. If you show up alone, that’s no problem. Just grab a seat at the bar, order a cocktail and let the relaxed atmosphere help you jumpstart a conversation with a stranger. The night can go anywhere when it starts at Teardrop.
What Other People Are Saying About Teardrop Lounge
Vickie Musni - Google Maps
"Loved the vibe here…great music (a little loud for talking with the group we came with but it was fine), and an incredible menu that apparently rotates quarterly. I can see why this is my daughter’s favorite bar!"
Landmark Saloon will transport you to the Old West
@Landmark-Saloon-111479618872375
As we’ve said, this city is an eclectic place. As proof, head to Landmark Saloon, a country-themed bar in the southeast that looks like someone’s house. Go inside and you’ll find an honest-to-god saloon-style bar that regularly features live music. If you don’t want to drink inside, they also have a great outdoor space with a firepit and food cart.
In many ways, Landmark is the best bar where you can get laid. It’s a little quirky, a little folksy, and entirely welcoming. You’ll find all kinds of people here having a great Saturday afternoon or drinking late into the night. In terms of hookup bars, they don’t come much more relaxed or fun.
What Other People Are Saying About Landmark Saloon
Tyler Leonard - Google Maps
"Landmark saloon has a great atmosphere, and multiple bars to order from. Great music and outdoor space! Highly recommend for friends to sit down and have a drink and chat and enjoy themselves. Definitely go! Also beer is very fairly priced!"
The hookup apps in Portland 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 Portland
If you’re planning to use hookup apps in Portland, make sure to protect yourself from ill-intentioned individuals on these apps. Some $1.3 billion was lost to romance scammers in the United States in 2022, according to the FTC. Plus, more and more offline crime is starting with two online strangers agreeing to meet in the real world.
Use our list of tips to keep yourself safe.
- Keep your personal details safe. There’s no reason why your dating app matches should need to know your full name, address or financial details. If someone is pressing you for these details, they could be planning some type of identity fraud.
- Look out for verified profiles. If your chosen dating app has a good verification system, this can be the best proof that you’re not being catfished.
- Watch out for love-bombing. Most romance scammers will create fake profiles then bombard their victims with compliments and loving sentiments. Crucially, these scammers will always have a plausible reason why they can’t meet up straight away.
- Arrange a video call before your dates. This is the most reliable way to tell what your online beau really looks like and whether you’re likely to have real-life chemistry on a date. If something feels “off” on a video call, you might think twice about this person in real life.
- Don’t give money to online strangers. Romance scammers are experts at building online bonds then finding reasons to ask for money. An extensive study on the behavior of these scammers suggests they tend to ask for small amounts first, then larger donations as the bond grows stronger. These ruses can sometimes last months or years. You can guarantee that you won’t be a victim by promising yourself to NEVER send money to online strangers.
- Meet your dates in public. This will allow you to get a sense of whether you trust them while still in a safe spot. Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and have an escape plan just in case things turn sour.
The best clubs for finding hookups in Portland
Do you happen to be good on your feet? Then show off your dance moves at one of these great dance clubs.
Aztec Willie's Taqueria is a fun place to dance with girls
@aztecwillies
Aztec Willie’s Taqueria is a fun joint where you can indulge in delicious Mexican food and dancing. The place happens to be both a Mexican food restaurant that also features a large and lively dance floor. You’ll immediately see that lots of single girls come here to blow off steam and dance.
This is definitely our number one place for Latin dancing in the area. So if you’re good with your feet, then you’ll be able to showcase your dance moves here. Even if you’re not the best dancer, you’ll find that this place is still always tons of fun.
What Other People Are Saying About Aztec Willie’s Taqueria
A M - Google Maps
"Excellent place for dance and community."
Best places to meet sexy Portland girls during the day
A little daytime hunting can be fun too! Head to these spots where we meet lots of single women before dark.
Phat Cart is a quaint Asian-fusion cafe located near the local college
@phatcartcafe
Are you in the mood for some good food near Portland State University? Then you need to stop by Phat Cart. This is a fantastic Asian-fusion cafe that serves up bentos and sandwiches. The place is small and intimate. This makes for a great place to introduce yourself to someone new. If you want to find hookups in Seattle but you're finding it hard, this is one coffee shop you need to check out.
After all, why have lunch alone when you can share it with someone new? The cafe makes it easy to sit next to someone else. So ask the cute girl by the counter what she recommends for you to order. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation out of the blue!
What Other People Are Saying About Phat Cart
Conrad Burdge - Google Maps
"Probably my absolute number one in portland. The food is unbelievable and also healthy. The style is impeccable and runs without anything unnecessary. It is love."
Case Study Coffee Roasters is a great place to socialize with local single girls
@CaseStudyCoffee
Have you considered the prospect of meeting single girls in a coffee shop? Well, if you haven’t, then you need to check out Case Study Coffee Roasters. This brightly lit coffee shop is one of our personal favorites for a variety of reasons. For starters, the coffee shop serves up great coffee along with a seasonal menu and pastries. Along with that, the cafe is also a popular spot for locals to set up with their laptops for work or studying.
Get here early and grab a seasonal coffee and something to eat. Make your way to the seating area and find a prime location. Don’t be afraid to approach someone new and ask them what they’re reading or working on. You’ll be surprised how friendly and outgoing the people who come to this cafe are. We’ve met some pretty awesome girls while drinking an espresso here.
What Other People Are Saying About Case Study Coffee Roasters
Jeff Palmeter - Google Maps
"One of my favorites in Portland especially for a good latte. Plenty of seating and some good pastries/sides to go along with your coffee. Nice place to take a break when visiting downtown."
Other great hookup spots to get laid in Portland
Need more places to find Portland hookups? Here are a few more places you probably haven't tried before.
Waterfront Blues Festival is a great place to meet single women interested in the same music as you
@waterfrontbluesfest
The Waterfront Blues Festival is an annual event in Portland, Oregon. The event is an outdoor music festival that takes place every summer in July. At this event, you can catch four days of live performances from a variety of blues musicians. You can bet that the hottest Portland girls make their way to this event. This is a great event to meet up with girls you met on one of the best hookups in Spokane.
So if you’re ready to meet like-minded girls who enjoy the same music as you, then head to this festival. There’s also usually alcohol available at this event. And booze makes it so much easier to get laid in Portland!
What Other People Are Saying About Waterfront Blues Festival
Joshua McRae - Google Maps
"What a fun time! A chill, multi-generational vibe with lots of food and drinks."
If you’re under 30 with good photos, try out Tinder
Tinder is definitely one of the most well-known options for finding hookups in Portland. It originally focused on bringing people together for casual flings. But over the years, it has turned into more of a general dating platform. So if you’re not sure if you want a fling or something serious, Tinder’s worth a shot.
It’s also worth noting that since all girls really get to judge you off are your photos and a short bio, you need both of these to be captivating. So if you have great photos and a fantastic bio, then you’ll quickly find that most girls will easily swipe right on you. However, if you’re more charming with your personality (which doesn’t always reflect online), then you might prefer the other options we mentioned previously.
What people think of 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.
Get your workout at Lloyd Atheltic Club and meet cute fitness-oriented girls
@LloydAthleticClub
There are lots of great reasons to join the Lloyd Atheltic Club! For starters, this is one of the most inclusive fitness centers in Portland. No matter what your body type, you’ll feel comfortable heading to this gym. On top of that, the girls who come here are all fitness-oriented and super friendly.
The gym offers up both group workout classes along with sports such as Squash, Handball, Wallyball, and half-court basketball. All of these group activities and sports make it easy for you to introduce yourself to someone new. So find your natural way of breaking the ice and meet a girl who’s as into fitness as you are!
What Other People Are Saying About Lloyd Athletic Club
Paige Dahlman - Google Maps
"A gym that doesn't feel like a gym. Fees are very reasonable and accommodating and you even can just show up and pay for a day pass."
Frequently Asked Questions on Hookups in Portland
Where to meet single girls in Portland?
The best places to meet singles in Portland Oregon are the local bars and clubs:
- The Lovecraft Bar
- Dixie Tavern
- Pepe Le Moko
- Landmark Saloon
- Mingle Lounge
Alternatively, you can always try using things like dating apps to meet singles. We recommend going for AFF or eHarmony if you're only looking for a hookup.
Is Portland good for singles?
Portland was voted as the 5th best city for singles in a WalletHub poll, and we’ve found it’s particularly awesome for men seeking casual relationships.
This can partly be explained by the huge surplus of single young educated women compared to men and the huge influx of residents who are part of the fetish community.
“Portland is (or at least was) a place for misfits and weirdos,” says sex educator Amory Jane. “We’re more accepting of folks doing things outside the norm.”
The people who complain about dating in Portland tend to be looking for serious relationships, as it can be tough to find someone else looking for the same thing.
“I’m from New York, where people are a lot more direct about whatever they’re feeling,” says BarFly magazine founder Jennifer Lane. “People here are so casual, sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re actually on a date, or not.”
“In Portland you've got to throw out the old dating rules,” confirms local blogger Drew Tyson. “In PDX we like to keep things like our food -- organic”.
Those looking for true love in Portland would traditionally have some luck during the colder winter months. However, in a poll by Bumble, 52% of Portland residents said they believed ‘cuffing season’ was an outdated narrative.
“The conversation is shifting to support the idea that singles shouldn’t hold themselves to an arbitrary timeline – which often results in lowering one’s standards in order to find a match,” says Shane Boodram, Bumble’s resident sex and relationship expert. “People are no longer in a rush to trade in typical summertime socializing behind to “cuff” themselves to just one person.”
Whatever the stats say, we’ve found that it’s possible to land whatever romantic situation you desire, but you’ll have to be proactive about getting it.
“You have to stop thinking that the right person is just going to come along when the time is right,” says dating rehabilitation Kelly Marie Hoffman. “That’s one in a million. You need to go looking for it.”
Is it expensive to date in Portland?
A study by the Black Tux ranked Portland as the 32nd most expensive for dating out of 50 major U.S cities. This was based on the average cost of a date involving two ride-share journeys, a dinner for two with two cocktails and two cinema tickets. You can expect to spend less than the average American on a date of this type in Portland, 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
References:
Acker, L. (2016) OkCupid says Oregon has the most users looking for casual sex. Willamette Week.
Arden, A. (2022) Portland among top 5 best cities in US for singles, report says. Koin 06.
DeJarnette, B. (2021) Dating can be a struggle in Portland. What’s the deal? Bridgeliner.
DeNies, R. (2016) What do the stats say about romance in Portland? Portland Monthly.
eHarmony (2023) Dating in Portland: Let love bloom in the rose city.
Foran, A. (2023) Portland dating: A shift away from cuffing season towards love all year long. Koin 06.
Gatlan, S. (2023) FTC: $1.3 billion lost by 70,000 Americans to romance scams last year. Bleeping Computer.
Mahoney, S. (2024) 8 proven places to find casual hookups near you in 2024. Heart Insider.
Nyam, I. H. (2020) Tackling online dating scams and fraud. The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies.
Senkus, T. (2024) Adult FriendFinder review 2024. Heart Insider.
Seymour, M. (2023) Where to meet singles in Portland. Healthy Framework.
Singer, M. (2019) A guide to getting it on in America’s kinkiest city. Willamette Week.
The Black Tux (n.d.) The average cost of a date in each U.S. City.
Tyson, D. (2015) 16 reasons dating in Portland is different than anywhere else. Thrillist.
United States Census Bureau (2023) QuickFacts Portland city, Oregon.
Walker, W. (2024) The best spots for Spokane hookups in 2024. Heart Insider.
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.
Tom Senkus
For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.
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