As a seasoned dating expert who has had his fair share of Minneapolis hookups, I can only assume most guys have no idea where to look if they want to get lucky. Unfortunately, too many options can lead to a lot of disappointment. There are so many hookup options that picking the right one can be like finding a needle in a haystack. The bar scene can be just as confounding. One week, a bar is the hippest spot in town. The next week, it’s empty.
Likewise, a hookup app that’s all the rage this week can be like a ghost town the next. Good thing there are still some reliable hookup apps and sites in Minneapolis that have worked for us consistently:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
“Minneapolis is made for lovers”, says local travel writer Kelsey Roseth. “Its beautiful scenery, ample cultural events, and thriving economy make Minnesota’s largest city a perfect place for finding your soulmate.”
I couldn’t put it better myself. Our city also has one of the best nightlife scenes in the entire Midwest, with great bars, clubs and lounges for every taste. When you’re seeking out some Minneapolis girls and hookups, you can hit up one of the city's great bars to try out your best pick-up lines. When you don’t feel like going out, just jump online and flirt virtually.
As a city of more than 420,000 people, according to the local census, options for Minneapolis hook ups are plentiful. So, imagine my shock when I hear from guys who complain that it’s difficult to meet women in this city.
The good news is: I’ve teamed up with a small squad of local dating experts to put together the definitive list of the best hookup platforms and bars. There are too many people in this city to have a dry spell (this isn’t Henderson, after all). Whether you’re studying at UofM or working full-time, we’ve got your back and we'll help you get laid.
Keep reading for the best hookup recommendations for meeting single girls and let us know how it goes for you in the comments. Good luck!
Table of Contents
Methodology for Finding the Ideal Spots to Hook Up in Minneapolis
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 Minneapolis 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.
The best hookup options in Minneapolis
Here are our favorite places to meet and attract girls. Try a couple of them and start getting lucky!
The Living Room: Minneapolis' Premier Hotspot for Memorable Connections
"A hookup game-changer"--that's how I describe The Living Room to any friends who are hesitant to come with me. This nightlife marvel strikes a perfect balance between an upscale lounge and a friendly nightclub. No matter what you're into, you'll find it at The Living Room.
With talented DJs who can mix the hottest hits with some old-school tunes, everyone's guaranteed a good time. As soon as the dance floor comes alive, I'm always the first to dive in--and that's saying a lot considering I'm not the best dancer around. Big groups of friends come here all the time, looking for some fun and some action. So if that sounds like the ideal club for you, you shouldn't miss The Living Room.
What Other People Are Saying About The Living Room
Lorne Sundby - Google Maps
“We enjoyed the experience. We wanted fancy drinks and apps in a unique space, and this met our expectatons. Recommend you arrive early, as there are no reservations so finding a spot after 6pm may be impossible.”
Come for the food and stay for the crowd at Butcher and the Boar
butcherandtheboar.com
If the name of this spot has you thinking of a chase, then you know what's up. This beer garden is perfect for unleashing your inner pickup artist. Alongside the assortment of steaks, smoked meats, bourbon and beer, you'll also find a fun, diverse crowd.
Grab a seat outside to enjoy the weather and you'll also spot some single ladies doing the same. Now it's all a matter of figuring out what they're drinking, so you can offer to buy them a drink. Chances are you'll score a Minneapolis hook up here if you amp up the charm.
What Other People Are Saying About Butcher And The Boar
Jare W - Google Maps
“Atmosphere is beautiful, this is a lovely restaurant with intimate lighting and cozy seating. Perfect for an elegant dinner out.”
AFF is the easiest way to find Minneapolis hookups (try it free)
Minneapolis is a big place and there are tons of single people here looking for a fun time tonight and every night. When you have the urge for some quick fun but don’t want to have to work too hard for it, your best option we've found is AFF. With a user base of more than 50 million and a lot of users around Minneapolis, there are simply no other hookup sites that can compete.
One of the biggest appeals of this site is it makes no secret of its purpose. While some hookup platforms try to downplay their bedroom purposes, AFF is proudly all about the easy hookup. That means everyone on here knows what they’re getting into. When you’re in the market for hookups, that’s good to know.
Most guys are going to have the best results by far on AFF compared to any other option (especially compared to Tinder).
We make an annual list of the best hookup options online, and AFF consistently has been at the top. It makes sense since it’s the most popular hookup platform of its kind and attracts a lot more women that aren't just looking for attention or an ego boost. 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.
Guys who haven't checked out their free trial (see the link below) really should. It's easy to get set up and being able to meet women 24/7 from your couch or whenever you're in the mood is pretty great. Don't miss out.
What people are saying about AFF:
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.
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.
The best pick up bars to meet sexy Minneapolis girls
There is plenty of sexy fun to go around, so we’ve got a couple of bars to recommend where you'll score hook ups in Minneapolis. These tend to work out great if you're just looking for some casual fun:
Bar La Grassa offers a sophisticated night out and lots of hookups
barlagrassa.com
One of the best restaurants in the city is also one of our favorite hookup bars. Bar La Grassa is both an intimate date spot and a fantastic place to make a new acquaintance. Renowned for its excellent Italian menu and the seductive ambiance, this is the best place to spend a night if you’ve been suffering from the lonely bug. Can't hook up in Indianapolis? That won't be a problem here!
This isn’t some dive bar, so you’ll want to come dressed to impress. At Bar La Grassa, you can expect to meet sophisticated, interesting partners, and that’s the appeal. This place is especially great if you’re one of the many guys who enjoy the company of older women. Cougars are all around and this is an ideal meeting spot.
What Other People Are Saying About Bar La Grassa
Ross K - Google Maps
“Excellent food and experience. Big thumbs up.”
The Local is a popular Irish pub located downtown
@thelocalmpls
At The Local, you can find all you could possibly wish for: Good beers and sexy girls. It has been around since 1997, and it’s definitely one of the most renowned pubs in the city. It’s even a top seller of Guinness beer in the US. It also draws in plenty of St. Paul singles on weekends.
The pub is part of the Cara Irish Pub group. So if you find yourself going there often, sign up as a Cara loyalty member to get great deals. Other than a great choice of Irish drinks and beers, you’ll find a good selection of pub food to fuel your search for pretty girls.
What Other People Are Saying About The Local
El Gato - Google Maps
“Excellent place for a pint. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Great pub atmosphere and tons of seating.”
Honorable mentions
Here are other bars that are among the best places to find hookups in Minneapolis:
The hookup apps in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis
An estimated $3.3 billion was lost to online romance scams in the United States in 2022, according to the FBI.
“The consequences of these scams are often financially and emotionally devastating to victims who rarely get their money back,” says FBI special agent Joseph R. Bonavolonta. “[They] may not have the ability to recover from the financial loss.”
Follow these tips to ensure you don’t become a victim to this awful crime.
- Look out for verified profiles. On legitimate dating apps, a ‘verified’ badge serves as proof that the person is representing themselves accurately in their photos. It’s the best way to avoid being catfished. If your online beau isn’t verified and the app allows it, ask him to verify his profile. It’s a simple and free process.
- Do your homework. It’s worth adding your online matches on social media to learn more about them and see if their dating profile presents an accurate representation. A ‘reverse image search’ can help you spot fake photos too.
- Watch out for love-bombing. Most romance scammers create attractive fake profiles and begin by bombarding their victims with compliments and loving sentiments. You should consider this a warning sign. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
- Don’t give money to online strangers. Romance scammers will work to build a romantic online bond, then create a phoney reason why they need urgent money. They often claim they don’t have the funds to travel and meet their victims, according to a study published by the Journal of Education Humanities and Social Sciences. Sometimes, they’ll claim to be in danger or legal trouble. “Don’t send money to someone you met online — for any reason,” says FTC consumer education specialist Aditi Jhaverib. “If your online sweetheart asks for money, you can expect it’s a scam.”
Great clubs to find Minneapolis hookups
Would you prefer to approach girls in a dance club? Don’t worry, these clubs are among the best places to pick up girls in town.
The Exchange & Alibi Lounge has something for everyone
@TheExchangeMpls
Two spots in one, the Exchange & Alibi Lounge is both a rollicking music venue and a classy lounge. In the Exchange, you’ll find a wide array of live acts and DJs for whatever your musical taste. In the Alibi Lounge, you can enjoy a well-made cocktail and have an adult conversation.
For some people the music will be the best reason to come. For others, the lounge atmosphere will be the appeal. The options are what make this two-in-one bar a great location for Minneapolis hookups. Meet someone on the dancefloor or offer to buy a drink for the sexy cougar at the bar. We expect, either way, your night will only get better from there.
What Other People Are Saying About The Exchange & Alibi Lounge
OnePlus 6T - Google Maps
“Great Saturday night! Security was quick and thorough, they kept the line moving. Bartender was friendly, prices here are reasonable, djs music was perfect, great atmosphere!”
Ground Zero Nightclub is another fun place to dance
@GroundZeroNightclubMpls
Ground Zero has a gothic-inspired decor and atmosphere. You can guess that it’s very popular among the goth and emo community in the city. But you’ll also find people who aren’t into these lifestyles, as well as the crowd is incredibly welcoming and diverse. There are also live BDSM shows from time to time, if that’s your thing!
The community and staff at Ground Zero are always friendly and welcoming. This is the best place for you if you want to meet open-minded girls who aren’t afraid to try some hot BDSM new move in the bedroom.
What Other People Are Saying About Ground Zero Nightclub
Globby Mobby - Google Maps
“Ground Zero on a Saturday night is another world. You have to check it out at least once to see if this side of the world suits you. It’s a really fun & nostalgic club. The dance floor is awesome & the drinks are quite reasonable.”
Honorable mentions
Here are other great clubs to meet single girls:
Some of our favorite places to find hookups in Minneapolis during the day
If you're not big on going out at night try these spots:
Score unexpected hookups in Minneapolis at The Coffee Shop NE
@theCSne
If crowded bars, sweaty patrons and overpriced drinks aren't your thing, you might have better luck finding hookups at a coffee shop like this one. The Coffee Shop NE is a chill spot that serves up organic coffee with a side of art and literature. They host live music events every week along with the occasional art exhibit.
With light meals, delectable coffee and a stable wifi connection for digital nomads, The Coffee Shop NE attracts quite a crowd. Drop by after work and meet someone who's also into the arts. Take it from there and see where your little coffee shop meetup takes you.
What Other People Are Saying About The Coffee Shop NE
Shauna Valdez - Google Maps
“Great place to hang out and get work done. Relaxing atmosphere; not overly noisy. Background music is nice and not too loud or distracting. I was surprised by how reasonable their prices are compared to some other coffee shops I frequent.”
Five Watt Coffee is a great place to approach girls by day
@fivewattcoffee
Many guys don’t feel comfortable approaching girls in the bar or club scene for various reasons. Maybe there’s too much competition. Or maybe girls have their guards up because they’re used to getting approached all the time.
If this is the case for you, you can try meeting girls in a popular coffee shop like Five Watt Coffee. This venue is always busy, the atmosphere is casual and the drinks are very good. It’s the perfect daytime spot to chat with girls!
What Other People Are Saying About Five Watt Coffee
Christopher Tassava - Google Maps
“A fantastic little coffee shop serving deluxe coffee drinks and great regular old coffee. Comfy seating, a nice atmosphere, fast service.”
In the summer, the Minnesota Fringe Festival offers many chances to meet girls
@mnfringe
Typically held from August 1 to August 11, the Minnesota Fringe Festival hosts hundreds of performing arts shows at several venues across the city. Since there are many genres available, it attracts a diverse crowd and girls from all walks of life.
From dance to drama, you’ll certainly find something you like. Most importantly, commenting on the show can be a great ice breaker to help you connect with girls you like. This festival is definitely another good choice for guys to find hookups in Minneapolis who don’t feel comfortable approaching in the typical bar scene.
What Other People Are Saying About Minnesota Fringe Festival
Rob Dunkelberger - Google Maps
“It’s a great place to experience so many wonderful performances.”
Spyhouse is a popular coffee shop among students
@spyhousecoffee
Located downtown in the Emery hotel, Spyhouse is popular among students and girls who want a quiet place to study or work. They have free Wi-Fi and well-lit seating areas, so it’s a great place for those who want to be productive.
The decor is very classy, with marble columns and a high ceiling. The plants also add to the airy atmosphere. But it’s their excellent teas and lattes that draw in people. By night, the venue serves wines and beers.
What Other People Are Saying About Spyhouse
Garrett Lesnar - Google Maps
“Great environment, chillax.. comfy chairs & nice modern fireplace seating area.”
Other great hookup spots to meet girls in Minneapolis
Here are other great places you should try if you want to pick up attractive girls.
Up-Down is a super (Mario) time
@updownmpls
Cocktail lounges and hip music venues are standard hookup bars. Sometimes, though, you want something with a fresher style. That’s when you head to Up-Down, Minneapolis’ unmatched arcade bar. With a mix of 50 arcade games, pinball machines, skeeball and even life-size Jenga, Up-Down is a total blast.
Up-Down stays open until 2 a.m. every night, which is why it’s one of our favorite spots for hookups. Despite the videogames, this 21+ venue is definitely for adults only. There are a mix of specials every day along with drinks and decent pizza by the slice. Of course, the biggest draw are the sexy singles looking for more fun once they’ve used up all their quarters.
What Other People Are Saying About Up-Down
Linda Fernbacher - Google Maps
“Amazing arcade with a lot of pin-ball and retro games. There is a wall of beer on tap and no children. I have not had the food but they have pizza and such.”
If you're hot and looking for younger girls try Tinder
The best online options should cut to the chase and make matching easy. In that regard, Tinder definitely has to be included on this list. As the platform that every Millennial has tried at least once, Tinder is the one that has gained the most notoriety in popular culture. With good reason, if you fit the right demographic, you’ll love this. It’s the most downloaded dating app in Minnesota, according to stats from datingnews.com - and Iit's even one of the best hookup apps in Milwaukee.
Unfortunately for so many of us, that ideal demographic is incredibly hot people between the ages of 18 and 28. In fact, 60% of its user base is aged under 35, according to Business Of Apps. There is a reason Tinder is so popular with students at the University of Minnesota and Walden University. For guys, if you’re not in the top 10% of looks, you’ll more often than not be pretty frustrated on Tinder.
With its focus on profile pictures, Tinder rewards chiseled abs and perfect smiles, especially for men. Women should be good looking too, but they don’t have to be goddesses to get lots of attention. Most women have non-stop matches, while the absolute hottest women don’t even bother responding to messages. They just enjoy the ego boost.
There have been some rumblings about it trying to get more into the serious relationship game, but for now, Tinder’s all about providing Minneapolis hookups to local hotties. So if you don't know where you can get laid, try Tinder.
What people are saying about Tinder:
Nick M - Site Jabber
“I'd say that AFF is probably above average, there's definitely worse out there and it has the most important thing - a bunch of women. Id say it's not got as many as hookuphangout.com (in my area certainly) but still has enough to keep you busy. There are occasional time wasters but overall i like this site a lot and will be taking a longer subscription when my month trial runs out. Happy days.”
Have a chance encounter and get laid in Minneapolis at Lunds and Byerlys
@LundsandByerlys
You'll never have a tough time meeting singles in downtown even in the daytime. If pubs aren't your scene and coffee shops are too cliche, drop by Lunds and Byerlys, the best bar to get laid in Minneapolis. This family-owned store attracts locals who care about the community. It's also a pretty cool spot to meet people going about their day downtown.
Grocery stores like Lunds are perfect for chance encounters with single women. They're usually not as on guard as they would be in a bar, making them a lot more approachable. Give this grocery store a shot and your little meetup can turn into a hot date.
What Other People Are Saying About Lunds and Byerlys
Christian Wilkie - Google Maps
“Great store, reasonable prices, friendly staff.”
Titanium Performance is the best gym to pick up single girls
@titanperf
Looking for sexy Minneapolis girls who care about fitness? If the answer is yes, then Titanium Performance is the place for you! This gym is just five minutes away from downtown. It’s also equipped with everything you need to get a fit body and boost your confidence when approaching. Best of all, it’s always full of attractive girls.
The gym also offers small group training sessions. This is where you can meet girls and socialize with them easily.
What Other People Are Saying About Titanium Performance
Britt Goodsen - Google Maps
“As it turns out, you don't have to feel super awkward at the gym and it's awesome!! It honestly doesn't matter if you're just getting started in fitness or if you've been crushing it for years, the team just wants you to succeed in your personal goals, and they're skilled enough to do so at any level.”
How to be more successful meeting girls
If you're a guy who hasn't had the best luck with girls in town lately we can help. Check out the articles below and we guarantee you will improve your chances if you put what you learn into action:
- If you're still early on in your dating evolution learn more about what women really want in a guy
- If you're not comfortable in the presence of girls look into why you're so socially awkward with girls
- A lot of guys go overboard with their "confidence and turn girls off, be smart about how you balance confidence with arrogance
- If you have the opposite problem read more about how to be more dominant with women in the right way
Frequently Asked Questions on Minneapolis Hookups
Where can I find hookups in Minneapolis?
The most common places where hookups can be found in Minneapolis are bars and clubs. Here's a small list of the best places:
- Bar La Grassa
- The Local
Is Minneapolis good for singles?
Minneapolis was ranked as among the top U.S cities to find love in a nationwide study by WalletHub. It’s a big city with plenty to do and official data suggests around two thirds of the residents are single.
“Minnesotans tend to be very loyal,” says local blogger Jo Magliocco. “...which is probably why you’ll end up with one.”
The important dating trend to be aware of in Minneapolis is ‘cuffing season’; the phenomenon where singles are more likely to look for relationships in the cold winter months. This is a real thing; some 60% of Americans said they would use dating apps as a quick fix to solve winter loneliness, according to dating.com. Many major apps report higher usafe during these months too.
“It’s about enjoying the warmth of a cuddle buddy instead of venturing out into the cold to meet up with potential dating duds,” explains psychotherapist Samantha Burns. “The relationship could fizzle out come spring, but you could also genuinely fall in love and create a long-lasting relationship.”
This could be a benefit to those seeking serious relationships, but a hurdle to those looking to play the field - or those who wait too long to cuff up for the winter.
“I think in Minnesota, especially with fall and winter being colder, it's easier for people to feel like it's more difficult to meet their ideal partner,” says Julie Spangler. “Minnesotans during this time of year tend to cocoon.”
For what it’s worth, a study by Move Buddha ranked Minneapolis as the sixth best U.S city for ‘cuffing season’ dating.
Is it expensive to date in Minneapolis?
A study by the Black Tux ranked Minneapolis as the 18th most expensive for dating out of 50 major U.S cities. So, you can expect to pay slightly more than the average American to take your beau out for a romantic evening.
Minneapolis is a great place for singles! The city is relatively cheap compared to other large cities nearby, so it attracts quite a lot of young people. It's also bustling with a healthy nightlife so there's plenty of opportunity!
If you want to pick up other types of girls in Minneapolis try these recommendations.
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:
Bhandari, S. (2022) What is cuffing season? WebMD.
Brooks, A. (2023) Most popular dating apps by state. Dating News.
Chan, R. (2024) How women feel about confidence vs arrogance with men. Heart Insider.
Chhith, A. (2023) With ‘cuffing season’ near, a Minneapolis dating expert offers advice on how to pair well. Star Tribune.
Clarke, J. (2024) The best spots for Indianapolis hookups in 2024. Heart Insider.
Clarke, J. (2024) The best spots for Milwaukee hookups in 2024. Heart Insider.
Collier, K. (2023) Online romance scams are netting millions of dollars — And pushing some to self-harm. NBC News.
eHarmony (2022) How Minneapolis singles are making it work in 2023.
Elvin, J. (2024) How to be dominant with women. Heart Insider.
Iqbal, M. (2023) Tinder revenue and usage statistics. Business of Apps.
Magliocco, J. (2015) 20 things you must know about dating someone in Minnesota. Only in Your State.
PR Newswire (2019) Dating.com found that online activity hits peak season during cold winter months.
Robison, J. (2023) Cuffing season: 25 cities to find your very own winter cuddle. Move Buddha.
Roseth, K. (2018) A single’s guide to dating in Minneapolis, MN. Culture Trip.
Saulis, A. (2024) 13 things attractive women want in a man and how to give it to them. Heart Insider.
Senkus, T. (2024) Adult FriendFinder review 2024 - Is this app worth it? Heart Insider.
Setera, K. (2021) FBI cautions public to beware of romance scammers looking for more than love. FBI.
Stevens, M. (2024) Why am I socially awkward with women? Heart Insider.
The Black Tux (n.d.) The average cost of a date in each U.S. City.
United States Census Bureau (2022) QuickFacts Minneapolis city, Minnesota.
Wang, C. (2022) Online dating scams victims psychological impact analysis. Journal of Education Humanities and Social Sciences.
WCCO News (2022) Minneapolis ranks among top 10 US cities to find love; St. Paul not so much. CBS News Minnesota.
Wood, B. (2024) The best spots for St. Paul 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.
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.
If you want to pick up other types of girls in Minneapolis try these recommendations
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