Dating in Portland, Oregon

You’re swiping on apps and trying to figure out whether to accept an invite from that woman wearing a second-hand Pendleton who insists on describing her lofty career goals. She’s clearly not your type, but she cleans up well and smells good.

Instead of a pseudo-interview dinner date or movie date, try a speed dating event. Many of Portland’s bars host these events.

1. It’s a big city

Known for its quirky culture, Portlanders can be a little bit different dating-wise. Fortunately, there are plenty of local venues that can help you connect with compatible Portland singles.

For instance, you could head to Salt and Straw for uniquely delicious ice cream or take in a live performance at The Armory. You could even attend an online mixer or video happy hour to find local matches.

2. It’s a diverse city

Portland is a diverse city that welcomes all. It’s also a place where people are always on the move and working hard. A lot of the singles here are freelancers or work in service industries, so a seven-o’clock dinner date and prolonged chit chats over morning coffee are pretty unheard of.

For those that prefer to avoid apps, there are plenty of classic singles events and speed dating options. EliteSingles also offers a personalized approach with its personality-based matching feature.

3. It’s a creative city

Whether you enjoy art exhibits, ice cream or craft beer, Portland’s got something for every creative type. Head to Salt and Straw for a unique sorbet date or spend an evening at Powell’s, the world’s largest independent bookstore.

Dinner dates can be a bit dull, so why not switch things up with a virtual scavenger hunt or online mixer? Try an app like Zoosk, which offers a variety of dating events for all types.

4. It’s a party city

Portland may be famous for beards and booze, but its also got a great arts and culture scene and fantastic hiking. Plus, it has some of the best restaurants and breweries in America.

Despite all that, finding dates in Portland can still be hard. That’s why so many singles turn to dating apps and local events like speed dating. The city’s bars are also a popular spot to meet potential matches!

5. It’s a foodie city

Portland is known for its weird culture, a trait that’s often celebrated on shows like “Portlandia.” But the city’s quirky character is just part of its charm.

While you can find dates in Portland at bars, you can also meet interesting singles by chatting up people at Whole Foods or New Seasons. These grocery stores are great places to meet people who love good food.

6. It’s a craft beer city

Over the past three and a half decades, Oregonians have redefined America’s beer landscape. From painstaking recreations of classic styles to experimental concoctions that push the boundaries, our state has it all.

This makes Portland a great place for craft beer dates. Try a beer-based activity like game night at Ground Kontrol or visit one of the city’s many breweries. Then you can enjoy a cold beer together.

7. It’s a music city

Portland is home to a vibrant music scene that showcases the talents of local and visiting musicians alike. From country-inspired folk bands to indie pop darlings, there is something for everyone here.

Whether your date enjoys food and drinks or outdoor activities, there is plenty to do in Portland. Avoid a traditional dinner date, however, since it can quickly turn into a pseudo-interview.

8. It’s a tech city

Despite being known for its “Keep Portland Weird” culture, Portland’s tech scene isn’t growing as fast as it could be. Several local startups have struggled to find workers.

Bumble, a swipe-style app that prioritizes women, has found some success in the city. Another popular dating app is Zoosk, which has a fun user-centric experience. Its motto is “the app made to be deleted.”

9. It’s a creative community

In Portland, there are plenty of opportunities to meet singles with unique interests. For example, you can go to a speed dating event that matches you with a date based on your shared interest in a particular activity.

A great way to find a match is to use an app like eHarmony, which uses matching algorithms to help you find long-term love. It also has a wide variety of users, including single parents.

10. It’s a safe city

Known for a unique and quirky culture, Portland is the ideal spot to meet a compatible date. With countless Kodak-moment day trip adventures, waterfalls and certified environment-friendly buildings, this city is sure to turn your dating experience into something special.

With social distancing guidelines in place, more and more singles are turning to online dating apps to find love. But are these apps really the best way to connect with potential dates?