December 30, 2015
Handout Art/Franklin Institute
Science After Hours is an offbeat monthly event for adults held at the Franklin Institute.
There are plenty of dating apps out there to help you strum up – or swipe to – a connection. But what if you want to meet your soulmate in person? From dance spots to running clubs, here are our top Philly picks to mix and mingle when you’re single.
As one of the city’s largest running groups, you’ll find plenty of participants here with whom you can boost your endorphins. Strike up a conversation with the jogger catching your eye, then afterward, share in a well-deserved beer. The group meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. for a 3- to 5-mile run ending at different drinking destinations each week.
Meeting spot: 2346 E. Susquehanna Ave.
This Center City spot has a little something for every kind of single lad and lady, offering a casual jazz and dining scene downstairs and a dynamic, DJ-spun dance floor up top. Come on Tuesday for the free open mic, featuring talented local musicians of every instrumental discipline. Loosen up with a drink at the bar, then make your way upstairs to boogey once the live music concludes.
1315 Sansom St.
Sharing a space on the corner of 15th and Mifflin streets, this business collaboration makes for the ultimate meeting matrix. Swing by for an afternoon espresso from Ultimo and relax into the evening with a beer from Brew aside any new companions you might meet.
1900 S. 15th St.
The Franklin Institute is known for showcasing and creating chemistry in all sorts of unique ways. Now is your chance to experience that spark firsthand as a single visitor. Between the interactive games, science demonstrations and curated performances, there are plenty of opportunities to strike up a conversation over cocktails at these monthly events. You must be 21 or older to attend, and tickets are $15 for non-members and $10 for members.
222 N. 20th St.
With a no-cover, living-room-styled dance party upstairs and a cozy bar down below, this Northern Liberties spot is filled with unpretentious vibes and plenty of solo hip-shakers. Come to groove Thursday through Saturday anytime after 10 p.m. If soccer strikes your fancy and you seek this interest in your significant other, too, come for brunch. Most weekends, you can catch the game at the bar aside a more casual hangout scene.
700 N. 2nd St.
Grab a beer at the bar of this Fishtown venue and then venture upstairs for some live music. If you happen to meet someone along the way, a pool table awaits for continuing into the night. The locally sourced menu is worth checking out, too, and is a perfect way to get a discussion started.
1201 N. Frankford Ave.
Ditch drinking for darkroom photography, sketching and more at this Bella Vista sanctuary that offers low-budget art classes and an often eclectic crowd. Become a member and you can choose from an array of tuition-free classes. If enrollment doesn’t bring new friendship, at the very least, you'll get to take home some new skills.
719 Catharine St.
From Skee-Ball to pinball to pool, there’s lots of fun to be had at this Passyunk-area bottle bar. Seating is limited, yet the standing room is spacious, making it convenient to bump into solo standers nearby. If you’re not sure how to go about the whole act of casually colliding with a stranger, perhaps sneak up with a surprise treat from the rotating food truck that’s stationed inside.
1231-1233 E. Passyunk Ave.
If you’re not ready to venture out alone, grab a group of your single friends and head to Frankford Hall. The long picnic tables are perfect for joining two unplanned groups over giant, German-styled beer mugs and a casual game of Jenga. If you hit it off with someone, keep the flames going by cozying up to the fire in the center of the outdoor beer garden. Or, you can always heat things up with some friendly competition at the ping-pong table.
1210 Frankford Ave.
