10 Classic & Casual Tinder Bars in Los Angeles

Tinder use in Los Angeles has reached critical levels. When meeting a Tinder match for the first time (or second—sometimes the second time is even more nerve-wracking than the first!), it is imperative that the location is swanky, but casual; a mixture of public, but reserved at the same time.

1. Bar Marmont
   (Yes, it is attached to the hotel Chateau Marmont) brings these two ideals together in effortless fashion. Located at the top of Sunset Boulevard, Bar Marmont has several different seating areas. There is a small area dedicated to being a dance floor, with a live DJ (beware: he tends to yell out random marriage proposals to young woman without dates, so keep yours close to you), and of course, a stocked bar with ample seating. Make sure to check out the butterflies on the ceiling– this is Old Hollywood at its very best.
2. Hyde Sunset
   Hyde Restaurant is nearly adjacent to Bar Marmont, and functions as an in-between in comparison to the rowdy clubs that dot Sunset Boulevard, and the low key, but upscale restaurants in the area. Hyde’s food is impeccable; be prepared to shell out the big bucks. Hyde’s drink menu includes a number of craft cocktails, but perhaps their crowning glory is a fresh Sauvignon Blanc. Grab dinner with your date before 11 pm, and then dance the night away on weekend nights as they transition into a dance lounge.
3. Laurel Hardware
   Down a few streets, off of Santa Monica Boulevard sits Laurel Hardware, a new American restaurant with “global influences,” and a full bar. Laurel Hardware’s setting is perfect for Tinder dates for several reasons; a couple can grab a corner spot inside, or sit under the ambient lighting outside, or even grab a bar seat across the way. It’s casual but classy, like a fine wine on a Tuesday at 3 p.m. (a time that all tinder couples should meet up, since no one out would expect it anyway!)
4. Melrose Umbrella Company
   Moving west, either by Uber or Lyft, one can find the Melrose Umbrella Company, a cocktail lounge that pays homage to the originator of the cocktail, with decorations reminiscent of the prohibition era with modern influence. The best thing about Melrose Umbrella Company is its proximity to the historic Melrose shopping district; if after a few too many cocktails at the Umbrella Co, conversation seems to be stagnant, the next boutique is close enough to pick up a few new threads.

   

5. Perch
   Down in Los Angeles proper sits Perch Restaurant, resting atop the Pershing Square Building. This prime location in the burgeoning downtown area is perfect for a meet-up, with two different floors to choose from; a 15^th floor patio, and the 16^th floor rooftop with a full bar. The French inspired cuisine evokes romance, with the fromage and charcuterie board a steal for the experience at this exquisite location and local wines from California to supplement the night.
6. GOAL Sports Cafe
   The Taco Tuesday epidemic is here to stay, with GOAL sports cafe taking the lead. Besides the affordable menu designed by chef Jonah Johnson, GOAL offers a trendy hot spot for Prince Charming and his Tinderella. On Tuesday nights, the place is jam-packed with people from all over the city, with an additional DJ to light up the mood in a clubby atmosphere. The food is top notch for a casual night out, and the location on 3^rd street is perfect for a first meeting.
7. The Wellesbourne
   For intellectuals, fans of Olde-English looking Menus, or just a tinder match looking for a sophisticated place to meet, The Wellesbourne in Brentwood is the place for you! This erudite setting offers a library with books to pore over, and enough drinks to pour over to satisfy your taste buds for days. Tinder matches can grab a loveseat in their lounge, shoot pool in their game room, or just talk politics while the bartender whips up the perfect cocktail.
8. Tunnel Bar
   Speakeasys have made their mark on the modern world, with a number of LA bars to have “secret entrances” or unusual entertainment. Perhaps the best of these is the Tunnel Bar in Sherman Oaks, located behind the Tipple & Brine Restaurant. It’s a low-key, relatively quiet place to meet up. WARNING: this might be a better place for the second date; the lights in here are dimmed and it may be hard to see if the person resembles the photo you swiped right on in any capacity.
9. The Blue Whatle
   For all tinder matches that pretend to listen to jazz- the Blue Whale Bar in Little Tokyo, downtown LA is the one for you! Unfortunately there are no mirrors in here to make sure you are looking fine, but drink enough Ginger Django’s to forget that and you will have a very enjoyable time with your date regardless.
10. The Love Song
    Sometimes, the vibe has to be set from the get go; put some classic rock on and make your life (or your night) into a love story for the ages. The Love Song’s cozy atmosphere will have you dancing funky all night (and it’s right next to the Regent Theater, which offers a multitude of different shows). Order your date a Boulevardier, and get to chatting in this cozy bar. A quick tip: the best parking is off of Winston, between Los Angeles Street and Wall Street.