Best Dating Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
When the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced it was building a brick-and-mortar museum, many big cities wanted the honor of housing all that memorabilia and history within their borders. Top contenders included New York City, San Francisco, and Memphis. Yet it was the underdog of Cleveland, Ohio, that ultimately won the prize.
City officials promised to contribute $65 million to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s construction, and locals promised to lose their minds with excitement that something so important would have a home in the heart of America.
In 1993, rock legends Chuck Berry, Billy Joel, and many others flew to the Buckeye State to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony of the first museum that truly rocked. While Cleveland may not have been the obvious choice to become the Rock ‘n’ Roll Capital of the World, the city’s heart and determination ultimately won out, which just goes to show that sometimes all it takes to get what you want is wanting it more than anyone else.
If what you want is to find a date in Cleveland, you can similarly outbid the competition by investing your time in the top dating resources in the area. We’ve come up with 10 ways to meet singles in Cleveland and make your relationship goals a reality.
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Cleveland Dating Sites
Cleveland is the second largest city in Ohio, so, in theory, meeting people should be easy. In reality, combing through 3.6 million residents for a date can feel like the world’s most frustrating game of “Where’s Waldo?” Online dating makes the process a lot easier by providing tools to narrow your search by age, location, income, height, hobbies, and pretty much any other dating criteria you care to mention. Anyone seeking a date these days can’t afford to pass up on these superhuman search and matching features.
Best Singles Site
Match is without a doubt the best dating site and app for singles seeking a serious relationship. The time-tested matching system has facilitated more relationships and marriages than any other dating site or app. What’s more, the monthly subscription plans ensure you only talk to singles who are serious about meeting a potential partner.
★★★★★
Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
Our Experts Say: “Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review...” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
39.7 Million* | Try Match FREE |
Best Site for Professionals
Elite Singles is a dating site for single professionals interested in finding a real connection. If you’re over 30, living in Cleveland, and looking for a compatible person on your level, you can join Elite Singles for free and browse for matches based on your date criteria.
★★★★★
Relationships: Serious Relationships
Match System: Search, Receive Partner Suggestions
Our Experts Say: “EliteSingles is a leading dating site just for busy, single professionals. More than 80% of members have earned a college degree, and most are looking for a serious commitment...” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Over 50 & Senior Sites
The median age in Cleveland is almost 41, which means its population is slightly more mature than the state population, which has a median age of 38.8. These adult daters may not feel comfortable on a general dating site or app, and that’s what OurTime is there for. This senior dating site caters to divorcees, widows, and never-married singles over 50.
★★★★★
Relationships: Dates and Relationships
Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
Our Experts Say: “OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout...” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| Mature Singles (50+)* |
48%*
52%*
|
8.9 Million* | Over 50? Try It FREE |
For Black Men & Women Only
Cleveland’s Black population has grown significantly in recent years. In 1950, Black people made up just 16% of the population, but by 2010, 53% of the overall population identified as Black or African-American. If you want to date within this majority population, you can use BlackPeopleMeet’s extensive network to connect. This niche dating site and app boast having the largest community of Black, biracial, and African-American singles in the US.
★★★★★
Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
Match System: Search by location, age, more
Our Experts Say: “BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month...” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| Black Singles* |
47%*
53%*
|
5.7 Million* | FREE Trial for New Users |
Hookup & Sex Site
Not everyone is the commitment type; some just want to have fun without putting a label on it. If you’re interested in some adult fun, check out Adult Friend Finder. This hookup site lets singles and couples pursue their desires without judgment. The sex-friendly atmosphere is liberating for singles who just want no-strings-attached romance.
★★★★★
Relationships: Hookups Only
Match System: Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say: “Make no mistake: this site isn't about making friends, it's about finding hookups and casual encounters. No adult site has a larger or more active user base of those seeking discreet fun...”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
65%*
35%*
|
25.5 Million* | 3 Months @ $19.95/Mo |
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Popular Dating Apps
Dating apps are a fantastic resource for local singles. It’s so easy to just take out your phone, make a few swipes, and then go about your day as the matches roll in. Thanks to popular dating apps, singles can flirt and chat in real time more easily. It’s convenient, portable, and incredibly popular. In fact, many top dating websites have developed companion apps to allow singles to stay connected wherever they go. The following top-reviewed dating apps are ideal for Cleveland singles on the go.
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
- Match System: Browse by location, age, interest, and more
- About the App: Available via the App Store and Google Play, Match is a fantastic app for dates and relationships. With a user base of 30 million singles, Match is where you'll have a high chance of success. It's free to download, create a profile, search for date prospects, and receive compatible matches based on personalized preferences. Free members can also chat with select members and send unlimited likes.
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
13.5 Million* | Free Download |
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Deep Relationships
- Match System: Search by education, lifestyle habits, age
- About the App: Commitment-minded, professional daters will feel at home with EliteSingles, which can be downloaded for free in the App Store or Google Play. Not only is everyone looking for a long-term partner, but 80% of members hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree. EliteSingles sees 210,000 visitors and 2,500 users finding love every month, so it's one of the fastest growing and most reputable apps.
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* |
43%*
57%*
|
290,000* | Free Download |
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Casual Dates, Relationships
- Match System: Search for and receive matches
- About the App: Zoosk is the number one app for finding dates, and if you sync up your Google+ or Facebook account, you can have a profile in seconds. The app has 38 million members and will deliver matches to your inbox on a daily basis based on your behavior such as who you search for, like or don't like, and message. The Carousel is another section for matching (tap the heart if it's a yes and the X if it's a no).
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
3.8 Million* | Free Download |
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Cleveland Singles Bars
Clevelanders didn’t always have technology to help them make friends, plan dates, and maintain a social calendar. They used to have to actually go outside and talk to people. Some traditionalists still prefer that route, and you can often find them hanging out at the local bar or pub. Becoming a regular at your favorite watering hole is an excellent way to forget connections in the community and increase your likelihood of meeting a hot date. Don’t have a favorite bar? Then we suggest you try one of these:
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Happy Dog
The Happy Dog has a reputation in Cleveland for serving some of the largest, juiciest, and most indulgent hot dogs in the area. These delicious dogs can be topped with pretty much anything you could ever want. Including SpaghettiOs, soy sauce, Fruit Loops, and chunky peanut butter. Seriously, there are over 50 indulgent hot dog toppings that'll fire up your imagination and have you hankering for more. Plus the bar has over 75 beers on tap. So, if you haven't hung out here yet, you should really stop by, order some tater tots, and make some new friends.
2
Velvet Tango Room
The Velvet Tango Room is a luxurious place to spend an evening. Its jazzy, laid-back vibe appeals to locals looking for a respite from the everyday. Plus the cocktails are amazing. Whether you order a flight of dark spirits, chocolaty vodka martini, or a single-malt Scotch, you can't go wrong here. A knowledgeable staff can help singles sort through the 12-page menu and find the best drink, appetizer, or dessert to satisfy them. The bar's high-quality drinks can be expensive, but, if you come during happy hour, almost all drinks are half-priced!
3
Vault
The Vault's quiet lounge setting has a wealth of history behind it. A century ago, the Cleveland Trust Rotunda used this space as its bank vaults. You can still see the original vault doors, which are now part of the decor. This upscale bar serves over 30 handcrafted cocktails and is open Tuesday through Saturday. Whether you enjoy smooth jazz or smooth drinks, the Vault's bar won't disappoint. From its unique entryway to its eye-catching appetizers, the Vault is definitely one of the most Instagrammable bars in Cleveland.
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The Spotted Owl
You'll have a hoot having a drink at the Spotted Owl. This quirky bar is known for making some of the best cocktails in the 216. You can throw back a shot and beer pairing — like the Dumbo, a Brooklyn lager with a shot of cynar and blanco tequila — or sip on a lemony-honey cocktail handcrafted by the bar's mixologists. These inventive drinks are conversation starters and can easily set the mood on a night out. Show up at Golden Hour (5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays) to enjoy discounted drinks and lively conversation. Just note, gents, that the bar's house rules state that women must initiate all conversation.
5
Hotz Cafe Inc
Visiting the Hotz Cafe on 10th street is like stepping back in time. The bar has been around since 1919, and it's never quite lost that old-timey charm. Babe Ruth used to come here for a nightcap, so you know it has to be good. The bar is known as the "Cheers of Tremont" because so many regulars hang out here and get to know one another. Singles are sure to have a friendly welcome here, and they can have a pint, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the classic look and feel of a bar that'll never go out of style.
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Edison's Pub
Located on Professor Avenue, Edison's Pub is a favorite haunt for intellectuals, pizza lovers, and everyone in between. The Thursday Trivia Nights pack in a crowd with three rounds of increasingly challenging questions. You can play by yourself or with a team, and the winner of each round gets a complimentary pitcher of beer. So the stakes are high! You'll also find blues playing on Saturdays and dart games played every night. According to one review, "The place makes you feel like you're sitting in your best friend's backyard."
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Cleveland Speed Dating
Speed dating has been around for decades (since 1998 to be exact), but it’s still very much relevant to today’s dating scene. It’s a time-saving solution for busy singles who may not want to linger at a bar for hours with no guarantee of meeting someone. A speed date puts you in front of dozens of potential love interests in one fun-filled evening. You can make small talk to see if there’s a connection, and, if there’s not, you won’t have to suffer long before the ringing of the bell brings you a new potential love interest.
5
Cleveland Singles Events
Only 47% of Cleveland’s population is married, so that leaves a whole bunch of singles who are available to date. But finding those individuals could be tricky. You can’t walk into a bar and automatically know who’s single and who’s taken. That’s why singles parties can be such great opportunities for active daters around town. All attendees are single and eager to meet someone, so you can approach anyone who catches your eye and feel confident that you won’t be shot down. Eventbrite can let you know about the most popular events for singles happening around town.
6
Cleveland Singles Clubs
Some singles love the nightlife. They party, laugh, and dance under the flashing strobe lights and blaring music, and the fun atmosphere often leads to romance. Cleveland has many trendy downtown spots where singles can come together and seek hot dance partners. You can look on Yelp for reviews written by locals who have gone before you and had a great time. The best dance clubs don’t stay secret for very long so do your research, find your spot, and rock on.
7
Cleveland Chat Rooms
I practically lived in chat rooms as a teenager discovering the internet. It’s a terrific, non-intimidating place to make friends and discover common interests. You don’t have to leave your comfort zone to meet someone new, and you never know where those conversations can lead you. Our dating experts suggest spending time in local chat rooms so you know the people you’re talking to live in the area and can meet you IRL without too much difficulty. Check out the following chat room platforms to meet Cleveland singles.
8
Cleveland Personals
When you think of dating personals, you probably think of the classifieds section of the newspaper and some corny guy asking for someone who likes long walks on the beach. But that’s not exactly how dating personals work these days. The practice of placing a personal ad for date has gone online and become a lot more interactive. It’s basically a dating site without the complication of mutual matching and limited communication. You simply create a dating profile, write what you’re looking for, and message anyone you like.
9
Roll Up Your Sleeves & Get Involved With a Nonprofit
Volunteering is not only good for your self-esteem and your health, it can also be good for your social life. You can make invaluable friendships while spending your time cleaning up a park, preparing free meals, caring for animals, or doing other worthwhile projects.
When you follow your passion and give back to the community, you will surely reap the benefits of your good deeds, and you may find someone who shares similar passions and interests working alongside you.
The Greater Cleveland Volunteers can put you in touch with over 100 local nonprofits in need of help. You can look for opportunities to lend a hand while meeting kind and hard-working people in your neighborhood.
10
Take Your Pup to a Dog Park
I don’t know about you, but I can’t date anyone who doesn’t like dogs. It just wouldn’t work. So spending time at the dog park is definitely part of my dating strategy because it helps me weed out incompatible people. At the dog park, we all have at least one thing in common: We love our dogs.
Dog owners are usually eager to talk to one another and trade stories about their naughty, quirky, smart, and loyal dogs.
Dog parks offer a casual, engaging environment to chat with singles who love dogs as much as you do.
The Downtown Cleveland Dog Park on Merwin Avenue is a popular gathering place for local dog owners and their furry friends. You can unleash your fun side and mingle with people who love dogs as much as you do. The 3,500-square-foot park has plenty of room to hunt for a date and start a conversation simply by asking, “Which dog is yours?”
Find Friendship & Love in The Cleve
Great opportunities rarely fall in your lap. You have to put in the time and energy to seek them out. Cleveland’s residents and city officials had to work hard to attract the attention of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, but their dedication paid off in the end. It’s the same with dating. You don’t necessarily have to shell out a ton of cash, but you do have to send the right signals and put yourself in a position to be noticed by attractive and available dates.
You have to do the legwork, no matter which of our 10 ways to meet singles you choose. You have to be willing to start conversations, put your best foot forward, and persevere even in the face of disappointments. It’s definitely not easy to find love out there, but modern singles are fortunate to have so many options at their disposal.
Whether you go online, attend an event, or volunteer with a charitable organization, you can hone your social and dating skills by putting yourself out there and meeting new people in Cleveland. Good luck!
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