Jersey City Nj

Jersey City, NJ

9 Ways to Meet Singles in Jersey City, NJ (Dating Guide)

Amber Brooks

Written by: Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com.

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Edited by: Lillian Castro

Lillian Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of journalism experience to ensure DatingAdvice articles have been edited for overall clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, The Gwinnett Daily News, and The Gainesville Sun covering lifestyle topics.

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In the 1980s, Jersey City became known by a different name: Chilltown. A rapper named Ronnie Gee dubbed himself “the Surgeon General of Chilltown” in his record “Raptivity,” and many people thought his description perfectly captured Jersey City’s chill vibes.

Chilltown is more than just a nickname — it’s a way of life in Jersey City. While their neighbors in New York have a reputation for frenzied action and impatient attitudes, Jersey City residents define themselves by their calm, cool, and collected demeanor. They’re chill, and that’s the way they like it.

However, if you’re looking for someone to chill out with on a date, a laid-back attitude isn’t going to get you where you want to go very quickly. Getting a date takes more active work. We can help by recommending the top nine ways to meet singles in Jersey City.

1

Jersey City Dating Sites

First up, we have online dating. Millions of Americans have joined a dating site in hopes of finding friendship, love, and romance. You can encounter people of all backgrounds on a general dating site, or you can search for a specific type of person on a niche dating site. We’ve handpicked a few of our favorites to get you started on the right foot.

Best Singles Site

Anyone serious in finding a relationship should consider joining Match. It’s the longest-running and most successful dating platform to date. It’s free to create a profile and use the advanced search features to narrow down the user base to prospective dates in Jersey City.

★★★★★
4.9/5.0

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

Best Site for Professionals

Known as Wall Street West, Jersey City is home to many highly successful and financially savvy individuals. These busy singles may excel in their careers, but sometimes they need a helping hand in their love lives. That’s where EliteSingles comes in. This upscale dating site connects busy professionals who are looking for a relationship with someone on their level. Over 80% of Elite Singles members have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, and over 90% say they’re ready to make a commitment.

★★★★★
4.8/5.0

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

Over 50 & Senior Sites

It’s easy for daters of a certain age to get lost in the shuffle on mainstream dating sites. They often can’t relate to singles years or even decades younger than themselves and find the fast-paced flirtation game too exhausting and immature for their tastes. OurTime provides senior singles with a more mature dating experience. Its matching and chatting tools were designed with singles over 50 in mind.

★★★★★
4.6/5.0

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 »

Browse Free: View Photos Now

For Black Men & Women Only

Jersey City is one of the most racially diverse cities in the U.S. Over 25% of its residents identify as black or African-American, and that number has been growing steadily as more people immigrate from Nigeria and Kenya. If you’d like to date someone within the local black community, you should consider signing up to BlackPeopleMeet. This niche dating site maintains a database of thousands of black and biracial singles.

★★★★
4.1/5.0

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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Hookup & Sex Site

Lastly, we have to acknowledge that relationships aren’t the only thing singles are looking for online. Some singles just want to get laid. Adult Friend Finder can hook singles up with a flirtatious and promiscuous date. This sex-oriented dating site encourages users to let go of their inhibitions and pursue their desires with a willing partner.

★★★★
4.2/5.0

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...”

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2

Popular Dating Apps

Dating apps are rapidly becoming more popular than traditional dating sites because they’re so much more convenient for today’s single on the go. Hey, that’s progress for you. Many daters enjoy the location-based features that allow them to stay connected with date prospects even as they travel from city to city or state to state. In the last few years, dating sites have scrambled to adapt to meet these demands by converting their tried-and-true platforms into mobile-friendly platforms. Below, we’ve listed our top-ranked dating apps for Jersey City singles.

Match.com

★★★★★
4.9/5.0
Match.com

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

EliteSingles

★★★★★
4.9/5.0
EliteSingles

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

Zoosk

★★★★★
4.8/5.0
Zoosk

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
3

Jersey City Singles Bars

What did singles do before dating sites and dating apps? Meet in person, that’s what! The bar scene has facilitated engaging conversations and pickups long before Tinder came along. Many singles still prefer meeting potential dates in person first and frequent local bars in hopes of running into someone special. Jersey City is famous for its lively nightlife, so you’ll find no shortage of bars in this big city. Here are our top picks:

1

The Archer

★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
176 Newark Ave • Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 309-1090 Visit Website
The Archer

Cozy. Rustic. Chic. The Archer has earned its place at the top of our list of the best bars in Jersey City because of its unique bar foods and reasonably priced drinks. When you stop in, you've got to try the Campfire Mac & Cheese, which is made with smoked gouda bechamel sauce and herbed breadcrumbs. Other local favorites include the Wild Boar Sloppy Joe and the Duck Burger topped with cherry BBQ compote. But enough about the food — the ambiance is also great for active daters because the Archer's long and spacious bar gives people plenty of room. You can pull up a seat and order a fun drink while making conversation with others at the bar.

2

O'Leary's Publik House

★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
788 Garfield Ave • Jersey City, NJ 07305 (201) 435-7269 Visit Website
O'Leary's Publik House

O'Leary's Publik House isn't the kind of place to order a salad and a diet soda. This is the kind of place where you order a giant hamburger with a side of poutine fries or fried pickles and wash it all down with an ice-cold beer. The kitchen doesn't skimp on flavors here. You'll find every sandwich, wrap, and burger stuffed with the good stuff. You never can tell how a date is going to go or if you're going to meet someone special today, but at O'Leary's Publik House you can at least guarantee yourself a delicious meal.

3

Cellar 335

★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
335 Newark Ave • Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 222-1422 Visit Website
Cellar 335

The sleek black couches at Cellar 335 invite people to sit and talk for a while. There's no rush here. You can order a few tropical cocktails, sample an appetizer, and then dive into a main course that's definitely worth posting on social media. From its Korean-style wings to its avocado fried rice, Cellar 335's menu is full of imaginative delights. What it's really known for, though, is its fruity signature drinks. Its cocktails cost a pretty penny, but they pack a punch in terms of flavor and fun.

4

Porta

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
135 Newark Ave • Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 544-5199 Visit Website
Porta

Like Neapolitan pizza? Then you'll love Porta. This modern Italian bar and restaurant serves delicious pizzas cooked to perfection in a traditional brick oven. You can pair your slice with a glass of wine or beer. The three-story restaurant takes up an entire block and has two fully stocked bars. Since 2014, locals have known this eatery as one of the best late-night hangouts in Jersey City. With the motto "Love opens all doors," Porta earns its spot on our list of the best places to make a date.

5

Fox & Crow

★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
594 Palisade Ave • Jersey City, NJ 07307 (201) 984-2775 Visit Website
Fox & Crow

This snug cocktail bar is a hidden gem in Jersey City. The Fox & Crow serves juicy burgers and craft brews late in its dimly lit parlor. Whether you're looking for late-night pub grub on Friday night or elevated brunch on a Sunday afternoon, you can always find a satisfying meal here. The bar is open from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. on weekdays and from noon until midnight on weekends. You can also find live musical talent playing a concert at the Fox & Crow on occasion. Check the website's event calendar to find out about upcoming performances

6

Grove Square

★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
116 Newark Ave • Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 332-7454 Visit Website
Grove Square

Grove Square encompasses five upscale eateries and bars. You have the sports fans' favorite Grove Corner Bar, the pizzeria Favia Pizza, the casual Bistro, the intimate Underground, and the classic Wine & Whiskey Bar to choose from. We recommend the Underground for singles looking for a hot date. You can come here for open mic nights on Tuesdays or stand-up comedy shows on Thursdays. The bar welcomes live entertainment seven days a week and offers great deals on its upscale appetizers and drinks.

4

Jersey City Speed Dating

Jersey City Speed Dating

The upside of searching for your date yourself is that you’re in control of your experience. The downside is it’s so time-consuming. After a long day at work, not everyone has the patience or willpower to personally vet one date after another. That could take hours of your valuable time. Unless you’re at a speed dating event, then it’ll only take a matter of minutes. Busy singles love speed dating events because it’s a helpful and fun way to assess your options and decide which dates you want to pursue.

5

Jersey City Singles Events

Jersey City Singles Events

Attending a singles event is another way to shake up your dating life in a short period of time. These events promise an exciting opportunity to mingle with eligible bachelors and bachelorettes who are looking to build connections. You can show up with a friend or on your own and start making conversations with interesting and attractive individuals. We suggest searching Jersey City’s Meetup page by the keyword “singles” to find date-worthy folks who share similar interests.

6

Jersey City Singles Clubs

Jersey City Singles Clubs

Whether you’re in the Village or the Powerhouse District, you don’t have to walk very far to stumble upon a nightclub in Jersey City. This urban area is packed with places to bust a move and meet a youthful dance partner. Next time you’re on the prowl for a date, you should stop by a local dance club, grab a drink, and start flirting. The club’s low-key atmosphere provides an ideal opportunity for outgoing singles to make a connection that lasts a night or even a lifetime.

7

Jersey City Chat Rooms

Asking singles to travel across town in hopes of maybe meeting someone is a tall order. Not everyone is up for that. I get that. I’m pretty introverted and don’t always feel like carting my lazy self downtown just to flirt with somebody. Fortunately, online chat rooms can act as an alternative to, you know, going outside to meet people. Chat rooms offer a free virtual space where you can while the hours away in casual conversation. It’s a laid-back, low-effort way to expand your social circle just by typing on your keyboard.

8

Jersey City Personals

In 2016, Jersey City’s estimated population rose to 264,000 people. Finding the exact right person for you in such a diverse and crowded area can be quite a challenge. Thankfully, a dating personals website can simplify the search. By logging into a personals site, you gain access to a database of singles looking for friendship and romance. Think of these platforms as no-muss, no-fuss dating sites. Profiles are short and sweet so singles can get right down to business and start making a match.

9

Get in the Spirit at a Local Festival

You won’t run out of people to meet at a festival. Such public events often attract thousands of locals and out-of-towners interested having fun in the community. Some festivals focus on music, and others focus on food, but all offer an enriching experience among friends and family members.

Photo of Groove on the Grove

Groove on the Grove is a free event that takes place every Wednesday in the summer.

Since 2008, Groove on the Grove has delighted the eardrums of locals in the summertime. Every Wednesday, people gather at the Grove Street Path Plaza for a free outdoor concert. You can grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and spend a joyful afternoon dancing to the music.

In terms of a date venue, a festival is a great choice because it offers so much to do and see. The Hamilton Park BBQ Festival, for instance, provides a delectable array of savory treats while also offering a bounce house, petting zoo, and other entertainment.

“This was a community event at its finest,” said Stephanie Y. in a Yelp review. “Everything was fresh and delicious.”

Whether you’re applauding a street performance or eating street food, you can enjoy the best the city has to offer at a local festival.

Chill Out, Try These Resources & Love Will Come Your Way

Meeting someone new can make singles feel tense, nervous, and uncomfortable, and those feelings can trip them up in the dating scene. The best thing to do in that situation is to take a breath, chill out, and try to make the experience more fun.

If you want to turn your love life around in Chilltown, you’ve got to put in some effort and change your day-to-day- routine a little. That means attending a singles event, going out to a festival, logging into a dating network, and creating flirtatious opportunities wherever you go.

After all, there isn’t just one way to meet someone special — you can and should employ multiple strategies to reach your relationship goals. Next time you have some free space in your calendar, take a page from our book and try using these resources to meet a date prospect in Jersey City. Good luck!

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