Top 10 Best Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
Moving to a new city should be an exciting time of your life — new places to go, new people to meet — but not everyone finds their footing right away. Lindsay G. moved from Baton Rouge to Pittsburgh in 2012 and posted on Yelp that she was having trouble meeting people. Apart from a weekly poker night at a bar, she hadn’t found many social opportunities in town.
“I am finding myself so bored because I just don’t know anyone here,” the 30-something single woman wrote. “I’m just at a loss for how to find a social circle.”
Lindsay appealed to the internet for help brainstorming the best places to meet people, and she got some decent answers before the conversation devolved into an argument about how friendly or unfriendly Pittsburgh is to outsiders. Don’t listen to the trolls, though, this city is full of opportunities to make friends and find dates if you know where to go. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of resources for singles like Lindsay who want to meet someone special in Steel City.
1
Pittsburgh Dating Sites
Online dating is the fastest way to connect with viable dates in your area. The simple search and matching tools put you in contact with tons of people you may never have met otherwise. Pittsburgh is the second largest city in Pennsylvania, so singles could use all the help they can get navigating this bustling metropolitan area. You can sign up for any of the following dating sites for free to check out your options and see if online dating is the solution for you.
Best Singles Site
In our book, Match is definitively the best dating site around. But you don’t have to take our word for it. The highly reputable dating site frequently publishes heartwarming success stories on its blog. Match.com highlights the tremendously positive impact all that winking, chatting, and flirting can have, and these testimonials give singles renewed hope that online dating can work.
★★★★★
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
While Steel City is known for its steel-related and manufacturing businesses, its 30 skyscrapers support a lot of white-collar workers as well. A growing tech sector has allowed the city to grow and attract some of the best and brightest minds in the country. These savvy professionals will feel right at home on EliteSingles, a premium dating site with an international membership of single professionals. Over 80% of EliteSingles members have at least a bachelor’s degree, so it’s a welcoming place for graduates of Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and other colleges.
★★★★★
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 »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Over 50 & Senior Sites
It’s never too late for love as long as you have an account on OurTime. This straightforward dating site caters to single seniors with its easy-to-understand search and match tools. Anyone over 50 can join this dating site to mingle with people who have similar values, hobbies, goals, and life experiences.
★★★★★
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
According to the 2010 census, just over 26% of Pittsburgh’s population identifies as black, making it the largest minority in the city. African-American singles in the 412 may have difficulty finding one another in the diverse city streets, but they can always look on BlackPeopleMeet to find a black or biracial date.
★★★★★
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
If you’re less interested in relationships and more interested in romance, you should think about becoming a member of Adult Friend Finder. This X-rated dating site can introduce you to a fun sex and swinger community where uninhibited daters flirt and hook up all the time. Casual dating is the name of the game here, so you don’t have to make a commitment or take it too seriously. Just create a profile and see what happens.
★★★★★
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 |
2
Popular Dating Apps
Pittsburgh is known as the Paris of Appalachia and one of the most romantic cities in Pennsylvania. But, if you’re spending your Saturday nights alone, it can be difficult to see all the beauty and opportunity the city has to offer. Downloading a dating app can quickly get you in a romantic frame of mind, though. The sea of dating options is enough to excite anyone, and it’s easy to make a mutual match by swiping up a storm on those lonely nights in. We highly recommend the following dating apps if you’re seeking a date in Pittsburgh.
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 |
3
Pittsburgh Singles Bars
Looking for a date? Then look no further than the Golden Triangle. Downtown Pittsburgh is the cultural and social heart of the city, and it’s always teeming with activity, particularly at the bars. You can hang out at a friendly watering hole to make new friends and meet potential dates without going too far outside your comfort zone. We’ve put together a list of out favorite bars to help you explore the city and get your love life into gear.
1
Butcher and the Rye
Butcher and the Rye is the first Pittsburgh bar to be nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award, so obviously it goes on the top of our list of the best bars in town. Richard DeShantz founded this two-story restaurant and bar to serve good old-fashioned whiskeys (more than 600 varietals) and modern American cuisine. Its innovative menu reads like a love letter to rustic dishes and trendsetting flavors. Whether you choose one of its 15 specialty cocktails or large plate of buttermilk fried rabbit, you can't go wrong on this menu.
2
The Allegheny Wine Mixer
Got a taste for wine? Then check out The Allegheny Wine Mixer in Lawrenceville. This eclectic wine bar has a list of rotating wines with interesting flavor profiles. You can pair a glass of red or white wine with a cheese platter or a fresh-pressed panini. Or you can stick to beer and meat platters. This neighborhood spot doesn't put on airs, and it doesn't stand in the way of anyone's good time. Many reviewers remark that the wine bar is a great date spot, but we think it's an excellent place to pick up a date as well.
3
Murphy's Tap Room
Irish pubs like Murphy's Tap Room are always good for a laugh. The welcoming atmosphere and free-flowing drinks make it easy to loosen up and enjoy yourself. If you're looking for a laid-back after-work hangout, this is it. A lot of regulars show up to play pool and shoot the breeze with one another. You can grab some popcorn or a beer and play darts until the wee hours at Murphy's Tap Room, which stays open until 2 a.m. even on weekday nights.
4
Hidden Harbor
Everyone dreams of escaping from it all on some tropical beach where they serve drinks with little umbrellas in them. Well, Hidden Harbor can make that dream into a reality. This Polynesian-inspired Tiki bar transports patrons to a paradise where the drinks are fruity and life is sweet. Hidden Harbor is a hidden gem located on Shady Avenue. Every Thursday, the bar invites a DJ to jam out and get folks ready for the weekend. When you pull up a blue bar stool at this tropical getaway, you can say "aloha" (as in, goodbye) to your everyday stresses and "aloha" (as in, hello) to new friends and date prospects.
5
Gooski's
Not everyone needs fancy-schmancy cocktails and artisanal tapas to have fun. Some people just need a cold beer and a quiet spot to drink it. That's exactly what Gooski's provides. This no-frills dive bar sets the mood with its graffiti-strewn walls and checkerboard tiles. This bar doesn't put on airs. It gives patrons a pinball machine, a ping-pong table, a pool table, and a jukebox, and the staff makes sure the drinks keep coming as long as people want. When you stop by, you've got to try the wings. Many locals say they're the best in town.
6
Piper's Pub
Piper's Pub is a family-owned pub that's been around since 1999. Locals on the South Side know it as the go-to spot to watch a soccer (or "football" as they call it) game. The pub's mission is to "be the definition of a public house for each and every person." And they've been crushing it so far. The menu gives you a taste of the British Isles with classic dishes, including Scotch eggs and fish & chips. During a sports match, Piper's Pub comes alive with shouting and high-fiving, so don your team's colors and join this rowdy crowd.
7
Kelly's Bar & Lounge
Last of all, we've got to give a shout out to Kelly's Bar & Lounge for its grade-A comfort food and drinks. The kitchen cooks up many tasty treats, but it's particularly famous for its deliciously creamy mac'n'cheese with a crispy cooked crust. You should also try the char-grilled burgers and homemade chips and salsa. And the drinks, of course. This eclectic bar has everything you need to relax and have a good time.
4
Pittsburgh Speed Dating
Maybe you don’t have enough free time to linger at bars all night long in hopes of meeting someone. Maybe you’d like to speed up the dating process and get to the real-life chemistry part that much quicker. Then speed dating events are right up your alley. These events invite singles to go on dozens of mini-dates and make every second count. It’s a fun way to spend an evening, and it’s an efficient way to sort through your dating options. You can’t go wrong at a speed dating event in Pittsburgh, so go on My Cheeky Date’s calendar to find one near you.
5
Pittsburgh Singles Events
Singles events give attendees a targeted dating environment without any time crunch or high-pressure stakes. You can grab a drink or a plate of food and start conversations at your leisure. Sometimes the organizers will theme these parties or provide icebreakers to help set the mood, but you don’t need any of that to make a connection. All you need is a roomful of singles and the courage to approach someone new. Look on Eventbrite’s calendar to find a singles mixer at a local hot spot.
6
Pittsburgh Singles Clubs
Pittsburgh has a strong musical tradition. This is the city of Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. It’s the city of Christina Aguilera, for crying out loud! So why don’t you come on over to a nightclub to find romance? Don’t be shy, and you can find someone to love you right. The thumping music, lively crowds, and wild atmosphere will ensure you have a night to remember. Yelp’s list of the best dance clubs in Pittsburgh can get you dancing in no time.
7
Pittsburgh Chat Rooms
Maybe you don’t have the time or patience to go all over town in search of a date. If that’s the case, I sympathize, I wouldn’t want to brave I-376’s gridlocked traffic in my spare time either. Fortunately, the internet allows introverted shut-ins like myself to socialize without the hassles of going outside. A singles chat room offers a flirtatious environment where you can mix and mingle. Anyone can sign up and start an animated discussion about a favorite sports team, movie, or hobby. You can scope out chat rooms that fit your interests, and, if you don’t like it, you can easily exit. Entering a chat room is a low-pressure and zero-risk way to save yourself the trouble of actually going out to talk to people.
8
Pittsburgh Personals
Dating personals have come a long way in the last few decades. Singles used to have to pay a newspaper to publish an advertisement for local dates. Now they can post a personals ad on a website for free. Online dating personals allow singles to create profiles, state what they’re looking for, and connect with locals who share similar interests and goals. This system differs from online dating because there are no matching tools or advanced filtering features. It’s up to you to decide who you want to message based on his or her ad.
9
Find a Hobby & Join a Local Group
No matter what people say, you’re never too old to play and find the fun in your life. Taking up a hobby or a sport can be great news for your social life and your dating life because it connects you to people who enjoy similar activities.
The Pittsburgh Sports League (PSL) offers adults a chance to dust off their bowling shoes or basketball jerseys and get back in the game. You can search for an open league by season, sport, location, experience level, or daily availability. You don’t have to be a pro athlete to have fun playing. The dodgeball, darts, and bar games teams accept people of all kinds.
The Pittsburgh Sports League offers adult registrations for bowling, soccer, and volleyball teams.
Venture Outdoors is another group that brings out the best in local outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen. This member-supported nonprofit organizes public, custom, and youth trips throughout the year. All these trips focus on outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and climbing.
Whether you’re kayaking down the rivers of North Park Lake or snowboarding in Southwestern Pennsylvania, you’ll have a fantastic time venturing outdoors and making new friends.
Steel Your Nerve & Start a Conversation in the 'Burgh
Lindsay herself weighed in on the great Pittsburgh Friendliness Debate of 2012 by saying, “Literally, everyone I have met in Pittsburgh has been super-friendly and welcoming. I’ve had so many people take time to tell me about the city.”
She added that she’d made some friends at a neighborhood bar and was looking into joining local groups and events around town. Lindsay has the right approach to expanding her social circle, and we recommend daters in the ‘Burgh follow her lead and get out there. After all, you’ll never meet someone new by moping at home.
It can be frustrating and challenging at first, but all it takes is one conversation to start a lifelong relationship. It doesn’t matter if you feel more comfortable at an event, a bar, or online, as long as you stay committed to starting those conversations, you’ll eventually meet your match. Good luck!
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