Where do people ACTUALLY approach each other “in the wild” in Dallas?
Posted by ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit | Dallas | View on Reddit | 88 comments
I’m in my late 20s, and when I go to bars there is always a hoard of SMU kids or young professionals (early 20s). I’ve been around lower Greenville, Knox, and uptown but people don’t mingle, or they’re all so young. Do people not approach people anymore in public spaces in Dallas? (I realize this question has been asked before, but it was like 2 years or older, and things change).
bellakupkake@reddit
Walk in talk, every friday at 7pm at the Katy Trail. @dtxwalktalk on instagram. Ive been going routinely and met some awesome people.
junglist_xpedition@reddit
Oooh, tell us more!
42 and moving to City Center next month... This sounds like a, not your average, super cool rec...
bellakupkake@reddit
Highly recommend to come out! Arrive by 7PM, but 15 minutes before would be better to get a parking spot. Everyone gathers at Thompsen overlook. At 7:30PM the host, Kevin, gathers everyone around and lays out what’s about to happen. Everyone picks a number out the bucket and finds their partner who has the same number as them. When you find your partner you will line up at the red sidewalk path on the Katy trail. After everyone gets their partner they start the walk which lasts 20-30 minutes. You will walk 1 mile talking with your partner. Then at the halfway point they pair you with another person and yall walk the mile back. Usually it’s done by 9/9:30PM. Everyone usually mingles before and after the talk. There’s been consistently 100+ people and it keeps growing.
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
Oooo I’d be interested in this! Thanks, I’ll follow up!
MoveAhead-HopAlong@reddit
You can literally just do things.
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
Oh, I do. I’ve done kickball (I found some great people there), group fitness classes, sporting events (hockey), trivia, walk the trail, etc. I’m a pretty extroverted person so I like going and doing things around people.
PlutoVisionn@reddit
When he's saying you can "literally just do things" he's saying you have the free will to go approach people rather asking reddit if people in Dallas approach people.
Prestigious_Fly3389@reddit
sure you can ‘do’ most things- it’s whether or not it’s received well and what the cultural norms are! out of all the cities i’ve lived in i’ve found dallas to be the most cliquey and difficult to meet people! OP i’m also a professional in my late twenties and found it hard to make friends! it’s great to ask people from here, i’ve excepted my fate at the moment but godspeed- hopefully i’ll get out there more like you in the future!
MikeFromSuburbia@reddit
Agree. I do sports on leagues, walk trails and unless I initiate convo doesn’t usually happen!
MaceWandru@reddit
Well done trying kickball! Central Market and Whole Foods are next up if you're not going to bars.
Lurcher99@reddit
H Mart used to play the live channel (Sirius) on Friday nights.... Miss dancing with my wife in the aisles
NowWeGetSerious@reddit
At least you have options lol, I'm very introvert, 30M and man it's tough out here. Dating apps don't work, unfortunately. Being a average looking dude gets you zero swipes unfortunately
RadPhilosopher@reddit
Not sure why you’re getting downvoted, DM me
xoxo_angelica@reddit
I can take a stab at that one for you. Because we’re all exhausted of hearing men whine on about how lonely they are and pinning the problem on women as if they’re unique victims of a collectively socially fragmented and isolated post-pandemic digital culture
NowWeGetSerious@reddit
Homie, it's been like this all my 30 years of living, in living with it, it sucks but no need to diminish someone's feelings only because you're soo perfect.
We are all working on ourselves, it's a journey, sometimes takes all your life
xoxo_angelica@reddit
Your feelings are real and valid but implying that being a man makes your life more lonely or difficult suggests you are approaching the root problem from the wrong angle. Just my two cents on the downvotes
Rpsaiz88@reddit
Be confident and approach a girl in person. That’ll go along way. Dating apps are a scam.
ea88_alwaysdiscin@reddit
Dating apps suck man, you should join some different activity groups. Break outta your shell!
AkuTheNiceGuy@reddit
Sir this is reddit
No-Doughnut324@reddit
Their first day here
Arkhamguy123@reddit
Empty platitude unhelpful Gen Z non answer
Connect-Succotash-59@reddit
What kind of interaction are you looking for, if you’re trying to get hit on obviously the bar or a club.
If you’re looking to just interact with like minded people, find a sport or a hobby.
If it’s just random people mingling asking you how are things, honestly any place of worship religious folks are really friendly to their own.
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
I just feel like a little too old to go to clubs nowadays. Maybe I’m wrong, I haven’t been in about 1.5 years. I know Deep Ellum is where those tend to be.
I do have some things I do (sports, watching and participating), fitness classes, trivia.
I’m still trying to find a church here. I went to The Porch and it was just not my type of worship.
Up4ever777@reddit
Have you joined running clubs or hike groups?
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
I haven’t heard a hiking group in Dallas. Where do they hike? I’d be interested
Up4ever777@reddit
Theres clubs that hike at Prayer Mountain in the oak cliff area. Also online theres groups that can be found and registered to
BudgetScience2000@reddit
Make The Healthy Choice does weekend hikes, amongst other outdoor activities. It's a really friendly group.
pugm0m_w-o_pug@reddit
we can start our own??
PsychologicalRow5017@reddit
You might need a Time Machine
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
What do you mean?
Reasonable-Ad-4769@reddit
Random one- but do you like Indie Music? Echo lounge puts on an Indie themed dance night every few months and it’s honestly mostly people in there mid to late 20s. I think they also have some other themes they do. I’ve gotten approached there and approached others. It’s such a great vibe! I think the next one is in August!
PoorBoysAmen@reddit
Dallas Sports and Social Club
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
Already played 3 rounds of kickball seasons, and just signed up for flag football!
PoorBoysAmen@reddit
Sand Volleyball was such vibe at Sandbar, which has since closed down. Not sure if anything has replaced/matched that social setting, I’ve since moved out of town.
nickgomez@reddit
Nobody to hang with from your work?
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
I work with married 40+ year olds, so unfortunately not an option
civil_beast@reddit
Terrible idea.
Prestigious-Arm-8874@reddit
Trader Joe’s .. I always go up to girls . Sunday gym . But def grocery stores are the move
mike_lowrey214@reddit
Bishop Arts definitely has an older crowd specifically during the week and early on the weekends.
JustMeInBigD@reddit
I think your issue is more about age than about social interactions.
That being said, I've never been to Grapevine Bar, Double Wide, or Bryan Street Tavern and NOT struck up a conversation. I'm 60+F, but I expect you'll find a wider age range (not just college kids) at these places.
I bet others can recommend more like this too.
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the recs! I like single wide, so I’m sure I’d like double wide equally as well!
CuriousCamels@reddit
Double Wide is way better than Single Wide. I don’t really go out much since I quit drinking, but it was my go to place. There’s a diverse crowd, people are generally laid back, and you’ll find more people your age.
The courtyard and the bar side of it are good places to hang out and mingle with people. The live music in the concert side of the bar is generally good, but I’d check the calendar because it can be anything from rock, country, indie, to whatever.
PoshNoshThenMosh@reddit
North of forty, Single Wide is a better choice. Double wide makes me feel oddly old now…and i grew up with it
Responsible-File3008@reddit
Check out Cold Beer Company down the street as well!
Historical_Bath_9854@reddit
City Tavern was my go-to.
too-fun-sidekick@reddit
These are good calls as well. Peak inn, cosmos, etc
Dismal-Resident-8784@reddit
I met my now husband in a wine-tasting class forty-three years ago. We've been married forty-two years this August. Dallas used to offer classes under an umbrella of Fun Ed. I know several younger couples who met in their church singles group, too.
EmergencyHefty5233@reddit
I’m late 20s (M) and also hang around lower Greenville! Halcyon is one of my favorite spots to chill out, and Stan’s at night during the week has a varied crowd, imo. I only see an influx of SMU kids on the weekends, otherwise it’s pretty mixed array of people in the area.
Someone else mentioned, but I also do the Walk and Talk events at Katy Trail. Those have been good so far. There’s also a Deep Elum 20s and 30s Meetup group that meets often on Thursdays at various places, everyone I’ve met there is late 20s early 30s, was a fun time when I was able to go.
virgo_em@reddit
+1 for Double Wide. I’m 25 and I go there all the time. I’ve made friends there as young as 21 and as old as 45 that I actually speak to regularly and see outside of the bars. I feel like most people I’ve met there are typical in their 30s.
SicEm23@reddit
I have tons of hobbies and meet people that way
blvckKing21@reddit
I’m building a platform for this exact reason. People don’t interact like they used to. It’s called Venn - available at the App Store under Venn: Find where you belong! We just re branded , but ran a MVP last year and it was good so decided to launch again with a proper app, getting people to the right room and building community is all were about
Afootinafieldofmen@reddit
Visit a self-serve car wash and you’ll be approached by lots of local wildlife.
purpleamory@reddit
idk about this, I went to a small concert that happened to be located at a bar near SMU, and about half the people there were for the concert but the other half were from SMU / early 20s folks and they were VERY active in approaching each other lol
You can meet people very easily in Dallas in my experience. There are tons of social communities here with lots of people who are very friendly and eager to meet new people. Also, Bishop Arts is a fantastic area too to meet people.
ParkingMajor214@reddit
I'm guessing you're talking about the green elephant whenever you mention the bar near SMU
purpleamory@reddit
It was actually Barley House. I finally got to see Le Cure perform.
It was an interesting scene. Imagine half the crowd is elder goths (avg age 50 or something) being really chill and half the crowd is early 20s or whatever SMU folks being wild.
But it kind of worked beautifully. The elder goths were quite relaxed that night so the SMU youthful energy was pretty nice. Everyone was really friendly though and you wouldn't think those 2 groups would get along so well but it was cute to see.
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
I’ve been hit on by 22-24 year olds when I go out which is flattering but I kind of think we’re not looking for the same things tbh. So touche, people are approaching people but they’re younger. I was the same in college. I’m done kickball and have built some community, but always looking for progress.
purpleamory@reddit
Check out social dancing like swing dancing, there are tons of late 20s singles and you automatically meet people without trying as it's built in (and super fun, just my subjective opinion of course).
As mentioned, Bishop Arts is awesome, and it feels like late 20s singles might even be the most common at many of the bars there, either that or 30s seem to be highly represented.
I went to meet a friend at an event last year with the "GenX & Millennials Social Club - DFW" meetup group. It was a range of ages as the group name suggests but many people were 30-35 and very fun + friendly.
JennnMc@reddit
Have you tried The Datey? It’s a Katy Trail meet-up started by local woman in her 20s who wondered the same thing you are.
scroto_gaggins@reddit
What places do you go to in lower Greenville? I’m mid 20’s and normally when I talk to random people they’re pretty friendly. Also try pickleball or run clubs if you’re into fitness
Razmataaza@reddit
Restaurants with bars are better than dj type bars. Its very common to start convo while sitting at a bar in a good restaurant
Yes_ITSPARKLES@reddit
Target, TJ Max, Starbucks
too-fun-sidekick@reddit
Lower Greenville and Henderson are very young.
Try turtle creek, Knox (west of 75) highland park, bishop arts etc. go to more upscale places and you’ll have less hordes of young kids.
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
When I moved here a few years ago, it fell like LG was more my age (old crow, single wide, etc). What happened? Any suggestions of places in highland park and Knox/turtle creek?
too-fun-sidekick@reddit
In no particular order, reasonably good scene at most hotel bars, wine bars, restaurant bars. Lakewood. Dive bars like Cosmos, Lakewood landing; Inwood tavern varies. Bishop arts tends to be a more eclectic crowd but also worth a shot. During daytime places like cidercade and community beer. Any patio on a good day.
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
I’ve heard of cosmos but never had a chance to check it out! Are you thinking Virgin hotel or which other ones? I like Leela’s but haven’t really been to other wine bars. Heard about cosmos and Inwood but never been. I love cidercade nut was kind of bummed when they made it 18+ after hours
too-fun-sidekick@reddit
Virgin hotel - no.
Crescent, ritz, melrose, rooftop at Canvas,
NintendogsWithGuns@reddit
Cosmos is mostly Uptown yuppie douchebags that take an Uber out to East Dallas so they can cosplay being working class in our dives. As a born and bred Dallasite, I fucking hate the crowd there. Lakewood Landing is a much better dive and it’s around the corner. If you can a really friendly crowd, go to Charlie’s.
naked_avenger@reddit
lol what a wild comment
too-fun-sidekick@reddit
Jesus,
Hard disagree. Awful response
Weary-Idea1677@reddit
Inwood tavern is the spot you are looking for
Electricdragongaming@reddit
Yeah, I feel you op. I'm from Garland, and I'm fixing to hit my 30s late this year and those bars and clubs around Greenville and Henderson are just WAY too rowdy, loud, obnoxious, and young for me.
I mostly work full time overnights doing server repairs, and I just need an excuse to get out of the house on the weekends.
A_brand_new_troll@reddit
Addison. IMO for your age bracket.
pianistafj@reddit
If you like sports, try getting into disc golf. Theres a vibrant local scene, and dozens of events happen just about every day. Emphasis is on having fun and meeting lots of people. Try it out, see if someone you know plays and can help you get started, see if it’s for you.
calmrain@reddit
Dating apps work. Lots of people shitting on them in here, and I know they can be hit or miss. But I’ve had a lot of success off Tinder/Bumble/Hinge with hook-ups and relationships (my current gf of \~eight years I met on one of those, btw). I’m in my very early 30s.
naked_avenger@reddit
I've met most of my friends lately from kickball. You can also join the Dallas Discord. DM me for invite.
benhur217@reddit
Zoo
Ancient_Sort5820@reddit
It becomes a lot easier and more natural when you have kids. Ive made more new friends in 3 years than i made in the prior 10 lol. Sorry not helpful
Up4ever777@reddit
Trail hikes, parks and.. grocery stores lol. It’s always good to interact with outdoorsy people. They’re full of positivity and love for nature, which believe me thats a plus
Rawalmond73@reddit
I never had any luck at a bar ever. Go do things you enjoy join those groups and meet people the easy way. Bars are the worst.
Arkhamguy123@reddit
Man to man, if you’re trying to have sex here in Dallas and you’re an even passably lookin white guy with a socially acceptable 9-5 job just get on hinge and it’s a matter of when not if
If your whole going out thing has reasons beyond that and you’re just hellbent on an adventurous cinematic event where you go out and make friends and lifelong memories. You gotta cultivate a strong mental fortitude and just start walking up to motherfuckers and being charismatic. Dallas people are infamously snoody and stand offish though so this is high risk high reward. The first few will probably go terribly honestly and you’ll be nervous but eventually you’ll get numb to it and develop the requisite socially skills
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
Oh, I’m a woman. But this is good for a male perspective I guess. I’m pretty extroverted so I don’t mind chatting people up while having a drink tbh. 🤷🏼♀️
Arkhamguy123@reddit
Wait… you’re a woman? Okay soooo this transmogrifies the advice is give
Scrap all of that, if you’re a woman, make just 1 other friend. Or bring along one of your girlfriends I’m sure you have friends already, and go to any place where there’s alcohol and people your age, and socialization will come to you
ccm0115@reddit
Colombian country club Clifton club Regienes
These are all night lounges you and a gf can go to meet people for someone 30+
EqualIllustrious9633@reddit
You just have to frequent areas that are predominantly professionals in their way 20s and early 30s.
ItsYaGirlConfusion@reddit (OP)
Any recs? I feel like the places I used to go are overrun with young new grads
deadstar1998@reddit
I’m an average looking dude and everytime I go to the record store i usually spark up a conversation with at least a couple chicks. People love talking about their hobbies, just don’t be weird about it lol
Solomonopolistadt@reddit
I am once again advocating for taking a comedy class or just going to an improv jam at Dallas Comedy Club or Stomping Ground. Great way to get out of your comfort zone let loose and just meet new people
Scoooby222@reddit
Help with a shelter or charity gala, Junior Achievement. Find your alumni group in town, take a shift at the North Texas Food Bank. Try to meet people interested in what you’re interested in. My hubby saw me perform at a charity show and joined the next year to meet me. Just get out there and do something worthwhile or put yourself in the way of aligned people.