Quick answer
Pick a place with something to do, like trivia, live music, a game on TV or a class. Sit at the bar or a shared table instead of a corner booth, and give yourself permission to leave whenever you want. Tell a friend where you'll be, and plan your ride home before you go.
Pick the right kind of place
- Places with an activity. Trivia, karaoke, open mics, live music and sports nights give you something to focus on and an easy way to start talking ("who do you think wins this?").
- Places with bar seating or communal tables. You'll naturally end up next to people.
- Somewhere you might come back to. If you like it, going again next week is how you start recognizing faces.
- A neighborhood with options nearby, like Midtown or EaDo, so you can move on if the first place isn't right. See our neighborhood guide.
Starting conversations
You don't need a clever opener. Comment on what's happening: the band, the game, the trivia question, the food someone ordered. Ask bartenders for recommendations; they often introduce regulars to each other. And if a conversation doesn't go anywhere, that's fine. Move on.
Staying safe
- Share your plans. Text a friend where you're going and when you expect to be home.
- Plan your ride. Know how you're getting home before you leave, and wait for rideshares inside.
- Watch your drink, and set your own limit before you go.
- Trust your gut. If a place or person feels off, leave.
- Meet new people somewhere public the first time you meet up again.
Make the most of it
Most people you talk to on a solo night out are gone once the night ends. On Socialize, scanning the code at a partner venue shows your profile to the other members checked in there. You can see who's around, and follow, like or message people afterward, even if you only shared a glance. Only logged-in members can see profiles.
Join Socialize free before your next night out.