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A Dating Experts Guide to Dating in Milwaukee for 2024 to Get Real Results

Dating in Milwaukee in the winter
Navigating the dating scene in Milwaukee can be a challenging yet exciting journey. As someone who has lived in this vibrant city and experienced the dating world firsthand, I understand the ups and downs you might encounter. Milwaukee offers a unique blend of opportunities and diversity, making it an ideal place to meet potential partners. However, finding that special connection can be more complicated than ever, especially in light of recent global events.
But don't worry; I'm here to guide you through it. With years of experience and countless adventures in Milwaukee's dating landscape, I've put together this comprehensive guide to help you find love, companionship, or even just some casual fun.
Let's dive into what dating in Milwaukee is like right now, providing data and insights to set the stage.

 

What Dating in Milwaukee Is Like Right Now

Milwaukee gender breakdown

Let's begin by setting some realistic expectations about what the Milwaukee dating scene is currently like:

First, many singles choose Milwaukee for its great climate, affordable standard of living, and livability index higher than other cities in Wisconsin. With a lot of businesses here like Aurora Health, Kroger’s, and Northwest Mutual, more new people are calling Milwaukee home for its access to economic opportunities.

There is also quite a bit of diversity in the type of partners you can find here, especially for Wisconsin, which makes finding exactly what you are looking for more attainable - that is, if you’re willing to put in the effort.

Here’s a breakdown of what Milwaukee’s single demographics look like:

  • Total population: 529,153
  • Percentage single: 31.30%
  • Total singles: 165,625
  • Single men: 80,951
  • Single women: 84,674
With over 31% of the population actively looking for a partner, Milwaukee offers promising odds for finding someone special. I was once one of that 31%--single and looking to mingle. However, having plenty of dating options doesn't necessarily make dating in Milwaukee a walk in the park. The increased competition and the lasting effects of recent events can add some challenges. Yet, with a realistic outlook and the right approach, you can increase your chances of finding the perfect match.
Now, let's delve into some detailed recommendations on where and how to meet singles in Milwaukee.

Where to Meet Someone to Date in Milwaukee

As someone who knows the Milwaukee dating scene intimately, I can tell you that it's tough to make a list of the best places to find someone to date. The city is teeming with exciting options for singles to explore. However, for those looking for more than just Milwaukee hookups, I've curated a list of places that meet specific criteria:
  • Taylors in Yankee Hill: 795 N Jefferson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 - A vibrant spot with a mix of singles, a lively atmosphere, and a cozy environment for conversation.
  • Burnhearts in Bay View: 2599 S Logan Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207 - With its unique charm, Burnhearts in Bay View has a diverse crowd and is perfect for mingling.
  • Sugar Maple in Bay View: 441 E Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207 - For those who appreciate craft beers, Sugar Maple offers a great selection and the chance to meet fellow beer enthusiasts.
  • Boone & Crockett in Harbor View: 818 S Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53204 - A cocktail lounge with a relaxed ambiance, ideal for a laid-back conversation.
  • Bryant's Cocktail Lounge in Historic Mitchell Street: 1579 S 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204 - A classic cocktail bar with a unique vibe, perfect for connecting over creative drinks.
  • Hunty's Social Club in Hunter’s Point: 734 S 5th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204 - An unpretentious, welcoming spot where you can socialize and meet like-minded singles.
  • The Outsider: 310 E Chicago St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 - If you're interested in meeting an older crowd, The Outsider offers a spectacular view and a relaxed atmosphere.
In my extensive experience, these places tend to foster real connections and provide a great setting for getting to know someone. Keep in mind that the best dating spots can vary, so explore, and don't hesitate to leave a comment if you have any suggestions to add to this list.

At BeyondAges, we believe in being as honest as possible to our readers. That’s why we’ll start by mentioning that it's nearly impossible to make a list of the best places to find someone to date in Milwaukee! There’s simply too much going on around town to choose from!

Why you should be using at least one app

Are you using at least one dating app right now? If the answer is “no” or you feel that dating apps don’t get results, then you're really missing out on who’s out there in Milwaukee’s highly-competitive dating scene.

With social distancing guidelines still in effect for many people and those who are choosing to work from home, more Milwaukee singles are relying on apps to screen out those who don’t meet their standards and access a large number of people. For better or worse, dating apps are here to stay.

Does this mean that dating apps in Milwaukee are the only way to go? Of course not, but it can be a struggle if you value your free time and would like to save some money.

If you've struggled in the past with choosing which app works for you, check out our rankings of the best dating apps in Milwaukee to find out which apps best fit the type of partner and relationship you’re looking for. From young professionals, religious types, and those looking for a quick hookup, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you're pressed for time and don’t want to read the full article, these apps are the best options:

eHarmony is simply the best choice you can make for long-term relationships in Milwaukee

When it comes to finding long-term love in Milwaukee, I've learned that eHarmony is simply the best choice you can make. BeyondAges.com is all about helping folks like us navigate the dating world, and after trying numerous platforms, I can confidently say that eHarmony stands head and shoulders above the rest for serious, lasting relationships in this vibrant city.
What sets eHarmony apart is its unique compatibility matching system. It's not about swiping through countless profiles; instead, you're provided with well-vetted matches that align with your values, interests, and life goals. This approach significantly streamlines the dating process and ensures that you're connecting with individuals who share your desire for a committed, long-term relationship. Plus, their in-depth profiles allow you to get to know your potential partners on a deeper level before even saying "hello." If you're serious about finding love in Milwaukee, eHarmony is undoubtedly the way to go. Give it a try, and you'll see why it's my top pick for local dating in this wonderful city.

AFF is the best dating app in Milwaukee for finding casual fun with some of the best features you’ll find out there

When it comes to finding casual fun in Milwaukee, AFF (Adult Friend Finder) has consistently proven itself as the best dating app in town, and I've got the experience to vouch for it. BeyondAges.com is all about helping folks navigate the dating scene, and after trying a range of apps, AFF stands out as a true gem with some of the best features you'll find.
What sets AFF apart are its impressive features that cater to those seeking casual encounters. From its robust search options to its thriving and active user community, finding like-minded individuals for a night of fun has never been easier. The site's user-friendly interface and chat capabilities make it a breeze to connect with locals who share your interests. If you're looking for no-strings-attached excitement in Milwaukee, AFF is the app that's got it all, and my personal experience can attest to its effectiveness in spicing up your dating life. Give it a whirl and discover why it's my top choice for casual dating in this vibrant city.

After trying out dozens of popular dating apps in Milwaukee, we've learned what actually works out there. Be sure to check out our rankings above for more info. Now, let's talk about our favorite spots around Milwaukee.

New course

The best singles bars in Milwaukee

Single women at Taylor's Milwaukee

Using the criteria mentioned earlier, BeyondAges has narrowed down a pretty good list of the best singles bars in Milwaukee. These bars offer the best chances for single people to meet up, have a couple of drinks, and enjoy a comfortable ambiance:

Don’t forget that there are a couple of factors that either make or break a positive bar experience. From the time of day, whether there’s live entertainment, to whether a favorite bartender is working, these places can vary widely. (If you have any suggestions about the best singles bars in Milwaukee, drop a comment below.)

A few other great places to find a date in Milwaukee

A sunny afternoon at Burnhearts Milwaukee

Don’t like bars? While there’s a great bar scene in Milwaukee, there are plenty of other options that don’t rely on drinking as much. You can still get great results outside of a bar setting - even during Milwaukee’s humid summers and the snowy winter season.

Take a look at a few more options below that have gotten results for Milwaukee singles. As with anything dating-related, it pays to be open-minded. Don't take things too seriously, and just focus on having a good time. You just might find someone that you might not run into elsewhere in Milwaukee!

  • Likewise Coffee in Downtown Milwaukee - 232 E Erie St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
  • 600 East Cafe in East Town - 600 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
  • Canary Coffee Bar in Westown - 720 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203
  • Rochambo Coffee & Tea House in Lower East Side - 1317 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
  • Alderaan Coffee in Lower East Side - 1560 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
  • Whole Foods, Rupena’s Fine Foods, or Trader Joe’s are great choices to find attractive people in Milwaukee shopping upscale and organic!
  • Meetup groups - There are tons of groups throughout Milwaukee that are full of eager singles looking to share their interests, including music, hobbies, tech, sports, and even mixer events for finding your next match
  • Again, apps and sites are a good option for just about anyone (check out the best dating sites in Milwaukee here)

The Apps Dating Coaches Recommend Most For Dating in Milwaukee

Beyond Ages makes it a point to help you find a date in a way that’s balanced and practical. If going out on weekends isn’t practical for you, the best way to meet lots of single women is by using the dating apps they enjoy. Here are the dating apps that are always full of women.

SiteOur ExperienceOur RatingFree Trial Link
Best For Relationships
Experience Highlights
Experience Highlights
  • Easily the best option for long-term relationships
  • 75% of all online marriages start here
  • 70% of users meet their spouse within a year
  • In-depth signup and matching process
9
Try eHarmony
Best For Casual Fun
Experience Highlights
Experience Highlights
  • The best way to meet women for casual relationships
  • Best results for regular guys
  • Over 60 million active members
  • Not good for long-term relationships
9
Try AFF For Free
Great If You're Handsome
Tinder Highlights
Tinder Highlights
  • Great if you're pretty good looking
  • Very popular, especially if you're 18-22
  • Really focused on photos
  • Becoming more of a dating than hookup app
8
Try Tinder

What about speed dating in Milwaukee

A quiet day at Likewise Coffee - Third Ward Milwaukee

Wanna give speed dating a shot? Speed dating has become an extremely popular choice for dating in Milwaukee ever since the start of the pandemic. With virtual speed dating now an option as well as the traditional in-person event, it’s never been easier to meet a bunch of people.

If you're busy and have some spare cash (events usually cost anywhere from $30 - $100+ to attend an event), speed dating in Milwaukee is perhaps the most efficient way to meet a dozen or so single people in the space of an hour-plus. And because the time is guaranteed for each conversation, you won’t feel like you should’ve said something more or didn’t have enough time.

Most speed dating events in Milwaukee follow the same pattern:

  • First, you preregister online. You’ll receive the rules of the event, as well as what you should expect (ie. dress code, code of conduct, etc.)
  • On the day of the event, you show up at the venue. Many bars rent out rooms for speed dating events so there’s some amount of privacy.
  • With everyone arriving and getting comfortable, the host makes a short announcement about the rules of conduct and starts the process of "mini-dates" each lasting approximately 5 minutes, where participants make conversation. The idea is that first impressions tend to be a good indicator of whether there’s any chemistry for compatibility. (Don’t worry if you don’t get a positive reaction each time; people are choosier than ever!).
  • Once 5 minutes is over, a bell sounds indicating the men to move to the next table where a woman remains seated (sometimes women swap seats just so they don’t get tired).
  • This 5-minute process repeats until the entire event elapses or until everyone gets a chance to meet one another.

As the event progresses, both participants make a list of the people they want to see again. If both singles want to see each other again, the speed dating organizer gives you the other match’s contact info (usually by the next day). Simple, no?

If this sounds like a fun and efficient way to meet new singles in Milwaukee, the following are the best Milwaukee speed dating groups worth checking out:

Now that we’ve covered the essentials about finding a date, let's jump into how to have a great date in Milwaukee!

Our Best Date Ideas in Milwaukee - and Why They’re Great

A tango class at Delaware House Milwaukee

Once you've met someone special, it’s now time to plan a date to see if the both of you are a good match. Many people default to the unfortunately all-too-common “dinner and a movie” and that's a big mistake for modern dating in Milwaukee!

Here’s why:

  • A dinner date between two strangers often turns into a pseudo-interview and eating makes people lethargic
  • A movie doesn’t involve any conversation and requires you to sit still for 90 minutes or more. It can be awkward sitting next to someone that’s practically still a stranger.

Instead, we have a few rules that all of our date ideas in Milwaukee generally follow. You can use these as a guide for when you’re planning your date. A great date idea in Milwaukee tends to be one that:

  • Doesn’t require traveling far
  • Focuses on new, fun, and interesting experiences
  • Things are happening around you that make great conversation topics
  • Doesn't involve sitting face-to-face for a long time
  • Requires some physical activity or moving
  • Isn't too expensive or requires expensive equipment to participate
  • Doesn't last for hours (you can bail or course-correct if you’re not feeling it)
  • Enables you both to feel at ease and comfortable
  • Involves a little friendly competition

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Here’s a useful tip: It helps to know what your date is into beforehand. For example, if you know your date loves animals, going to a zoo is a solid choice. Or, if you’re date is fit and loves a little physical activity, they’ll probably have a good time at an ice skating rink. A quick look at their social media profile or something they mentioned when you met them will definitely help you.

The first date idea that we always recommend

The ideas above can be great first dates but we have a better idea. When people ask our team what the best first date in Milwaukee is we always tell them the same thing, meet up at a laid-back lounge or coffee shop and get to know each other a bit.

A full-blown date is a lot of pressure and isn't cheap. It takes time to plan and might involve you taking a bus around town to get there. Before you make that kind of investment you want to know that you and your interest have at least some level of compatibility. The last thing you want is to get stuck for hours on a date that you knew 10 minutes in, wasn't going anywhere.

Instead, tell them that you're really busy but would love to meet up for a drink to get to know each other a bit. If things go well you can always extend the date to one of the activities above. If it doesn't, you haven't lost much. This also takes a lot of pressure off both of you so you can both relax and be yourselves.

Best Date Bars in Milwaukee (Especially for Fun First Dates)

Couples on dates at Up-Down Milwaukee

Milwaukee is known for its wonderful beer scene and plenty of great bars, so choosing a bar is an obvious choice for an exciting date. Whether you want to spend hours in a comfy lounge or barhop to a new venue to keep things lively, Milwaukee’s bar scene offers a lot of versatility when it comes to planning your date.

With this in mind, finding a great date bar in Milwaukee simply comes down to what type of night you’re looking to have. Whether you hit up a dive bar to chill, an elegant cocktail lounge that’s perfect for showing off your wardrobe, or even have some friendly competition at a  “barcade”, Milwaukee has plenty of options to impress your date.

Take a look at the list below, as we’ll focus on Milwaukee bars with the best drink specials, live entertainment, and more:

Milwaukee boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and while dinner dates may not be ideal for the initial meet-up, they can be perfect once you've established a connection. Here are some top restaurants for memorable date nights:
  • El Tsunami in Lincoln Village: 2222 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215 - Enjoy exquisite Mexican cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Crafty Cow in Bay View: 2675 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207 - Savor mouthwatering burgers and craft beer in a relaxed setting.
  • Honeypie Cafe in Bay View: 2569 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207 - A charming cafe with a delectable menu, ideal for a cozy dinner.
  • Onesto in Historic Third Ward: 221 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 - Indulge in Italian dishes and a romantic ambiance.
  • La Merenda in Harbor View: 125 E National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204 - Experience global small plates in a unique, shared dining concept.
  • The National Cafe in Walker Square: 839 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204 - An inviting cafe with a diverse menu, perfect for a relaxed evening.
These restaurants provide a fantastic backdrop for a memorable date night. Remember to make reservations in advance and enjoy a delightful meal together.

Milwaukee’s bar scene means that you’ll find plenty of bars within walking distance of one another. If you feel the energy of the date waning or maybe you want to find a better vibe, don’t be afraid to go for a walk to another bar (typically right around the corner) or Uber to the other side of town to keep things interesting!

Best Date Night Restaurants in Milwaukee that Should Be Your First Choice

A sunny day at Honeypie Cafe Milwaukee

Here’s a little-known secret for dating in Milwaukee: Skip the traditional “dinner date” for your first few dates.

To be blunt, dinner dates tend to be pretty dull. Even at some of Milwaukee's best restaurants, you’ll also have a tough time trying to make a connection with a new person over drink refills, deciding what appetizers to eat, and dessert. Plus, there’s always the issue of who pays for the check - something you probably want to avoid.

Nevertheless, if you’ve developed some chemistry and are already having a good time, we've got some solid restaurant choices in Milwaukee that offer great ambiance and affordable plates:

  • El Tsunami in Lincoln Village - 2222 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
  • Crafty Cow in Bay View - 2675 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
  • Honeypie Cafe in Bay View - 2569 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
  • Onesto in Historic Third Ward - 221 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
  • La Merenda in Harbor View - 125 E National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204
  • The National Cafe in Walker Square - 839 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204

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More Date Spots in Milwaukee We Love

You’re probably aware that dating is more than just eating, drinking, and people-watching. Successful dating in Milwaukee means enjoying each other’s company in all the spots that Milwaukee has to offer. Based on our experience and research, singles in Milwaukee have had great dates at the following date spots in Milwaukee - and we're absolutely confident you can do the same:

Note: Because of Milwaukee's climate, make sure to take a look at weather forecasts before plotting your next date. You wouldn't want to plan an outdoor date only to be met with freezing temperatures come evening!

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