The Best Places to Meet a Guy

Ready to meet someone special? Seven sure-fire suggestions for where to meet the man of your dreams this summer.
- Libby Keatinge, BettyConfidential.com

Tired of the bar scene, online dating and all the other forced, awkward things you're supposed to be doing to meet the right guys? Summer is almost here, and that gives you the perfect excuse to get out there and change up your man-hunting plan. To help get you started, BettyConfidential has compiled a list of seven cool spots - some specific, some more general - where you're likely to meet someone you'd want to date. And the best part? You won't have to carve out time for these activities, since they're things you'll want to be doing anyway! From grocery shopping, to working out, to spending time outdoors, to catching up with friends, to seeing fabulous new independent films, it's all about spending time in the right locations - where like-minded men are also on the prowl. Since some of these are places you already know and like, you'll be comfortable and relaxed -which is always sexy. And the conversation should flow easily because the simple fact that he's there, too, means that you already have at least one thing in common, right? Prepare to get busy and have your best summer yet!

Safeway Supermarket
15 Marina Blvd., San Francisco, CA
Nicknamed "Dateway," the Safeway supermarket in the Marina district of San Francisco is great for food- and date-shopping. "People literally go there to meet people," Ronald, 23, from San Francisco tells BettyConfidential. At this grocery store, you can shop for a date and fresh organic produce at the same time. Insider tip: The areas around the meat and produce sections are reportedly where shoppers and potential dates congregate.

Read How to Get a Guy to Hit on You

Friends' Social Events
Anywhere, USA
No matter where you live, summer is always a season filled with lots of fun social events - and more often than not, those events are also attended by plenty of single men. Maybe you're tired after a long day at work and don't feel like getting dolled up and trekking halfway across town for your former co-worker's house-warming party, but think before you RSVP "no," You just might be missing out on meeting potential hotties. Social gatherings are great places to meet people, especially since the simple fact that you're both there means that you already share some common acquaintances. "I met my now-husband at an old friend's Sunday barbeque," says Clarissa, from Stamford, CT. "Having those mutual friends and being in the comfort of their home took the edge off and made it easy for us to start a conversation. We've been married 21 years now!"

Rittenhouse Square
Walnut Street and 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA
This centrally-located public square is a great pickup spot when the weather is good. "They have outdoor concerts there in the summer," explains Andy, 30, who spent last summer in the City of Brotherly Love. "Aside from that, there are always people picnicking when the weather is nice, as well as tons of people walking around." And if you have a dog, better yet! "Definitely bring your dog there!" she recommends. "I met a great guy while I was walking my Yorkie and he was walking his Boxer."

The Café at the Angelika Film Center
18 West Houston Street (btwn. Broadway and Crosby), New York, NY
The street-level café at this well-known independent theater is a great place to start chatting up a cutie. Go early, before your film starts on a Friday or Saturday, and start a conversation about the obvious: movies!

Your Friend's Company Picnic
Anywhere, USA
Your girlfriend doesn't want to go alone anyway - so why not join her at her company's next picnic or other work-related social gathering? You can rest easy knowing all the guys there are employed, and your pal will be able to fill you in on any necessary background info. That way, you won't waste time chatting up someone who's already taken or the guy who spends his day shooting spitballs at co-workers or playing online poker.

Read Three Top Matchmakers Share Their Tips for Finding Mr. Right

The Santa Monica Stairs
4th Street and Adelaide Drive, Santa Monica, CA
The Santa Monica Stairs are a famous LA workout destination and pickup spot. People come from miles around, just to walk up and down the two sets of outdoor stairs that connect Adelaide Drive to the ocean-level street below. Exercisers also congregate on the grassy area at the top of the stairs to stretch, do sit-ups or just chat. Kick off a conversation by asking a hottie how many times he does the stairs or ask him for workout advice. And even if you don't find a date, you'll get a great free workout - with an ocean view!

The Dog Park
Anywhere, USA
Dog parks are a great place to meet fellow pet lovers. Grab your pooch or borrow your busy friend's dog (she'll surely appreciate the favor), and head over to your local dog park, where striking up a conversation is easy. "'How old is your dog?' or 'What breed is that?' are the classic ice-breakers I hear when I take my Shih-Tzu to the dog park," says Ava, 29, who lives in Los Angeles. "I've met tons of great guys there, who I've either gone out with or set up with friends. The best part is that you never feel like you're going alone - you have your pooch with you! But technically, you are alone so men feel more comfortable approaching you."

So what are you waiting for? There are plenty of places listed above that can easily be added to your to-do list. Besides, aren't you out of milk anyway?

Tell us: Where's the best (and/or most unexpected) place to meet guys where you live?

Libby Keatinge is the author of Beverly Hills Tutor. She also writes for international lifestyle publications.


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