Some of the best places in Seattle, to meet people over 30, require a certain level of silly gregariousness. Seatown has its share of cool and weird things to do, but here are some places where making friends with new people is easy. No. That’s a lie, but it’s easier.
Meet New People
When looking to meet new people in Seattle, it’s helpful to get a dog. Seattle and the surrounding burbs are fashionably dog friendly and dog owners are usually gregarious people. Cave dwellers own cats.
Dress Pinky the Pooch in her finest frock and take her out for a stroll. Or let Spike run with the wolves at one of the Seattle dog parks. The two finest dog parks are Marymoor and Magnuson, but there is another dog park at Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island. Pups are great ice breakers. Other options in Dogtown:
Norm's Ale House and Eatery - Enjoy a Beer with the Pup:
People are encouraged to bring their dogs in. Try Norm’s happy hour and find customers sitting, alongside their canines, eating and drinking.
- Good service and low-key friendly people
- Yummy bar food
- Dogs allowed inside
- Good for dog lovers who have no dog
- Food can be adapted for vegetarians
72nd Street Cafe:
Another dog friendly idea includes walking around Green Lake, then loafing with the pup at 72nd St Cafe. It’s next to the Dog Spa and behind the Greenlake Bar & Grill.
- "Serious Coffee. Wacky People."
- Dog Friendly
- Near Green Lake Park
- Good Zucchini Bread
Brewpub
West Seattle’s Elliot Bay Brewery Pub:
West Seattle is a former Granny Land which has morphed into an unusual mix of blue-haired ladies in curlers, hipster gen-exers, and Alki Beach teeny boppers. But, West Seattle has retained its friendly small town vibe. Elliot Bay Brew Pub:
- West Seattle Junction
- Organic Beer
- Tasty brie appetizer
- Third Thursday’s “cask-conditioned ale” straight from the keg. “It don't get no fresher than that!”
Fremont Seattle - Brouwer’s Cafe:
Some people complain about the service, but everyone raves about the beer. Get the large order of fries with both chipotle mayo and aioli sauce. Share with friends. The Mediterranean ravioli is said to be top notch. And, just go with the server’s beer recommendations to try something new.
- An odd, but friendly little “killer beer bar”
- In Fremont Seattle, but hard to find in nondescript building
- A small fountain, replica of Manneken Pis (Dutch for “little man urinating”)
- Outdoor patio with big umbrellas for shade or refuge from sky sprinkles
Meeting People in Seattle: Weird Dancing Places
Take dance lessons at the Century Ballroom on Capitol Hill. Go for Lindy hop, a type of swing dance originating in Harlem in the 30s and 40s. It helps to know some swing dancing, but they give lessons for that, also. Lindy hop is social because the dancers change partners all the time. That’s what makes it a fun place to meet new friends.
Century Ballroom:
- Swing, Lindy, Salsa, and more
- Straight or gay depending on the day. No bi pun intended. And, it's important information.
- Inexpensive once a week lessons (4 week, 5 week)
- Drop in classes and dances
- No partner needed for most lessons
- Straight white guys are allowed to be dorky slow learners, but only with proven intentions of meeting girls by stepping on their toes.
Tractor Tavern:
This modified Ballard fisherman dive bar has added square-dancing to its eclectic list of local weirdness. The Tractor does not attract the average Texas square dance robots. There are no women with big hair, gingham, or crinolines. And, most of the men don’t wear frighteningly large belt buckles to call attention to their beer bellies. Not in this semi-hip part of town!
- Ballard
- Laid back and “anti-ballroom”
- Wear casual jeans - something akin to traditional grunge look
- Dancers range in age from 20s to 70s
- Live music
- Easier to learn than Lindy; no special skills required
Cool Fun: Space City Mixer
An unusual mix of cool people and local geekies. The good news is that there are tons of people who are members, so one never knows who might show up. Several functions each month, such as:
- Red Table Dinner, where people switch tables after each course
- Kayaking in the San Juans or on Lake Union
- The notoriously fun, I-Spy Limo Scavenger Hunt around the city (sign up early or wait until next year)
Seattle Outdoor Movies
In the summer, check out the Seattle outdoor movies. People who are new in town, or anyone looking for friends, should go around the Seattle area to various outdoor movie venues, because every neighborhood draws a different crowd. Alternative / hippie types may like Fremont. The folks in West Seattle can be much friendlier than downtownies. Heck, West Seattle's movies are free and so are some others. A good place for single parents to meet other single parents might be Kirkland, Everett, or Tukwila. Free? Try the free places.
Yes, there is something called the "Seattle Freeze", but it's just because Seattleites are rain hermits for part of the year, the women are spoiled, and the guys live with mom for too long. Ignore this. Any person who steps out of their shell and jumps into the cool fun things to do here, will end up making friends. The best places in Seattle to meet people over 30 are all around. Just don't try to be too cool and normal. Seattle is too cool-to-chilly already.
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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