Singles Events on Chicago's South & West Sides
From Hyde Park and Bronzeville down the lakefront to Beverly, and from Pilsen and Little Italy across the near West Side, these neighborhoods have some of the strongest community ties in the city. Chicago First Dates hosts speed dating that reflects that: warm rooms, local venues, and singles who are proud of where they live.
Our South and West Side events are a relaxed alternative to trekking downtown. You will meet people from your own part of the city, and because every event is organized by age range, the person across the table is at a similar stage of life.
Chicago First Dates runs speed dating in Chicago from the Loop to the suburbs — see every area on our speed dating locations page, or jump straight to the upcoming speed dating events in Chicago.
Where we host
Restaurants and lounges around 53rd Street in Hyde Park, the taverns of Bridgeport and Bronzeville, the taquerias and bars of 18th Street in Pilsen, Taylor Street in Little Italy, and the pubs along Western Avenue in Beverly. Comfortable, well-lit, and easy to reach by the Green, Red and Orange Lines or the Metra.
Upcoming speed dating events in ChicagoWho comes out
Graduate students and staff from the University of Chicago and UIC, teachers, nurses, city workers, artists and long-time residents of the bungalow belt. People who want to meet someone nearby rather than someone who lives an hour away.
How the night works
Ten to fifteen five-minute mini-dates with everyone in your age group, a break to grab a drink and mingle, then you head home. Log in the next day, choose the people you clicked with, and we exchange details for every mutual match. No pressure at the table and nothing to decide on the spot.