Top Spots for Singles

Single in the City

by Jessica Rossman

Best Patio to Mix and Mingle
Taco Milagro

The standing-room-only crowds say it all – the patio at Taco Milagro is Houston’s outdoor hot spot. On most weekday evenings, and virtually all weekend long, Milagro is ideal for Tex-Mex-infused patio lounging. The dress code is – well – there is no dress code. There are loosened ties and tight slacks straight from the office basking next to T-shirts, shorts and the always-sexy flip-flops. After a few Milagro margaritas, nobody notices the difference. 2555 Kirby, (713) 522-1999

Best Sunday Parties
Ruggles, Café Adobe, The Social and Prive

Yes, it’s true. Our lives are a big, black hole of emptiness since the Montrose La Strada burned down. But while Houston’s Sunday partiers eagerly await the reopening of the Mother Ship, a few other spots have stepped up to the plate. Your choices are not few, but they ensure a rockin’ Sunday and difficult Monday. You can brunch at Ruggles at Westheimer and Montrose, sip margaritas in the sun on Café Adobe’s patio, people watch at The Social and stay up late at Prive. Good luck at the office on Monday! Ruggles Grill, 903 Westheimer, (713) 524-3839; Café Adobe, 2111 Westheimer, (713) 528-1468; The Social, 3730 Washington, (713) 426-5585; Prive, 910 Westheimer, (713) 522-2542

Best Singles Group
Arts Symposium of Houston

The Art Symposium’s motto says it all: “The Arts Have Never Been So Much Fun.” Even macho men enjoy the creative events this newly revived organization offers – including festivals, wine tastings, gallery openings, theater, music and more – giving singles a colorful twist to meeting new friends and exploring Houston’s diverse entertainment scene. www.artssymposium.org

Best Professional Singles Group
Professionally Speaking Singles Toastmasters

Are you terrified each time you are called on to speak in a meeting? Do you mutter, “uhmm”? and “ahh?” Take heart, so do millions of people, and toastmasters has helped them improve their public speaking skills. Why not improve your communication skills and scope out a potential date? www.psstoastmasters.com

Best Club to Latin Dance
Club 511

Nothing is steamier than a Latin dance beat and a spicy dance partner. There are plenty of both at Club 511 downtown. Open until 4 a.m. Thursday through Sunday nights, Club 511 consistently draws a saucy dance crowd. Plan on sore feet the next day. 511 Main Street, (713) 224-8855

Best Place to Break Up
Chianti

This Italian restaurant has great Tuscan cooking in an old manor house. If you choose to break up here, you can head next door to the cigar and martini bar to look for your next romance. 1515 S. Post Oak Lane, (713) 840-0303

Best Place to Find a Prospective Date – Downtown
Boaka Bar

This grandiose downtown hot spot is the place to see and be seen. From the gilded frames on all the walls to the marble and gold staircase, everything about Boaka is first class. When you want to get dressed up for a night on the town, it must include the Boaka Bar. 1010 Prairie, (713) 225-6372, www.boakabar.com

Best Place to Find a Prospective Date – Kirby
Stag’s Head Pub

From the owners of The Ale House comes the Stag’s Head, a British pub with attitude. The relaxing atmosphere is welcoming and comforting. It’s a quiet, low-key bar with lots of great beers. If you want a place to just sit and talk with friends or clients and not be bothered by blaring music and pushy waitresses, Stag’s Head Pub is the perfect spot. On the weekends, it’s packed with 20- and 30-something patrons. 2128 Portsmouth, (713) 533-1199

Best Texas Hoedown
Blanco’s

Let’s face it. We live in Texas. A little dose of our state’s culture now and then is good for all cowboys and cowgirls. So, pull on your boots and ‘git’ on down to Blanco’s on a Thursday night. Blanco’s is authentic, unpretentious Texas fun with live music, two-stepping and service with a smile. And get ready to dance – a spin or two around the dance floor is required. 3406 W. Alabama, (713) 439-0072