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Social Networking
When you’re single, the world is either a post-apocalyptic landscape or a lush Shangri-La. Which version largely depends on one’s demographic (the younger, the lusher). Can a single person of any age actually meet people in Rhode Island? It turns out there’s some real, body-to-body social networking to be had out there in the non-virtual world.
20s(Youngsters): Tealuxe (231 Thayer St., Providence) offers a gently caffeinated venue for conversation and get-to-knows, and one keen observer notes that the bar around the periphery of the place allows those seated to be at eye-level with those walking in, so talking is even easier. AS220 (115 Empire St., Providence) makes it easy to hang out with fellow music fans, and cheap tacos and a bar keep the bodies coming in and out. And with music not only soothing the savage breast but also drawing like-minded, outgoing people, the RISD Music Fridays at the RISD Museum (second Friday of each month, 224 Benefit St., Providence) are good for meeting all kinds of potential mates, across all age groups.
30s (Post-Youngsters): Local 121 (121 Washington St., Providence) Tap Room draws a solid crowd with an outgoing vibe (DJs after 10 p.m., and a Speakeasy series downstairs further spices things up and gives folks a reason to park it). Up the street, Tini’s (200 Washington St.) elbow-to-elbow ambience gets people talking, especially about what’s in that gorgeous cocktail or on that small plate. The Avery (18 Luongo Sq., Providence), a neighborhood bar that draws Youngsters and Primes as well as straight and gay, has just enough cool music to loosen the crowd up for banter. Out of town, two prospects shine: IYAC (536 Thames St., Newport, requires a low-cost annual membership), a rollicking waterfront bar packed with guys with expensive boats (or younger, fit guys who sail them), and Effin’s Last Resort, (325 Farnum Pk., Smithfield), a favorite among single firefighters (women, are you paying attention?).
40s (Primes): The media touts online minded singles to find compatibility (and possibly, love), but music- centered bars like The Blackstone (Hope Village, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket) draw a great complement of outgoing socializers. The bar at Ten Prime Steak and Sushi (55 Pine St., Providence) has a vibrant bar scene and lots of conversation. For targeted (straight) man-hunting, Home Depot (multiple locations) is the place for a woman to plant herself on a Saturday, as the aisles fill with guys (DIY classes may be even better…just don’t do the ones targeted to women…unless you’re looking to meet a fellow woman). And, of course, there’s always Whole Foods.
50s (Prime Plus): It’s not just for youngsters. The Hot Club (575 S. Water St., Providence) is a neighborhood bar with a local vibe that works for late-afternoon beers. Singles walking clubs are a great way to get to know folks; check out East Bay Boomers Singles’ walking club (East Bay) at www.meet up.com/East-Bay-Single-Boomers. Dog parks and the Blackstone Boulevard running/walking path (Providence) also get high marks for places people meet. For less strenuous interaction, coffeehouses are easy places to strike up conversation. Stake out a spot near the cream and sugar counter. —Tracey Minkin
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Reader Comments:
I think Tazza Caffe on Westminster St. is a great place to meet too! It's a really mix crowd from young musicians to 35+ financially stable people who live in Downcity Providence! Especially in Summer when they have the Movies on the Block! :)