A couple of weeks ago, we chronicled the top pickup spots in Palm Beach County, locales where singles feeling frisky, risky, and perhaps a wee bit kinky can freely frolic. We highlighted some obvious choices -- like Blue Martini (because, c'mon, it's universal knowledge this higher-end martini bar is a notorious place to try to score) and some less recognizable spots -- such as Delray Beach's Lake Ida dog park. The idea was to cover all the bases where singles can best snatch up fellow singles.
This week, we look at what Broward County has to offer to all the enterprising unattached out there. BroCo, you knew we wouldn't blow you off. So from Deerfield Beach's oceanside dives to Hollywood's Young Circle haunts, after the jump, read our list of Broward County's best destinations to "get lucky."
Despite undergoing a name change (from the Cove to Two Georges), new ownership, and a face-lift, this Intracoastal restaurant/bar steadfastly remains prime pickup terrain in northern Broward County. Much like Blue Martini locales (minus the froufrou drinks), the Cove has a reputation as a pretty tasty meat market. Its idyllic views are contrasted by serious happy hour raunch, where Jimmy Buffett-adoring boaters, yuppies just getting off work, and FAU students all mingle in one big horny hodgepodge. Cheap drinks and tanned patrons abound. Spend enough time at this Deerfield Beach institution and you're sure to leave with a beau on your arm.
2. Fort Lauderdale Critical Mass
Seeking a fixed-gear bike enthusiast type? If so, look no further than Fort Lauderdale's Critical Mass (check the link to find the alternating meetup spots). At this group bike ride down Las Olas, Riverside Park, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and points in between, you are likely to find numerous dudes in cutoff jean shorts a size too small who are endlessly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. And you'll rub elbows with Coral Ridge gals, in short boy shorts, who don't really care much about ozone layers and bikers' rights. They merely want to display their vintage Schwinns out on the town with their gals.
Whatever you do, don't forget that blinky white headlight and a blinky red taillight to avoid any interactions with the po-po. Perhaps you are too lazy to partake in this 15- to 20-mile romp through town. No sweat (pun intended); all you have to do is go to Critical Mass' website and check to see what local watering hole the group will end up at. Simply show up there, in the shortest pair of shorts you own, and perhaps trot some from your car so you can build up a bit of sweat and look the part.
3. Point Bar at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club
This open-air bar, located poolside at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club, is ideal for sugar-mama scouting. This is where Fort Lauderdale's upper crust goes to schmooze and swap tales of maritime escapades. Saturday afternoon is the perfect time to go. It's high season for gaggles of well-to-do females, and among the Botox-loving masses, decked out in casual Ralph Lauren wear, you might find your very own recent divorcée pumped to take on a new boy toy. Are you up for the task, young cub?
Shiver me timbers, why not try the lunch-time pickup? Tucked away in a strip mall on Fort Lauderdale Beach, this nautical, pirate-themed bar is kitschy, cozy, and tasty. Yes, tasty; you read right. Taco Tuesday tasty, that is. Taco Tuesday at the Treasure Trove is the stuff of Fort Lauderdale foodie legends. The place is replete with locals of all shapes and sizes, executives, beach bums, tourists even, all devouring the Trove's $1 beef and chicken tacos. There's specials on Coronas and margaritas too. We don't know what pirates and tacos have in common, but these tasty flour tortilla treats sure don't come with scurvy.
5. Flagler Village Community Garden
Here is one of those outside-of-the-box places to meet other singles that presents loads of opportunities. Where else can you spend quiet time reflecting on how much water to pour on your basil while sparking up small talk with a vegan punk-rock girl adjusting her carrots? At this very first community garden in Fort Lauderdale, there's a leisurely ambiance and homey, Toms-wearing 20- and 30-somethings lounging on blankets and nibbling on grapes and cheese. Don't know a thing about gardening? Hey, no biggie. Go to Home Depot, buy a $2 tomato plant, and ask the studly guy with the sleeve tattoo for some pointers.
We will stay in the same Flagler Village 'hood for this one, because there really is no better time for hobnobbing with Fort Lauderdale's creative set than at FAT Village's monthly arts walks.
Between jumping around from gallery to gallery, checking out bands, and waiting in line to eat at a food truck, you'll have many chances to interact with enterprising Art Institute students, aspiring local musicians, gallery owners and garrulous event promoters. Everyone is in it for the love of art, don't forget. FAT is the antithesis of Las Olas, so if you had intentions of picking up an uppity, affluent art collector, better to stay on that other side of the tracks. What you'll find here is more the skinny-jean-wearing artistes, with more passion in their blood than coin in their pockets.
Looking for a man's man, or a lady who could probably beat you in arm wrestling? If so, then Flossie's is the place for you! This New Times 2013 Best Biker Bar lives up to its reputation and is chocked full of hog-riding badasses.
Real life Easy Riders everywhere. This central Broward haunt is the biking (think more Harley-Davidson and less Schwinn) community's epicenter. Sunday's a good time to go, as the choppers come out in droves and are parked alongside the bar's numerous tiki huts. Ladies, don't have any leather pants or tattoos either? No need to stress; these tough guys here are not too particular and will be more than eager to give you a ride on their American hunk of steel.
The single on the prowl has lots of options at the posh W on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Open-minded European tourists? Check. A pool party with DJs, featuring tons of scantily clad locals? Check. A nightclub atmosphere with club-going bros and gals? Check. The W has two clubs to choose from, the Living Room lounge and Whiskey Blue nightclub. With so many options under one roof, the W is a single person's paradise.
Another unconventional choice you probably didn't see coming, but marinate on it for a minute. Think about this: The type of people who attend Cavalry Chapel break the model from the traditional Christian Bible-thumping set. Sure, there's a lot of Jesus talk at the services, but most who go to this stadium-sized, Disney-meets-Lamb-of-God show have grown tired of standard Christian services. These folks are looking for something else. There's a void there to explore here. At Cavalry, you'll find a good number of reformed bad girls who just met up with JC again and ex-convicts who have found a better way of living. And everyone comes in their Sunday best. It's high fashion meets New Testament in these confines. All are eager to meet their next "soulmate." That, my friends, could be you. Remember: Wear khakis, bring Bible.
10. Any Dive Bar in Himmarshee
With so many options to choose from, it's impossible for us to select just one Himmarshee haunt as the number-one spot to pick up. Singles, just take up the whole block. Seriously. This part of town is just one big meat market. Sure there are some nuances, like if you'd like to get with a guy who's into local bands and craft beer, Poor House may be your choice. Or if you're looking for a frat guy/sorority gal who just wants to have a good time, Tarpon Bend may be the place for you. But with as much drinking and revelry, the lines are real blurry. For instance, what might start out as an evening with your dude bros checking out a band at the new Dubliner locale may turn into a 4 a.m. romp with you and a busty barista (whose name you'll probably forget in the morning) taking three-for-ones at Capones.
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