If you’re single, you probably spend at least some time wondering about where to meet people. There’s always the option of going online, but Tinder and OKCupid aren’t for everyone. You could ask friends to set you up, but blind dates can be awkward and who needs that? So where does that leave you? If you like to travel, why not try your pick-up luck at the airport or, more specifically, an airport bar? Whether you’re looking for a skiier, a surfer or a C-list celeb, we have the scoop on some of the best airport bars for making a connection while waiting for one.
Powderhounds: Monk’s Grill, Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver, British Columbia
If you’re looking to meet a ski bum this winter, one of the best places to do it might just be at YVR. Despite the fact that Vancouver itself doesn’t get a lot of snow, it’s still home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America, including Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour. And, of course, Vancouver is also the jumping off point to the great skiing at Whistler Blackcomb. So get yourself to Monk’s Grill in the domestic terminal at Vancouver International and see who’s sporting ski tags on their jacket. Sometimes black diamonds are a girl’s (or guy’s) best friend.
C-list celeb: Petrossian, Los Angeles International, Los Angeles, California
There’s no better place to run into a celebrity than LAX and, while the A-list stars won’t be slumming it in an airport bar, who says you won’t be able to bag yourself a C or D-list celebrity? If that piques your interest, think about whiling away time before your flight at Petrossian in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. It’s a caviar and champagne bar that is just fancy enough to attract a few smaller-tier stars. Order up a glass of bubbly and keep your eyes peeled. Go-to pick up line: Do I know you from somewhere?
Cowboy or girl: Montana’s Cookhouse Saloon, Calgary International Airport, Calgary, Alberta
Does the thought of meeting someone in a cowboy hat and boots set your pulse racing? Calgary International Airport is a good place to wrangle yourself a keeper, especially during the Calgary Stampede, when you’ll likely find yourself in a sea of cowboy hats. Sidle up to the bar at Montana’s Cookhouse Saloon on the departures level and see if you can catch someone’s eye with a friendly wink.
Surfer: Lobby Bar, Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida
There’s no doubt about it, surfing is an exciting sport, which in turn makes it a sexy one. We wouldn’t blame you if you had your sights set on making a love connection with someone who spends their days riding the waves. Cocoa Beach, about 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport, is a popular surfing spot in the U.S. so you might just find yourself a surfer if you spend some time at MCO sipping a drink at Lobby Bar in East Hall. Keep an eye out for anyone who looks like they still have sand in their hair and ask if they’ve seen the new “Point Break” remake.
Country musician: Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Nashville International Airport, Nashville, Tennessee
Country music fans are likely to also harbour crushes on country music’s biggest stars. While you might not score a date with Luke Bryan or Carrie Underwood, there’s still hope to bag yourself a country crooner. A trip through Nashville International Airport could be your ticket to a date with an up-and-coming country musician. The best place to look is Tootsies Orchid Lounge at Concourse C, before security, where they even have live music. Who knows, you might just make a connection with someone playing a set. The flagship location of Tootsies is known as one of the best country bars in the city.
Hipster: Laurelwood Brewing Co., Portland International Airport, Portland, Oregon
Anyone looking to pick up a hipster while in transit will have a good shot at Portland International Airport. The city is known for its large hipster population, something the show “Portlandia” hilariously pokes fun at. The airport bar you’ll want to situate yourself at is Laurelwood Brewing Co. located at Concourses A and E. You can sip on a microbrew while striking up a conversation about an obscure band you just discovered.
Outdoors enthusiast: Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, Denver International Airport, Denver, Colorado
Some of us like a person to be polished, while others are attracted to a more rugged, outdoorsy type. If that’s your preference, the airport bar for you is at Denver International Airport. Colorado is filled with amazing places to hike, camp and be one with nature. And Denver is the hub for all of that outdoor living, making the airport a perfect place to look for the mountain man or woman of your dreams. Try your luck at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery near gate C32. Order a handcrafted microbrew or something garnished with bacon and chat up the cutie next to you about your favourite brand of hiking boots.
Golfer: 12th Fairway Bar and Grill, Palm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs, California
How’s your golf swing? If the thought of going out with a golfer puts a smile on your face, grabbing a seat and a drink at a bar at Palm Springs International Airport should be a hole in one. Palm Springs is a premier golfing destination so it shouldn’t be hard to find someone to talk tee times with. Put on your best polo and make your way to 12th Fairway Bar and Grill, located in the Bono Concourse.
Entrepreneur: Cisco Brewers, Logan International Airport, Boston, Massachusetts
Looking to nab yourself a self-made man or woman? Head to Logan International Airport in search of an entrepreneur. Boston is giving San Francisco a run for its money when it comes to startups, especially in the biotech industry. While there are many options in terms of the best pickup spots at Logan, we suggest testing out your best pickup lines at Cisco Brewers in Terminal B. This is where you’ll find beers, wines and spirits created on Nantucket.
Foodie: Saison, Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey
Newark Liberty has recently stepped up its game where food is concerned. A multimillion dollar renovation to Terminal C has brought some noteworthy New York chefs to the airport, making Newark a good place to pick up a foodie. Head straight for Saison, a French bistro that Alain Ducasse helped create. Grab yourself a glass of wine as you scan your surroundings for a fellow foodie.
Main image: istockphoto.com/GeorgeRudy
