The Eight Best Tinder Date Spots in Sydney

Whether you're a fresh-faced first-timer or a serial dater, the question remains: Where is the perfect Tinder date spot? We've collated some on-the-ground anecdotal research and found that the general consensus is to start somewhere familiar and casual, where the light is dim and relatively flattering, somewhere that feels intimate but also has ample exit strategy options. Here is our list of tried-and-tested top Tinder date spots.

Arcadia Liquors

Wooden tables are huddled together along an exposed brick wall, and a beautifully backlit bar hugs the left of this narrow watering hole as you enter. The joint is fitted out with kitsch framed landscape prints, horse paintings and enough visually inspiring conversation starters to save you the fear of first-drink awkward silences. The drinks are another point of conversation — the owners are mad for beer, or there's mulled wine to melt the chills, or a neat list of cocktails if you're feeling special. If it's getting giddy, they do a mean toastie to help settle things down. Best case scenario, you're looking into each other's eyes, drinking wine, munching on toasties and planning your next move. Worst case, you're a stone's throw from "other commitments" in Newtown or Surry Hills or Anywhere via Redfern Train Station. And hey, you can come back next week and try again.

7 Cope Street, Redfern

The Wild Rover

The Wild Rover is the sort of den perfect for a late night Irish whiskey or a spontaneous Tinder meet up. Located behind a heavy wooden door on Campbell St near Central Station, this two-level Irish bar offers a dim lower floor with heavy curtains and the soft glow of lampshades or a lighter, easier upper floor with leather booths so you can pick your vibe. Take your date here for a specialty cocktail - try the Kilpatrick Bloody Mary or the Root of the Earth - or ask about their Irish beer selection. Your options are covered. There are fresh oysters or sausage rolls to whet your appetite, and if you decide you're hungry for more, you're in close proximity to the epicentre of Surry Hills fine dining, or a short walk to the cheap cheerfulness of China Town.

75 Campbell Street, Surry Hills

The Cliff Dive

All we're going to say is, Monkey Hats. That's right. What more romantic way to kick off a relationship than by taking your date to an Indonesian-themed dive bar, ordering a rum-fuelled Monkey Hat that comes served for two in a plastic monkey skull, dancing the night away under paper fish lanterns and pretending you're on a tropical island, without having to get on a boat or a plane? Save that for the honeymoon. Because you will probably end up at the marriage registry the next morning, maybe with your Tinder date or maybe with someone else entirely. At least you had a good time.

16-18 Oxford Square, Darlinghurst

Golden Age Cinema Bar

Grab a booth at Sydney's best kept secret for cultured crooners, the bar at Golden Age Cinema, and you're sure to impress. It's a smooth underground joint with fancy incandescant lights, art deco furnishings, a secret stage behind the plush orange curtain, cosy booths and killer cocktails. Oh, and free pretzels. From here you can ditch the conversation in favour of an art house movie, or head across to the Hollywood to catch some live music and switch to drinks a little lighter on the brain and on the wallet.

80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills

Shady Pines

The name says it all really. Situated behind a nondescript door in an alley off Oxford Street, this subterranean haunt filled with enough Americana decor to rival the museum of natural history is everything you need for a perfect Tinder date spot. It's better (less crowded) on a weeknight, and boasts an extensive menu of American craft beer. Another highlight is the fresh apple juice and whiskey combo. Throw it down with a handful of complimentary peanuts and you'll find yourself quoting Hemingway and Kerouac before your hot date can say ay caramba.

Shop 4, 256 Crown St, Darlinghurst

Goodgod Small Club

If you've done this before, you'll know what we're talking about. It's midnight, your confidence is up, and you have just enough time before lockout to emerge from the jangling depths of Goodgod Small Club and Tinder your crush to get down and meet you. It's dark, it's drunken, there's the front bar and the back bar, there's booths, there's a vibing crowd, and it can only end one sweet ands sweaty way.

53-55 Liverpool Street, Sydney

The Little Guy

Live music drenches this little bar from Tuesday to Thursday, there's chalk to occupy idle hands, delicious cocktails and spiced popcorn to occupy nervous mouths. It's a bit squishy, which makes it easy for getting up close and personal, and you're near Broadway cinema to catch a late-night movie, or at the nexus of buses to the city and Newtown for kick-ons in any direction.

87, Glebe Point Road, Glebe

212 Blu Cafe

Believe it or not, the morning meet-up is a popular option amongst Tinder daters. If you don't quite believe that profile picture (and need the light of day to set you at ease), or if you'd rather talk than get wasted (outrageous, we know) then go for coffee. Apparently that's what they do in Europe, anyway. 212 Blu is only a few months old but the owners of The Stables collective fame know what they're doing. They'll get you both buzzing with 5 Senses beans, which they do single origin and on cold drip. Or, if it's too busy to sit in, grab a take away and head across to Camperdown Park for dog watching and cloud gazing and sweaty-palmed hand-holding.

212 Australia Street, Newtown

Good luck and play safe.