“If you’re looking for just drinks, Gumbo Bottoms Ale House is the place to be.”
-Rachel Murphy
As a frequent flyer in the single friend club, I never feel like the third wheel here in Jefferson City. Every establishment you go to has a welcoming atmosphere where, by the end of the night, you will have met new people, made a friend or two, and left with a smile on your face.
Thursday Night Live
Thursday Night Live is a perfect way to welcome the weekend and is an event in Jefferson City that you don’t want to miss. Meeting up with friends, seeing new faces from around town, and grooving to different bands — it’s always a fun night. High Street is closed from Madison Street to Jefferson Street and the restaurants and bars set up shop outside their storefronts for some food and drinks. Bring your dancing shoes because everyone is literally dancing in the street.
Paddy Malone’s Irish Pub
Whether on a first date or catching up with co-workers, Paddy Malone’s is one of my top places in Jefferson City. Paddy’s is a great restaurant to meet up with someone for the first time, as you can sit in the side room at a table for two or out back on the deck. There are conversations all around you for a date night that’s enjoyable and lets you leave those dating jitters at home. You can also belt your heart out at karaoke on a Thursday night or go for dinner and have the best fried mushrooms I’ve ever had. It’s a one-of-a-kind place!
Gumbo Bottoms
If you’re looking for just drinks, Gumbo Bottoms Ale House is the place to be. The owner, Steve, and bartender, Lindsey, always welcome you inside and immediately treat you like family. There is also live music for an evening of talking and swaying to the beat. Gumbo Bottoms is also the perfect place to head to after dinner if you don’t want your date to end, or it’s the ideal start to a girls’ night downtown. It’s a perfect spot for any occasion, really.
Being single in Jefferson City is a lot of fun, and there are many options to pick from to enjoy some downtime after work, dance to different kinds of music, and enjoy some memorable meals. You aren’t alone here no matter where you go, and you’ll have nights that you’ll talk and laugh about for years to come.
Bio
Rachel Murphy has made Jefferson City her home for nearly five and a half years. She is originally from the Chicagoland area and works for the state of Missouri doing career counseling for people with disabilities. When not working on graduate school homework, she thoroughly enjoys any event with music and being surrounded by friends.