How to Make Friends in Chicago as an Adult

Making new friends as an adult isn’t easy. In a city like Chicago, it can feel even harder—millions of people all around you, but few opportunities for genuine connection. We hear this from our members all the time. You move to a new neighborhood, switch jobs, or outgrow old circles... and suddenly, it’s just you and your phone wondering where to begin.

That’s exactly why we created Three Cities Social.

We’re not a bar. We’re not a networking event. We’re a membership-based social club built to make adult friendships more natural—through daily access, intentional programming, and a space that actually feels welcoming. But whether you join us or not, here are a few things we’ve learned about how to meet real people in Chicago:

1. Don’t Rely on One-Off Events

Happy hours are fine. But meaningful friendships come from repeated interactions—seeing the same people more than once. That’s what builds trust. Find environments you can return to weekly or monthly. It’s less about intensity and more about consistency.

2. Show Up Alone

We get it—it’s easier to bring a friend. But showing up solo forces you to lean in. It signals to others that you’re open. It’s uncomfortable at first, but almost every close friendship we’ve seen at Three Cities started this way.

3. Choose Shared Interests Over Small Talk

People bond when they do something together, not just when they talk. Whether it’s a book club, coworking group, or dance class, look for things where connection happens naturally around a shared experience.

4. Give It Time

Making friends as an adult takes longer. And that’s okay. Most people quit too early because they don’t feel instant chemistry. But the best friendships don’t come from a perfect first conversation—they come from showing up again.

5. Be Brave Enough to Follow Up

Send the text. Extend the invite. Suggest the second hang. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You’re not being weird—you’re being intentional. Most people are hoping someone else will make the first move.

At Three Cities, our entire model is built around this. A place to drop in, meet people, and feel known—without having to force it. If that sounds like something you’ve been looking for, you’re not alone.

We’d love to meet you.