As a sponsor of Seven Days’ upcoming Speed Dating Singles Party, we thought it would be fun to showcase our top ten apps for meeting Ms. or Mr. right. Dating is anything but an exact science, and it seems as geeks the odds aren’t always in our favor. However, the App Store comes to the rescue with a handful of iOS apps to help in planning– and pulling off–the perfect date. With this tool kit of apps at your disposal, you’ll have no trouble impressing your date.
10. Yelp:
Yelp is a great resource for finding the perfect restaurant or night spot to take your date to. Featuring collections of quick tips and user reviews, the app offers a fairly honest portrait of local dining establishments. Though some reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, the majority are fair and accurate. Free
9. Pick-Up-Lines:
This app can be a lot of fun, but be sure to carefully gauge the situation before breaking it out. Almost none of these lines can be used seriously, but almost all will elicit a laugh if your timing is correct. If you’re a: “So, do you come here often?” kind of guy or gal, give this app a spin to significantly up the cheesiness factor of your lines. Free
8. Drync Wine Pro:
If you’ve ever found yourself fumbling through a wine list on a date, you know how awkward it can be. Since not everyone possesses Gary V–like wine knowledge, this app assists in selecting the perfect pairing. Providing an index of over 1.2 million bottles and prices, information is broken down into a concise and understandable manner for enthusiasts of all levels. If your date knows their wine, this app can aid in making a sophisticated impression. $4.99
7. OpenTable:
This app enables you to make restaurant reservations straight from your iOS device. With support from a surprising number of dining options, OpenTable allows users to select from available reservations, browse menus, and more. Though users do have to register an OpenTable profile, the app is otherwise free to use. Free
6. Fake-A-Call:
If you find yourself on a bad date, this app can be an essential last resort. If you’re in dire need of an escape plan, or even just looking for something to break up an awkward silence, Fake-A-Call effectively emulates an actual iPhone call. Though a bit dishonest, this app is a convincing way to excuse yourself from a bad situation. $0.99
5. How to Cook Everything:
If your idea of a perfect date is a romantic evening in, this app can act as your personal sous chef. Featuring an award winning collection of over 2,000 recipes from NY Times columnist Mark Bittman, this app is the perfect companion to the novice chef. With cooking technique guides, built in timers, and organized shopping lists, this app makes creating the perfect meal easy. $4.99
4. GQ Style Picks:
This free app is a helpful guide to any fashion challenged guys out there. Though its contents are a bit limited, it does include helpful guides that outline the basics of style and etiquette. Also included, are several video guides to walk you through putting together the perfect outfit to impress your date. Free
3. 1-800-Flowers:
Though they are among the most common of all gifts, flowers never go out of style. This official app from 1-800-Flowers makes ordering from your iOS device easy. Users can select from a number of categories and pricing options to suit the mood and their budget. Free
2. Date Smart:
Going to dinner and a movie is arguably among the most cliched dates. While there is nothing inherently wrong with the classic combo, there are many other ways to impress your special someone. Date Smart provides unique date ideas from a broad number of categories. The app takes into account the context of the date, the experience you are looking for, and how much you are looking to spend before offering a suggestion. While the number of suggestions does range based on location, the app is generally helpful if you’re running low on ideas. $1.99
1. Free Translator:
If you don’t like the idea of a language barrier getting in the way of a budding romance, give this app a try. Utilizing the Google Translate API, this app accurately translates in about twenty different languages. A valuable travel resource, this app can also prove useful in communicating with a foreign love interest. Free