Where to meet singles in New York City

Dating tips, Online dating
December 24, 2019

New York singles are a busy crowd. When you are taking a girl on the date, you have to be aware that she likely has a busy schedule. It might take a while for a tourist to get used to the crazy rhythm of the lives of New Yorkers, but eventually, you’ll get used to having a busy partner.

New York is one of the biggest cities in the world, so we are talking about multi-million dating pools. You can find a partner who shares your interests or go for something entirely different. New York has it all.

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Bars in New York are the go-to destination for casual dating

New York places for meeting singles

If I were asked to define the main advantage of New York dating, it would be the large selection of singles-only-places. There are entire bar districts that are almost exclusive for dating. You can walk into a bar and know that people are looking for the same thing as you do. This targeted approach makes meeting people in New York much more straightforward. Once you’ve found the right bar, you have already achieved 50% of success.

92YTribeca

This downtown place is famous on the NYC dating scene for Dave and Ethan — two hilarious coaches who do regular startups in the bar, sharing their witty jokes, based on real-life insights.

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Standup comedy creates a nice atmosphere for the first date — you aren’t the one feeling awkward

It’s a great place to get to know the differences of New York dating versus any other kind. Also, you have a real chance of finding a match right during a stand-up — Dave and Ethan always encourage visitors to participate in “couple” games and get to know people.

Single and the City

I love this NYC bar for its amazing trivia games and mixer games. Whenever I want to meet someone outside of my typical social circle, I know that Single and the City will help e to step out of the comfort zone.

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This NY bar combines modern style and old-fashioned feels

However, if you want to participate in the event, you have to book a spot beforehand. A New Year party costs $50, a fireman event tickets are $30, and the iconic hot-or-not matches are $40 per person.

21 stores

Meeting someone in the department store might not be a go-to idea in other cities, but it’s considered a good idea for meeting people in New York.

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Forever 21 stores in New York are legendary and they attract a lot of girls

People meet in 21 Stores shops and cafes, and you can approach a stranger anytime. In fact, for me, it often works better than bars because the atmosphere puts less pressure on the girl and me. Also, 21 Stores are everywhere — look up the closest location in Google Maps.

New York Easy Dates

Another idea for looking for a New York date is at the specialized websites, exclusive for the New Yorker community. New York Easy Dates is my favorite local community — I like the way the profiles are organized into categories by professions, interests, education. All members enter the group chat where, in a limited timeframe, they can find a date.

Silly Date

If you aren’t ready for serious romantic dates just yet, and would rather have fun, I suggest joining a Silly Date community. You can go to their website to book a ticket to a geek day, movie outings, and sing-along meetings. It’s a must-visit spot for nerds — and let me tell you, you’ll remember these dates for the longest time.

Grubwithus

If you like food and bonding over gastronomic preferences, you got a community for that, too. Grubwithus is a NY service where you can join online discussions about food and favorite places to eat. If you find someone who shares your preferences, you can write them directly and get to know potential dates better.

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Food is a nice topic for bonding, and sharing a meal is quite romantic

Also, the site offers regular food-related events — like Nom Wah Tea Parlor or national cuisines nights. Each dinner has its discussion topic — you can discuss Netflix shows, music, games – the selection of interests is impressive.

NY Minute Dating

There is hardly a more romantic location on a boat cruise. NY Minute Dating offers regular cruises from spring to fall, hosted exclusively for singles. You can sign up for the next cruise on their website, or even choose a themed party. Meet a single right at the quiz, or bring a date to the cruise for holidays.

300 New York

Dates don’t have to follow the same template, with restaurants and movies. Chelsea Piers offers a brand-new feel of romantic evenings. You can participate in bowling parties, gaming nights, and truth-or-dare challenges. Such an informal atmosphere brings everyone closer, and it’s a good way to fight the first-date awkwardness.

New York City dating sites

If you are not a fan of picking up girls in a bar, I have a safer alternative for you. You can pre-arrange a date on a New York site, so you already have an idea of whom you are meeting.

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One of the first dating websites, it’s also one of the biggest communities with bullet-proof reputation. It targets serious relationships rather than one=time hookups and attracts a more mature audience — but Millenials love the platform, too. The website has a strict verification system — all members have to go through email and photo verification.

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Secure casual dating app that finds you a match in 60 minutes

A safe casual dating app that connects strangers in the same area. You have an hour to find a date and arrange a meeting — in an hour, the profile and messenger are deleted. Your data isn’t stored in the server, so there is no way any personal info could be leaked. Also, the site creates a nice feeling of urgency — you have to talk things out fast and move to actual dating.

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Elite dating site for successful professionals with colege degress and careers

This is a New York dating website for a mature crowd. More than 80% of users are college graduates, and a lot of them have successful careers going on. There perhaps isn’t a better place to join EliteSingles than in New York — here, people like this platform.

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The exclusive senior dating site for people over 50 years old

People who are over 50, often feel misrepresented on OG dating platforms like Tinder. This is where OurTime comes in — the website targets older audience and offers mature matches, both for casual dating and serious relationships.

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The Afro-American dating platform that also supports interracial relationships

It’s not a secret that the majority of online dating users are white. This makes people of other races feel misrepresented — and they create their community. BlackPeopleMeet is a go-to dating destination for African-Americans, but it’s also opened to people of different races, as soon as they want to enter a mixed relationship.

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The biggest adult dating website with a large international community

This is perhaps the most popular New York dating site for casual sex. Here, users are matched based on their sexual preferences and characteristics of their bodies, including intimate parts. Users are free to upload nudes and use sexual vocabulary in the profiles. Members don’t expect a serious relationship — they are here to have fun. You can search here MILF or use the site as a shemale finder, any sexual desires are fulfilled here.

Popular dating apps

Younger New Yorkers prefer using apps over sites. They are always on the go and only have time to date when they are commuting or have a break at work. Luckily, the majority of the website that we reviewed here have a mobile version.

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One of the biggest dating platforms out there with users in the U.S, Latin America, and Asia

It’s one of the biggest dating websites, with 25 million users. The site has a strong worldwide community — you can meet people of different races and nationalities. In my experience, it’s one of the most diverse dating apps. However, it’s verification system is a bit problematic — the majority of website profiles are fake or inactive. Still, there is a good portion of regular visitors that put you at good odds.

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A stylish casual dating app with random matches with people nearby

Pure’s mobile app is similar to its dating site NYC. The matching system is based on users’ location — the app looks for users nearby and offers the most compatible profiles. Like on the website, the messenger and profiles are deleted in 60 minutes, so you have an hour to arrange a meeting.

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Match
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3/5 hookup chance Medium Sex Chance Geography USA, Europe, International
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$12.99 - $107.88 subscription price Free version free main features
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The oldest dating community for casual hookups and long-term relationships

Although Match is mostly known in its web version, its mobile app is pretty good, too. It’s not as fun to use as Pure — the feed can be heavy at times, but the overall functionality is similar to the full version. You have access to the feed, group chats, and messenger, as well as in-depth profile settings.

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The mobile version of mature dating community of successful professionals

A mobile version of the Elite Singles website works even better than a browser edition. The app has a customized feed where you can swipe on profiles that you like or not, and the messenger feels very native to mobile devices.

Best bars to meet singles in New York

New York bars are one of the best in the US. They have a nice mix of that classy and casual feeling that makes them perfect to meet singles in New York. You can find a hookup here, or bring your date from the website.

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Luxury old-fashioned vibes, perfect for the first date

The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog

The Dead Rabbit is famous first and foremost for its thematic cocktails and custom flavors. It also offers one of the biggest collections of whiskeys, Irish drinks, and punches. The bar has a nice Irish spirit that gives a date a classy vibe. The place is old-fashioned and elegant — and surprisingly, pretty cheap.

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This spot will definitely leave a great first impression on your date

Cloud Social Rooftop Bar

To meet New York’s locals, you want to get as far away from Times Square as possible. St. Cloud Rooftop Restaurant and Bar is the only exception of this rule. This rooftop bar is located practically on the Times Square, and still, locals love it just as much as tourists do. At night, the atmosphere is great for romantic dates — you can enjoy a nice wine collection and look at NY lights.

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The most nostalgic bar in NY – perfect for die-hard gaming fans

Barcade

Busy Brooklyn streets are fun to visit as a tourist, but they are also good for dating purposes. If you are a fan of vintage video games, you will have a lot to discuss with visitors of the Barcade. It’s a place that unites gaming geeks from all over the city. Also, now it has six locations all over the city, so you don’t have to commute all over the New York.

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My personal leader of great whiskey and ale in New York

McSorley’s Old Ale House

It’s the best place in the city to enjoy an ale and try high-quality alcohol. It’s pretty expensive, but Ale House is the definition of preferring quality over quantity. If you want to make an impression of a classy man, it’s the right spot for meeting your date.

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An affordable bar for late-night dating and MILF dates

The White Horse Tavern

The White Horse Tavern is one of the most literary bars in the city. It gathers people who are passionate about literature and art, and it’s also a place where writers come to work and chill. Here, you can visit a writing meetup and even get a seat on some free workshops.

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The bar delivers classical feels of New York at night

The Ear Inn

Ear Inn attracts visitors by its movie screening and live music events. It’s an artistic spot that represents New York in its best art-house fashion. The bar was established in 1817, and it gained a reputation for being a go-to artistic location. It’s also the oldest bar of New York, so it’s worth visiting at least as an attraction.

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Best cocktails in the entire city, in my opinion

Dutch Kills Bar

This is a specialty cocktail bar with pro-class bartenders. Frequent Happy Hours are a nice bonus — you won’t have to pay too much for a date here. It’s popular among singles — partially, due to its nice prices, but also because of its convenient location.

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Trying out New York speed dating

You don’t have to look for love online necessarily. If you are still into real-life meetings, there is a fast option for you. Although I am generally not a fan of speed dating, it seems to work well in New York. Here, it’s not strange that people don’t have time to date, and speed dating events are more popular than anywhere else.

On Speed Dating

On Speed Dating is a speed dating company that offers unique dating settings and quests. You can meet celebrity look-alikes, sort matches by their location, and discuss food preferences. The events can be adapted to your interests and romantic preferences.

Sensory Speed Dating

Sensory Speed Dating matches people based on their senses. You will go through dates while being blindfolded, or without hearing your partner, or relying only on smell. Relying only on one of your senses makes a fuller dating experience and ensures that the choice isn’t based on visual characteristics.

Speed NY Dating

If you’d like to have a romantic and chic speed date, this British-based dating provider might be your top choice. The events are held at classy hotels and restaurants, and the management is attentive about dating manners and dress-codes.

Literary dating events

I Like Your Glasses is an innovative speed dating concept, organized in a bookstore cafe. Each participant has 10 ates, six minutes each, and members are chosen based on their book preferences. Also, you get discounts for book purchases and get a custom literary review.

Male speed dating

Gay speed game is really of the top level in New York. Gay Professionals themes are common here. Also, men can participate in Millionaire Matchmaker events, where people are paired by professional matchmakers.

New York Easy Dates

This is an experienced speed dating provide that has become legendary on the city’s romantic scene. The service allows you to choose the style of an event, browse available locations, and determine a theme. You can get 35 dates, three minutes each, or arrange longer meetings instead.

NY Minute Dating

If you only have a minute to spare for your personal life, this service works perfectly for you. You can select potential matches by their ethnicity race, and age, and visit an event with people that already match your basic preferences. This way, you get shorter and cheaper dates, but the success chances are much higher.

New York City Singles Events

You can sign up for New York Singles Events digest to constantly stay updated on new meetings. You can even sort the events by their themes, formats, and locations. This way, you wouldn’t have to scour for a new occasion whenever you need a date — it will find you automatically.

New York City singles clubs

Also, you can find apps and websites that update you on the best clubs in New York. I already gave you a list of my favorite locations, but it’s nice to go out and find your own gems.

In the beginning, ratings on TripAdvisor will suffice, but eventually, I’d recommend exploring digests and ratings created for locals by locals.

New York City chat rooms

If you watched “You’ve Got Mail,” you might remember that the two New Yorkers meet in the online chatroom. Before they met personally, they participated in the group chatroom and instantly liked each other. Even if you are not sure about your looks or confidence, in chatroom, you can make a good impression by making funny jokes and witty puns. The best thing is, chatrooms offer free online dating NYC so that you can get s much practice as you would like.

My favorite choices of chatrooms are ChatHour, Mingle2, Wireclub — they are free and fast. You can get a date almost instantly.

New York City personals

Dating personals websites allow you to meet New Yorkers with no exhausting registrations or matching algorithms. You see the ads with the meetup offers and direct contacts — no additional verification or compatibility charts. If you are in for this instant but risky type of meetup, you can start by visiting a NYC site such as ClassifiedAds, DoULike, and StrictlyPersonal.com

Dating in NY parks

New York isn’t typically a green city, but it has amazing green islands all over — NY parks are chill. Central Park is the first go-to option for meeting people — here, people like to go out for hiking and sports.

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The must-visit NY park for all inexperienced and seasoned tourists

Another spot is the Brooklyn Bridge part, one of the 84-acre parks with sporting events, gardens, yoga classes, and basketball competitions. It’s also a top picnic spot, so if you are into casual dates, it’s a must-visit place.

Dating in New York volunteering communities

When I want my dates to be meaningful, I go to Volunteer Match — it’s a great platform that helps to find volunteer communities that handle school help, political organizations, and local farmers market.

It’s a good way to find a match who cares about a bigger cause and shares your interest. Also, the first date isn’t likely to be awkward — you’ll have a lot of work on your hands, and a bunch of bonding activities, too.

Becoming a member of a Book Club

New Yorkers enjoy being up to date with art news and literature trends, so you want to stay in the loop. The easiest way to meet a creative date is to go to book clubs or meetups. You can look for communities online or visit bookbars. Most of them are also locations for regular book meetups and author events. The book groups focus on diversity, social issues, art trends, tendencies, and inclusivity.

FAQ

Where can I find rich singles in NYC?

You can find them on British speed dates, or in classy old bars. Irish bars are typically great for meeting a premium crowd. However, they are also rather expensive — you’ll have to pay even for the entrance, not to mention the costs of a drink itself.

Where do singles meet in NYC?

In NY, singles often meet in thematic bars where they can dance like Salsa and Huego, and book reading clubs with a specialized literary event, as well as on best dating sites in New York.

How do I meet girls in NYC?

For one thing, you can walk the city streets and casually approach girls in parks or malls. Also, a good way to meet someone is by visiting galleries and museums — New Yorkers are into the arts. Concerts and shows are other examples of great locations for first meetings. Finally, you can join a gym membership — it will lend you a great first impression.

Where can I meet hot guys in NYC?

Hot guys hang out in classy bars and sports establishments. I have seen a lot of good-looking guys in Freehold, a bar with the chill atmosphere, Houston Hall, or Mr. Purple.

Where do millionaires hang out in NYC?

You want to look for such top-tier matches in the premium locations in the premium NY districts. My top picks are Cantina Rooftop, Club Macanudo, and Castell Rooftop Lounge.

How do I meet other singles?

Visit singles-only events, like speed dating or singles club. Online websites and chatrooms also create a great environment to get started with dating.

Where should I go out in Brooklyn?

Brooklyn clubs are ones of the best in the city. For me, it’s an ultimate clubbing location, with spots like Bushwick, Williamsburg, Crown Heights, Red Hook, and other fun clubs.

Where can I find cougars in NYC?

The best location for cougar dating is cougar bars. My favorite spots for milf dating are Pretty Ricky’s, Loreley Beer Garden, Parkside Lounge, Whiskey Tavern.

Where can I meet rich guys?

The traditional New York locations for meeting a rich date is millionaire matchmaking services, pubs, auction houses, first-rate golf classes, and tennis clubs.

How do you find people to date?

You can go to singles clubs, speed dating events, visit singles bars, or register on online dating apps or websites.

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