New Yorkers seeking love are turning away from popular dating apps and opting for the more traditional route of in-person meetups at hotspots around the city.
Groups like Closer, Parlor Social Club, and The Dinner Table Club are organizing these “real life” experiences, allowing members to connect through shared activities rather than just texting or sending memes.
These gatherings are designed to help individuals expand their social networks through dinners, cocktails, and various cultural events.
Many participants have found deeper connections. For instance, Ekm Watson, a 27-year-old member of Parlor, met her significant other at a cocktail mixer in Midtown, where they really clicked.
After getting to know each other better at subsequent events, Watson shared with Side Dish, “We went to some concerts and, well, we got engaged.” She even invited a fellow Parlor friend to be a bridesmaid for her upcoming wedding in September 2026.
Venues that host these ticketed events are benefiting as well, attracting patrons who might otherwise stay home on slow nights.
Gary Wallach, managing director of Renwick Hospitality, has partnered with these IRL groups to hold events at popular spots, including hotels like the Hilton in Chelsea and Times Square, and the Arlo Hotel in Soho.
The events vary widely, from seasonal gatherings hosted by the Dinner Table Club to monthly meetups for Microgroup Dessic, catering to those passionate about science who want to connect and share ideas.
Wallach noted that these in-person events spark interest in meeting new people and stepping away from devices.
Financially, these events can gross between $500 and $2,000, depending on the turnout and additional revenue generated before and after gatherings.
The rise of IRL groups gained momentum after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, and there’s a growing desire among people to connect in exclusive yet approachable settings.
Burstein, a co-founder of one such group, emphasized the importance of creating environments conducive to human connection, especially as life increasingly shifts online.
For those feeling out of place, Barstein asked, “Where do you go if your friends aren’t your people?” It’s a genuine concern in today’s society, where finding connection can feel challenging.
Closer offers a membership platform that encourages face-to-face meetings at events ranging from dinners to yoga sessions and even weekend getaways in various locations.
In New York, Parlor hosts around 100 events monthly, with membership fees of $40 per month or $70 for premium access. The introductory fee starts at $35, which covers the first three months.
The concept has become popular, expanding to Denver and Washington, D.C., with plans for cities like Toronto, Los Angeles, and Chicago to follow.
Helena Simon, an employee at Parlor, mentioned that many New Yorkers are hesitant to open up, highlighting the need for safe spaces to meet new people.
Originally founded in 2019, Parlor now boasts 6,000 members in New York alone, with recent expansions to Miami and Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Dinner Table Club, co-founded in 2023 by Tyler TEP and a former roommate, recently hosted a sold-out dinner in Tribeca, where prices range from $75 to $100 and feature a three-course meal.
TEP stated, “Our event is open, welcoming anyone who wants to dine and build community.” Dinners typically begin with cocktails and transition into a family-style meal where guests rotate seating.
Other venues often hosting intimate events include Altair, Art Rooftops, Lulla, The Alderman, Foxtail, Lindens, and Arlo Soho.
After realizing the demand during a dinner party for a friend, TEP initiated an in-person platform, which has since expanded to major cities.
The Dinner Table Club now operates not only in New York and Washington, D.C. but also in Los Angeles and Miami, with plans for further growth.
TEP remarked on their luck in attracting individuals who share a similar passion and intent, which has fueled the success of the gatherings.
