AI and Dating Cafes: 3 Realities
- EVA AI opened the world’s first AI dating cafe in New York
- Speed dating with AI companions at a wine bar
- Technical limitations and the uncanny valley are still significant
AI Dating at a New York Wine Bar
EVA AI opened a pop-up cafe at a wine bar in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, in February. It was the world’s first event to date AI companions in a real-world space.[The Verge]
Each table had a phone stand and earphones. You could choose a partner from over 100 AI characters and video call them.[Fast Company]
A Reporter’s Experience with AI Speed Dating
A The Verge reporter dated four AIs. The AI boyfriend started with “Hey, baby,” but the conversation was interrupted by Wi-Fi issues and drifted into irrelevant topics.[The Verge]
Other AIs were similar. Their noses glitched, they asked “Neptune?” in response to noise, or gave vague answers. All were programmed to compliment the user’s “attractive smile.”
AI Romance: Possibilities and Limitations
EVA AI aims to change the negative perception of AI relationships. One attendee explained the value, saying that “the core of it is that people want to feel cared for.”[National Today]
However, there were basic problems like glitching and failure to recognize noise. The fact that only 2-3 out of 30 attendees were actual users also shows that the market is in its early stages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where was the EVA AI cafe held?
A: It was operated as a pop-up for two days at Same Same Wine Bar in Hell’s Kitchen, New York in February 2026. Admission was free from 5 PM to 9 PM, and drinks were also provided.
Q: How do I talk to AI in EVA AI?
A: There are over 100 AI characters in the app. Most are text chat, and some support video calls. At the cafe, conversations were held with phone stands and earphones.
Q: Will the AI dating cafe reopen?
A: The follow-up schedule is undecided. Depending on the response, it may be held in other cities, so check the official channels.
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References
- My uncanny AI valentines – The Verge (2026-02-14)
- AI dating pop-up NYC – Fast Company (2026-02-14)
- AI Companion Cafe – National Today (2026-02-12)