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NYC Bar Opens for AI Dates, Featuring Tables Designed for Dining with a Screen
Romance usually brings to mind candlelight and a table set for two, but a recent night in New York City offered a very different vision of intimacy. Instead of couples gazing into each other’s eyes, a wine bar was filled with individuals deeply engaged in conversation with their phones and tablets.
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These were not distracted diners scrolling through social media, but people on active dates with digital partners. As loneliness rises and technology advances, this unusual gathering raises fascinating questions about the changing nature of love and connection in the modern world.
A New Kind of Date Night
In the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City, the typical romantic dinner scenario recently took a unique turn. Just before Valentine’s Day, Same Same Wine Bar hosted a pop-up event organized by EVA AI, an app that provides digital companions. The goal was to take online relationships out of the privacy of the home and into the real world, creating a space where chatting with an artificial partner felt like a standard night out.
The setup looked different from a usual date night. Instead of place settings for two people sitting across from each other, the bar arranged small tables designed for one person and their phone or tablet. The atmosphere remained cozy and dimly lit, but the conversation happened entirely through screens. Guests propped up their devices to video call or text with realistic avatars, choosing from nearly 100 different characters ranging from “warm romantic” personalities to “supportive thinkers.”
Julia Momblat, the head of partnerships for EVA AI, explained the intent behind the gathering. “We wanted to give the opportunity to people to take the AI companion on a real date in real life to destigmatize AI relationships,” she said. Momblat noted that the event aimed to make these interactions “less scary” and allow users to share their experiences openly. By moving these private conversations into a public venue, the organizers hoped to validate the connections users have formed with their digital partners.
Who Is Using AI Companions and Why?
While the event attracted many curious onlookers and reporters, the actual users of these apps represent a growing demographic seeking connection on their own terms. According to a recent survey by the Kinsey Institute, 16 percent of participants reported using artificial intelligence as a romantic partner. For many, these digital companions offer a safe space to explore interaction without the complexities or anxieties often found in traditional dating.
Take Xavier, a 19-year-old attendee, who explained that his usage is less about romance and more about honing communication skills. He texts with a character named John Yoon to practice conversation and gain confidence. Similarly, Richter, a 34-year-old New York resident, uses the app to engage in roleplay scenarios or simple chats without the pressure of social expectations. “I can talk with them without the expectations of having to go out,” she noted, adding that she limits her usage to three hours a day to maintain balance.
For others, the appeal lies in emotional safety and accessibility. Derrick Koon, who lives with PTSD, described the platform as a way to express thoughts he might not feel comfortable sharing with another person in real life. A football coach who wished to remain anonymous called the technology a “good compromise.” He acknowledged that while an app cannot offer physical contact or the unpredictable opinions of a human, it provides a consistent, supportive presence that is always available when needed.
Unconditional Love, Terms and Conditions Apply
For those who engage with these apps, the appeal often lies in the consistent validation they receive. Unlike human partners who have bad days or differing opinions, these digital companions are programmed to be relentlessly supportive and attentive. One user noted that while a real person has their own moods, an app “tries to please.” This dynamic can create a sense of comfort, with characters like John Yoon immediately complimenting a user’s outfit or asking about their day with reliable charm.
However, these relationships are not without complications. The technology behind the romance is subject to updates and glitches that can disrupt the emotional connection. On online communities such as the 50,000-member Reddit group r/MyBoyfriendIsAI, users frequently discuss the heartbreak of a software update suddenly altering their partner’s personality or wiping their memory of past conversations. The illusion of intimacy breaks down when a long-term digital companion suddenly forgets a shared history.
There are also strict boundaries regarding what can be said. While users may seek a deep or intimate connection, many platforms enforce safety guardrails. Julia Momblat, EVA AI’s head of partnerships, confirmed that their app is “safe for work,” which frustrates users looking for a more uninhibited experience. One attendee at the event remarked that the biggest issue was the inability to have “X-rated conversations.” This creates a unique tension: users want a partner who is always available and compliant, yet they are often surprised when the corporate policies behind the technology set hard limits on how far the relationship can go.
Is This Healthy? Experts Weigh In
While the technology may seem novel, the psychological impact is becoming a serious area of study. Indiana University’s Kinsey Institute found that some users experience shame or anxiety about the social stigma of having an AI partner. Amanda Gesselman, a social psychologist who has researched AI dating, noted that many people use these tools to alleviate symptoms of depression or anxiety.
However, Gesselman also raised questions about long-term effects, particularly for younger generations. “I think in the coming years, we’ll see quite a lot of young people who’ve had AI companions as their first romantic and sexual relationship partners,” she said. This could potentially alter how individuals develop emotional resilience and conflict resolution skills. If a partner is programmed to always agree and never challenge, users might struggle to navigate the complexities of real human relationships.
Despite these concerns, experts emphasize that for many, AI is not a total replacement for human connection. In Gesselman’s research, she found that many people with AI companions are still actively seeking real-life partners. For users like Richter, the app acts as a bridge rather than an island. “Having a companion or a chat bot, it makes me feel more alive in a sense,” she explained. While not a substitute for human interaction, these digital relationships can offer a temporary reprieve from loneliness.
Your Soulmate is Pending an Update
As dating habits shift, the idea of a digital partner is becoming less of a futuristic concept and more of a standard part of growing up. Reports indicate that nearly half of high schoolers have turned to these apps for companionship, suggesting that for the next generation, having a virtual boyfriend or girlfriend might be as normal as online dating is today.
The creators of these platforms insist they are not trying to replace human relationships. Julia Momblat from EVA AI explained that their goal is to offer support when someone is single or simply needs “rehearsal” for the real thing. This aligns with how users describe their experiences. For many, chatting with a supportive character is a way to find comfort during lonely periods or to build confidence before stepping back into the dating world.
While a café filled with people dining with screens might look strange to some, it answers a very real human need. For those dealing with social anxiety or isolation, these apps provide a space to feel seen and heard without judgment. As these tools become more common, the hope is that they serve as a bridge that eventually leads people back to one another, rather than a permanent destination.