Speed dating in New York City has exploded in popularity as singles seek alternatives to endless app swiping. With 1.47 million singles ages 20-34 alone and countless events happening weekly across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond, NYC offers the country's most diverse speed dating scene.

From boutique events in trendy Williamsburg bars to upscale Manhattan speed dating, from Jewish singles events to LGBTQ+ gatherings, from 20-something mixers to 50+ events—New York's speed dating landscape has something for everyone.

Here are the best speed dating companies and organizers in NYC, organized by age and demographic.

Speed Dating for Singles in Their 20s and 30s

NY Minute Dating

Founded: 2007 Members: 350,000+ Events Per Month: 40+ Annual Attendees: 10,000+ Events: 9 upcoming on Eventbrite Coverage: All 5 boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey Office: Empire State Building, 350 5th Ave Fl 59, Midtown West Claim: "NYC's #1 Speed Dating Company" and "Largest and most active singles events company on the East Coast" Price: ~$35 average Recognition: Women-owned business, Yelp rated, Silver Award winner

Website: nyminutedating.com Eventbrite: NY Minute Dating Organizer (9 events) Phone: (800) 708-8121

NY Minute Dating is New York's dominant speed dating force and the largest singles events company on the entire East Coast. Since 2007, they've built a network of 350,000+ members and host 40 events per month with over 10,000 attendees annually. Their track record includes fostering hundreds of relationships, marriages, and families.

What Makes Them Stand Out: Sheer scale, frequency, and variety. With 40 events monthly, you'll find multiple options every week across different age brackets, educational levels, ethnic backgrounds, and lifestyle interests. They specialize in hosting speed dating for single professionals with carefully curated criteria. Office in the iconic Empire State Building. Guarantee balanced gender ratios at every event. Free re-do policy: if you don't connect with a single date, attend the next event free.

Event Categories:

• Age-Specific: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 20s/30s, 30s/40s, 40s/50s
• Ethnic/Cultural Events: Indian singles, Asian singles, Latino singles, African American singles, Russian singles, Jewish singles
• Lifestyle/Interest: Active & Athletic singles, Artistic singles, Single Parents, Advanced Degrees (graduate/professional degrees)
• Specialty Themes: Cougars & Cubs (older women/younger men), Sugar Daddy dating (affluent men/attractive women)
• Major Events: Singles boat cruises around Manhattan (summer), New Year's Eve parties, 4th of July, Memorial Day Weekend singles parties

Format: 5-6 minute mini-dates where you meet 10-15 compatible singles per event. After the event, log into your account to select matches. When two people choose each other, it's a match—NY Minute Dating shares contact info so you can take it from there. Events at finest restaurants, lounges, and bars across NYC in fun, welcoming atmosphere.

Venues: Throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island (Nassau County, Suffolk County), Westchester County, and New Jersey (Hoboken, Morristown, Montclair, Jersey City, Newark). All five boroughs covered with upscale venue selection.

Reviews: "Speed dating was fun, every 5 minutes I got to meet someone new, and by the end of the night I met about 12 men." "There was a good balance of men and women so the chances for a match were actually very good too." "I met my fiancé at one of your New York speed dating events last year! You're the best!"

Pros: Largest in NYC (350,000 members), highest frequency (40 events/month), most variety (ethnic, lifestyle, age-specific events), established track record since 2007, balanced gender ratios guaranteed, free re-do if no matches, women-owned business, Empire State Building office, covers tri-state area comprehensively, summer boat cruises and major holiday parties.

Cons: High volume may feel less intimate than boutique services, ~$35 price point higher than some competitors, need to book in advance as popular events sell out.

Best For: Busy professionals ages 20-60 who want frequent event options across NYC/tri-state area, people seeking demographically similar matches (ethnic, educational, lifestyle), singles who value established reputation and track record, those who want guaranteed gender balance, people interested in specialty events (boat cruises, ethnic-specific, advanced degrees, etc.).

MyCheekyDate / SpeedNewYork Dating

Founded: 2007 Coverage: 70+ cities worldwide Events: 9+ upcoming on Eventbrite Price Range: $30-$75

Website: speednewyorkdating.com | mycheekydate.com Eventbrite: SpeedNewYork Dating Organizer

SpeedNewYork Dating (part of the MyCheekyDate family) is regarded as the industry leader for sophisticated, boutique-style speed dating. They've been featured on Top Chef Masters, Bravo's 'Rate The Date', NBC, TLC's 'Cake Boss', and more—over 30 televised programs.

What Makes Them Stand Out: "UK style" sophistication with Smart-Card mobile matching technology. They ditch whistles, name tags, and over-the-top party trappings for intimate, well-hosted events at stylish venues. Selective admission—they reward "lovely daters" with discounts while refusing service to those who don't meet their standards.

Format: Host-led with 6-7 minute dates, mobile scorecards, curated crowds.

Pros: Premium experience, established reputation (since 2007), extensive media features, tickets never expire, refined atmosphere.

Cons: Higher prices ($30-$75), selective admission may exclude some.

Best For: Professionals ages 22-48 seeking upscale experience, people willing to pay premium for quality, daters who value sophistication.

Weekenddating.com / Long Island Speed Dating

Founded: 2003 Events: 27 upcoming on Eventbrite Coverage: NYC, Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk), Connecticut Success: 85+ marriages, 15 babies, countless couples

Website: weekenddating.com Eventbrite: Weekenddating.com Organizer (27 events) | Long Island Speed Dating Organizer

Weekenddating.com has been organizing "super organized" speed dating events since 2003, resulting in 85+ married couples and 15 babies. They serve NYC, Long Island, and Connecticut with both in-person and virtual Zoom events.

What Makes Them Stand Out: Tri-state area coverage makes them accessible to Long Island and Connecticut suburbs. They require proof of age and provide both mutual matches AND one-way matches. Strong track record with real relationship outcomes.

Format: Traditional speed dating, both in-person and virtual options.

Best For: Singles in Long Island/Connecticut/tri-state area, people who want suburban event options, daters seeking proven success record.

Single and the City

Founded: 2008 Events: 26 upcoming on Eventbrite Media: Featured on Howard Stern, CNN, NY Times, Entertainment Tonight

Eventbrite: Single and the City Organizer (26 events)

Since 2008, Single and the City has produced social events that have "ignited countless friendships, hook-ups, first dates, relationships and even 'I do's.'" Founded by someone featured on Howard Stern, CNN, The New York Times, and Entertainment Tonight.

What Makes Them Stand Out: Beyond speed dating, they host holiday celebrations, parties, silent discos, social outings, and singles mixers. More event variety than pure speed dating companies.

Format: Mix of speed dating and social events.

Best For: Singles wanting variety beyond traditional speed dating, people who like party atmosphere, ages 21-45.

PlentyofParties

Events: 23-29 upcoming on Eventbrite (multiple organizer pages) Event Types: Rooftop socials, speed dating, yacht cruises, networking mixers, themed parties

Website: plentyofparties.com Eventbrite: PlentyofParties Organizer (23 events) Social: @plentyofparties on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube

PlentyofParties offers "your ticket to the best parties throughout NYC." From rooftop socials and speed dating to yacht booze cruises, baseball brunches, firemen parties, Halloween/New Year's/Valentine's parties—they cover it all.

What Makes Them Stand Out: Most diverse event portfolio. Yacht cruises, rooftop parties, themed events. Strong social media presence. More party-focused than pure matchmaking.

Format: Speed dating mixed with larger social events and parties.

Best For: Social butterflies ages 21-40, people who want party atmosphere, singles seeking variety of event types.

NYC Singles (Ages 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s)

Events: 9 upcoming on Eventbrite Specialization: Demographic-specific events Demographics: Age brackets, advanced degrees, interracial, Asian, African American, Indian, Latino, Russian, Christian/Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Cougars & Cubs

Eventbrite: NYC Singles Organizer (9 events)

NYC Singles organizes parties, mixers, cruises, and in-person/online speed dating for highly specific demographics. They have events for singles with advanced degrees, interracial dating, specific ethnicities (Asian, African American, Indian, Latino, Russian), religious groups (Christian, Jewish, Muslim), and age/dynamic preferences (Cougars & Cubs, Older Women/Younger Men).

What Makes Them Stand Out: Most demographically diverse organizer in NYC. If you're looking for niche demographics, they probably have it.

Format: Speed dating, parties, mixers, cruises tailored to specific groups.

Best For: Singles seeking demographically specific events, people with strong preferences for cultural/religious/educational match criteria.

Jewish Dating NYC

Founded: 2010 (parent company since 2003) Parent: WeekendDating.com Events: 2 upcoming on Eventbrite Specialization: Jewish speed dating and singles parties

Eventbrite: Jewish Dating NYC Organizer

Jewish Dating NYC has been running Jewish speed dating events since 2010 (their parent company WeekendDating.com started in 2003). They pride themselves on "seamless organization, relaxed vibe, and fun, creative ideas."

What Makes Them Stand Out: Dedicated Jewish focus with personal touch—small team makes every participant feel heard. They run both Jewish Speed Dating NYC events and NY Jewish Singles Parties.

Format: Jewish-specific speed dating and parties.

Best For: Jewish singles seeking community-specific events, people prioritizing shared religion/culture in dating.

We Met IRL

Founded: Recent (post-2020) Founder: Maxine Williams, age 26 Age Range: 25-35 Focus: People of color speed dating Mission: "A safe space for people of color to speed date"

We Met IRL was founded by Maxine Williams after she attended a speed dating event in New York and noticed the pool wasn't diverse enough. The company was born to create a safe space specifically for people of color between ages 25-35 to meet and connect.

What Makes Them Stand Out: Only NYC speed dating company explicitly focused on people of color. Founded by young woman of color who saw gap in market. While all are welcome, organizers want to ensure attendees are from diverse backgrounds. Fill out questionnaire to get on email list.

Format: Speed dating events curated for diverse community.

Best For: People of color ages 25-35 seeking community-centered dating events, singles who value diversity and cultural representation, young professionals of color.

On Speed Dating

Events: Multiple quirky themed events Specialty: Unique concept events Themes: Celebrity Look-Alikes, Finance-ista, Herbivore Night, Save Me, and more

On Speed Dating offers some of the most fun and quirky speed dating concepts in NYC. They create highly specific themed events that go beyond basic age brackets.

Event Themes:

• Celebrity Look-Alikes: For those who are easily starstruck but ready to settle
• Finance-ista: For those looking for love in the financial district (Wall Street crowd)
• Herbivore Night: Where vegans can discuss being vegan with other vegans
• Save Me: For women who fantasize about running into the arms of a firefighter or EMT provider

What Makes Them Stand Out: Most creative themed events in NYC. Goes way beyond traditional age/demographic brackets. Also provides meet-ups and mixers for more organic settings.

Format: Themed speed dating events plus social mixers.

Best For: Singles with specific interests or fantasies, people who want fun quirky themes, vegans, finance professionals, those attracted to first responders, singles tired of generic events.

Amiccio

Founded: Recent NYC startup Events: 2 upcoming on Eventbrite Focus: Meeting new dates and friends

Website: amiccio.com/Events Eventbrite: Amiccio Organizer

Amiccio is a newer NYC startup helping people meet new dates and friends through speed dating events, singles events, and socials.

Best For: People wanting to support newer/smaller companies, singles open to both dating and friendship.

Skip the Small Talk NYC

Founded: 2016 (started in Boston, expanded to NYC) Format: Psychology-based "big talk" conversation prompts Events: Multiple age ranges and demographics

Website: skipthesmalltalk.com/public-events

Skip the Small Talk brings their psychology-research-based approach to NYC. Instead of small talk, they provide conversation cards with questions designed to help strangers connect authentically and quickly.

What Makes Them Stand Out: Psychology-backed approach, diverse events (monogamous, polyamorous, LGBTQ+), emphasis on vulnerability and authentic connection.

Best For: Singles ages 21-45 seeking depth over superficial conversation, people interested in psychology-based approaches.

Skip the Small Talk

Founded: 2016 (started in Boston, expanded to NYC) Events: 22 upcoming events Format: Psychology-based "big talk" conversation prompts Mission: "Creating the kinds of conversations you have late at night where you feel safe talking about the things you actually care about"

Website: skipthesmalltalk.com Eventbrite: Skip the Small Talk Organizer (22 events)

Skip the Small Talk brings psychology research-backed conversation events to NYC. Founded in Boston 2016, now in 20+ major cities. This isn't traditional speed dating—it's structured deep conversations using thought-provoking prompts.

What Makes Them Stand Out: "We promise it won't be awkward." Events use question prompts like "When are you the happiest?" and "If you were going to become close friends with me, what would I need to know about you?" Grounded in psychological research on vulnerability and connection. Ground rules ensure comfortable sharing while you maintain complete control. Founder Ashley designs trauma-informed communication events.

Format: NOT traditional rotation speed dating. Structured conversations using "big talk" prompt cards. Plenty of questions to choose from—skip any you don't want to answer. Events run 2-3 hours with drinks available. 1 drink minimum at venues. Check-in 6:45pm, events start 7pm sharp.

NYC Venues: McCarren Parkhouse (Brooklyn), Torch & Crown Brewing Company (Brooklyn), Slattery's Midtown Pub (Manhattan), Pig Beach BBQ (Queens), various neighborhood bars

Special Events: LGBTQIA+ Women Speed-Dating (Monogamous, 30-45) at McCarren Parkhouse, 20s-focused events, general mixed events

What's Different: For people who hate typical small talk and want meaningful conversations immediately. Psychology research-backed methods. Feels less like "dating event" and more like intentional connection gathering. Events in Brooklyn, Manhattan, AND Queens. Also available: Skip the Small Talk card deck ($16.36) for home use.

Pros: Research-backed approach, meaningful conversations not superficial, inclusive welcoming environment, national presence (20+ cities), trauma-informed communication, LGBTQIA+ specific events, conversation card deck available, Brooklyn/Manhattan/Queens venues.

Cons: Not traditional speed dating format, requires vulnerability comfort, 1 drink minimum purchase, must arrive on time (7pm sharp).

Best For: People who hate small talk, introverts seeking depth over breadth, singles wanting meaningful conversations immediately, those interested in psychology-based approaches, ages 20s-40s, LGBTQIA+ women seeking monogamous connections, people comfortable with vulnerability.

Lock & Key Singles Parties (Pre-Dating)

Format: Interactive singles mixer Concept: Women get keys, men get locks—everyone mingles trying to unlock Prizes: Cash, hotel stays, dinners, tickets from party sponsors Coverage: NYC and 70+ cities nationwide

Website: lockandkeyevents.com/new-york-singles-parties Eventbrite: Pre-Dating Speed Dating and Lock & Key Events

Lock & Key Events (part of Pre-Dating) are the original interactive singles mixer where men get locks, women get keys. Your goal: match the right key with the right padlock. Every unlock gets you a prize ticket. Throughout the night, you might try 25, 50, or even more locks/keys—meeting tons of people in a fun, different way.

What Makes Them Stand Out: Trademarked party format—Pre-Dating is the original (since 2001), not a copycat. Fun icebreaker ensures you actually talk to people. Every unlock = prize ticket for drawings (cold hard cash, hotel stays, dinners, event tickets). After each unlock, get another lock/key and jump back in. Great alternative to club scene and traditional socials.

Format: 2-3 hour mixer at upscale NYC venues. No structured rotations—organic mingling with built-in icebreaker. Winners announced throughout night.

How It Works: Women receive padlocks, men receive keys. Try to match key to lock. Each successful unlock = prize ticket. Exchange contact info with people you like, then get new lock/key to meet more people.

Testimonials: "I think this is one of the best parties I have been in...everybody is talking with everybody, and if you are interested in someone you have the best excuse to talk to them...I saw a lot of incredible looking girls in there." Reviews mention 200+ attendees, multicultural crowds, well-organized events.

Best For: Singles who prefer organic mingling over structured speed dating, people who like party atmosphere, extroverts, those who want to meet 25-50+ people in one night, ages 20s-50s, people seeking fun icebreaker format.

Pre-Dating Speed Dating

Founded: 2001 Events: 449 upcoming on Eventbrite (nationwide) NYC Coverage: Manhattan, Brooklyn, tri-state area Price: $23-$35

Website: pre-dating.com Eventbrite: Pre-Dating Organizer (449 events)

Pre-Dating is America's largest and oldest speed dating company (since 2001) with 40,000+ events and 6 million speed dates facilitated. They also run Lock & Key Singles Mixers (trademarked party where women get keys, men get locks).

Best For: Budget-conscious singles ($23-$35), people wanting traditional proven format, all ages 20s-65+.

Speed Dating for Singles Over 40

NY Minute Dating (Ages 40+)

Age Ranges: Various 40+ brackets Frequency: Multiple events monthly

NY Minute Dating's 40 monthly events include numerous options for singles over 40. Their professional focus attracts established careers and serious daters.

Best For: Professionals ages 40-55 seeking frequent event options, mature singles in NYC.

NYC Singles (Ages 40s & 50s)

Dedicated Events: "Singles ages 40s & 50s" Also: Advanced degrees events, demographic-specific options

NYC Singles runs dedicated events for "Singles ages 40s & 50s" along with their demographic-specific offerings.

Best For: Singles ages 40-59 seeking age-appropriate crowds, people wanting demographic specificity.

MyCheekyDate / SpeedNY (Ages 36-55)

Age Ranges: 36-48, 40-55+ Style: Upscale, sophisticated

MyCheekyDate/SpeedNY hosts elegant events for mature professionals in upper age brackets.

Best For: Established professionals ages 36-55 willing to pay premium for sophisticated experience.

Pre-Dating (Ages 40-55, 50-65, 65+)

Age Ranges: 40-55, 50-65, 65+ Senior Speed Dating Price: $23-$35 Frequency: Regular events across all age brackets

Pre-Dating offers the most consistent 40+ and 50+ speed dating events in NYC with dedicated senior speed dating (65+) options.

Best For: Singles ages 40-65+ seeking affordable traditional format, seniors 65+ wanting dedicated events.

Weekenddating.com (Ages 40+)

Track Record: 85+ marriages since 2003 Age Options: Various 40+ brackets

Weekenddating.com's 20+ year track record includes many 40+ successful matches and marriages.

Best For: Singles ages 40-60 seeking proven track record, tri-state area residents.

Speed Dating for Singles Over 50

Pre-Dating (Ages 50-65, 65+)

Specialty: Senior Speed Dating & Speed Dating 65+ Price: $23-$35

Pre-Dating's dedicated Senior Speed Dating events serve singles 50-65 and 65+ with regular frequency across NYC area.

Best For: Singles 50-65 and seniors 65+, people wanting traditional straightforward format.

NYC Singles (Ages 50s)

Events: "Singles ages 40s & 50s" Also: Advanced degrees, demographic options

NYC Singles includes 50s in their age-bracket events plus demographic-specific options.

Best For: Singles in their 50s, people seeking demographic/cultural specificity.

LGBTQ+ Speed Dating in NYC

MyCheekyGayDate / SpeedNY GayDate

Focus: Gay men speed dating Coverage: 70+ cities Price: $35-$75

Website: mycheekygaydate.com | speednewyorkgaydate.com

MyCheekyGayDate brings the same boutique sophistication to gay men's speed dating. Established 2007, featured on Bravo and other major media.

Best For: Gay men ages 25-50 seeking upscale curated experience.

NYC Singles (LGBTQ+ Demographics)

Events: Demographic-specific for LGBTQ+ community

NYC Singles includes LGBTQ+-specific events in their diverse portfolio.

Skip the Small Talk (LGBTQIA+ Events)

Format: Psychology-based conversations Events: Dedicated LGBTQIA+ speed dating

Skip the Small Talk hosts LGBTQIA+ specific events with their signature "big talk" conversation prompts.

Best For: LGBTQ+ singles ages 21+ seeking depth and authenticity.

Little Gay Book (Lesbian/Bi/Trans/Queer Women)

Format: Virtual and in-person events Expertise: 20+ years LGBTQ+ matchmaking (Dr. Frankie)

Little Gay Book, the nation's leading LGBTQ+ matchmaking agency, serves NYC's lesbian, bi, trans, and queer women community.

Best For: Queer women ages 25-55, people preferring specialized LGBTQ+ expertise.

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