IRL dating events where everyone's single and came with a friend.
You grab an unattached friend and show up to a curated singles event — backgammon nights, themed parties, mixers — where every guest was vouched for by someone they know. It's the friend-of-a-friend setup, scaled into an event series.
How it works
Head to the Met Through Friends website and browse upcoming events in your city. Each event is a Plus-One Party — the catch is you have to bring a single friend of the orientation you're interested in dating. Buy tickets through their external ticketing platform and show up with your plus-one. The events are held at curated NYC and DC venues with facilitated social activities like backgammon nights and themed mixers. Because everyone was brought by a friend, there's built-in accountability and trust — no random strangers off a dating app.
What to love
The bring-a-friend requirement creates built-in social accountability and trust. No app download required — just buy a ticket on the website and show up. Events are curated with real activities, not just standing around a bar. Gender and orientation inclusive, including dedicated Sapphic events. Founded by a certified dating coach who actually understands the NYC singles scene.
Who it's for
Singles in their late 20s to late 30s who are burned out on dating apps and want to meet people the old-fashioned way. Outgoing people who already have a solid friend group and want to leverage those connections. Anyone who believes the best dates come through mutual friends, not algorithms. People who want a fun night out with their friends that doubles as a singles event.
Reality check
Currently limited to NYC and DC — not available in most cities. You need a single friend to bring, which is a real barrier if your friends are all coupled up. No matching algorithm — you're on your own once you're at the event. Ticket pricing and event details aren't always transparent on the website.
Søren's Take
Met Through Friends is built on the most time-tested dating strategy there is: getting set up through people you trust. The plus-one requirement is the secret sauce — it filters out randos and creates a room where everyone has at least one person vouching for them. The events themselves are well-produced with real activities beyond just drinking. The limitation is obvious: you need a single friend willing to come with you, and if you're not in NYC or DC, you're out of luck. But if you are, and you've got a wingman ready, this is one of the best alternatives to swiping.
