EvaAI Hosts Pop-Up AI Dating Café in New York City

EvaAI organized a temporary AI dating café at a New York City wine bar, offering a dedicated space for people to engage with AI companions in person. The event marked a new approach to AI companionship by bringing digital interactions into a real-world setting.

The pop-up café operated at Same Same Wine Bar in Hell’s Kitchen on February 11 and 12, 2026. The venue was arranged with single-seat, candlelit tables where guests could bring their AI partners and communicate using their own devices.

Each table included phone stands and headphones, enabling participants to video-chat or voice-chat with their AI companions while enjoying drinks and food provided by the venue. The setup aimed to facilitate private and comfortable interactions between attendees and their AI partners.

EvaAI described the event as the world’s first offline space specifically created for dates with AI companions. According to the company, this initiative was intended to provide a new environment for exploring AI relationships outside of digital-only platforms.

What the numbers show

• The pop-up event was held over two days: February 11-12, 2026
• More than 100 AI characters were available for guests to interact with
• The event primarily attracted journalists and content creators

Julia Momblat, who serves as head of partnerships at EvaAI, said the company’s goal was to reduce stigma around AI relationships and help people better understand AI companionship. Momblat also stated that AI companions are meant to support individuals who experience loneliness or want to practice social skills, not to serve as replacements for human relationships.

Attendees at the event described a range of relationships with their AI companions. Some viewed their AI partners as friends, while others engaged in romantic or role-play scenarios, reflecting the varied ways people interact with AI technology.

One attendee, a 34-year-old named Richter, stated that using AI companions helped her feel more confident and less anxious in social situations. This feedback highlighted the potential for AI companions to provide support for individuals seeking to improve their social experiences.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.