New York City is one of the most fun cities to date in the United States, according to a recent WalletHub study. So if you are looking for New York City hookups you are off to a great start.The five boroughs are all home to great bar scenes so you don’t have to go far to have a good night. This is the best place in the world when it comes to casual flings, and that’s true whether you’re using NYC hookup platforms or if you’re hitting up the bars. Why spend a night alone in a city of over 8.35 million people? One where single women greatly outnumber single men, according to Census data.
And yet, far too often, guys do. I’m an experienced men’s dating coach who has spent plenty of time in New York. A lot of men complain about the dating culture here. But you can avoid a lot of these frustrations if you know the right places to go and meet women.
But if you’re looking for some quick and easy ways to find hookups in New York City, I suggest you go online. Here are some of the best hookup sites we’ve tried in New York:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
It can be incredibly frustrating to go out in this city and strike out, even if you’re just swiping online. There are plenty of hook up bars in New York City for finding casual, but if you don’t know where to go, you could barhop from Wall Street to Harlem and have nothing to show for it (other than a massive credit card bill). Sometimes, even hooking up online feels hopeless.
Knowing that everyone from the South Bronx to the West Village is looking for the same thing, I teamed up with a handful of other experienced New York dating experts to create this list of the best ways to hook up in NYC. We’ve listed the best bars in every borough for finding a no-strings-attached fling. We’ll also run down our favorite locations for getting laid in New York. Even if you’re out in Poughkeepsie, this list will make your next visit a whole lot more fun.
Check out our recommendations and prepare to get laid in New York City! Let us know how it goes for you in the comments. Feel free to list suggestions for any spots we might have missed.
Table of Contents
Methodology: Finding the Best Hookup Spots in NYC
The thing with finding hookups is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Beyond Ages frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to find hookups in New York City:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding hookups. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if it really is easy to meet women and talk to them. They then use their charm to find hookups at each spot.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find hookups.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of hookup apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of hookup hotspots in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
Our favorite spots to find New York City hookups
Whether you prefer to meet digitally or you’re looking to flirt in person, opportunities for casual sex in NYC are plentiful. Keep reading to find out about my favorite hook up spots in New York City!
AFF is going to give most guys the absolute best results (try it free)
Sure, NYC has more bars than subway rats, but not everyone enjoys jostling with crowds. If that sounds like you, know that getting a quickie doesn’t have to be impossible. For the past few years, AFF has been the option I've seen the most guys succeed on, especially if Tinder wasn't working for them (like it doesn't for a ton of guys).
You've probably already heard about it and if you haven't tried out their free trial (see the link below) you're leaving options on the table. With over 50 million active users and a ton in NYC it's a solid choice. We review over 100 different apps for hookups every year and AFF has been at the top for the past few.
Most guys are going to have the best opportunities by far on AFF compared to any other option.
Tinders becoming more about dating and relationships every day, you need an option that is 100% focused on hookups. With AFF you get a huge number of people using it and a focus only on bedroom fun. That leads to a lot of success.
Check out their trial offer and stop missing out.
What they're saying about AFF:
Sachin Dawhan - Quora
“The hook up site has existed for a very long time and it’s what everyone knows (especially women). And so they’ve got millions of users globally.
And for female profiles, you need that high volume of users as otherwise it will not work.
If you can use the site or app to your advantage, will obviously depend a lot on if you can stand out from the crowd and attract those female profiles.
But in my experience it’s really not that hard because most male users seem to have problems just being themselves. And this is number one thing females are looking for before they want to know if you are compatible sexually.”
Jean Callaway - Quora
100 % legit and you will find me there. I do hear a lot of the men complain that a lot of the woman ask for giftcards and are hustling but ive dated both men and women on AFF and have been a member many years and i assure you its a great place to be real and find exactly the friends with the kinks you seek .Have fun !
There are always tons of cute girls drinking at Off The Wagon
@OTW.NYC
If you're on the hunt for a chill spot to let loose, you've got to hit up Off The Wagon. It's one of my go-to bars in the city. Not only do they serve up some tasty grub, but the music vibes here always set the right mood. Plus, it's a stone's throw away from NYU, making it a hot spot for college gals looking to take a breather from the books and mingle.
Though it has the looks of a classic sports bar, the crowd here is anything but your typical jersey-clad bunch. Folks from all walks come here to kick back. With Happy Hour deals that are hard to beat, why not up the ante and challenge a cutie to a beer pong match? Trust me, there’s no beating the laid-back fun at Off The Wagon when you’re after some cheap thrills and cool company.
What people are saying about Off The Wagon:
Brandon Valentin - Google Reviews
Been coming to this spot for almost two years now and it’s always a good time.
Diverse crowd, mixed music, friendly bartenders and the disco just takes you back.
This is my favorite of the sister bars and a great way to start a Friday night.
Always convenient that artichoke is right next door to sober up after too!
All too often, you might find yourself wondering if the person you’re talking to online is who they say they are.
“These people are very good at recognising opportunities,” says detective chief inspeector Gary Miles, a cybercrime specialist. “The social engineering is quite remarkable,” he adds.
If you don’t want to go through all the trouble of snooping through their socials or asking them more detailed questions, there’s a tool you can use to know for sure that the person you’re talking to is who they say they are. It’s Instant Checkmate, a background-checking tool that can help you know more about people you find online–the legal and hassle-free way. All you need are a few of their details and Instant Checkmate will give you all the information you need to verify who you’re really talking to online.
Try out Instant Checkmate’s free trial and see just how easy it is to get all the info you need. Better safe than sorry!
The best New York City pickup bars we've tried
So many girls in New York City are pretty cool to hang out with. But to get to know them, you’ll need to be in a place where you can have an actual conversation. Below are some bars where you can sit back and chat with them.
The Press Lounge is Manhattan luxury done right
@thepresslounge
When you're hitting the town in Manhattan, it's a given that you'll be shelling out some bucks, especially when on the prowl for a local gal keen on a hookup. Why not splurge at a spot boasting jaw-dropping views? The Press Lounge is your ticket to a classy, rooftop lounge experience complete with delectable food, top-notch drinks, and a welcoming ambiance. No reservations required (they don’t take them anyway), and no cover charge to get in. So, why not use that extra cash to buy a drink for a charming lady?
Here's a story from when I dropped by The Press Lounge a few months ago. I was all dressed up, but I didn't really stand out since everyone was dressed to the nines. I sat by the pool, enjoying a whiskey sour when this woman caught my eye. I thought she looked ethereal, bathed in the glow of the city lights. I didn't think I had a chance until she made some eye contact with me. After a little back and forth, I decided to approach her and say hi. It didn't take long before we were buying each other drinks and completely ignoring everyone in the place. I didn't think I'd hook up that night, but there's just something about this place that makes it possible.
What People Are Saying About The Press Lounge:
Calvin Duong - Google Maps
“Cool rooftop lounge, the views are nice as socializing having a great views of the city.”
G Bar in the Bronx is the best bar to get laid in New York City
@giovannigbar
Right beside the fabulous Giovanni’s Italian restaurant, the G Bar has become my go-to spot for either pre- or post-dinner cocktails. It's labeled as “cozy,” which often translates to small, but I find this place surprisingly spacious, and it comes alive with live music and DJs on various nights. The brick walls and candlelit tables create an intimate setting that's perfect for any date or late-night rendezvous. This is also the hotspot for Buffalo girls whenever they're in town.
Located on Grand Concourse, G Bar offers a generous three-hour happy hour from Monday to Friday, and trust me, their cocktails are top-notch seven days a week. Maybe you, like me, enjoy a good loosening up before a date, or perhaps you're in the mood to try out your favorite pick-up line at the bar. Whatever your evening plans, I've found that G Bar provides the ideal backdrop for those nights when you’re feeling lucky.
What People Are Saying About G Bar:
Josie P - Google Maps
“It's a small intimate place to hang out after work and to let go. They have great drinks and appetizers.”
Fourth Avenue Pub is as cool as Brooklyn thinks it is
fourthavenuepub.com
We all get a little tired of Brooklyn thinking it’s the coolest place on earth. Then you walk into Fourth Avenue Pub and you have to admit, it’s a great place to live. Neither in Williamsburg nor Bedstuy, this chill bar with a beer garden is within walking distance of the Barclays Center, and yet still feels like the ultimate neighborhood pub. The abundant, fresh (and free) popcorn is a nice touch.
Whereas every other bar in Brooklyn seems to be trying to one-up each other with how hipster it can be, this bar just lets you be yourself. Grab a few drinks with the regulars at the bar, or enjoy a perfect spring day in the backyard. This is the quintessential New York City hookup bar. If you walk out of here without getting a number (or more) you must not even be trying.
What People Are Saying About Fourth Avenue Pub:
Celine Dyer - Google Maps
“Chill spot with an insane craft beer selection (& free popcorn🍿!). Great place to relax and enjoy a beer after work.”
Dutch Kills is Queens' best cocktail bar and great for New York City hookups
@dutchkillsbar
Long Island City can challenge any other neighborhood throughout all of NYC for the hippest nightlife, and the proof is Dutch Kills. Known for having the best Old Fashioned in the city, this classy, wood-paneled cocktail lounge is striking the moment you walk in. Chandeliers can have that effect. Don’t be fooled, though, this bar isn’t just glitz. This is the real thing if you're looking for casual sex in NYC.
Even if you aren’t a fan of the classic whiskey cocktail (why not?), Dutch Kills has tons to offer. Whatever you’re particular palate, you’ll appreciate more than just the drinks. The crowds at Dutch Kills are made up of some of the sexiest people in Queens and elsewhere. When you’re looking for the best bar to get some action, take the train to Queens Plaza.
What People Are Saying About Dutch Kills
Derek Tucker - Google Maps
“Great selection of drinks and cocktails. If you have a favorite cocktail, this place will likely make it better than any other experience you had before.”
The hookup apps in NYC dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
The best clubs for finding hookups in New York City
Here's my top tip if you want to hook up in New York's hottest clubs: dress well. Women have plenty of options at these clubs, so you want to stand out. I always make sure my shirt is pressed, by shoes are shined, and my hair is impeccable. Some effort goes a long way when it comes to hooking up at the clubs I'll mention below:
Hot New York City girls love to dance at Public Arts
@PublicArtsNYC
Located in the Public Hotel, a luxury hotel in the Lower East Side, Public Arts is a fantastic nightclub. Public Arts is in a great location, as all of the best bars and nightclubs are located in the Lower East Side. The nightclub is known for partying hard throughout the night. The music is always good and so are the drinks. If Boston hookups aren't coming your way, they sure will here!
This is the best place to pick up girls in New York City if you’re a smooth dancer. Grab a drink by the bar and then ask a gorgeous girl if she’d like to dance. There’s no saying where the night will take you guys. However, if you use the right moves, then you could be taking the subway back home to her place to spend the night.
What People Are Saying About Public Arts
Courtney Marie - Google Maps
“The hotel is pure luxury. GREAT place for groups if you're looking for a fun club atmosphere. Upstairs there is a lair for a more chill vibe. Night life you MUST experience while in NYC.”
Lots of cute girls come to Hotel Chantelle for both the brunch and nightclub experience
@HotelChantelle
Hotel Chantelle is one of their rare gems in the NYC night scene. During the day this place is a fantastic brunch spot with tons of single girls cheering with their friends. Once the sun sets, however, the rooftop brunch spot transforms into a nightclub. It’s also always jampacked with New York girls looking for a new friend.
The club plays lots of great music and there are different levels as well. You can stick to the rooftop or head downstairs to the basement. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous girls looking for a dance partner. So don’t stand by the wall when you come here. Get into the party mood and you’ll walk away with a cutie in arm.
What People Are Saying About Hotel Chantelle
Kirk O’ Warner - Google Maps
“First time visiting here for an after work rooftop event, and I totally loved it. Fully stocked bar. Rooftop is spacious with ample seating. Dj played all the right hits to keep you grooving.”
Best places to meet sexy New York City girls during the day
These daytime hotspots may not strike you as spots that will help with getting laid in NY, but you may be surprised!
Pommes Frites is a casual spot to grab Belgian fries and mingle with cuties
@PommesFritesNYC
Pommes Frites is one of those casual food spots that serve up great food. This place is known for serving up amazing Belgian fries with a variety of dipping sauces to choose from. Pommes Frites is a place where cute girls go during the day for a quick lunch or for a snack after drinking at the bars. No matter what time you come here, you’ll see lots of girls waiting in line.
This also isn’t your typical sit-down restaurant. Most of the people are standing around enjoying their fries. That makes mingling with girls super easy. It’s not awkward to strike up a conversation with the girls standing next to you. Ask them what sauce they decided to go with and compare the flavors. It’s all about knowing how to break the ice.
What People Are Saying About Pommes Frites
William Prater - Google Maps
“Cool little place with the best dang fries on the planet! The sauces were good but I didn't even need them to enjoy the French Fries the beer wasn't bad either!”
Coffee Project NY is a cozy cafe where single girls love to hang out
@coffeeprojectny
Coffee Project NY is a cozy cafe in the East Village. Super close to NYU, this cafe is often full of college students studying, socializing or reading. We’ve met lots of cute girls while sitting at side-by-side tables. This place is perfect for that and the coffee that they serve up is delicious.
Along with great coffee, the cafe also has some pretty great local baked-goods. They also have vegan and gluten-free options. So grab one of their deconstructed lattes, find a table and get comfortable. Strike up a conversation with the girl reading her book that’s sitting next to you. You’ll find that single girls are much more open to conversation when they’re away from the usual club or nightlife scene!
What People Are Saying About Coffee Project NY
Shelly Puri - Google Maps
“Nice atmosphere, and has a small but decent selection of sweets and savories as well as drinks.”
Other great hookup spots to get laid in New York City
We don’t want to leave anybody out, so we have a few more spots for hookups in New York City, including the Bronx and Staten Island for finding casual sex.
Governors Ball is an awesome music festival where all of NYC’s hottest congregate
@govballnyc
If you haven’t gotten tickets for Governors Ball yet, then you are truly missing out. This is one of the best music festivals in New York City. The festival takes place every summer in Randall's Island. You’ll catch some of the best live music acts while also meeting the cutest girls in our city.
Each year, the line-up is better than the last. The three-day event is well-organized with food and drinking options. There’s also simply no topping the views you’ll get here of the NYC skyline. You’ll be sure to have an awesome time at the festival. Take advantage of everyone’s social nature and ask some girls to dance or who their favorite artist is. There’s no way to strike out at Governors Ball.
What People Are Saying About The Governors Ball
Ian Kolarovsky - Facebook
“The festival itself was amazing. All the staff members we interacted with were kind, the prices for food and merch weren't nearly as high as we were expecting, a great and diverse lineup, lots to do besides the music... so much good stuff!”
Get your sweat on and find hookups in New York City at GYM NYC
@gymnyc
GYM NYC is an easy-going gym located in Lower Manhattan. The gym is clean and everyone that comes to work out here is friendly. That includes both the trainers and the regular goers as well. So if you’re looking to meet a girl who takes of her body, then this is the place to do it.
Your best bet is to strike up a conversation in between your workout sets. Ask the cute girl using the workout machine next to you what her routine is typically like. Or you could even ask about her nutrition plan. There’s are endless ways to meet girls at GYM NYC.
What People Are Saying About Gym NYC
Alex Wu - Google Maps
“Due to me traveling alot it's hard to find gyms that does 1 week/1 month pass in the city. I have tried a couple gyms but none can compare to GYM NYC.”
If you’re under 30 and incredibly handsome give Tinder a try
Tinder is one of those infamous platforms that just about everyone knows about. There are some 75 million users worldwide, according to Business of Apps. A couple of years ago, Tinder used to be a great way to meet girls for a short-term fling. However, these days it has become more of a general dating platform. The hardest part is that lots of the girls on Tinder focus too much on a guy’s looks.
If you’re a particularly handsome guy, then you hit the jackpot here. We’ve noticed that Tinder works best for photogenic guys. Tinder is one of those online methods where your looks matter the most. It’s all the girls really get to judge you off before choosing whether to swipe left or right on you. Some 60% of Tinder users are under 35 years old, per Business of Apps data. So if you’re incredibly handsome and seeking younger women, give Tinder a try. Otherwise, you’ll have better luck on AFF or eHarmony.
What people are saying about Tinder:
Sarah - Quora
“I met my current and only boyfriend of the past 8 years, with just a genuine swipe right on the basic Tinder app with no added extras! It can work but the journey is often not the easiest for sure. And, I would rather I hadn’t wasted hours of my life on them. But, it did pay off and for that, I’m extremely grateful xxx”
The Coupe brings the cool to Staten Island (go here if you want to get laid in NY)
@thecoupenyc
Staten Island doesn’t get much love from fellow New Yorkers, but we can take pride in The Coupe. On one hand, it’s a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant with an excellent menu. On the other hand, the choice location and fantastic mixologists will make even diehard Manhattanites wonder why they spend every night fighting for a bartender’s attention. This is a cocktail bar done right.
The best New York City bars for hooking up are all about bringing people together for a good time, and that’s exactly what The Coupe does night after night. Whether you’re out for dinner or you just want a few drinks, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. The best bar on Staten Island (according to NY Magazine) is also one of the most reliable bars to find hookups.
What People Are Saying About The Coupe:
Tony D’Antonio - Google Maps
“Great cocktails. Friendly/knowledgeable bartenders. Tasty bites. Nice dark/chill space. Open late.”
Map of the best hookup spots in New York
To make things easier for you when planning your night we've put our favorite hookup spots into the map below. Some of them are pretty spread out there but there are a lot the are clustered together. Being able to hit several spots in one night can really improve your chances of success!
Frequently Asked Questions about New York Hookups
Is it easy to date in NYC?
This is a polarising question that depends on individual experiences.
New York City was named ‘the soulmate capital’ of the U.S in a study by engagement ring company Angelic Diamonds.
Yet, it’s common to complain about the dating culture in this city. “No one moves to New York to find love,” says Erika Kaplan, a matchmaker with Three Day Rule. “Men and women both move here for careers over relationships, she continues.”
“The focus in Manhattan is making progress and then getting established,” says family therapist Emma Viglucci CFT, LMFT, CIT. “After that, you bring a more developed self to the relationship.”
The cost of dating can be a real bugbear for New York’s young singles too. The average cost of dinner and a movie in New York City is $111.60, according to 24/7 Wall St. Even a simple coffee date could easily set you back at least $15-$20 in certain establishments.
Data from Lending Tree suggests 19% of Gen Z and 22% of Milllenials have gone into debt to fund their dating lives. “Everything is getting more expensive,” explained LendingTree credit analyst Matt Schulz. “It’s not just the new clothes, roses, ride-share, fancy dinner, concerts or the after-show coffee — it’s all of it.”
How to pick up girls in NYC?
The best way to pick up girls in NYC is by going to hookup sites like AFF. You can also check out bars like Off the Wagon and The Press Lounge.
How can you pick up girls in NYC?
The best way to pick up girls in NYC is by going to hookup sites like AFF. You can also check out bars like Off the Wagon and The Press Lounge.
Does New York have a hook up culture?
New York has a fantastic hookup culture thanks to hookup sites like AFF and lively bars, making getting laid in NY easy.
Where can I meet girls in NY?
One of the best bars for meeting girls in NY is Off the Wagon. But you can also meet NY girls online through hookup sites like AFF.
Alexis Wolfe, NYC-based dating expert, believes it’s often better to focus on putting yourself out there as much as you can, rather than specifically searching for romantic connections. “Stop focusing on finding dates and instead focus on expanding your overall network,” she says.”Treat every date as an opportunity to make a new friend and to discover a new cool NYC spot. This is your opportunity to take advantage of everything this amazing city has to offer, which can lead to meeting more people naturally along the way,” she adds.
The sheer size of the city means you’ll need to think carefully about where you decide to live. “There’s really no ‘right’ place, but it’s about proximity,” says Adam Groffman, NYC-based dating and travel blogger. “Using the dating apps, especially for hookups, really means the need to be nearby your potential mates. Otherwise, people are just too busy and don’t carve out time in their days for dates.”
How can I get laid in NY?
The surefire way to get laid in NY is by meeting women on Adult FriendFinder.
If you liked this check out these other great spots for hookups:
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you
If you liked this check out these other great spots for hookups:
References:
Bouche, H. (2023) How to conquer the NYC dating scene: An experienced New Yorker weighs in. The Everygirl.
Byrnes, H. (2019) The average cost of a date in each state. 24/7 Wall Street.
Collier, K. (2023) Online romance scams are netting millions of dollars — and pushing some to self-harm. NBC.
Davis, M. (2022) 77% of daters say dating could be easier if they had more money, with some going on fewer dates due to inflation. Lending Tree.
Drillinger, M. (2016) Do New Yorkers actually not want to get married? Thrillist.
Groffman, A. (2023) Dating in NYC - Tips to know when you’re new to New York dating. Travels of Adam.
Hickey, S. (2015) Scammers target lonely hearts on dating sites. The Guardian.
Iqbal, M. (2023) Tinder revenue and usage statistics. Business of Apps.
Kenney, T. (2023) Young adults lose more money to scams than older adults, report says. How to spot one. Miami Herald.
United States Census (2023) New York City, New York.
WalletHub (2023) Best and worst cities for singles.
Zimmer, A. (2012) Odds for love in New York favor young, single ladies. DNA Info.
Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Beyond Ages, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Tom Senkus
For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.
