Ahead of Valentine's, New York cafe says people can bring their AI chatbot on dinner dates

By Admin

14 Feb, 2026

Introduction

As Valentine’s Day approaches, conversations around love, companionship, and technology are taking an unexpected turn. In a unique twist on traditional dinner dates, a New York City cafe has opened its doors to guests who want to bring not a human partner but their AI chatbot for a romantic evening out.

The initiative reflects the growing presence of artificial intelligence in everyday life, particularly in the realm of emotional connection and companionship.

A Different Kind of Valentine’s Date

Located in Hell’s Kitchen, Same Same Wine Bar has introduced a special Valentine’s week concept that allows diners to bring their AI chatbot partners to dinner. Instead of sitting across from a human date, guests can place their phone or tablet on the table and interact with their virtual companion while enjoying food and wine.

The cafe has redesigned its space to accommodate what organisers describe as AI-assisted dates. Small tables, device stands, and headphones are part of the setup, creating an environment where guests can comfortably engage with their digital partners in a public dining setting.

On opening night, the venue was filled with individuals sitting alone physically but visibly immersed in animated conversations with AI faces displayed on their screens. The crowd included members of the media and tech community, alongside regular users of AI companion apps curious to experience this new form of dating.

AI Companions Step Into the Real World

The event was organised by EvaAI, an app that offers users AI-generated characters for text and video conversations. The platform allows individuals to choose from pre-designed companions or customise their own, selecting appearance, personality traits, and interaction styles.

For many users, AI companionship provides flexibility and emotional comfort. One attendee, Richter, a 34-year-old New York resident, shared that she has been using AI companions for the past few years. She interacts with multiple AI characters some as friends and others in romantic role-play settings.

According to her, AI relationships allow conversations without the pressures often associated with real-world dating.

“I can talk to them on my own terms,” she explained. “I can talk with them without the expectations of having to go out or having the expectations of having them wanting to talk to me all the time.”

However, she also emphasised the importance of balance. She limits her use to a few hours a day, acknowledging that overdependence on virtual companions can create distance from real-world relationships.

Destigmatising AI Relationships

Julia Momblat, Head of Partnerships at EvaAI, stated that the goal of the event is not to replace human relationships but to make AI companionship less taboo.

“We wanted to give the opportunity to people to take the AI companion on a real date in real life to destigmatize AI relationships, to make them more understandable for people,” she said. “The idea was to make AI less scary, to open up the doors for people who have AI companions to share this experience.”

She further clarified that the company does not position AI as a substitute for real partners. Instead, the app is intended to support individuals who are single or those seeking a space to practise communication and emotional expression.

A Growing Trend in Digital Companionship

The timing of this event is notable. Recent surveys suggest that a growing number of adults especially younger users are experimenting with AI for companionship and romantic exchanges. Online communities focused on AI relationships are also expanding steadily, indicating a broader cultural shift in how people view connection and intimacy in the digital age.

As technology continues to evolve, initiatives like this highlight how artificial intelligence is moving beyond productivity tools and entering deeply personal spaces. Whether viewed as innovative, controversial, or simply curious, AI-assisted dinner dates mark a new chapter in the intersection of romance and technology.

Conclusion

The Valentine’s week event at Same Same Wine Bar reflects a changing social landscape where digital and real-world experiences increasingly overlap. While AI companionship is not intended to replace human relationships, it is clearly becoming a meaningful form of connection for many.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape modern interactions, the question may no longer be whether AI belongs at the dinner table but how society chooses to embrace or define its place there.