NYC Women Ditch Dating Apps for ‘Where Hot Guys Eat IRL’ Series

A new social media series titled “Where Hot Guys Eat IRL” is transforming the dating landscape for women in New York City. Created by **Alyssa La Spisa**, this innovative platform encourages singles to connect in person rather than through traditional dating apps. The series has quickly gained traction among those tired of swiping left and right, with many viewing La Spisa’s man-on-the-street interviews as a guide to the city’s most eligible bachelors.

La Spisa, a 33-year-old resident of the Upper East Side, launched the series as a follow-up to her earlier project, “Where Hot Guys Eat.” The original concept emerged in 2022 while she was at a bustling restaurant in the West Village, witnessing a vibrant crowd eager for real-life interactions post-pandemic. “Everyone’s yearning for that in-person connection these days,” La Spisa shared, emphasizing her goal to help others connect and discover popular spots frequented by attractive New Yorkers.

Connecting Singles Through Local Hotspots

The series has become a phenomenon, with La Spisa’s Instagram account (@the_recommendista) amassing 76.2K followers, alongside 42.5K followers on TikTok. Each short video garners thousands of views, prompting a surge of women to engage with the featured men through direct messages and comments. “I think her account is so funny. It’s pretty light-hearted and gives you ideas on where single guys hang out,” said **Marisa Simone**, a 33-year-old political advertising professional who was inspired by the series to visit one of the recommended venues, **Port Sa’id**.

This growing trend highlights a renewed interest in making authentic connections among single New Yorkers. The series aligns with platforms like **LooksMapping**, which evaluates restaurants based on the attractiveness of their patrons, rating nearly 10,000 eateries in New York and California. For instance, the high-profile dining spot **Carbone** received an impressive score of 9.7, while **Pastis** managed a more modest 5.4.

Men featured in La Spisa’s videos have reported increased attention from potential dates. **Hank Hoover**, a 33-year-old content creator, noted that his participation led to multiple dating opportunities. “From that interview, I had a lot of people reach out to me either on my Instagram or TikTok,” he stated, reflecting on the growing interest he received after being featured.

The Impact of ‘Where Hot Guys Eat IRL’

The show has also benefited local businesses, with venues like **Lighthouse** in East Williamsburg experiencing a noticeable uptick in female patrons following their mentions in La Spisa’s videos. **Naama Tamir**, the restaurant’s owner, confirmed the influx, stating that many customers referenced the show during their visits.

While some men featured on the series are currently in relationships, others remain open to the possibilities that arise from their newfound visibility. **Charles Hsu**, a 24-year-old actor and comedian, acknowledged the attention he received but noted he had yet to find a romantic connection through the series.

Although La Spisa does not track specific dating outcomes from her project, she has received positive feedback from participants, with many expressing delight at the increased engagement they have experienced. “The guys don’t really report back to me,” she admitted, “but I have heard comments back from them like, ‘Oh my god, I got so many DMs!’ or that they’ve gone on dates.”

Ultimately, La Spisa’s initiative has resonated with many, reflecting a widespread desire for genuine connections beyond the digital realm. “I think the fact that it gets such a great response — especially with a ton of women DM’ing the guys — speaks to a need for people to meet in real life,” she concluded, underscoring the series’ cultural impact in revitalizing New York’s dating scene.