Are Singles Mixers Worth It?

Posted on September 22

Emily Mack

Emmi Mack in a crowded bar holding a drink posing with a look on her face as if she was deciding. She is surrounded by other people talking amongst themselves

This anthropological mission required a Long Island iced tea. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)

It’s officially fall — which means it’s officially cuffing season. Normally, I do not partake. But when my best friend Cori signed up for 222, an AI-curated meet-up app, curiosity (and FOMO) took over.

I’ve now explored multiple types of singles mixers across the city.

The 222 App

There’s no swiping on 222 — it’s not technically a dating app. After paying the hefty monthly fee, users answer a questionnaire that runs the gamut from Ye vs. Taylor Swift to your thoughts on abortion. Then the app invites you to group events matching your profile.

The catch? AI does the sorting. I attended a seated dinner, which meant I spent almost two hours with machine-selected tablemates. Cori turned out to be the only female at her table. (My dream, her nightmare.)

My table’s gender ratio was mixed. Our conversations, though cordial, felt somewhat forced. Things got friendlier once we all moved to a nearby bar. Drinking might have helped.

Did I have fun? ✅

Did I find love? ❌

A woman smiling for the camera surrounded by men with their faces blurred

Cori and her table of bachelors. Unfortunately, no one got a rose. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)

A Singles Happy Hour

Next, Cori and I tried Offline Dating Night, a happy hour at the Goose Island Taproom in West Loop. At the very least, I figured, a Google employee might buy our beers.

The bar offered three cup types: green (“Come talk to me”), yellow (“Proceed with caution”), and red (“I’m here by accident”). The showing wasn’t terrible, about 25 people, but most men were holding red cups.

Green cups in hand, Cori and I mainly talked to each other. Other women appeared to do the same. One man approached us — no connection. It seemed people were mainly there for the $3 Honkers.

I did, however, meet a cute guy at the spot we went after to debrief …

Did I have fun? ❌

Did I find love? ❌

Butch McGuire’s Singles Night

The second Thursday of every month, Butch McGuire’s in Gold Coast turns into a sloppy, flirty mess. Entertaining to witness, but the crowd skewed young. (Hence the sloppy flirtiness.) “Wow, you look good for 28,” someone told Cori.

The gender divide seemed even throughout the crowded rooms, and people took advantage, leaning in close to chat over loud music. Drinks were spilled. Phone numbers were exchanged. “We have nothing like this in Montana,” one out-of-town visitor told me, gushing.

I also made friends in the bathroom! It really was like being 22 again.

Did I have fun? ✅

Did I find love? ❌