Speed dating in Atlanta

Speed dating events, slowed down to dinner.

Speed dating packs a room of singles into a run of short, timed conversations. Eight at Eight keeps what works about it - meeting several new people in one evening - and gives you a whole dinner with them instead of three minutes each.

Introduce yourselfSee upcoming dinners

What is speed dating?

Speed dating is a singles event where people meet in a series of short one-on-one conversations, usually a few minutes each. When a bell or timer sounds, one person moves to the next seat. At the end, everyone marks who they would like to see again, and the organizer shares contact details when the interest is mutual.

It became popular because it is efficient. In one evening you can meet more people than a dating app would put in front of you in a month, and you meet them face to face.

How a speed dating event works

Most speed dating events in Atlanta follow the same pattern:

  • Singles register for an event in their age range.
  • Everyone gets a name tag and a scorecard on arrival.
  • Pairs talk for a few minutes, then one side rotates to the next seat.
  • After the last round, each person marks who they want to see again.
  • Mutual matches get each other's contact details after the event.

Where speed dating falls short

A few minutes is enough for a first impression, but not much more. Conversations stay on the same opening questions, the room is loud, and nobody chose the people across from you. You can leave with a scorecard and very little sense of who anyone is.

The Eight at Eight version: dinner for eight

Eight at Eight has been matching Atlanta singles since 1997, with more than 600 marriages. Instead of a timed rotation, you sit down to a full dinner with a small group of singles our matchmakers chose for you.

  • Matchmakers hand-build every table from age (and the ages you want to meet), profession, education, kids, smoking preference and hobbies. No algorithms.
  • You see no photos beforehand. First impressions happen at the table.
  • A hostess at each dinner keeps the conversation going, so quieter guests are never left out.
  • If you want to see someone again, tell your hostess and we arrange the introduction.

Where our dinners happen

Buckhead - Midtown - Inman Park - Vinings - Brookhaven - Sandy Springs - Roswell - Alpharetta - Milton - East Cobb - Chamblee

Speed dating questions

What is speed dating?
A singles event where people meet in a series of short, timed one-on-one conversations, then mark who they would like to see again. Mutual matches are put in touch afterwards.
Is Eight at Eight a speed dating event?
Not in the timed-rotation sense. You meet several singles in one evening, like speed dating, but over a full dinner at a table our matchmakers put together for you.
Are there speed dating events near me in metro Atlanta?
We host roughly 6-10 dinners a month across metro Atlanta, from Buckhead and Midtown to Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton and East Cobb. The calendar posts a month ahead.
What ages can attend?
Members are 21 and up. Your matchmaker seats you with people at a similar stage of life, whatever your age.
What should I wear?
Dress for the restaurant. Most are business casual to smart casual: no jeans and t-shirt, but no jacket and tie required either.
Can I come with a friend?
Yes, you can request the same dinner as a friend. Our best matches often happen when members come solo and let the matchmakers do their work.

Ready to meet people at a table, not on a screen? Introduce yourself