Why I Even Tried This
I’m social. But I got tired of the apps. Thumbs hurt. Vibes got weird.
If you’re still weighing the app-versus-in-person question, check out this witty take on a hookup-oriented night in San Diego—it captures the swipe fatigue perfectly.
I’d also skimmed another firsthand speed-dating night out in San Diego before booking, so my expectations were sky-high.
I wanted real faces, real laughs, and a clean start. Also, I had a free Thursday. That helped.
You know what? I was nervous. Like first day of school nervous. But the host smiled, and I relaxed. Mostly.
Night One: Matched event in Little Italy
This one was a CitySwoon night at Queenstown Public House. Cute patio. String lights. Light music. Check-in was fast. They checked IDs, gave me a tiny name tag, and told me to use my phone for matches. No paper. The app set up each “date,” six to eight minutes each.
First round, I met Maya. She’s a nurse who climbs at Mesa Rim. We joked about chalked hands and burritos. She likes Sunset Cliffs at golden hour. Me too.
Then Sam sat down. Software guy in Sorrento Valley. He brought a dad joke. It was bad. I laughed anyway. He loves the Padres and hates long lines for fish tacos. Fair.
I also met Marco, a Navy medic, who said Lucha Libre has the best salsa when it’s fresh. We ranked our top three taco spots. Mine: Tacos El Gordo, Puesto, and a random taco cart near Balboa Park that I can never find twice. It’s like a tiny food ghost.
By round six, I felt warm. Not from drinks—I ordered a mocktail with lime and mint—but from the easy chat. The host kept time and made soft bell sounds. No chaos. No yelling. After the last round, I tapped “yes” on a few people. The match email came the next morning.
What worked here:
- Matches felt even. No long waits.
- People were chill and fun.
- The patio lighting was kind; nobody looked washed out.
What bugged me:
- Parking was rough on India Street. I paid for a garage.
- One table was close to the speakers. We had to lean in a lot.
Night Two: Classic bell-and-rotate in the Gaslamp
This one was with Pre-Dating at Cafe Sevilla. Bigger crowd. Paper scorecards. A real bell. Twelve mini-dates, about five minutes each. Faster pace. Less picky matching, more “meet everyone.”
The energy reminded me of stories I’d heard about the speed dating scene in Las Vegas, all neon nerves and quick connections.
I met Jen, a teacher from Chula Vista. She runs loops around Balboa Park before school. Strong coffee fan. She asked quick, smart questions that made me feel seen.
Then Tyler, from Ocean Beach, who surfs early and swears by Sunrise Coffee on the way home. He had sandy hair and the best grin. We debated dog beaches. He’s Team OB. I’m Fiesta Island. We agreed both smell a little like wet joy.
There was also Priya, who collects succulents from the Little Italy farmers market. She calls them “my tiny squad.” Same. We swapped tips on not overwatering. We still overwater.
What worked here:
- Tons of people, so lots of variety.
- The host, Jenna, kept things lively.
- You could stay after and chat more at the bar.
What bugged me:
- A few folks weren’t in my age range, even though the invite said they would be.
- Music got loud when the DJ kicked up.
- Five minutes flew by. One guy told his whole life story. I nodded like a bobblehead.
The Vibe Difference
CitySwoon felt curated and smooth. Like a playlist with no skips. Pre-Dating felt big and buzzy. Like a street fair. Both had good people, just different energy. If you like structure and quieter talk, go for the matched style. If you want lots of faces and a party hum, the classic one’s your thing.
Apparently the speed-dating marathon in Seattle splits the difference—structured yet buzzy—if you ever head north.
Little Things I Noticed
- Dress: San Diego casual is real. I wore dark jeans, a soft blazer, and white sneakers. Looked neat, felt comfy.
- Icebreakers: I kept three ready—tacos, favorite beach, and “what song makes you roll the windows down?” Worked every time.
- Safety: Public venues, staff around, well lit. I felt safe. I texted a friend my plan anyway.
- Food: Don’t eat a heavy garlic bowl right before. Learned that once. Not proud.
- Timing: Arrive 15 minutes early for parking and a breath.
My Real Matches
From Little Italy, I matched with Maya and Sam. We met later at Bobboi in La Jolla for gelato, then walked by the seals. Sweet, easy, no weird pressure. From the Gaslamp night, I matched with Jen. We grabbed coffee at Better Buzz in Hillcrest. She brought a tiny sticker for my water bottle. It says, “Kind people are my kinda people.” I still smile when I see it.
If any of those second dates ever glide from coffee shop chatter to cozy-couch chemistry, I want to feel confident when the lights dim. During a late-night research spiral, I found this science-backed explainer on whether hormone levels matter in the bedroom—Does testosterone make you better in bed?—and it cuts through myths while offering practical tips for naturally supporting healthy levels, so you’re ready when sparks turn into fire.
Not every chat clicked. One guy talked only about his crypto wallet. Another grilled me about my five-year plan like it was a job interview. I kept it light and moved on. That’s the perk of short rounds—no harm, no foul.
Honest Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast reads on real people.
- Less small talk than apps, oddly. You get to the point.
- Hosts in SD are friendly, and venues feel fun.
Cons:
- Parking and noise can mess with your mood.
- Age ranges aren’t always exact.
- It costs more than an app night on the couch.
Quick Tips If You Go
- Bring a pen. Paper scorecards run out.
- Keep water nearby. Talking is a sport.
- Have two stories ready and one question that makes eyes light up.
- Say “It was nice meeting you” even if it wasn’t. Grace counts.
- Trust your gut. If a seat feels off, ask staff. They step in.
- Like beer? CitySwoon hosts a night at Societe Brewing in Old Town that’s equal parts hops and hopeful matches.
Need more inspiration or a different city’s perspective? Read about a quirky Portland spin on the format before you book. If you ever swap SoCal sunsets for Florida’s Atlantic breezes and want a roadmap to local meet-ups and nightlife, the detailed guide to Pompano Beach’s social notice board on Bedpage Pompano Beach highlights which neighborhoods and venues pop off after dark—perfect for plotting fresh adventures between beach days.
If you want more inspiration for turning a simple evening into a mini city adventure, check out the travel and lifestyle stories on American Way—they’re great for sparking ideas between dates.
So… Was It Worth It?
For me, yes. I met kind, funny people who live a few exits away. I got fresh air, a few spark moments, and a clear head. I even found a new taco spot after someone raved about it.
Would I go again? I already did. I’ll keep a mix—one matched event, one classic. It’s like tacos and burritos. Different shapes. Same joy.
If you’re curious and a little brave, try a San Diego night. Keep your expectations human. Bring a smile that reaches your eyes. And maybe a mint. Just in case.