A list compiled by a New York City dating coach, known online as @MurrayHillGuy, has generated significant online discussion regarding the city's nightlife and hookup culture. The list, titled "Best bars to get laid at in NYC by neighborhood," has garnered over 2.2 million views and features over 30 establishments across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The "summer edition" guide aims to assist singles in finding romantic companionship, appearing at a time when New York City was recently ranked as the place where individuals are most likely to die alone. For some, the list serves as a practical tool. One social media user confirmed the effectiveness of Union Pool in Williamsburg, stating, "Can confirm Union Pool. My one-night stand turned into a marriage with babies." Another user agreed about Public Records in Brooklyn.
However, the list has also faced considerable backlash. Critics have labeled the compilation "horrifying" and accused it of lacking diversity and failing to include bars from all five boroughs. Some commenters expressed dismay at the concept of hookup culture, with one individual writing, "Hookup culture never ceases to blow my mind. Like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna take someone from this bar in [the] big ole nyc home and f- -k them.’ LIKE WHAT?."
Other detractors suggested that the establishments listed are not frequented by "cool" individuals and questioned the authenticity of the list's creator, with one commenter stating, "Definitely not a New Yorker, and definitely doesn’t get laid."
The featured bars include Dorian's on the Upper East Side, Stone Street Tavern near Wall Street, and Pera in SoHo. Other suggested locations include The Spaniard and Wilfie & Nell in the West Village, Phebe's and Please Don’t Tell in the East Village, and Mr. Purple on the Lower East Side. In Brooklyn, Union Pool and Public Records were highlighted.
The list was commissioned by @MurrayHillGuy, a self-described "midtown matchmaker." The viral nature of the list has prompted widespread debate online, with opinions divided between those who find it useful and those who are critical of its premise and content.