Have you ever heard of the "Seattle Freeze"? The term refers to the difficulty in actually dating or getting to know people who live in Seattle. I grew up in the Seattle area and graduated from Mount Rainier HS, so while I spent about 13 years in California, I wasn't really an outsider when I moved back to Seattle. Still its hard to meet and get great dates in Seattle. The single women in Seattle don't seem to spend much time in bars or clubs. This is where It's Just Lunch (IJL) comes in as a great service to get people together. I've tried out some of the online dating sites like eharmony or okcupid and after investing (wasting) many long hours of filling in profile information, answering endless what-if questions, uploading pictures, and manually screening matches, those online services feel like a tremendous waste of time. It takes a long time to actually get the process to a point where you get a date and meet a woman in person. One of the best aspects of the IJL service is that they take all the hassle out of finding and setting up a date. They often say they are a professional wing woman and that is definitely one way to describe their help. They find potential matches and approve the match with both parties and then coordinate the meeting. You get to meet someone without giving up any personal information. It's pretty difficult to get stalked by your IJL dates unless you give your date your information. IJL will always maintain your confidentiality. You get a chance to meet and date someone and find out if you like them in an extremely low risk environment. You give out far less information initially than you would need to divulge with an online service. If you have a lot of time to waste and are really saving your pennies, then IJL may not be a good fit. However, if you're a busy tired professional trying to squeeze in a personal life while investing a lot of time in your career, IJL is a great option. IJL isn't cheap, which is somewhat intentional. When there is a significant cost for a service, only those who are truly serious are willing to sign up. If you do sign up, the investment you made helps ensure you make dating more of a priority in your life. When I first joined IJL, I was pretty concerned about the minimum dates level being only 12 dates. My coordinator assured me that getting more than 12 dates would not be a problem and she was right. In my first membership with IJL, I probably had more than 30 dates and I could have done more if I wanted. I have to say that the vast majority of the women I met were serious and generally interesting in some way. The matches got better when I made more of an investment in providing good feedback on the dates and adjusting my match criteria as we went along. The more feedback and the better feedback you give, being brutally honest, the better your experience with IJL will be. I ultimately renewed my membership because of the service. In total, so far, I've probably been on 50 or so dates and only a handful were really crazy. But you know what, even those disaster dates were valuable. I got lots of great conversation stories from those dates. The bad ones are far more entertaining to talk about than the decent or average dates. :) I was also one of the first people to try out the new group dinner membership. I think the group dinner option is an excellent way to optimize your dating time and money. You get to meet several people at the same time and the chances are good that you will like someone. As a bonus you might make a friend as well. I've met a couple of the other guys that turned out to have similar interests and might make a good wing-man as well. I'm fairly surprised at seeing some of the low ratings here on yelp. If you read them, you'll notice that most of them are from people who didn't actually use the IJL service. Either their story is third hand from a friend complaining or they interviewed or looked at the service but didn't actually try it out. It is true that judged in a critical light, the women of IJL can come off as a bit aggressive when in their sales recruiting mode. I generally have found that their aggressive recruiting stems from their passion about what they do. The more and better people they recruit into the system the better matches they are able to offer their existing clients. They are passionate about clients finding good matches. Their primary business isn't sales, it's getting people to meet and that's where they excel. I think IJL could benefit from some sales consulting services to help them be a bit smoother in their process. Have I found my perfect woman through IJL? No, not yet. But I value all the dates I had and the tremendous experience and everything I learned about dating and myself in the process. If I eventually do find my perfect match, I'll have to up the rating to 5 stars. I just don't like to give out 5 stars for anything. In my experience, the women of IJL genuinely care about me as a person. read more

When I decided to join IJL, I had already spent a few years doing Match.com. It was tedious... reading through profile after profile, winking at someone, emailing only to discover upon meeting that the profile was not a true representation of the person standing before me. I am glad for those who have found their spouse through Match... but, unfortunately, it was not my reality. I knew I needed to find another way. So, I decided to "cast a wider net" and join IJL. IjL also freed me from the task of looking at profile after profile on-line. They screened candidates and set me up on dates with men they felt would be a possible "match" for me. Now, I won't say I've always had good dates... I have had my share of challenging dates and disappointments, but I figured that was the essence of dating, right? Plus, the fact that I am not in my 20s means that dating will take more courage and more patience. Plus, let's be honest, blind dates are not easy. They are work. They are what we do when we want to meet someone to share our life and all other ways have failed. Friends have run out of possible matches. The usual places we go as a part of our weekly life have not brought us in contact with a person to date. So... here it is. IJL is not perfect. But, it is worth a shot. it is a good option if you are single and want to try a different way to meet people other than on-line dating sites. The women of IJL do their best to set you up with a good match. The most important thing to remember is to be CLEAR with what your "must-haves" are. Reiterate that, as often as you need. But, also, be open to matches you might not have considered... and be patient. The thing I have realized is this... the women of IJL can only set you up with people they HAVE. So, if you get some dates that don't make sense, it might be due to the fact that at present, they don't have the clientele you seek. However, they get new people signing up all the time. So, don't give up. Just continue to communicate your "must haves" and wait for the best person for YOU to arrive. All in all, it's a good organization with women who have heart. They care. And, they want to be successful when it comes to you. Be patient and I think you will find it worthwhile. I am hoping my "match" is coming along any day now... read more

I really dodged a bullet here! I was shocked a lack of professionalism and customer service this company displays! I filled out a "request more info" option from their website and received a call the very next day. I'm thinking "nice," I appreciate the prompt response. That is where the perceived great costumer service ends. I was asked a series of questions about myself and what I was looking for in a person. (again, all good....so far) Booked an appointment to find out more. I wanted to see the operation, meet the people I would be handing $2200.00 to. Then and only then would I decide if this was a wise investment. I then starting my on-line research. I wanted to see what others thought of their experience with IJL Seattle. I was hard-pressed to find any good reviews. (1 in 10 if that) Post after post after post on multiple boards stated the same horrible experience; many specific to the Seattle office. ....On and on I read. I called to have a discussion with the Rep with whom I had scheduled the appointment to discuss my concerns. What I got was one of the hardest sales pitches I have ever received with a ridiculous defensive attitude. You would think I called her up to insult her mother! I told her I was still considering signing on the dotted line and paying for the service, I would just need a couple testimonials from REAL people who had used their service and would have to think over my decision. II respectively asked that when I come in I am not pressured to commit at that time. I was literally told that if I didn't commit and pay upon my arrival to the appointment I need not come in. Really!? This is how you run your business, by threatening your potential clients? I am a professional woman with a 6-figure income. I don't even buy a coffee pot without checking out the manufacture and the consumer reports. Yet, this woman thought she could strong arm me with her silly, completely transparent sales pitch. The sad thing is, had my concerns been addressed in a respectful and kind manner. I probably would have taken the gamble, kept the appointment and eventually paid the $2200.00. Instead I'll take my $ elsewhere. Do your homework. Ask the hard questions. Do as I did and read others experiences. Save yourself the heartache, not to mention $2200.00. read more

I spent several years on match and other dating sites. And I went from disappointment to disappointment. Perhaps match works for some people but I just found it led me to meet not the quality guys I expected. It was difficult to decide to join IJL because of the money and the fact I did not live in the Seattle area. I confess I was very defensive at the beginning and always emphasizing my doubts about the service and bringing up the horrible reviews at yelp. And. Yes to the sales pitch. They try desperately to sell more stuff, like the booth camp for an additional $1,000!!!! Obviously I did not buy it and was very straight forward with Jillian. Perhaps I was lucky, but I never got the sense they were impolite, I was impressed with the first guy they set me up, but obviously I did not impress the guy, and I told them that. I could tell, with all honesty they were adjusting their matches according to my feedback, they listened to me, despite the fact i didnt buy anything extra. And my third date was just amazing, we spent five hours talking. I felt this person was tailored for me, we dated, we married, we are now expecting our first baby. I had to be grateful, I had serious doubts with the service, but it happened to me. I would have never met my husband if it was not for IJL. I met my husband on the third date, I didn't have the chance to meet more guys, whereas my Husband met more ladies and he had a quite decent experience for most part. To conclude, it's not the perfect service, it is pricey, but it is by far superior to other dating services out there. read more

I'm a pretty private person and am not one to typically post my opinion of businesses online. However, after see all of the negative reviews about IJL on Yelp, I felt I owe it to them to share my story. Following my divorce, I had no idea where to start dating. I tried online dating for a couple months and met a few nice people, but it just didn't feel right. I had a couple friends date through IJL several years ago and one of them her husband through their service, so I thought I'd give it a try. In the beginning I met some nice men that had good careers and were friendly but I just didn't feel much of a connection. The matchmakers that I worked with were always encouraging and they made me feel comfortable throughout my entire time with them. After being out of the dating game for so long, I really appreciated having someone to talk to when it came to my dates. Then, this month 5 years ago they called me with my 7th date, Tom. The rest is history! We felt an immediate spark on our first date at Palomino and have been together ever since. We were married 3 years ago and every year in November we go to Palomino for dinner on the same day of our first date and toast to IJL for introducing us all those years ago. For me, it was worth every penny I paid and I am forever grateful. read more

When I first went into IJL I was skeptical due to my past experiences of being set up on dates, however; with my busy work schedule I figured it was worth a shot. So far I have gone on three dates and must say all of them have been great, their interests are in line with mine, yet we also had enough differences that it allows for conversation about topics that neither of us had thought of before. They have been intellectual, and outgoing,the conversations have been stimulating and the dates have never felt rushed or pressured because of the personalities. I can honestly say that each of the dates have been fun, and have all resulted in a few dates after each one. Unfortunately two of the three dates have not turned into anything, but I am sitting here writing this after going on a second date with the third. Furthermore, in all my conversations with the people at IJL I have never felt any pressure to sign up for anything, it was always on my terms and they have openly answered all my questions. I would highly recommend IJl to anyone looking for the chance to date people who are beyond the shallow games that are often played in today's dating scene and are looking for the opportunity to create a true, solid and meaningful relationship with someone. read more

I highly recommend It's Just Lunch Seattle for those who want to meet and date quality people from a variety of backgrounds. Whether you find your perfect match or just get to know some wonderful people, expand your network of friends, and learn more about yourself as a person, the IJL matchmaking service is a worthwhile investment. The staff at IJL has always been friendly and courteous to me. They seem to sincerely care about all of their clients having good experiences and hopefully finding love in the process. They enjoy their jobs and make each contact, whether on the phone or in person, a pleasant one. The IJL process is terrific. Each client is interviewed in person before any matches are made. IJL arranges the dates, makes the reservations, and provides sufficient information to each client to get them interested each other and facilitate meaningful conversation during the date. The dates are comfortable, and the men that I have met through my IJL matches have been quality people with unique life stories to share. I have enjoyed the opportunity that I have through IJL to meet people that I likely would not meet through any other venue, and my IJL experience has been positive in all respects. read more

I started IJL about two years ago and decided after dropping a lot of money I'd give it a shot. After 1 year with no success I decided to go to their "dating boot camp" and find out what or if there was something wrong with dating style. After that dates and things did get better but still had not found any successful matches. Early in January I did meet a really special little lady and we have been together since. She is truly a special lady and a good match after so long. So for all the people that posted negative feedback, you get what you put in to the program. Also stay flexible, and maintain a positive attitude even after you get frustrated from a couple of dates that go bad. That being said IJL is not perfect in any way, shape or form. Also they are there to run a business, your the customer-take charge of the conversation and interview but be professional! Other than that, I did have some fun out of the whole process. read more

My husband David and I met through It's Just Lunch, Seattle, four years ago. Both of us loved the service from the beginning. If you are a busy single professional, I believe it is the best way to go! I never felt comfortable putting my personal information and preferences on the Internet. David tried the Internet, but found it to be a hassle and a complete waste of time. Through IJL, we both met some great people and then they found us the Perfect Match--Each Other! Throughout our dating, engagement and wedding preparation, David and I have been suggesting to our single friends, all over the country, to try IJL. The staff is fun, professional and sympathetic, when things don't work out. And when they do work out, the IJL celebrates along with you! We recommend IJL to anyone, who wants to find that special someone, without having to do a lot of work and waste time online. Thanks IJL, we truly appreciate you! David and Patty read more

I've had a great experience with It's Just Lunch! I met with Jillian awhile back and right from the beginning she made the me feel comfortable with this type of dating process. Although it is expensive...most good things in life are! I've disregarded the negative reviews when on Yelp when I first signed up, because I figured after reading some of them...those people seem like people that are probably a nightmare to date anyways! Dating is never a for sure thing...duh!!!...but at least they match you with people who are serious about dating rather than just hooking up like the online dating sites. I've been on some great dates and have recently gone on hold for someone I think might be the one! The staff has been very accommodating with my hectic schedule and set up dates at great restaurants I've been wanting to try. I would highly recommend this service for any singles out there. read more

I had a great experience with IJL and after three years of meeting a lot very interesting women, I met the girl of my dreams and now I am married to her. She had been using IJL for over a year and had the same over all experience. I always enjoyed working with IJL staff and got to know most of them. For me I loved getting out 2-3 times a month meeting a new person that also wanted to be there. IJL does it the old fashion way. They match you up with who they think will work out. Were they all perfect ? Of course not, but my wife is!! I didn't want to spend the time with the online dating services. I did go on many dates, over 3 years worth, but they were fun! I met women from all walks of life that I would have never crossed paths with. It was a very low stress way of getting out and meeting some pre-screened dates. I highly recommend IJL. Mark ( in Seattle) read more

Did anyone else get an ultimatum the first time in? Or ever? I did. I went in for one of their "interviews" which is a scant way of saying sales pitch. They do a fake interview for about 30 minutes and then say "Ok, this is going to cost $2000.00 and we'll need that today". I told Sarah I'd have to think about it. She called me the next day and left a voice mail - which I still have - saying that "...our relationship would be over if I didn't pay her" Wow! I didn't pay them, which is too bad - I was for all intents and purposes going to use them, but couldn't get over this "pitch". Who falls for that? It's too bad. They leverage this "secret" book of potential candidates they'd like to set you up with, playing on single people's hopes and aspirations to meet the right person. Their aggressive, tacky sales tactics are unreal. Good luck w/ them. read more

Overall my experience with IJL has been pleasant. I have had a wonderful relationship that began through an introduction with IJL, but it ended after several months, but to no fault of IJL. They seem to have a generally good sense of how to match up different profiles so that most of the key factors are addressed. Working in a similar field I can say that finding even a 90% match is impossible. It comes down to the core fundamentals, which they seem to identify well. Personally, I feel that if you really know what fundamentals are the most important to you in a relationship and you are able to communicate that to your Director or Coordinator, then the system works. I wouldn't say that the design works for everybody but for those that are able to communicate well, have a little patience and have an open mind, this is a wonderful program. read more

I have had very positive experience with the IJL. The IJL staffs provide quality services and new perspectives on my dating journey. What they have done really well is they really take my feedback and work really hard to meet my goal. I also have realized that dating can be fun and enlightened throughout the process, even I had one or two not so nice dates. Overall, the matches they found for me are great quality people, I can totally say this is a much better investment if you do know what you're looking for and communicate with the team over there. Miss Holly, Sharon and Sarah, I wish you get to see this. You girls rock, keep your great work! I am so confident on your professional services and you can continue helping a lot of people finding their best partners in their life. Thank you! read more

The dating world is a little difficult to do on your own unless you have the correct roadmap... so I'm thankful for IJL! If I actually had to find these guys for myself, it would likely never happen. I've been on one-on one dates and a few dinner parties too. I have definitely met some great guys and actually met a great group to hang out with after my most recent dinner party. There have been a few bumps in the road with matches, but when in life (and especially in your dating life) isn't there? IJL is a great way to meet folks who's social circles don't overlap yours, but probably should! I'm happy to be dating with IJL, and would recommend IJL to anyone looking for a great friend (IJL) to set them up with a great guy! read more

IJL is a very good service that starts with the staff, they are bubbly and enthusiastic from the very start and they give you confidence that you will have fun and with any luck find a match. I read some of the other reviews and I cant disagree further with the negative ones... you get out of life what you put into it. Dating sites are tedious and feel like another full time job! The staff at IJL do the leg work and yes its not always a great match but I can say I think I just met the love of my life thru them so it was worth every experience I went thru (both good and bad) and for a busy professional who doesnt have time for the BS .... this is the only way to go! what are you waiting for? read more

Personally I've had a pretty good experience with IJL Seattle so far. I've been doing it for a few months now and have met several quality gals, a couple of which have resulted in second dates. The IJL ladies that are working with me, Holly and Sharon, are quite helpful and friendly. I travel a lot so it 's great that I can put my membership on hold while I'm gone for extended periods. Yeah it is a bit pricey, but obviously there is a lot more personal touch than with most other dating services especially online services. Four stars only because I've only been in it a few months and would like to see where it goes from here. I may update my review a few months down the road. read more

I love this service! I initially signed up because I liked the efficiency and hassle free approach to dating they advertise. But the staff at IJL Seattle provide so much more than just introductions. They take feedback very seriously and tailor introductions based on feedback. I feel like I have a team of great girlfriends, looking out for and supporting me. They go the extra mile.. whether it is challenging me to go outside of my comfort zone, or providing a shoulder to cry on with a dating disaster, or even just encouraging me to bring the fun back into dating! You will not be disappointed.. a must do for professionals looking for an amazing dating service! read more

It's not just that this is a scam. Scams are a dime a dozen. But these folks are completely insane. They have a Taliban approach to customer interaction (not really possible to call what they do 'customer service'). After a 10 min conversation, they feel like they own you and all your private information (if you were so unfortunate to give them any) and have the right to call or email you at will and insult you all they want and of course have GOD-given right to your money! If Attila the Hun started a match-making service, it'd be gentler and less aggressive! Avoid them like the plague! You'll regret the day you called them. read more