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Please Don't Tell
- Nearest Transit:
-
1 Av (L)
2 Av (F)
3 Av (L)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 pm - 2 am
Sat-Sun 6 pm - 4 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
635 reviews for Please Don't Tell
Review Highlights
"...and next time i want to try one of the grubbin' crif dogs."
(in 134 reviews)
"I absolutely loved entering via hotdogjoint phone booth."
(in 254 reviews)
"The bacon infused bourbon."
(in 23 reviews)
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634 reviews in English
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Review from Jose I. D.
Manhattan, NY
2/8/2012
This excellent speak-easy bar is, as the name suggests, suppose to be kept a secret but instead is very well known thanks to many awards for it's concept and notoriety of its drinks.
This reputation made it much harder to go to Please Don't Tell than previously anticipated. The place was books solid every day for several days and then we got lucky. A group and I were able to secure a table at Please Don't Tell for 9PM on a Thursday (this is the kind of place that works well with groups of 4 to 6 peoples if you secure a booth)
I enter the phone-booth and dial 1. Moments later, somebody answers the phone asking if I have a reservation. As I confirm that I do, a false wall inside the booth opens into the bar. Very cool concept if the place was kept more hush-hush but the obvious line of people waiting to enter the phone-booth diluted the effect.
Once inside, the decor is all high end 20s style. Lots of style and flair but without being loud. Our waiter was very helpful in determining which drink we would like based on our drink preferences. The drinks all came at a big premium but you could see that these were all one of a kind drinks, some with some oddball ingredients (one came with an egg while another had bacon-infused bourbon, amongst other things) All the drinks were expertly prepared by a master mixologist so you really felt that you were getting your money's worth regardless of spending $15 per drink.
I loved the vibe of the entire place as well as the crowd that it attracted. This is the kind of place you take some friends that are visiting you in New York just to show off something that they know they won't be able to find anywhere else. I definitely recommend this spot for drinks. -
Review from Tim L.
Hercules, CA
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Please Don't Tell is home to THE BEST tater tots that my chubby body has ever consumed in my entire existence. Yeah.. they were that good and I will remind you again later..
PDT is a cool little speakeasy hidden on the side of Crif Dogs. You get in by going into a phone booth to dial a number that opens the door. So supposedly this place is overhyped and hard to get into. I think your supposed to make reservations, but we pretty much just showed up and waited til a reservation no-showed. A group of 5 of us got in after only about 15 minutes of waiting (my Tsunami Dog from Crif's kept me entertained).
Once inside we got a corner booth next to an owl rockin some red shades. We ordered a plethora of bomb ass mixed drinks and a few snacks. And, again, the tater tots were so mouthwateringly delicious.. mixed in some kind of crazy chili, onion, cheesy concoction, these tots are the perfect drunk (or not) food.
This speakeasy isn't really a secret anymore, but definitely worth going to. Experience NYC's East Village nightlife and dominate a hot dog at Crif's and get inebriated in a hipsterish way at PDT!
Oh yeah, in case you forgot.. get the Tater Tots! -
Review from Chris L.
Philadelphia, PA
2/5/2012
Absolutely lived up to the hype. My girlfriend and I had to call about 100 times between 3 and 3:45 to get a table for two at 2:00 a.m. on a Saturday night. Big city, small bar. Supply and demand.
There were a lot of drunk people trying to get into PDT at 2:00 a.m. which ruined the discreetness of the phone booth entrance, but I really appreciate the hostess for being there. Keeping out the drunks has to be a rough job, and she's the only person keeping the bar low key and free from the mob on the other side of the wall.
Thanks to the friendly staff, the bar really manages to live up to its reputation without feeling overly pretentious. My girlfriend and I each had two drinks and a dog. They were phenomenal. My first drink was a salty caramel apple concoction that I'm still thinking about more than a day later. My girlfriend got the peanut butter cup - also to die for. For seconds, I got the bacon-infused burbon with maple syrup while she opted for a nice, hot wassel. Mine was a cannonball of umami and hers was a perfect blend of cinnamon deliciousness.
The final tab for a dog and 2 drinks each came to about 70 dollars. Steep but worth every penny, and I really mean that. -
Review from John-Paul P.
Madison, NJ
2/1/2012 8 photos
Sitting at my desk at work, I had a plan. I was going to call precisely at 3pm, when the reservations opened. However, I somehow found myself doing real work for a change and by the time I looked up at the clock, it was 3:05. &^#$^&#!!!... I picked up my phone and started dialing... and dialing... and dialing. Finally, 74 phone calls later, at around 3:25, I got through and asked for a table for two around 11. The friendly phone girl told me she could fit us in around midnight. Done deal.
PDT was hands down an awesome time to be had late on a Friday night or early on a Saturday morning, depending on how you look at it. While it may be tough to get through on the phone, the difficulty getting in doesn't end there. After entering Crif Dogs, you'll have to push your way through the crowd of people standing near the phone booth and also awaiting entrance, all of whom will ask if you have a reservation and let you know rather strongly that they have reservations, i.e. don't you dare try to get in since we have reservations and you might not. The bathroom is also right next to the phone booth, so be prepared to deal with that as well. And watch out for people/groups who will try to push their way past you.
Anyways, enter the phone booth, pick up the phone and dial 1. It might take them a while to open the door, but just have patience. After I was inside, I saw that each time the phone rings in PDT due to someone dialing from the phone booth, the maitre'd just picks it up and hangs it right back up. Anyways, I digress. About having patience - make sure you do, as it actually wasn't until the third time the maitre'd opened the door to PDT that my gf and I were able to enter. The first time, he was letting someone who was already admitted re-enter and the second time, it was to let a group out. Upon opening up for the third time, he apologized in an extremely friendly and courteous manner for making us wait. I gave him my name and reservation time and he promptly admitted us and offered to take our coats, which we accepted.
We were led to two seats at the bar, which at first surprised me, since I had read that the bar seats were for walk-ins only. I had expected to be seated at a table, being that I made a reservation. However, the bar is the best place to sit so that you can watch the bartenders make all the drinks. The bartender we had, Jeff, was also a really nice guy and took lots of time to talk with us, write down drink recipes and even recommend other cool places like PDT which he likes to go to.
Jeff was also an expert mixologist. Instead of ordering off the menu, he asked us which flavors we liked and crafted drinks based off that. Think of it as he knows what you like, even if you don't. For our first round, based off what we told him, he made me a Chet Baker which was strong but yummy and came with a huge block of ice. My gf had the Paddington, which was truly perfect. My gf even ordered a second drink, telling Jeff how she like Amaretto sours and was served The Shark, which was sweet, creamy and delicious. I, unfortunately, had to drive home so I just settled for a Coke at this point.
We also ordered an Oyster Dog from Crif Dogs, which was delicious. It was a deep fried, bacon wrapped hot dog, topped with shoe string fries and scallions (I think). The hot dog didn't taste deep fried at all and was not greasy or dripping with oil.
The girls sitting next to us were also very amusing. They were a bit drunk, but made for some good conversation and recommended drinks as well as other fun places to go and even took pictures of my gf and I. Luckily I had a point and shoot with me because she wasn't understanding the concept of the manual focus lens on my DSLR, yet swore that all the pictures would be in focus (none of them were).
One useful bit of info that the sort-of drunk girls gave was that altho they didn't have a reservation, they showed up 8 and altho the wait was short, they still got in. So, if you don't have a reservation, show up early and hope for the best. If your party is three or less, sit at the bar and definitely get Jeff as your bartender.
The final bill for three drinks plus the hot dog was $54, not counting tip. Jeff didn't charge for the Coke :)
Oh, and for anyone wondering what used to be in this space before PDT - a bubble tea lounge. -
Review from Jessica S.
Manhattan, NY
1/27/2012
This has to be the least "secret" secret bar in Manhattan. Painfully touristic in the worst way possible. So Ok, the entrance is nice and all, the drinks are very good and the mixologists super friendly, however this never excuses the arrogance and snootiness of the waitresses.
I had a reservation for 4 at 11pm on a Saturday evening. We arrive on time and are told that the bar is over-booked and we should wait a little bit (that's fine, the waiting area is actually a hot dog joint with very decent sandwiches). 11.10pm, 11.15pm.. I ask the hostess if she'll be able to accommodate us and seeing how no one seems ready to leave inside the bar, I suggest that we come back at midnight. She agrees. My friends and I go get a drink in another bar on St Marks, we come back at midnight, still no available space. The hostess promises she'll call us in 10 minutes max. 20 minutes later, I come back for the last time and she finally tell me that she won't have a table for us that night. Was she ever planning on telling us this? Probably not.
Go there for good drinks and to check that bar off a things-to-do list, but don't come back. -
Review from Stephanie R.
Manhattan, NY
1/26/2012
I love the "secret" entrance. It definitely makes the experience for me every time I go. The drinks are also really well done. There was this peanut butter liquor cocktail I had last time that was absolutely delicious - tasted like peanut butter cups in beverage form + alcohol.
My only complaint about this place is that the hostess is pretty rude and has a lot of arbitrary rules. Also keep in mind that if you arrive without a reservation, you will probably have to put your name and number down, and wait for a call in about an hour. Also, I do believe you have to have a party of less than 4 in order to make a reservation, which is annoying. -
Review from Tiffany S.
Manhattan, NY
1/25/2012
Do you like taxidermy? Strong drinks? Gourmet hot dogs? Secrete passageways? Then this your place.
I wasn't surprised when World's 50 Best Bars 2011 named this place #1. Drinks are stiff, unique and delicious. Somewhat difficult to get a reservation, as I believe they only have one phone line that opens at 4pm or something (often you really need one, especially on Friday/Saturday nights). If you're not sure what you want, the bartender or waiters know what they're talking about, so don't be afraid to ask. Love this place. -
Review from Dave H.
1/9/2012 8 photos
PDT is the underbelly of the East Village's underbelly[1]. Their decor is the tits: taxidermy specimens, exposed brick, and vintage photos give their bar a character that is both rustic yet refined. When I took two Parisian women[2] there, they were impressed with its mysterious, down-to-earth feel. That's saying something.
To enter, first pass through a hot dog shop, via their not-so-secret entrance; a line usually gives it away. Yes, this speakeasy is wildly popular, but a limit of four per table keeps matters under control, offering a reprieve from the unwashed masses. Inside, share space with a mix of the dressy and casual (this is New York), at the mercy of almost manic bartenders that thankfully love their jobs. It's not the quickest time getting in - the host(ess) takes numbers from those waiting, and follows up with them - so be prepared to kill time elsewhere.
Their concoctions are a bit rough around the edges, but if you like hot dogs, you're in luck: the dining menu is one page of them[3]. Go for the Chang Dog ($6; credit accepted), a bacon-wrapped deep-fried masterpiece topped with Momofuku kimchi. It's the ideal accompaniment to their potent gin-lemon drink (if they still serve it), drunk food perfect while getting drunk.
[1] I mean that in the best way possible.
[2] My cousins. Don't get any ideas.
[3] There might've been a vegetarian option there, but don't quote me on that.Listed in: NYC Favorites, NYC Drinkeries, NYC Speakeasies
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Review from Isaiah D.
New York, NY
1/7/2012
PDT is a must do for anyone in NYC looking for a great speakeasy that lives up to the hype. I've been to many Speakeasies all over from Chicago's The Violet Hour to Atlanta's Prohibition and NYC's PDT is right up there with the best of them.
Tips for PDT
Make a reservation or call to see if you can get on the list. (this eliminates a lot of headaches-its a popular place)
Trust your mixologist, they won't steer you wrong.
If you don't know much about cocktails, cut your teeth at some other cocktail bars, then come to PDT (expect to be impressed, this is how the drink should taste)
If you're visiting NYC make sure to ask your mixologist their favorite bars and what's going on in the city that week.
Yes bring your date here (see first tip)
Order food from next door. You get to beat the line and enjoy the room over some crif dogs. (can't beat it)
Enjoy. -
Review from Anthony H.
New York, NY
1/30/2012
Hand crafted libations, the david chang dog with kimchee, low key ambience where you can hear the conversation you are having with your company, the absence of drunken idiots elbowing you at the bar, and the not-so-secret entrance through the phone booth inside Crif Dawgs make this place a fun hang-out. Call ahead for a resey and you are more likely to not get turned away at the phone booth. On the busy weekends you will get the tourists that hear about this not-so secret bar and make the mistake of not making a resey and crowding up the inside of Crif.
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Review from Vivian J.
1/18/2012
I really shouldn't even be writing this review because I'm not a big fan of whiskey, and this review is probably biased. However, for my first speakeasy, it was a cool experience, but not worth the price to come all the time. I had the momofuku hot dog, and my sister had the tat or tots. Both were actually very interesting takes on regular dishes, and I enjoyed them a lot. However, the drinks were so pricy at $15.
I'd love to go to more speakeasies but this is just a place I was happy to go to once to try. -
Review from Janel Y.
Updated - 1/6/2012
It's been about 3 years since my last reivew of P.D.T. and maybe I've turned into a jaded NYer and/or the service was really bad on a Thursday night.
My friend called for a reservation and when we got there, although a few minutes late, we ended up waiting a good deal amount of time. Because there were 3 of us, it was too small to sit at a booth so we were waiting for bar seating which took longer than I would expect.
Since it was cold outside, people waiting to get into P.D.T. were hanging out outside the phone booth in Crif Dogs but then we were getting in the way of those waiting in line to order their food. It was just a big mess inside.
Once we got though the phone booth, it was quiet and calmness inside. We got our bar seating and ordered the Wylie dog (the one with fried mayo), another one topped with lots of veggies and tater tots. I also ordered the Paddington which was strong but easily drinkable.
The dogs were okay...nothing too special (I've also had the David Chang dog on my previous visit...it was okay as well) and the tater tots were perfectly fried (seemed like they were double fried) but I felt, could have used more toppings.
Would I come back again? Probably not...Listed in: I Heart New York, Let's Get Your Drink On
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/14/2009
I'd definitely come back...hands down. If not for the well mixed drinks ($13) then for the laid… Read more »
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Review from Candace Q.
Manhattan, NY
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'd been dying to try this spot after a client of mine told me about what an interesting and cool little place this was. I"m happy to say that it did not disappoint! My friend and I were able to walk up and get a seat at the bar, granted it was 6:30 on a Wednesday evening. But still, considering what I've heard about how difficult it can be to get in I was pleasantly surprised. The bartenders are super knowledgeable and their drinks are small but on point. We tried a hot dog and tater tots and they to die for; I mean, Wow!!
Please Don't Tell definitely lived up to my expectations of a cool way to spend a night out in the city. I will absolutely be frequenting this place on a regular basis. I can't wait to bring my out of town guests here. -
Review from Karyn V.
Boston, MA
1/16/2012
My boyfriend and I took a trip to NYC last weekend and decided to try Please Don't Tell (PDT) after reading about it on Drinks International's 2011 World's Top 50 Bars List.
For those of you who have never heard of PDT, PDT is the cocktail-lounge annex to Crif Dogs, an East Village fast food restaurant known for its deep-fried Jersey-style hot dogs. The entrance is in the phone booth, which is only difficult to find if you go early (which I highly recommend if you don't have a reservation).
PDT's voicemail says that they will take day-of reservations after 2pm. We called (and called) only to keep getting a busy signal. We therefore decided to go thirty minutes after PDT opened hoping to get in. We were told by the hostess, who was rather rude, that we would have to wait one hour and she would call us when a table opened. Two hours later we received a phone call just before we had given up and made other plans for the night.
PDT is snug and quite intimate. The space can maybe hold thirty to forty people, and there is a four person limit per party. The bartenders are quite impressive and far (far!) nicer and accommodating than the hostess. (Seriously, does anyone know why she is so rude?) We enjoyed all of our drinks, especially the gin gin mule.
Towards the end of the night, we decided to order tater tots from Crif's kitchen, which the cocktail waitress was more than happy to deliver to us at the bar. The tater tots came wrapped in foil and were covered with hot sauce and cheese -- the perfect way to end a night of good conversation (ahem, drinking).
We definitely recommend PDT to anyone who loves a good speakeasy. The drinks were spot on, and I really enjoyed how they tried to keep PDT a "secret". I wouldn't say that PDT is much better than other bars we have tried on the World's Best List, but PDT is an experience that we will always remember (rude hostess included).
If you are interested in seeing what other bars made the World's 50 Best Bar List: http://drinksint.com/n... -
Review from Pia V.
1/3/2012 4 Check-ins Here
The entrance is, of course, very creative but the place isn't a secret anymore -- damn the internet ;X.
The BF and I were doing some bar hopping and this was the last of our stops. We didn't have reservations but were able to score a couple seats at the bar. We lucked out being able to sit right in front of the area that the bartender makes the drinks. The service was great and I love how they have a shorter/"classier" version of the Crif Dogs menu served next door. So be sure to leave some room in your tummy for a few dishes to share. Unfortunately for the people who love the sweeter drinks, like myself, they don't have very many of those options here for us.
If you're a party of 3 or more I do recommend calling ahead for a reservation. The place is quite small so they can't just take everyone. The person at the door can seem quite cold at first, but I'm sure it comes from the fact that a lot of people like to fool around with the phone booth to begin with =\. Lastly the drinks are about $15 per, so this isn't the place to go if you're trying to "tighten the wallet", if you catch my drift.Listed in: Bottom's up in NYC, shhhhh!
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Review from Thalia K.
New York, NY
12/28/2011 1 photo
The times I've been here it's been a Friday or Saturday night. So far I've done the 2am reservation for a group of 6, the "call us if you have any cancellations," and the huddle outside the phone booth at 6pm and try not to get scowled or elbowed out of your spot by other thirsty would-be patrons.
Once you're in, it's easy to forget the hassle that you faced on the outside. Post-speakeasy entrance euphoria. The afterglow is so sweet that the initial trauma is forgotten and people keep coming back to do it again. Like childbirth.
Have the mixologists fix you up something special, like an Oaxaca Old-Fashioned (yum), or stick to the tried and true cocktails on the menu. When you're appropriately buzzed, order a fancy hot dog to soak up the alcohol. There are a number of bacon wrapped dogs on the menu that you won't see outside in Crif Dogs proper. Last time, they had one with truffle mayo, bonito flakes, and some kind of gourmet slaw. My personal favorite is still the spicy red neck. Fancy cocktail doesn't necessitate fancy hot dog. You worked this hard to get in, eat and drink as you damned well please and enjoy that afterglow.Listed in: Romancing the Tastebuds
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Review from Christina R.
New York, NY
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
I tried on several occasions to get into PDT...both waiting outside and on their always busy phone line. When a good friend of mine from out of town and I got in it was a pleasant surprise.
The interior is a little strange and definitely not an "old school" speakeasy...taxidemy...rabbits with sunglass...very hipster...I wasn't a fan. However, the bartenders made delicious and strong drinks. They may be expensive, but I would say you get the best buzz for your buck. It's better to come here on a weekday and/or early if possible, as the crowds get annoying.
My friends and I had a great time in PDT and stayed pretty late. I would recommend PDT for a small group of friends, impressive date, or a place to bring out of town guests. There are better and less known speakeasies in the city, however the phone booth entrance and the PDT experience make it "must do at least once". -
Review from Lissa V.
12/22/2011
I finally made it to PDT and I must admit I was quite impressed! This is one of those places that owned up to its hype...
Things I love:
1) the "secret" phone booth entrance... and the fact that the line out the door of Crif Dogs makes this not really a secret at all
2) being "let in" which leads to the immediate smug feeling of "that's right, I'm cool"... well played PDT
3) The dark, sexy, unpretentious atmosphere
4) Paddington Bear wearing a scarf and fedora
5) The oxymoron of world class cocktails paired with ballpark/ bowling alley type of food... the Wylie dog changed my life... I may never be able to eat Nathan's again
6) sitting at the bar watching the talent of incredible bartenders
7) cool people
8) colorful shades... even when the sun isn't in sight
Things that make me sad:
1) Weeknights that must come to an end
2) The fact that I can't afford to come here every week... drinks are $15 upwards
3) Waiting... I do hear patience is a virtue but I haven't quite caught on to that one yet... so I wouldn't hit PDT on weekends or Thursday nights.Listed in: Cocktails Anyone?
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Review from Ryan M.
Updated - 12/6/2011 3 Check-ins Here
After years of coming here, I can say that PDT is a product of context. As in, this is still one of the best bars in the world... if you can get in before wanting to kill Col. Mustard, with the Candlestick, in the Hot Dog Shop by the Red Telephone Booth.
So take note: Don't come here Thursday through Saturday unless you have a reservation for a group, or like waiting in line like a Walmart Shopper on Black Friday. There are 15 other great cocktail bars in a 2 minute walk.
Come at a slower time though, and you will see, PDT is not all hype. It delivers time and again thanks to the guiding hand of Jim Meehan, a flawless (and always deep) seasonal cocktail list, incredible bartenders and the king of all Tater snacks, the Torres Tots (seriously a must for any self-respecting Tots fan).Listed in: Best Cocktail Bars in New York
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/15/2009
Please Don't Tell is a place tailor MADE for a Love / Hate dialog among yelpers.
- Some people are… Read more »
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Review from Jeanette L.
New York, NY
12/15/2011
Sorry to be a downer but... ehhh. slightly overrated. I mean, the concept is cool. It's cute in there and the drinks are pretty good. Bartender was super nice. Special momofoku dog is good but....what the heck is all the rage about. I bet it's because it's so hard to get into!! I mean, good for them.
But here is my advice, put your name down, then go somewhere else and don't stand around waiting. Make it a night cap to your dinner or going out plans, not the main affair or else I suspect you'll be disappointed. -
Review from Travis C.
KNICKERBOCKER, NY
12/9/2011
Yes, the drinks are expensive. But they are strong. And it doesn't get any better than their old-fashioned that is muddled with deliciousness. Good music level - not too loud that you're screaming at each other, but enough to fill the awkward silences.
Fellas, take your date here. Give it a dry run first before it's game time. Go early, put your name in, have her meet you at the Crooked Tree for a crepe across the street, and then walk over together to drink in sophistication like you are part of the elite. Seriously, she'll dig it.Listed in: Date Spots
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Review from Michael D.
Boston, MA
12/19/2011 2 photos
THANK YOU JENNY S FOR TAKING ME HERE!
I've ALWAYS wanted to go to a speakeasy.. and the fact that you have to pass into CRIF DOGS in order to get there makes it so much cooler. Babygirl made the reservation, but she said she had to repeatedly call over a period of 20 minutes (starting at 3pm) for reservations that night.
Each drink is 15 bucks, and if you sit at the bar, you can see how much care and effort goes into each drink. I've never had a bartender try so hard to make a drink for me before haha. BUT I personally didn't really like the drinks..
AS for the food... they make food similar to crif dogs (probably because theyre attached), but they offer some things that ARENT on the menu.. such as mexican tater tots. I felt that they had the flavors on point, BUT the tots were COLD and CHEWY. Not hot and crispy like they should be. :(
Overall, I'd come here for the experience, but not for the food/drink.. there are wayy too many other places in New York to get better tasting food, but I don't think anywhere can capture the feeling of a speakeasy as great as PDT.
Oh, and if you want to annoy the hostess, don't make a reservation, show up piss drunk, and repeatedly lift the phone. -
Review from J B.
Virginia Beach, VA
12/22/2011
This place used to be waaay better before folks like the Travel Channel and fill int the blank trendy food blog found it and started making this a tourist trap. I will say it's still worth a visit but just know ahead of time it used to be a much cooler spot when there wasn't 150 people from Kanas with their Jesus shoes and tube socks.
Start at Crif Dogs and get you a Chihuahua crift dog and post up on top of a picnic table and take in the sites. Once you choke that down, walk over to the phone booth and head over to PDT. IF you get there late and there is a way; you'll have to put your name on the list and stay over at Crif Dogs and choke down another dog or two. PDT doesnt allow standing to keep with the whole speak easy motif.
Please don't tell has some really unique cocktails. Try something that's out of your comfort zone. I always do and have never been disappointed. -
Review from Lola P.
Long Island City, NY
12/17/2011
Probably my favorite speakeasy bar EVAR. It's small and intimate, with a no standing policy, which is great to not have somebody hover over you if you are sitting at the bar. The service is perhaps the best I've had at any bar or restaurant anywhere -- my water glass is constantly refilled, drinks are promptly made (which can be an issues at many similar cocktail establishments), and the bartenders are very open on the exact recipes they are serving (side note: get the brand new PDT cocktail book. You won't be sorry). There is always something on the menu that fits my mood (e.g. bacon infused old fashioned, a tiki drink, a more sweet/desserty drink, etc).
Sure, getting reservations are tough, so the few times I've gone, I've just dropped by to put my name in and waited (anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours during a busy Saturday night) and killed time at less awesome bars. Sure, I wish I could simply walk in any time I want, but this place is busy for a reason and it is definitely worth the effort.Listed in: The Best Cocktail…
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Review from Chris O.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Your best bet is to make your reservation for any day other than Friday and Saturday. The key is to start calling them non-stop at 3pm until they answer so you can make your reservation. The cocktails are great and very strong. The specialty hot dogs are delicious (I liked the kimchi dog the best) and their cocktails live up to the hype. Creative, tasty, and STRONG.
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Review from May L.
11/27/2011
Here is where I may separate from others in the underworld of Speakeasies. I would give Criff Dog a 5, but PDT gets a 3.5 for me.
Finding It: Go through the phone booth in Criff Dog. The phone booth thing is actually so cool, I could never give it less than 3 stars. BTW, Criff Dog is an 5 star in my book. YUM!!
The Atmosphere: It's like a man's smoke room. All brick and leather. It's low key, but totally masculine.
The Drinks: Eh... I've had better. It's a lot more Whiskey than most places. But I like my whiskey neat in the winter or on the rocks in the summer. Mix it any other way and I just think... what the heck was the point of aging it for 12-18 years? I tried a few drinks here. None memorable enough to make me want to come back for drinks. Perhaps because it's cool to go through a phone booth into another world, but not for the drinks as much.
The Food: The fact that you can get a few extra Criff dogs gives it the 1/2 star, as the drinks and atmosphere don't quite do it for me. Relative to other speakeasies that is a huge plus!
Even if this was a 1 star place, which it's absolutely not, you have to check out PDT. It's that cool. So overall A-ok in my book.Listed in: Hide & Seek
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Review from kathleen s.
New York, NY
12/3/2011
Firstly, the gimmicky"secret" entrance through the phone booth is no longer cool when you see a line coming out of it.
Secondly, finding such a line after being told my reservation will only be held for 15 minutes is also decidedly uncool.
Lastly, having the hostess close the door in my face four times before allowing me in made me think "this place better be fan freakin tastic" "
It wasn't. -
Review from Jessica S.
Manhattan, NY
12/11/2011
I have been here twice and the second time was a way better experience than the first.
The wait staff was very nice to me, not rude like the previous time, and our drinks were strong, cleverly-made, and you could just tell that the bartenders have fun creating the stuff.
Had a larger party, about 6. Max size of a party is 8, just for reference. We were seated in a booth by the restrooms, but that was ok. It was late, around midnight, and we were capping off a night at the theater. What a fun way to do so!
I ordered the Paddington, which I had before, and it was strong, flavorful and just a solid beverage. My husband had the bacon-infused bourbon, which was mixed with bitters and maple syrup...he wasn't nuts about the bitters, but we applaud the effort and the creativity!
We also tried the Sue Torres Tater Tots. Essentially, she created Mexican disco-fries. They were awesome, and we would get them again! I am a big fan of Criff Dogs next door, so it's nice to see their food being taken to the next level.
Yes, the drinks are pricey, but it's well worth it. You get a unique experience at this bar, they really take pride in it, and you also don't have to worry about being hit on by a skeezy frat boy while you're there...they "don't allow that kind of element" in the place. -
Review from Mark S.
Manhattan, NY
2/4/2012
So arrogant. So douchey. So dickesh. No thanks. They seemed to be pissing off people on a minute by minute basis. More people walked away angry or frustrated then got in. It's not worth it
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Review from Sara K.
New York, NY
2/4/2012
i mean, the phonebooth thing is cool and all, but it's kinddaaaa touristy. If i'm going to go to such a crowded place, the drink better be the best damn thing i've ever had. awkward, it wasn't. it was VERY strong, but VERY overpriced. I see the appeal, but it really is overhyped.
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Review from Jared S.
Brooklyn, NY
11/21/2011
Once, St. Mark's Place was countercultural and freewheeling. Now we have "Please Don't Tell."
It's indicative that the name of this underwhelming and predictable East Village haunt is a command--the place is run like something out of Mussolini's Italy. There's actually a sign in the bathroom that implores you not to hit on people at the bar.
Within 20 minutes of arriving, I was instructed to "sit down," and when I tried to leave, the doorman berated me like a 4 year old.
Just because there are quirky ingredients like elderflower on the drinks menu doesn't make it worth $15 for a cocktail. Is this Helsinki? For that, I better be getting an HJ, or at least some respectful service.
No thanks. -
Review from Cindy T.
Warren, NJ
11/15/2011
A very surprising place!
My friends and I used to wrap up a night of partying at Crif Dogs, a hole-in-the-wall hot dog joint. While waiting for our food one inebriated night, we noticed a nicely dressed person exit the phone booth. Then another. Then a few more. How much had we had to drink?? As we grew increasingly baffled, one brave friend went to investigate.
Entering the phone booth, she did the logical thing. She picked up the phone. Much to our surprise, the far wall of the phone booth opened. A nicely dressed lady peered around and announced that they were closed. My friend aptly asked "WHO is closed?" And that's the story of how we discovered PDT.
I subsequently went back to PDT on a night I was l lucky enough to get a reservation. This place was the most authentic speakeasy of any that I have been to in NYC - it's well hidden (how many times had I been to Crif Dogs before learning about PDT?), has phenomenal mixologists, and the decor is unexpectedly classy. Drinks are a bit pricey, but they are strong and unlike any you've ever had.
Assuming you have a reservation, this is the perfect place to bring a date - it's unique, romantic, and you'll both get drunk fast. ;) -
Review from David K.
1/11/2012
Even on a Sunday night its pretty busy! Got the phone booth and picked up the phone did what it said and the guy in the back never answered. I guess he answers at will haha anyways it was packed so we had to put our names down and they actually call you back when your spot is open, so stay close. Went to another bar just down a couple of buildings, got our call and entered the place. There are a bunch of drinks to choose from and they are all pretty stiff! The bartenders are friendly and know how to make drinks. Nothing too special about the place besides you enter through a phone booth. Cool experience.
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Review from Leanne I.
New York, NY
1/4/2012
Place is cool. I love the whole speakeasy thing and that it is hard to get into. My sister, her bf and I went a couple Saturdays ago and it was okay. I called a bunch of times the Saturday of starting at three and finally got through and made a reservation for three. When we got there as we started to walk in some guy tried to sneak in after us but they caught him haha. We ordered our drinks and when they got there the waitress spilt them all over my sisters bf! I mean we all make mistakes so it was fun but she ran away and barely apologized because I think she was embarrassed but after I complained they gave us free shots. It is small and quiet which I like because you can actually have a conversation, plus the drinks are actually pretty good. I mean I wouldn't rate it the best bar in the world but it has character.
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Review from Shelby B.
Manhattan, NY
10/25/2011
The idea of this place is badass, but it's become so saturated in the mainstream knowledge that it's lost its speakeasy charm. Having said that, PDT is a completely novel adventure and I'd say it's worth experiencing once, but only once. We planned it for a night when we had tickets to see STOMP only a few blocks away and it was a wonderful date night. I do suggest that particular combo.
Called PDT at 3 PM when the lines opened to make a reservation. Literally hung-up and called again 50+ times, no exaggeration. Finally, got through around 3:12 and was able to make a reservation for 2 at 11PM that evening.
When we arrived at Crif Dogs at 11, there was an flood of overly-dressed people fumbling around to try to get into the speakeasy. I stepped in the phone booth and announced our arrival to the hostess only to find that our table wasn't ready yet. We had to wait around in Crif Dogs for a good 15 minutes, which wouldn't have been so irritating if bridge-and-tunnel people weren't pushing us out of the way to get into the phone booth. Finally we get called inside to see that it's practically empty. Yes, it's meant to be small and intimate but there were two giant booths that were literally empty - while all of this pandemonium was going out right outside the "secret" entrance.
Inside is a cute atmosphere but drinks at mad pricey. $15 for any cocktail, which wouldn't be terrible in this city except for the fact that they are all served in miniscule martini glasses. Having said that, The Paddington Absinthe cocktail was scrumptious. I thoroughly enjoyed every drop. My date ordered some smoky, bacon-infused whiskey cocktail which was so fowl that he sent it back. The pros of these tiny $15 drinks is that they are strong as hell, and for that the price is worth it.
Conclusion: If you can score a reservation and have a little extra cash, definitely check it out with some friends or with a lover. If you have to wait an hour+ to get inside this place, you're crazy. Don't believe the hype. -
Review from Lauren V.
Long Island, NY
12/6/2011
This was my first speakeasy and what's a better way to start than walking through a phone booth?
Drink-wise: I got the Rosemary Society. I'm not sure I would order any of their menu in a every-day bar (in fact, I know I wouldn't), but I went with this gin and herb-y lemon drink and it was supreme. On the first sip, it was just shock...my taste buds were overly confused and unable to identify any of the components. Once I gave up on that, it was good.... a perfect drink to sit and sip.
Food-wise: With Criff Dogs, couldn't they make their menu a little bigger? 3 hot dogs. One with kimchi....no thanks. One with anchovy butter...maybe. One with deep fried mayo...sold. I also got Torres tots (Spanish inspired chilli-cheese tatter-tots) which were okay, but super soggy. With 3 dogs, 1 burger, tots and fries on the menu.... I just ask for a little more variety (though I appreciate the secret upper class hotdogs on the inside).
As for the atmosphere, I can dig it. I'm into the wood-and-brick-stuffed-animal-darkness, but I'm a little disappointed I didn't want to sit there longer. Definitely a cool spot. Definitely worth a try. Not sure it's worth a second visit. -
Review from Alesia T.
Pleasanton, CA
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the speakeasy concept. Although it's located inside a nondescript building/hot dog joint with a secret phone booth/dial-in access, the drinks are phenomenal. For awhile I was griping about how New York City bars and clubs all seem to make watered down stuff, but Please Don't Tell begs to differ.
A fan of grapefruit and intrigued by the usage of eggs in my cocktails, I had the 6th street. Kind of reminded me of a flip, but it was grapfruity versus lemony/limy. Also, came with a red chili pepper on top which I regret eating. Turns out it really was JUST a garnish. Whoops. What I won't forget here though, is their old fashion. Made with a bacon infused bourban, it was the best old fashion I've ever had and I'm not even a spirits kind of girl. It just occurred to me good ones don't make you want to gag after all. Served with a legit cube of ice, perfectly carved, I was told they are custom made. And for some reason they don't melt like normal icecubes. I couldn't stop playing with mine. :)
You pay a little extra for a cocktail here, about 15 a drink, but it's made with so much TLC it's definitely worth it. I'd recommend this place to any friends planning to visit the big apple. *heart flutter* -
Review from Adam C.
10/31/2011
Not too much left to say about PDT. It has rightly attained a legendary spot in cocktail lore and is a must-visit if you care at all about cocktails. So instead of a regular review just a couple tips:
1. I wouldn't bother unless you have reservations or it's really an off-hour. It's just easier knowing you can come and not have to wait forever. I actually wish more places would do the reservation thing, at least for weekends.
2. Sitting at the bar is more fun than the booths. These are among the best bartenders in town and it's worth not only witnessing the artistry but also talking with people who are experts. It's also fun at the bar because you can see the little TV with the camera of the phone booth and can watch peoples' bewilderment as to how the phone booth thing works. Also absinthe drips are undeniably cool.
3. The PDT-specific hot dogs are awesome. Loved the Chang Dog.
4. Get the newly-released PDT book. It is a great resource and looks amazing. Kudos to Jim Meehan for sharing these ingenious recipes. -
Review from Manny J.
Manhattan, NY
1/2/2012
After a year of calling at 3pm on the spot I finally managed to get rsvp for 3 at PDT, I was entertaining a guest from out of town so the whole phone booth trap door was a nice touch to make me look like a guy in the know(which I'm clearly not)
things got crowded around the entrance 15mins before my reservation so we decided to get in line and once we were in line got to the trap door the hostess politely let us know we were 10mins early and that we need to come back at our rsvp time, ok cool my bad.
We got back in line did the whole phone booth process again, and it was kind of cool, once inside the bar it was very no-nonsense, looked like an old dive bar with a touch of hipster flare, the bar was packed, and all the tables seemed to be occupied, our waitress was AWESOME, she was very knowledgeable about the drinks and she even had a smile every time she came to our table!
YES A WAITRESS IN NY WITH A SMILE! :0
I couldn't believe it, being a guy from the south I really appreciate service with a smile.
The drinks were good, I don't remember their names had a few rounds maybe that's why I don't remember :)
You can definitely tell the bartenders take pride in the drinks, and they have a different taste to their drinks versus other speakeasy bars.
And most of all they are not stingy with the alcohol in their drinks!
Grades
Ambiance- C
Drinks- A-
Crowd- B-
Service- A+ -
Review from Ray Y.
10/10/2011
Such a cool experience! I stepped into the phone booth and was quite mesmerized when the wall next to me opened into a small room!
Drinks are at least $15 each. They're also on the strong side. My friend had a drink that was made with curry powder and actually had a chili pepper floating in it. It was amazing and something I have never seen before! I would recommend that drink.
We complimented our drinks with hot dogs and chili fries from Crif Dogs. The fries were devoured within 10 minutes. I had a bite of my friend's Kimchi dog, and it was delicious.
I would definitely come back again and bring my friends.
NOTE: RSVP phone lines open at 3pm.Listed in: Adventures in NYC
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