Home News Two

7 Unforgettable Secrets Of Please Don't Tell (PDT) New York: The Ultimate Speakeasy Experience

• minute read
Contents
For over a decade, Please Don't Tell (PDT) has remained the gold standard for speakeasy bars, not just in New York City but globally, continuing its reign as the most sought-after hidden gem in the East Village as of December 2025. This award-winning cocktail bar, tucked away behind a vintage phone booth, offers an intimate and inventive experience that transcends the novelty of its secret entrance. While many imitators have come and gone, PDT, located at 113 St Marks Pl, maintains its status as an essential pilgrimage for cocktail enthusiasts, constantly evolving its menu and atmosphere to stay fresh and relevant in the competitive Manhattan nightlife scene. The true magic of PDT lies in its commitment to the speakeasy tradition, combining a mysterious, exclusive atmosphere with world-class mixology and an unexpectedly delicious food menu. Navigating the process of getting in, from securing a coveted reservation to finding the hidden entrance, is part of the fun, making the first sip of a signature cocktail all the more rewarding.

The Essential Guide to Please Don't Tell (PDT)

Before diving into the secrets, here is a quick overview of the iconic speakeasy:
  • Full Name: Please Don't Tell (PDT)
  • Type: Speakeasy-Style Cocktail Bar
  • Location: 113 St Marks Pl, East Village, Manhattan, New York City, NY 10009
  • Entrance: Inside Crif Dogs, through a vintage phone booth.
  • Opening Year: 2007
  • Founders: Jim Meehan and Brian Shebester (Original)
  • Signature Feature: The "secret" phone booth entrance and the collaboration with Crif Dogs.
  • Accolades: Multiple awards, often cited as a pioneer of the modern speakeasy movement and the New York cocktail renaissance.

The Seven Unforgettable Secrets of the PDT Experience

The allure of PDT isn't just its hidden door; it's a combination of meticulous design, innovative drinks, and a unique partnership that sets it apart from every other speakeasy in New York.

1. The Iconic Crif Dogs Phone Booth Entrance

The most famous secret is, ironically, the front door. To enter PDT, you must first walk into Crif Dogs, a casual, beloved East Village hot dog joint. Look for the vintage wooden phone booth on the left wall. Instead of dropping a dime, you step inside and dial a single digit (often '1'). A host will answer on the other side, and the back wall of the phone booth will swing inward to reveal the intimate, dimly lit speakeasy. This theatrical entry instantly transports you to a different era and remains the bar's most defining feature.

2. The Gourmet Hot Dog and Cocktail Pairing

Unlike many upscale cocktail bars, PDT embraces a gourmet junk food menu that is as famous as its drinks. The partnership with Crif Dogs allows the speakeasy to serve their all-beef, deep-fried hot dogs. These aren't your average street dogs; they are elevated with unique toppings, creating the perfect late-night bar snack. The menu features signature dogs like the Chihuahua Dog (wrapped in bacon, topped with avocado and sour cream) and the Wylie Dog (a collaboration with a famous chef). This inventive pairing of high-end craft cocktails and high-low comfort food is a key part of the PDT experience.

3. Mastering the Reservation System (The Golden Ticket)

Getting a table at PDT is notoriously difficult, making the reservation process a secret challenge in itself. The bar is small, intimate, and highly sought-after. To secure a spot, you must call the bar's direct line exactly at 3:00 PM on the day you wish to visit. This is a crucial piece of current information for visitors in 2025. The phone line is often busy, so persistence is key. Walk-ins are possible, but rare, and you must be prepared to wait for a potentially long time in the Crif Dogs area. Planning ahead is the only reliable way to guarantee entry into this iconic hidden speakeasy.

4. The Inventive, Award-Winning Cocktail Menu

PDT is a pioneer of the New York cocktail renaissance, known for its meticulously crafted and inventive drinks. While they serve classics, the menu shines with unique creations and playful twists. The bartenders are world-class mixologists, and the atmosphere encourages a quiet appreciation of their craft. Key entities on their menu often include seasonal ingredients and high-quality spirits. Be sure to ask about their rotating seasonal specials for the freshest experience. The commitment to quality over trend is why the bar has maintained its global recognition.

5. The Time-Capsule Design and Atmosphere

Stepping out of the phone booth, you enter a space that feels like a genuine, preserved relic of the Prohibition era. The design is intentional and contributes heavily to the topical authority of the speakeasy theme. The interior features a pressed-tin ceiling, dark wood paneling, taxidermy animals, and plush leather seating. It's intimate, dimly lit, and hushed, forcing patrons to speak quietly and enhancing the feeling of being in a true secret society. This focus on every detail—from the lighting to the antique barware—is what makes PDT a "time capsule" of NYC's rich cocktail history.

6. The Global Influence and Recent Pop-Ups

PDT's influence extends far beyond the East Village. It is a globally recognised speakeasy that has inspired similar bars worldwide. In recent years, PDT has shown its adaptability, especially after the challenges of 2020, by engaging in unique ventures. One notable project was a pop-up location on the 86th floor of one of New York's most famous buildings, offering a completely new perspective on the hidden bar concept. These fresh updates and collaborations keep the brand vibrant and ensure it remains a topic of conversation in the NYC nightlife scene.

7. It's an Institution, Not Just a Bar

Since its opening in 2007, PDT has transcended the label of a mere bar. It is a New York institution, a piece of living history that continues to shape the city's drinking culture. It is consistently ranked among the best cocktail bars in the world and is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly authentic New York speakeasy experience. The enduring popularity of PDT is a testament to its seamless blend of mystery, high-quality mixology, and a distinctly New York sense of humor—the hot dog joint entrance. The East Village speakeasy remains a benchmark for all others.

The Please Don't Tell experience is a quintessential New York adventure, a blend of exclusivity and playful secrecy. From the moment you pick up the old-school receiver in the phone booth to the last sip of your inventive cocktail, you are participating in a piece of modern Manhattan history. It’s a bar that truly lives up to its name, demanding a level of discretion that only enhances the thrill of the visit. Remember to call at 3 PM, be polite to the host, and most importantly: keep the secret.

7 Unforgettable Secrets of Please Don't Tell (PDT) New York: The Ultimate Speakeasy Experience
new york please don't tell
new york please don't tell

Detail Author:

  • Name : Layla Jakubowski
  • Username : brisa11
  • Email : francesco.volkman@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1971-02-02
  • Address : 62182 Zackary Forges Suite 091 Albaburgh, IA 92629-5756
  • Phone : (541) 593-8905
  • Company : Muller-Collier
  • Job : Command Control Center Officer
  • Bio : Iusto aperiam asperiores a sint fugit molestiae. Placeat explicabo enim aliquam qui fugit. Voluptates quis sint tenetur neque at repudiandae. Dolorem natus aperiam officiis nisi et.

Socials

linkedin:

tiktok:

Random Posts