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PDT (Please Don't Tell)

Speakeasy and Cocktail Bar$$$$

East Village, New York

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8.3^/10

1,387

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Ranked #4 for cocktails in the East Village
This speakeasy is famous for their Old Fashioneds. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"telephone booth in the subterranean late-night spot Crif Dogs"(46 Tips)
"Get cozy in the phone booth & try the bacon infused old fashioned."(40 Tips)
"the Benton's Old-Fashioned and the Chang Dog pair perfectly!"(13 Tips)
"Get the Mezcal Mule and 2 Poc dog - perfect combination"(11 Tips)

431 Tips and reviews

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EaterMay 22, 2017
Dev takes Priya on a second date to PDT, the through-the-phone-booth speakeasy inside Crif Dogs in the East Village. They have an awkward conversation about flat versus sparkling water. [Episode 5] Read more
AFAR MediaAugust 12, 2014
To make reservations, call 212-614-0386, or if you're feeling lucky, walk into Crif Dogs, enter the phone booth, and hit pound on the keypad to leave your name on that night's wait list. Read more
Ira BNovember 24, 2014
One of the must-visit hidden spots in the city. The best part about this place (besides the decor) is that you can order menu items from crif dogs next door! Make your trip into a full on dinner date!
Julie SosciaJanuary 27, 2019
One of the more popular speakeasy's in NYC. Get there early if you don't have a reservation in order to get on the list. Enter through the phone booth at Crif Dogs.
Emre Berge ErgenekonFebruary 25, 2017
Been here 5+ times
More than 3? Don't even try drop in, you need to reserve for larger groups! Make sure every one of your friends call at the same time at 3pm to reserve. They only have one line, and no phone queue.
Gaia BennettJune 8, 2015
Quiet, dark, private atmosphere. Good, strong cocktails. Our favorite was Benton's Old Fashioned. I regretted going after dinner because I was too full to enjoy the complimentary hot dogs we received.
Sacha SJuly 14, 2017
It isn't a secret anymore and some locals would never go there again because it's become well known, but that doesn't change the fact that the cocktails are amazing! Try the bacon infused old fashion.
David ZhangJune 4, 2017
Been here 10+ times
All the drinks are great so just tell them what you like and listen to their suggestions. The only thing you HAVE to order are the 2pac dogs.
Adrian PhillipsMay 14, 2016
Although the Mezcal Mule & Smokin' Aces were delicious. The Valle Verde was my spicy, smoky tequila drink of choice for the evening. Get some tater tots & a Chang Dog if you're hungry.
Alexandria McGrathJune 26, 2018
First-timers should try the Beton's Old Fashioned which is made with Four Roses Yellow Bourbon that's infused with fat from Benton's Smoky Mountain Hams, plus bitters, maple syrup, and an orange twist
Ranu RajkarnikarDecember 2, 2014
Worth it. Snag a res and enter through Crif Dogs. You've gotta admit, the phone booth is still pretty cool. Amazing unique drinks, and order some tots while you're at it.
Alexis BendjouiaOctober 23, 2014
Small bar, prime mixology. Wait ranges from 1-3 hours so go at a good time or call ahead. Enter through criff dogs. Mezcal mule is great.
Gabriel HayesMay 22, 2015
Amazing cocktails. Particularly enjoy the Smuggler's Cove (made with Cutty Shark Prohibition Edition Scotch Whisky, Lemon Juice, Guava Purée, Cilantro & Jalapeño)
AFAR MediaMay 4, 2015
It can be difficult to snag a seat, but the wait is worth it, especially for their signature cocktails, like the "Staggerac," a strong Sazerac made with 140-proof bourbon and absinthe. Read more
Simon KratzerJanuary 15, 2017
Unique experience. Call at 3pm for reservations.
kayla bAugust 12, 2019
Great cocktails and the perfect place to catch up with friends since the music is low and the general noise its quiet enough that you can talk without shouting. Tater tots were delicious.
Zach MaierFebruary 14, 2012
It's off menu now, but order the Bacon Flip. Made with bacon infused bourbon, grade b maple syrup, and a whole egg. Amazing. (And if it's not available, try the Bacon Old Fashioned. Also amazing.)
MASHA D.April 7, 2015
A fun drinking experience..amazing drinks and fabulous bartender! I didn't know what to order so i told him i like whisky sour with egg white and he made 3 different up that were absolutely delicious!
Jacob BriarsNovember 16, 2014
Been here 25+ times
One of the best bars in the world. Try the neo-Tiki classic 'Shark' cocktail or a perfectly executed classic cocktail. And have a hot dog, it's the perfect mix of hi brow/low brow. Ask for Jeff!
Christine HaFebruary 27, 2016
Rezzes open at 3pm for that evening. Enter through phone booth in hot dog shop, dial 1. Lots of tater tots + cheese dip $6. Interesting cocktails but mind unblown. 🍸🍹
Thomas EllisMay 3, 2014
To get to PDT, walk down the four steps into Crif Dogs. Along the dive's left wall, you'll find a wooden phone booth. Enter the camera-installed booth, pick up the phone and press a button.
momofukuJanuary 31, 2012
you might of guessed, but we really like the chang dog, complete with momfuku kimchi. pair it with their bacon infused old-fashioned, made with benton’s pork.
Andrew DollDecember 31, 2014
Been here 5+ times
A modern NYC classic! With a seasonally rotating cocktail menu of about 20 drinks, there's always something interesting! If not, bartenders are knowledgeable and talented, so will be very helpful!
Grace YoonJune 15, 2018
I'm a shameless sucker for Mezcal, but the Mezcal Mule is to die for. Just a heads up that even at 7pm on a Thur night there's still an hour wait for a party of two... But it's worth the wait ✨
Julie SosciaAugust 1, 2018
Stop by early if you don't have a reservation in order to get on the reservation list. There are a lot of great bars and casual restaurants in the area, so it will make waiting fly by quickly.
Simran DassFebruary 6, 2023
This place was actually hard to find which added to its charm - super cute vibes with cool drinks. Great spot in general & I would come back
Eliza KNovember 8, 2013
1) Pop your head in to make a reservation 2) Walk around the village till they call you 3) Order delicious cocktails and specialty hot dogs 4) No hats allowed. Seriously. 5) Enjoy
Scott WMarch 4, 2016
No reservation? Get there early & grab a Crif dog to keep you happy for your roughly 30 minutes wait. But DON'T let that deter you. Great staff and the bacon & Maple old fashioned was amazing.
Bradley KayFebruary 19, 2017
Great bar, but overcrowded. Come on a weeknight, and early. David Chang dog and the tater tot variations are the best food to order (not available at Crif Dogs next door)
Matías SalvadorNovember 20, 2014
Great place! Lovely speakeasy bar, the service is the best, something uncommon in this kind of selective hiddenplaces. Will definitely return.
Stribling & AssociatesFebruary 16, 2012
Inside Crif Dogs, enter the old-fashioned phone booth, pick up the phone, & press the buzzer once. A voice answers and, if approved, the wall opens to let you into one of the most hidden bars in NYC.
New York HabitatNovember 17, 2011
Despite the name, sorry, we've told and so have many others. Enter through the phone booth and go back in time to a prohibition era speakeasy. Sit at the bar if you can, the bartenders are great.
Lisa WFebruary 20, 2013
Get there early, put name/number in, promptly come back when you are called that your table is ready. Get a craft cocktail (the waiter had great suggestions), get the Mission Chinese hot dog. Perfect.
Loren JudahJanuary 5, 2016
A landmark in the modern cocktail revival scene. PDT is an experience you should have. Get here right when they open and give the Benton's Old Fashioned a shot. You'll like it.
emeFebruary 5, 2015
Has really blown up; usually really crowded now. Put your name down, go for a drink somewhere else and wait for the call back. The select dogs available here + honey cocktails make it worth it.
Karen VanettaJanuary 23, 2014
Easily top 5 best cocktails bars in NY. Charmingly rustic. Go for the Mezcal Mule. Try the 2Pok Crif Dog with Pok Pok wing sauce (hold the cilantro though).
John DuarteFebruary 26, 2015
I have desired this place forever! I own the book and am a cocktail fiend. I was impressed with the service and the space. Cocktail was good. I expected great.
DinaApril 24, 2014
Still hard to get in, still amazing. Bacon old fashioned is fantastic. Bartenders can make any drink on request. Though it got touristy the space is intimate, dark and sexy.
Men's Health MagAugust 3, 2014
People will come once for a fun gimmick—the hidden entrance inside a phone booth. They'll return for the city's best bartender, Jim Meehan—and the hot dogs topped with fried mayonnaise. Read more
Stephanie ZhongOctober 29, 2014
I only come to PDT if I'm taking a visiting friend out for a quintessential NYC speakeasy experience. Entrance hidden in an underground phone booth inside a burger joint. Often VERY touristy..be aware
Zii HammadApril 3, 2015
Was completely miserable waiting in line, but it was worth it. Quiet, well lit, and comfortable inside. 2nd round of drinks we ordered was on point! Not a casual outing, but a good one for two drinks.
EaterMay 28, 2014
Even though the acronym means “Please Don’t Tell,” word’s been out about modern speakeasy PDT for quite some time now. Momofuku bar director John deBary got his bartending start here. Read more
Michelle WilesMay 31, 2017
Moscow mule comes with candied ginger (best part obvi). The matcha one has tropical vibes which is unique for a matcha drink. I was into it.
Payman BahmaniNovember 17, 2012
Been here 100+ times
Get the WMF while it's still on the menu. It stands for Whisky Mango Foxtrot. The combo of Japanese Whisky, sherry, beer syrup, and mango vinegar will make you think wtf?!
David RiveraFebruary 7, 2016
Been here 5+ times
AWESOME spot. Super hard to get into. A bit touristy sometimes. The bartenders are AMAZING (Luis & Vic). Great tater tots and hot dogs too.
The Corcoran GroupNovember 17, 2011
You enter this speakeasy through a phone booth at the back of Crif Dogs. Once you do, you’ll enjoy amazingly made cocktails – try the Staggerac or an Old Fashioned. Reservations are required!
Staff PicksDecember 6, 2016
PDT (Please Don't Tell) was one of the more wished for places throughout 2015’s I Want Somewhere holiday campaign. Where’s your somewhere? Enter to win a bucket list experience. Read more
SIXTY HotelsMarch 26, 2014
Pass through the secret phone booth inside Crif Dogs and into PDT, where you can sip on some of the city’s best cocktails amongst the company of taxidermied animals, naturally. #SIXTYimbibes
Time Out New YorkJuly 18, 2018
This tangy frank is balanced by coriander-scented sauerkraut, mustard greens and piccalilli (an English-style relish). Read more
Tabitha JohnsonAugust 10, 2016
Really fun experience. Go in smaller groups so you can sit at the bar and watch the mixologist.

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PDT (Please Don't Tell)

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