Please, Don't Tell

PDT (short for Please Don't Tell) is one such well-hidden gem. Although the address is on St. Marks Place (in the East Village), no matter how carefully you search, you won't find its front door. You enter through a hot dog joint – Crif Dogs – under an eye-catching wiener-shaped sign with "eat me" mustard-scrawled on it. Discreetly step inside a vintage telephone booth, follow instructions posted on the wall, then dial number 1 (one) on a rotary phone to reach the hostess.

Taste one of the most famous drinks

A cool, intimate, cocktail lounge, PDT seats 45 patrons – no stands allowed – at an elegantly appointed rectangular gar and four oval booths.

Known for its innovative and unexpected cocktails. One of its most famous drinks is the Benton's Old Fashioned, a deceptively simple drink made from bourbon infused with bacon from famed producer Allan Benton, a bit of maple syrup, and little else. Click here to see how to learn how to prepare it with Don Lee, the drink's inventor.

Tips for snacks

If you crave a snack, order a Crif Dogs frankfurter with unexpected toppings like avocado, cream cheese, jalapenos, chili, bacon, pineapple, peanut butter. Add a side dish of waffle fries or ever-popular tater tots. Food is delivered via a small pass-thru at the mirrored back bar.

When get there

To ensure a warm welcome (and covered seats), call ahead. Reservations are same-day only – the phone line is open from 3pm until they're fully booked. Weekend walk-ins should expect a lengthy wait: the hostess takes your name, then calls your mobile when seats become available. If you don't like to wait, get there at 6pm on a weekday night when it's usually less busy.
Cheers!

How to get there & Good to Know