Please Don't Tell (PDT)

A Hidden Gem in the East Village — Our Night at “Please Don’t Tell” 🥃

Tucked away in the heart of Manhattan’s East Village, Please Don’t Tell (PDT) isn’t just a bar - it’s an experience. This intimate speakeasy combines mystery, history, and mixology into one unforgettable night out. Jaedon and I recently made our second visit to this hidden spot, and just like the first time, it didn’t disappoint.

In a city overflowing with trendy cocktail bars and underground lounges, PDT NYC still stands out - not just because of its secretive entryway, but because of the quiet magic that happens once you’re inside. Whether you’re a longtime New Yorker or visiting for the first time, Please Don’t Tell is absolutely worth seeking out - just make sure you have a reservation.

It is a award-winning speakeasy in NYC so we have to keep in that mind to win the reservation war. It is one of the most famous and best hiiden cocktail bar in Manhattan.

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How to Get In: The Secret Entrance

One of the most iconic aspects of PDT is how you get in.

To enter, you walk into a seemingly ordinary hot dog shop called Crif Dogs, located at 113 St. Marks Place. At first glance, it feels like the last place you’d find a high-end cocktail bar — neon lights, retro booths, the smell of sizzling sausages in the air. But tucked to the side of the restaurant is a vintage phone booth.

Yes, a real phone booth.

You step inside, lift the receiver, and make a call. After a short pause, the wall of the phone booth opens from the inside, revealing a dimly-lit entrance into a completely different world.

This dramatic transformation from casual to refined is part of what makes PDT such a unique bar in New York City. The thrill of entering a secret space, hidden in plain sight, immediately sets the tone for the night.

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Quiet, Cozy, and Crowded (in a Good Way)

Since opening in 2007, Please Don’t Tell has become one of the most iconic speakeasies in New York City — and even the world. It was awarded the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2012, a rare honor that cemented its place in cocktail history. PDT helped spark the modern speakeasy trend in NYC, influencing countless hidden bars and mixology-focused lounges that followed. What started as a quirky bar behind a hot dog shop quickly became a benchmark for creativity and craft in the global cocktail scene.

Once you step through the hidden door, the ambiance changes completely. Please Don’t Tell is a small, cozy space with dim lighting, leather booths, dark wood finishes, and warm, ambient music that never overpowers the conversation.

Despite being small and often fully booked, it never feels chaotic or overwhelming. There’s a kind of hush in the room - not silence, but a reverent calm, as if everyone’s collectively savoring the experience.

It’s crowded, yes, but in a comforting way. There’s an intimacy here that’s hard to find at most East Village cocktail bars. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger over your drink and whisper about how cool it is that you’re even there.

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Reservations are a Must

Let’s be clear - PDT is not easy to get into without a reservation. While they do accept a few walk-ins, those are limited and often require long waits. If you’re planning a visit, booking in advance is highly recommended. They open up reservations a week in advance, and spots tend to fill quickly.

That said, the effort it takes to get a table is part of what makes the experience so special. It doesn’t feel like a bar you just happen upon - it feels like a secret you’ve been let in on.

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Our Cocktails: Sophisticated, Balanced, and Beautifully Crafted

One of the highlights of Please Don’t Tell is their thoughtfully curated cocktail menu, which changes seasonally and showcases both classic and inventive drinks.

His Order: The Old Fashioned - until the end

Jaedon is a man of tradition - he orders an Old Fashioned almost every time we go out. At PDT, it’s anything but basic. Their version of this timeless cocktail is smoky, bold, and deeply aromatic, with just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bourbon.

What sets it apart is the signature smoked flavor, which hits you the moment the glass reaches your nose. It’s not overpowering, but it lingers in a way that enhances the drink’s richness. For fans of smoky cocktails in NYC, this Old Fashioned might just be one of the best.

My Order: The Manhattan, The Shark & More

As someone who likes to explore the cocktail list, I tried several options during the night. First up was the Manhattan - a true classic, and one that Please Don’t Tell executed flawlessly. Smooth, spirit-forward, and expertly stirred, it reminded me why this drink has remained a staple for over a century.

I also ordered a playful cocktail called the Shark, which was both visually fun and surprisingly well-balanced. It leaned more tropical and fruity than my usual go-to’s, but it was a delightful contrast to the deeper, smokier profiles of the other drinks.

Across the board, the cocktails were well-balanced, precise, and clearly crafted by skilled mixologists. This is not the kind of place that rushes your order or overpowers drinks with sugar. Every sip feels considered and deliberate.

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Food from the Hot Dog Shop? Yes, Please

Here’s the twist that makes Please Don’t Tell even more special: the food is prepared by Crif Dogs, the hot dog joint through which you entered.

You’d think gourmet cocktails and fast food wouldn’t mix - but they do. Beautifully.

The real star is the Kimchi Hot Dog. It’s their most popular menu item for a reason. The tangy, spicy kick of the kimchi plays surprisingly well with the richness of the sausage.

It’s a small touch, but one that adds to the overall charm - a seamless fusion of high-end cocktails and casual East Village street food.

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Who Is This Place For?

If you’re someone who:

• Appreciates hidden speakeasies in NYC
• Loves creative, well-made cocktails
• Wants a quiet place for a romantic date night
• Enjoys a bit of mystery and surprise in your night out

…then Please Don’t Tell is absolutely worth checking out.

It’s not a place for large groups or loud celebrations. It’s intimate, stylish, and perfect for a more refined but still laid-back experience. Ideal for couples, small friend groups, or anyone who enjoys cocktail culture with a twist of intrigue.

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A Repeat-Worthy Speakeasy

This was our second visit to Please Don’t Tell, and if anything, it was even better than the first. There’s something timeless about this place - a kind of underground elegance that never feels forced or gimmicky.

From the secret phone booth entrance to the satisfying cocktails and unexpected food pairings, every detail feels intentional. It’s not just about the drinks - it’s about the atmosphere, the experience, and the sense of discovery.

In a city full of bars, PDT manages to feel like a secret you’re lucky to have found. And trust us, we’ll be coming back for a third visit soon.

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TL;DR: Please Don’t Tell NYC

• 📍 Hidden inside Crif Dogs on St. Marks Place, East Village
• ☎️ Enter through a vintage phone booth
• 🌭 Food comes from Crif Dogs — get the Kimchi Dog
• Quiet, cozy, and perfect for a date night
• Reservations highly recommended

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Next time you’re wandering around the East Village looking for a little adventure and a lot of flavor, step into the phone booth. You just might discover your new favorite NYC speakeasy.