The Hot Dog Joint with a Secret
Tucked between neon-lit tattoo parlors and vintage shops on St. Marks Place, Crif Dogs looks like any other late-night NYC hot dog spot—until you spot the glowing red phone booth in the corner. This isn’t a relic of the pre-cellphone era. It’s the entrance to Please Don’t Tell (PDT), one of the city’s most inventive speakeasies, where craft cocktails and Prohibition-era mystique collide.
A Nod to the Roaring Twenties
Opened in 2007 by mixologist Jim Meehan, PDT pays homage to 1920s speakeasies but with a modern twist. The phone booth (inspired by Batman’s Batphone) connects to a host who slides open a hidden door into a cozy, wood-paneled den. Inside, taxidermy ducks wearing top hats stare down at patrons sipping cocktails like the “Benton’s Old Fashioned”—a smoky blend of bacon-infused bourbon, maple syrup, and orange bitters.
But PDT isn’t just about gimmicks. It’s a James Beard Award-winning bar with a menu curated by legends like Death & Co. alum John Deragon. The “Hush-Hush” section features off-menu gems like the “Breakfast Martini”, shaken with Earl Grey-infused gin and orange marmalade.
Why Locals Pair Cocktails with… Hot Dogs
The Crif Dogs front isn’t just a facade. PDT’s founders insisted the hot dog shop stay operational, creating a playful contrast between greasy-spoon fare and haute mixology. Regulars swear by the “Tsunami Dog” (teriyaki, pineapple, and scallions) as the perfect salty-sweet companion to a “Mezcal Mule”.
How to Snag a Seat
With only 24 stools, reservations are essential. Book exactly 30 days in advance at 9 AM via their website. If you miss out, try the bar’s “secret” walk-in policy: Arrive at opening (6 PM) on weekdays and ask for the “PDT Lottery”—they’ll text you if a spot opens.
Pro Tips from a PDT Regular
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Whisper the code: Tell the Crif Dogs cashier “I’m here for the hush-hush” for a knowing smirk (and faster service).
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Skip the classics: Let bartenders surprise you—they’ll craft a drink based on your mood. Recent hits include a “Smoked Cherry Negroni” with rosemary mist.
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Snap discreetly: Photos are allowed, but flash photography earns side-eye
Why PDT Still Matters
In a city flooded with speakeasy imitators, PDT remains a pioneer. It’s a time capsule of NYC’s cocktail renaissance, where every detail—from the pressed-tin ceiling to the vintage rotary phone—tells a story. As Meehan once said: “The best secrets are the ones worth sharing.”
Visitor Intel
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📍 Address: 113 St. Marks Pl (inside Crif Dogs)
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🕒 Hours: Sun-Wed 6 PM–2 AM, Thurs-Sat 6 PM–3 AM
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💸 Price: Cocktails 18–22, hot dogs 6–9
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🚇 Closest Subway: Astor Place (6 line)
Ready to Explore?
PDT isn’t just a bar—it’s a portal to NYC’s rebellious spirit. After one sip of bacon bourbon, you’ll understand why even Beyoncé reportedly sneaks in through the phone booth.
Next up: Uncover the rooftop farm growing 50,000 lbs of veggies above Brooklyn…
