Please Don't Tell

Through a vintage phone booth inside an unassuming East Village hot dog shop, Please Don't Tell New York City transforms the ordinary into extraordinary, pioneering the modern speakeasy movement that has captivated cocktail connoisseurs worldwide since 2007.

Founded as the original architect of New York's speakeasy renaissance, Please Don't Tell emerged from the visionary mind of Jim Meehan, who sought to recreate Prohibition-era mystique with contemporary sophistication. This groundbreaking concept has earned prestigious recognition, including GQ's top ten bars in America and features on Anthony Bourdain's acclaimed series. Under current general manager Jeff Bell's stewardship, PDT has evolved into a global brand while maintaining its intimate, clandestine essence that inspired countless imitators across the cocktail landscape.

The mixology program at Please Don't Tell elevates craft cocktails to theatrical artistry, with signature creations that blur the lines between innovation and tradition. The legendary Benton's Old Fashioned showcases bacon-fat washing techniques that infuse smoky, maple complexity into the classic whiskey cocktail, while The Shark delivers unexpected sophistication through butter-infused rum and house-made ginger beer. The Mezcal Mule brings agave fire to the Moscow Mule template, creating a spicy revelation that exemplifies PDT's fearless approach to flavor exploration. Each cocktail represents premium craft positioning, with bartenders demonstrating meticulous attention to technique and ingredient quality that has influenced American cocktail culture for over a decade.

The experience begins with PDT's iconic entrance ritual—dialing the secret number from within Crif Dogs' wooden phone booth before stepping through the concealed door into another world. Inside, exposed brick walls, taxidermy accents, and a luminous backlit bar create intimate speakeasy atmosphere across 48 carefully arranged seats. The subdued lighting and vintage aesthetic encourage conversation between skilled bartenders and discerning guests, fostering the social energy that defines New York's finest cocktail lounges. Reservations remain essential, traditionally secured through the mysterious phone system that adds anticipation to every visit. Smart casual dress code maintains the sophisticated ambiance without intimidating newcomers to the craft cocktail scene.

Reserve your passage into cocktail history at Please Don't Tell, where the phone booth entrance remains as thrilling as the first sip of their revolutionary creations. This East Village institution continues defining luxury bar experiences through its perfect balance of secrecy, hospitality, and mixological excellence that established the template for modern speakeasy culture.