Three things at the top of my “lust list” –
A Speakeasy.
Bourbon.
Bacon.
Benton’s Old Fashioned with bacon infused bourbon for the win!
Yes, Please Don’t Tell can at times have an excessively long wait to get it, and waiting on that line to get into the phone booth for the not-so-secret-anymore entrance is still a bit of a goofy thrill in a “Get Smart” agent kind of way. I always thought it was both funny and ingenious to hide a speakeasy connected to a terrific hot dog joint such as Crif Dogs. You wait. You get hungry. You eat. Yes, I have ended up eating a few bacon wrapped dogs while waiting to get in and get my drink on!
When you finally get in you actually enter a very low key dimly lit bar with a pretty nice staff. I lucked out recently as I was on my own for a night and bypassed the line waiting to get in for a single seat at the bar. Just perfect as I had a spot to check out the action and there was a menacing looking stuffed bear with claws sticking out right above me. With all the stuffed animals around PDT is a taxidermist’s delight! Low ceilings, dim lighting, brick walls, some booths and a few tables, attentive bartender, and a mix of classic rock and hipster type music playing. It’s a very chill and laid back atmosphere here.
Looking over the PDT drink menu all cocktails are $15. Ouch! But kind of expected. It’s the kind of spot to go for a quality cocktail to sip and relax, maybe bring a date, and definitely to bring “out of towners” to show off a bit. They only take a few reservations at 3pm sharp by phone but it’s almost impossible to get one. Better off going there during an early off hour to garner a table or spot at the bar. A good thing is that you don’t feel rushed here as it’s first come first served basically, and those on line have to wait it out.
My drink of choice during my last visit? The Benton’s Old Fashioned with bacon infused bourbon. I love bourbon. I love bacon and it goes with everything! Bacon infused bourbon, maple syrup, bitters. Damn, that’s a good drink. Bacon, bacon, bacon!
Is PDT over hyped at this point? For sure! Yet, it’s still one of the more amusing speakeasies to experience. Go at least once and bring a friend or a date. Have a few drinks along with some gourmet hot dogs and tater tots which you can order from Crif Dogs next door to eat at the bar. Kick back to enjoy the kitschy vibe that PDT emanates, and leave through the phone booth with a knowing nod to those waiting on line.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/please-dont-tell-new-york-2?sort_by=date_desc
again…400 pounds…and your liver, think of your poor liver…and cholesterol…but, I wanna go there when I come to NY!
UP
Hey UP!
I appreciate your concern for my well being. I also gave up my liver years ago. Some research scientist has it in a glass jar studying it!
Very cool… I wonder what the phone booth is all about??
Hey Emily!
It’s a cool little hidden bar. You enter through the phone booth. Think of the old Get Smart show. It’s cheesy but fun.
Sounds like a really cool place to hang out. I don’t drink bourbon, but bacon and bourbon does sound enticing. Thanks for the tip.
Hey Lauren!
If ever there just tell the bartender what you crave and they will mix up something for you. Get a bacon wrapped dog and enjoy!
Thought you might enjoy this pic
uggh wouldn’t let me put it here so sent it to you via twitter
Hey Lady!
Loved the pic and it was so true! Bacon is meat candy!
Phil, you never disappoint… bacon infused bourbon…. take care and stay thirsty, my friend.
Hey Clay!
I do my best to please! As the most interesting man in my apartment I stay thirsty.
Animal heads on the wall freak me out, however that cutie pie behind the bar could leave me asking “what deer?”… I also would love the dim lights. Sounds like a very cool place indeed.
Hey Lisa!
So, you would drool over the bartenders, eh? It’s another cool spot in NYC to drink, and maybe hit on a bartender or two.
Bacon infused bourbon AND bacon wrapped dogs?! I’m on it! Sounds like a really cool place!
Hey Tree!
I’m sure you would dig this place! Bacon and bourbon. Oh yes!
Bacon and bourbon – now there’s something worth trying.
Hey Lanthie!
Bacon and bourbon are tow of my favorites! Always worth the damage to the body!
That bourbon drink sounds different, but I’m sure it was very nice. I like the UP’s comment above. You’re only harming yourself when you eat and drink like this mate. Think of all the added weight you’ll put on, ha ha ha. It’s always better to share your food and beverages with someone like me. An all expenses paid invite with accommodation would be great. I’m getting ready right now. Just order me a couple of the hot dogs, I won’t be long 🙂
Hey Rum Punch!
Bwahahahaha! Hope all is well with you. I’ll save a seat for you at the bar. Good to see my friends looking out for my well being!
Looks like a cool place, but I don’t know if I can picture myself spending that much for a drink. And with drinks that expensive their food consists of hotdogs and tater tots? Wow. They’d better be damned good.
Hey Kitt!
It is more expensive here as we all know. The price for pleasure in NYC! The hot dog place is next door, so we can always just hit it up for a few PBR’s, dogs, and tots. I’m easy.
Phil, Used to love Chumley’s before it collapsed.
Hey John!
I never had a chance to go to Chumley’s. I’m sure I would have loved it. I did hear that it did collapse but they have rebuilt it and are trying to reopen soon! Just waiting on all the political red tape and license approvals.
I still have never been. Need to check that off my NYC list.
Hey Jill!
Go check it out one day. Go before dinner time as it’s not as crowded and the line won’t be as long. Grab a few hot dogs and tots too. Good stuff!
You had me at bacon and the bourbon made it better 🙂 It sounds like a place my husband and I could both agree on!
Hey Ann!
If you like bacon, if you like bourbon, hot dogs, tater tots, a good cocktail, then this is another guilty pleasure!
Thanks for the peak into this place! Been wanting to check it out for a while now, just cause I LOVE the idea of the secret entrance…the $15 cocktails, on the other hand…;-)
Hey Jess!
Yeah, the prices are high as with every speakeasy in the city, but it’s worth a visit! The entrance is a trip!
This definitely sounds like a one-cocktail-only bar at $15 a pop, but still, I’d love to give it a shot! Hubby would definitely be into the bourbon and bacon 🙂
Hey Tracy!
As you know, there are so many terrific speakeasy type spots around NYC. All of them seem to be a bit pricey so it is something as a once in a while treat!
Looks awesome — I’ve been meaning to go here for soooo long, especially since it’s close to where I live! Have you had any other drinks here? Like wine or beer? Would love to hear more recommendations! 🙂
foodcomalogs.blogspot.com
Hey Christine!
Thanks so much for dropping by my blog and commenting!
There are many speakeasies in the city and this is one of them. It’s worth a visit. I have only had a few cocktails there, and would never ever order beer or wine in a speakeasy! Gotta go for a quality libation.
Hope you follow my blog and sign up for email alerts. I’ll check out yours too.