The absolute best speakeasy set-up for a bar in Manhattan. While it's virtually impossible to get a table on a Friday or Saturday night without a reservation, that's not the case earlier in the week, particularly if you call at 3 PM the day of when their phone lines open for reservations.
I love coming to PDT, particularly on a weeknight when I have no trouble making a reservation and getting a cozy table right when I want it. To get in, walk down into Crif Dogs (and perhaps pause to admire their own menu...who knew a veggie hot dog with hummus could be so good?) and open the wooden phone booth just to the left of the entrance. If you have a reservation, just dial the number posted, and a hostess will open the (semi) secret door to let you in.
The space itself is small, basement-like, and very poorly lit, but it's just the right combination of classy and gritty, with dark wood ceilings and an interesting, diverse collection of taxidermy. The cocktail menu is long, expensive, incredibly creative, and changes seasonally, so take care to read through it all to find the drink that's calling your name. Look out for the drink that features their house ginger beer, which is superbly made right on the premises. And if you're dying for a snack, PDT serves a selection of Crif's creations to keep you feeling happy and full in a pretentiously low-key place.
All in all, PDT is an awesome place to take a friend or two (particularly if you want to impress out-of-towners) with a kind of atmosphere only found in Manhattan.
113 St. Marks Pl
New York, NY 10009
New York, NY 10009
