Recommendations

An elegant speakeasy, accessed through a secret '40s phone booth.

Guide: Hipster (Isabella)
Location: East Village

Strengths

• PDT-or Please Don't Tell-is a bar that's just as hidden as Milk and Honey, but doesn't take itself as seriously-i.e., the bartenders aren't sporting suspenders and men are actually allowed to start conversations with women.
• Jim Meehan, the head mixologist from Gramercy Tavern, is also behind PDT's drinks list. 'Nuff said.

Shortcomings

• Reservations are required for tables, and you can only make them day-of. Call at 3pm when the lines open.
• The phone booth is miniscule! If you've got a big party, split up and sneak in separately.

Insider tips

• These bartenders are true craftsmen, and their innovative cocktails are welll worth 12 bucks. The Border Cup is one of my favorites - it's got an unusual mix of Tanqueray gin, cilantro, lemon, jalepeno and cucumber.
• Get there early if you don't have a rezzie; even on a weeknight, the bar fills by 11pm.
• Can't find your favorite Crif dog on the bar menu? Ask and you shall receive.

Anecdotes

• I went to PDT on a date recently. The dim lighting set the perfect tone, and potent cocktails took the edge off. It all worked out well, but that's all I can share...