Iconic NYC hot dogs & tropical fruit drinks. Snappy franks, affordable prices, a true taste of the Big Apple.
A true New York institution, Gray's Papaya has been serving up iconic hot dogs since 1973. This beloved counter-service spot is celebrated for its snappy franks, famous neon-orange papaya drink, and incredibly affordable prices. Whether you grab the 'Recession Special' or a single dog with all the fixings, it's a quintessential and delicious taste of the city.
Gray's Papaya is renowned for its American-style hot dogs, consistently praised for their snappy texture and great value. The accompanying papaya drink is also a significant draw, often described as refreshing and unique. While overwhelmingly positive, a few dissenting opinions exist, with some finding the juice too sweet or the hot dogs themselves to be just 'okay' or even greasy.
"The classic combination of two hot dogs with preferred toppings (mustard, sauerkraut, onions) and a large papaya drink is highly recommended. Their breakfast special, featuring a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich with coffee, is also noted as an exceptional value."
Customers overwhelmingly praise Gray's Papaya for its classic, delicious hot dogs and refreshing papaya drink, often highlighting its affordability and iconic status in NYC.
Important Note
Some users have noted that while the papaya drink can be a bit too sweet for some palates, the hot dogs themselves are generally well-regarded. The establishment is also primarily take-out and does not offer seating or restrooms.
"This user stated they had a negative experience at Gray's Papaya, finding the hot dogs greasy and the buns stale."
Negative"This user simply recommended Gray's Papaya."
Positive"This user seconded the recommendation for Gray's Papaya, stating it's simple but good."
Positive"This user recommended Papaya King on the east side."
Positive"This user recommended Gray's Papaya as a hot dog spot."
Positive"Gray's Papaya is suggested as another solid option for a first beef experience, offering a perfectly executed but not overly large item."
Positive"This user recommended the classic Gray's Papaya dog as a top choice for hot dogs."
Positive"This user recommended Gray's Papaya for hot dogs."
Positive"This user recommended Gray's Papaya for their great hot dogs."
Positive"In response to a user wanting to make hot dogs at home, this user recommended Gray's Papaya or a kosher hot dog from Sarge's or Katz's deli, suggesting to save Sabrett for home preparation."
Positive"A user linked to a previous discussion about Sabrett hot dogs and recommended Gray's Papaya."
Positive"This commenter states there's no beating Gray's Papaya at 72nd and Broadway for hot dogs, recommending the 'recession special' (2 dogs and a fruit drink)."
Positive"This commenter states there's no beating Gray's Papaya at 72nd and Broadway for hot dogs, recommending the 'recession special' (2 dogs and a fruit drink)."
Positive"The user found the hot dogs at Grays Papaya to be a 'thing of wonder,' noting the taste of 'love and fresh dill' in the relish, and found the papaya juice refreshing."
Positive"This comment suggests focusing only on Katz Delicatessen and Gray's Papaya for the food tour, implying the other options are less worthwhile."
Neutral"The commenter notes that while Katz's hot dogs might be better, a part of Gray's Papaya's appeal is the experience, especially late at night, and the accompanying drink."
Neutral"This commenter suggests that Katz's Delicatessen has better hot dogs than Gray's Papaya."
Negative"This user clarifies that Gray's Papaya is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan."
Neutral"The user expresses surprise at the low price of $2.75 for a BEC on a roll at Gray's Papaya, noting it's much cheaper than in Manhattan, and plans to check it out."
Positive"Gray's Papaya is suggested for its classic hotdogs and a great breakfast deal: a BEC (Bacon, Egg, and Cheese) on a roll for $2.75."
Positive
