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GRAY'S PAPAYA 72 BROADWAY

Last Updated: 3 days ago

Phone: (212) 799-0243

Address: 2080 BROADWAY 10023

TLDR

Iconic NYC hot dogs and famous papaya drinks.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 47 Reddit comments)

66% Positive23% Neutral11% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 22fast food 3hot dogs 23hot dog 15hotdog 3View All

Neighborhoods

Upper West Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary
Summary

Details

Gray's Papaya stands as a quintessential New York City institution, celebrated for its exceptionally good and affordable hot dogs. It's a go-to spot for a quick, classic New York snack, often paired with their famous papaya drink. This beloved eatery is considered a must-try for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of the city.

Food Overview

Gray's Papaya is primarily known for its hot dogs, which many consider to be among the best in the city. The papaya drink is also frequently recommended to go with the hot dogs. While most feedback is positive, one commenter found the hot dog to be the 'worst' they've ever had, and another suggested that street carts might offer similar quality for a lower price.

Highlights / Recommended

"The classic combination of two hot dogs paired with their famous papaya drink is highly recommended."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • hot dogs(3)
  • papaya drink(2)
  • hot dog(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers have a generally positive view of Gray's Papaya, with many considering it an iconic New York institution and a great spot for affordable hot dogs. Some users specifically praise the papaya drink as a perfect accompaniment.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This user considers Gray's Papaya their favorite among reviewed hot dog spots, praising the balance of toppings and the snappy dog. They recommend avoiding weekends due to crowds but note that lines move quickly otherwise.
Multiple commenters agree that Gray's Papaya is the standard for hot dogs in NYC, with one calling it 'the answer.' They are considered unbeatable and the gold standard.
A commenter recommended Gray's Papaya for hot dogs, suggesting it's a traditional New York choice for this classic street food.
In addition to hot dogs, a user specifically praised the papaya drink at Gray's Papaya, calling it exceptionally good.
This recommendation highlights Gray's Papaya as a great spot for both hot dogs and their famous papaya juice.
A user fondly recalls Gray's Papaya as a popular late-night spot for club-goers in the 90s and early 2000s, maintaining its appeal even when slightly inebriated.
The breakfast special at Gray's Papaya, a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich with coffee, is highlighted as an excellent value at only $3.
While noted as no longer being as cheap, Gray's Papaya's classic combination of two hot dogs and a papaya drink is still considered satisfying.

Recent Mentions

From post: Im Staying At The Arthouse In The Uws Im

"Grays Papaya is mentioned as a place for hot dogs."

Neutral
Aug 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: 5 Days In Nyc Tell Me What Im Missing

"This user recommends Gray's Papaya, noting it's as much for the papaya juice as for the hot dogs."

Positive
Aug 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nycany Good Meals Under 10

"Gray's Papaya's breakfast special, which includes a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich with coffee, is highlighted as a great deal for $3."

Positive
Aug 2, 2025View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nycany Good Meals Under 10

"Gray's Papaya is listed as a place to consider for cheap eats in NYC."

Positive
Aug 2, 2025View Comment →

From post: Short Food Visit Help Please

"The commenter stated that Gray's Papaya was the worst meal they had in NYC."

Negative
Jul 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Short Food Visit Help Please

"The commenter advises skipping Gray's Papaya."

Negative
Jul 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Short Food Visit Help Please

"The commenter suggests that hot dog carts near museums like the Natural History Museum or specific carts like Billy's Hot Dog Cart on Central Park West might be better options than Gray's Papaya."

Negative
Jul 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Eat After Going To The American Museum

"Gray's Papaya is listed as one of the commenter's top ten most frequented spots in the area."

Positive
Jul 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Uws Musttry Quick Bites

"Grays Papaya was listed as a favorite spot for quick bites on the Upper West Side."

Neutral
Jul 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: Uws Musttry Quick Bites

"Grays Papaya was mentioned as a place for quick bites. Although no longer cheap, the classic combination of 2 hot dogs and a papaya drink was noted as always satisfying."

Neutral
Jul 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Are The Most Touristy Restaurants Bakeries

"The commenter lists Gray's Papaya among several places, noting that not all are bad but some are overhyped."

Neutral
Jul 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: My 2week Nyc List Thoughts

"Gray's Papaya is noted as being convenient and cheap but culinarily unremarkable, suggesting street carts offer similar quality."

Neutral
Jul 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: 4th Of July In New York Where To Get A Good Hot

"A nostalgic comment suggesting Nathan's used to offer a wider variety of condiments like sauerkraut and onions."

Neutral
Jul 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: 4th Of July In New York Where To Get A Good Hot

"Gray's Papaya is described as 'the answer'."

Positive
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: 4th Of July In New York Where To Get A Good Hot

"Nathan's hot dogs are seen as distinct, often pushing chili cheese dogs and lacking traditional sauerkraut and Sabrett-style onions."

Negative
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: 4th Of July In New York Where To Get A Good Hot

"Gray's Papaya is considered the gold standard for hot dogs, with a mention that the original Nathan's is good but not worth a special trip."

Positive
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recent Hot Dogs Grays Papaya Papaya King Papaya

"The author confirmed that Dog Day Afternoon does indeed use the distinctive radioactive relish for their Chicago-style hot dogs."

Positive
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recent Hot Dogs Grays Papaya Papaya King Papaya

"Gray's Papaya was a popular late-night spot for club-goers in the 90s and early 2000s, offering an enjoyable experience even for those slightly inebriated."

Positive
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recent Hot Dogs Grays Papaya Papaya King Papaya

"The author enjoyed the bratwurst and currywurst at Schaller's Stube, wishing brats were as common as hot dogs in NYC."

Positive
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recent Hot Dogs Grays Papaya Papaya King Papaya

"Gray's Papaya is considered an elite establishment and a treasure of the Upper West Side."

Positive
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →