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Gray's Papaya

3.8 (1.7k reviews)
Open • 8:00 am - 11:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago
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GRAY'S PAPAYA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Gray's Papaya

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Chili dog
Danny C.

Was not impressed here at all. The hotdog does not stand out and frankly was bottom of the barrel from dogs I've had in past. The service was non existent other than a quick transaction exchange that seemed to bother that your there and making them work. Simple chile and cheese and onion. Chili was lukewarm and very bland and basic and overall the only positive thing here was the prices. I also hate these type of places that gives a napkin that's almost non existence in size and thickness. Writing paper has better chances than what you get here. Definitely would not go out of my way here.

Marianne C.

I cannot complete a visit to NYC without any Anthony Bourdain mentioned places. This is cheap, satisfying, and a really meal for the masses all around. It was nice knowing a "kababayan" were working behind the counter during this visit as well. That makes the visit even more meaningful. Recession Special (2 hotdogs and a drink) for only $8.50 is really as steal!! Our order though was +$1.50 due to wanting chili and cheese as toppings. This is definitely a real New Yorker treat when visiting. No frills, just good food.

Silvano G.

Gray's Papaya is cheap, fast, and absolutely worth the stop! The hot dogs are delicious, but the tropical juices are the real surprise! Every flavor I tried was . Definitely one of the best bangs for your buck in NYC. And knowing it was one of Anthony Bourdain's favorite spots makes the experience even cooler. He famously loved Gray's Papaya and called it a place he missed when he missed New York. Classic NYC food, no frills, great price, and tons of character. 5/5!

Alisa J.

Pretty good hot dog. I like all the free toppings to choose from. Hot dog was a bit salty so sharing one was better. Great vibes and quick service. If under $10 total it's cash only.

Natascha S.

I've had this spot on my list to checkout for quite some time now, and I will be back! Service was quick, no complicated menu. My friend and I both got hot dogs along with a grape and a papaya juice. The hot dog was pretty good but the juice was AMAZING! Really paired well.

Hot Dog with Onions
Jeff M.

Gray's Papaya 2090 Broadway New York, NY 10023 Plain Hot Dog Hot Dog with Onions Hot Dog with Chili & Cheese If you are a native New Yorker or frequent visitor, you are most likely familiar with this small, but popular hot dog stand located near W. 72nd. St. and Amsterdam Ave! This location is most famous for its recession special: two frankfurters and one tropical drink (not pictured). The dog by itself is on the bland side, but the dog is nirvana once you slap on your favorite toppings. The chili and cheese are two additional upcharges, but it's a small price to pay for a piece of heaven! Check out Gray's if you are on the go and need a quick, satisfying meal. Indoor/outdoor dining is standing room only in a fast paced atmosphere. #grayspapaya #hotdoglife #upperwestside

Yummy dogs 2 ways and orange  drink
Jaime R.

I come here on all my trips to NYC and it never misses. A total must-try when you're in Manhattan. Classic, old-school fast-casual hot dog joint. This isn't a sit-down spot; it's strictly order-and-take-away, though there is a counter inside if you want to stand and eat. Got the famous special with an Orange Drink--all for around $10! Loaded one dog with chili, cheese, and onions, and the other with onions, mustard, and relish. The toppings were super fresh and tasted amazing. Simply the right dog at the right price. Friendly folks serving up a tasty frankfurter with great energy. A legendary NYC stop every single time.

IG food page : @bobaliciousreview
Megan D.

10/10 Hot dog - Added onions, chili, and cheese to the hot dog, and it was so freaking good! Even though my boyfriend compared it to a 7/11 hot dog lol, I thought it tasted delicious. I honestly could've scarfed down like 3 of these in one meal, but I came here for a late night dinner snack haha. 9/10 Papaya Drink - This is clearly what the hot dog spot is named after, right? So of course we had to get it! It had a very thick consistency, but it was still yummy and not overly sweet. 10/10 Orange Drink - I loved this drink out of the 2 we tried, and this one was fireeeeeeee! It's basically a spin on an orange juice drink, but in my opinion, it's way better!

Jasmine M.

They are definitely an affordable dog, especially in a place like New York where the prices are high everywhere. These are friendly folks that serve up a tasty frankfurter. There are a list of free toppings and some toppings cost. The signs are very straightforward. This is not a sit down place. There's a place to stand and eat but that's about it. It would have been more pleasant but there was a person asking for handouts around one of the exits. Not a place to park.. so walk there. Work up your appetite. Yum.

Vu N.

I honestly have never heard of Gray's Papaya until i was shown. Video and have learned Anthony Bourdain had said that "When I started missing NY, this is what I miss" Truly, with that statement, it had to be visited on our first day in the city. No frill, just order then get out of other people's way so they can have their turn. We posted at one of the high tables out front then just went to town on it. We obviously didn't get the exact order he mentioned but in some sort of way we understood what he meant by his statement. This is what New York is all about.

Photo 1: Montage of images from Gray's Papaya
Ed U.

Long ago, when I was a fresh-faced ad agency intern, I spent a summer in a dorm room at NYU. With no interest in cooking, I remember becoming a semi-regular at the Gray's Papaya located at 6th Ave and 8th St and always ordering the Recession Special: two dogs loaded with onions and a papaya drink. It wasn't the best quality frankfurter, but somehow it worked with my indiscriminate palette. Flash forward a century or so, and this is the only Gray's Papaya left in the city. Since I'm a survivor, I thought it only appropriate to take Jamie to the original flagship location and order what else but the Recession Special. Sure enough, they still offer it for $7.50. It was $1.95 when I was a child, but it's still a good deal consisting of 2 Hot Dogs (Photo 10) and a Medium Papaya Drink (Photo 9). The franks were the same as I recall, nothing special but if you add onions and pay an extra 75 cents for the chili, it just works. The papaya drink is not a fruit juice but a puree mixed with sugar and milk. It actually complements the dog in a guilty pleasure kind of way. There was a line but it moved fast. Plenty of room at the red mini-counter, so I was able to relive my youthful dining dalliance with little effort. FOOD / DRINK - 4 stars...forgive me for I have sinned AMBIANCE - 3 stars...looks the same as it did in the last century SERVICE - 4 stars...they're quick and not rude...decide what you want before you order TOTAL - 4 stars...hope it survives RELATED - Hungry in NYC? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/NKwFRfdezS

Recession Special
Anurag T.

Overall (A+) This place is really good. I do not understand the negative reviews and would minimize them. The service is fast, the value is good and the hot dogs and papaya juice is awesome. Food (A+) The hot dogs are really good and just taste special. It's like comfort food and everything you want a hot dog to be. Also get the papaya juice it is really good Got 2 hot dogs and a drink. Next time it will be 3. Can't wait to introduce others Value (A+) Cash discount and around $13 for 3 hotsdogs and a drink. For Manhattan it's a steal. Great value for the price. Everything is perfect. Plus super simple menu. Hot dogs and drinks Service (A+) Super fast and friendly I can't wait to go back again - it's a small place and you can eat outside Go and try them Make the trip

Bryn S.

Friendly service + quick. Got the bacon egg and cheese on a roll. It was fantastic!! $5 you can't beat it

Either #3 or #4.  3 hot dogs and a large papaya drink

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Ask the Community - Gray's Papaya

Any references for the movie die hard 3 on here?

Do the hot dog buns contain dairy?

No why would they?

Is the pineapple juice fresh or canned?

Canned. But not from concentrate.

Are the drinks all dairy free? Papaya, banana daiquiri, coconut champagne etc

I am afraid that it is not all free. But they have LOCAL SPECIAL and RECESSION SPECIAL etc for the drink, thank you.

Is this a chain?

They have 2 locations, not sure if that qualifies as a chain. www.grayspapaya.nyc

Do they offer sauerkraut?

Yes they do!

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Gray's Papaya - hotdog - Updated October 2026

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