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Gray's Papaya

3.8 (1.7k reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 11:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

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Business Info

GRAY'S PAPAYA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Happy hour specials

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Recommended Reviews - Gray's Papaya

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Reviews With Photos

David R.

This has got to be the best cheap breakfast in the city! It certainly lived up to the hype. A large sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich with small coffee for just $3.27! How do they do it? Don't be bougie and experience this hole in the wall. It will make you an instant convert.

Glizzy and Papaya
Iris P.

A mid cart hotdog is $5 while this beauty with the amazing papaya drink together is $5. First of all I don't even like papaya and this drink is like something I've never had before and it's so good. Also there's a reason why they're known for the dogs, they are so cute! The workers are quick food is good very straightforward place!

Takeout restaurant
Tyler R.

How could you go wrong? The bacon, egg, and cheese and sausage, egg, and cheese on rolls with a coffee are $3 total! They make the egg fresh right in front of you and put it on the premade sandwiches. They are fantastic for the price and the service was super fast. Make the trip and get off at the 72nd street subway exit and it's right across the street.

Nolan F.

We got hotdogs with 1. Sauerkraut & onion and 2. Ketchup, mustard, relish. Hotdogs had a nice snap. Buns were soft, not dry. Sauerkraut was unpleasant, crazy salty. If you like to cross off local institutions, this ain't bad. It's a one and done visit. Don't go out of your way if you're not already visiting the natural history museum nearby.

Local Special
Jorge P.

Such an NYC staple and so cheap! Hot dog and a drink for $5 can't be beat. The interior hasn't changed much at all six a cozy vibe and the service is very quick and efficient

Griddle
Vinh N.

It's quick, fairly affordable, reliable, and griddled. Order how many and how you want it by the griddle, then scooch to your left to order your drink and pay. Cash and card (with I think $10 min) excepted. The drink is massive, the dogs have a good bite and a bit of it's own seasoning. No judgement on how you dress it. Get your stuff and please move out of the way so the next person can order as it can get tight inside. It's a classic and still well regarded dog for a reason and a must if you've never had a NY hot dog.

Elizabeth B.

We came to try this classic NYC spot and waited about 20 minutes on a mid-week afternoon. I'm not sure I fully get the hype around the hot dogs. The bun is a basic white bun, though the hot dog itself was cooked well with a nice snap to the bite. The chili and cheese toppings we tried felt a bit underwhelming compared to what I grew up with in the Midwest. If we visited again, I'd probably stick with the classic toppings instead. That said, the tropical drinks were impressive and definitely worth the visit. We also appreciated how affordable the meal was compared to many NYC spots. The service was a bit slow but very kind, and the ambiance is super cute: almost like a food truck or fair stand. We really enjoyed the vibe and the experience of visiting.

1. Kraut, onion and mustard. 2. Mustard and relish
Jason P.

Before last weekend, I can't remember when I last went to Gray's Papaya. But I remember when I first went. I used to go when I visited my friend who lived on the Upper West Side back in the late 90's. I don't remember exactly what their hot dogs cost then, but I feel like it was something like 50 cents. I also remember them being open basically 24 hours back then. We would order way too many after a night of being out. Fond memories of Gray's Papaya. Fast forward to 2025. I've been exploring a lot of the best hot dog places in the Northeast. I found a list that declared the best hot dog in each of the 50 States. The New York Honoree? You already know. I always liked Gray's, but it never occurred to me that I might be eating the best hot dog in New York. I decided I had to return when I was in town for a day and an overnight for a wedding. But my only option time-wise, was right when they opened at 8 a.m Sunday. They're not 24 Hours anymore. Gray's is located near one of the most famous subway stops in New York, but I took a cab from 44th. 26 year old me is hiding his head. Gray's has some outside standing room only tables and some counter space inside. Gray's uses an all beef natural casing hot dog, that is supplied by Sabrett. The dogs are standard length, and have good snap and seasoning. The bun is standard white. If AI can be believed, Gray's makes it own sweet relish, has an onion sauce specially made for them and uses a high quality kraut made by somebody else. I ordered one dog with relish and mustard. And one dog with kraut, onions and mustard. There's something about eating a dog on the street in the City. The dogs were tasty. The toppings were good. Great memories relived. 4.5 Stars

Steph W.

What's the hype with this hot dog?! It's 100% better than your NYC cart dogs but I couldn't discern if it was any better than what a standard hot dog would be. It was very salty (too salty for my taste). The bread isn't anything special. The nice part is that there are included toppings in the price: onions, relish, sauerkraut, and ketchup. Additional cost of .75c for certain toppings including: chili, cheese, and mayo. Would need two dogs to be full. I did not try the Papaya drinks. There's no place to stand inside to eat so you have to take outside. There's no bathroom or sinks. Can be a little messy if you ask to take it to go as the toppings will bleed everywhere.

Hotdogs
Renae C.

Simple but delicious! This place feels like the go-to neighborhood spot, super busy, but fast service. A great price, hot fresh food, and a real NY vibe.

Andrew K.

Classic nyc hot dog served in a hole in the wall spot that's been there for over 50 years. I like mine with sauerkraut, onions and ketchup.

get the 3 dog special
David B.

The kind of place that reminds you why simple food is often the best food. No bells and whistles, just a classic NYC vibe. Glad this place still exists considering i grew up on this just get the special chill out and unwind. also watch the people stroll by. the service is quick and simple and this is the place where you want to just unwind and grab a bite to eat.

Alex H.

When I went to nyc for the first time It's so overwhelming and of course the options for food are ginormous and you try to go to all the places you hear or see on tv Well when I went to Central Park I remembered that I had seen a movie with a certain friends star where he loved loved this place and it looked delicious So knowing I was close by me and my friend were down to try And I got the 2 dog combo but not with a papaya drink but he did Let me say a good quality dog snaps and these did and it was delicious Lived up to whatever I had in mind Service was quick then It's big enough to have some places to stand and eat on the ledge and some tables which we did It was busy but not super packed when I went I hope to go again someday

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6 days ago

Placed a mail order for the hot dog kit and papaya juice. Well packaged and delicious.

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Gray's Papaya Reviews in Other Languages

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!

View All 8 Questions

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Crif Dogs

Crif Dogs

3.9(2.2k reviews)
3.5 mi•East Village, Alphabet City
•$

Like most people, you probably end up here when you're trying to come to PDT. We ordered the East…read moreVillage Tots ($5.95), Crif Burger ($9.95), Elote Dog ($7.95), and New Yorker Dog ($4). While food took awhile, we were no in a rush and the employees were friendly. The crif burger and New Yorker were too basic for me, but I enjoyed the elote topping for the elote dog. The tots were a nice side to pair with your meal. There's nothing like some hot dogs and burgers before/after drinking, so it's a smart pairing being next to all the bars. Would I come here solely for the hot dogs and burgers? Probably not. But it works great together with PDT.

Divey and chill vibes. There are signature hot dogs ranging from 6.55 to 8.25 each or you can opt…read morefor a build your own hot dog. The crif is pork and beef, New Yorker (all beef) and veggie option. I did a New Yorker (all beef) $4.75 with sauerkraut ($0.75) and the Spicy Redneck which featured a bacon wrapped crif dog with chili, coleslaw and picked jalapeños. Both satisfied the hot dog craving I had. There are also tater tots and burgers available. The bread was a bit stale, hence the 3 stars and the bun split on my New Yorker making it messy to eat. The woman behind the counter was friendly and suggested I try the dog featured this month- featuring a fried pickle or the Tsunami which has teriyaki sauce and pineapples. I would stop here again if in the area, but for basic dog a cart will hit the spot.

Photos
Crif Dogs - Cool space.

Cool space.

Crif Dogs - Everything Dog

Everything Dog

Crif Dogs - So grateful to be offered water right when we walked in!

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So grateful to be offered water right when we walked in!

Lovely's Old Fashioned - Double Cheeseburger (~$12)

Lovely's Old Fashioned

4.3(169 reviews)
1.3 mi•Midtown West, Hell's Kitchen, Theater District

Wait a second. So gas…read more We got the Single Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Patty Melt, and Onion Rings. Get the double patty over the single. The double patty tastes better. Juicy flavored patty. Best onion rings I've ever had. Somehow not too oily and flavored perfectly. A big reason for the five stars. Amazing service. Everything is cooked in front of you. Great spot to end the night.

After a Broadway show nearby, we stopped by Lovely's for a meal. First up, you order at the counter…read morebefore grabbing a seat. The space is not too big with about 10 stool seats indoors and two high top tables outside. Luckily, it wasn't too busy until we left when a big party came in. I got Charlotte's Special ($9.45) with Onion Rings ($6.55) while the husband got the Double Cheeseburger ($12.65), Sidewinder Fries ($5.95), and Mexican Coke ($3.85). The food was ready quick as they handed straight from the grill to the counter. Both of the sides were hot and crispy although it needed the ketchup for some flavor. While the burgers are petite, they're satisfying and just enough with a side to pair. I liked how easy the burger was to chew as all the beef, cheese, onions and bread just melted together. Overall, solid spot for a quick meal. It's less oily than 7th Street Burger and the meal is hot and fresh as they cook it right in front of you.

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Lovely's Old Fashioned
Lovely's Old Fashioned - Sidewinder French Fries (~$6)

Sidewinder French Fries (~$6)

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Back wall interior

Gray's Papaya - hotdog - Updated May 2026

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