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New York, NY

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Gray's Papaya

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

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Gray's Papaya Photos

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GRAY'S PAPAYA ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - Gray's Papaya

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Reviews With Photos

Jane M.

Gray's Papaya is a classic NYC stop for a quick, budget-friendly bite, especially if you're looking for a late-night eat! We ordered a hot dog with caramelized onions, relish, mustard, and ketchup. It was a good hot dog, but nothing particularly mind-blowing. The real surprise was the papaya juice, which was absolutely delicious and easily my favorite part of the stop! Service was quick and efficient, making this an easy grab-and-go option when you want something fast without spending much. The atmosphere is casual and no-frills, with a few spots to stand and eat both inside and outside. Overall, it's worth checking out for an affordable NYC hot dog and that refreshing papaya juice, but don't expect anything extraordinary from the food.

Jerry P.

New York City has a remarkable ability to turn ordinary things into cultural institutions. Given enough decades, a basic diner becomes a historic landmark, and a simple hot dog counter becomes a neighborhood shrine. Gray's Papaya on the corner of 72nd Street and Broadway is the quintessential example. Founded in 1973 by Nicholas Gray after he split from Papaya King, Gray's built its reputation on snappy franks, tropical fruit drinks, and microscopic prices. High rents and Manhattan real estate realities eventually shuttered the other outposts, leaving this Upper West Side location as the last one standing. We ordered the famous Recession Special: two hot dogs and a papaya drink. One dog came loaded with mustard and sauerkraut, the other with grilled onions. Both were aggressively, heroically average. They were not bad, which would at least make for a compelling story. They were simply the sort of hot dogs that seemed to spend their lives avoiding taking a firm stance. If hot dogs were graded on a bell curve, these two would sit directly in the middle, quietly hoping nobody called on them. The mustard was mustard, the onions were onions, and the sauerkraut did its job. The papaya drink was cold and pleasantly sweet, offering a refreshing counter to the salty franks. The service was purely transactional. Nobody threw a hot dog at us, but warmth and hospitality are clearly not core company values. You step up, state your order, exchange cash, and move along. Still, three stars feels fair because nobody visits Gray's Papaya in search of culinary perfection. You go because you are hungry on the Upper West Side, you do not want to spend twenty dollars on lunch, and you want a quick taste of a Manhattan that existed before every storefront turned into a luxury bank branch. The hot dogs are strictly middle of the road. The history and price tag are considerably better.

James T.

I can't go to NY and not have a hot dog. On my last day I walked to Gray's to get a dog with everything and a pineapple juice. There was a short line, but it moved quickly. The staff let me use tap pay even though I didn't reach the minimum that was on their signage. I ate at the counter they have outside. The hot dog had a nice snap to it and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pineapple juice was cool, sweet and tart.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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Reviews are mixed. Many praise the classic New York hot dogs, unique papaya drinks, and quick and efficient service. Prices are often seen as affordable.

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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!

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

Lovely's Old Fashioned

4.3(182 reviews)
1.3 mi•Midtown West, Hell's Kitchen, Theater District

On my second visit, I walked in one evening on my way home from work looking for a quick dinner…read morethat would satisfy my craving for a good burger. Service was a touch slow as it was a shift change and they were obviously training someone new, but I wasn't in a rush and wasn't bothered by it. Ordering was straightforward and I got the Cheeseburger, no onion with a side of onion rings. The order took about 7 minutes to be completed once put in with the cashier. There is limited seating at a bar across from where you see everything being made, the space is small, but they make the most of it. There is also a high top table or two with stools outside under the awning when the weather is nice. My meal was handed off to me in a thin plain white paper bag to-go. The burger was wrapped in foil and every bit as satisfying as I had hoped! The onion rings were piled high in a cup with a stick in the middle so they could keep stacking it up beyond the rim. The burger had that classic taste, but was fresher and less greasy than others and the onion rings were salty and fried to a perfectly well-done crisp. I keep forgetting this little place is here because the entrance is small and easy to miss, but I'll absolutely be back when I'm craving another burger!

Can it be? Is it true?!?? A place to eat in NYC that won't cost much money? Sure, it's hot in…read morethere. And there are only nine or so counter seats, with a couple tables outside. BUT the burgers and fries are made to absolute perfection, and ridiculously inexpensive. And you get to watch four hard working people behind that counter work flawlessly together to produce a very enjoyable meal. The burgers are cooked to a delicious level, and the fries are shaped in a way I have never seen before. And taste better than I have ever had. Bueno!

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

Sidewinder French Fries (~$6)

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Kings of Kobe - sweet potato fries

Kings of Kobe

4.3(577 reviews)
1.5 mi•Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
•$$

For a late birthday meal on a Monday, we chose this restaurant because lately, I have been wanting…read morebeef or steak and love fries. Great combo for me. It was a nice restaurant by the pier. Heard great things about this restaurant. It was easy to reserve on 'Open Table'. Was greet very welcoming. The restaurant opened at 5pm but we arrived early. They let us sit inside. Nice decor inside. Good for big groups. No outdoor seating. We did the 'Wagyu Experience' and cost $68ea if you go here from Sunday to Monday. They also had a good happy hour for long hours from Sunday to Thursday. Good for a quick bite and drink. We ordered their Goma salad which was tangy and good. You will need to have this so you won't be too sick of too much meat. I like the truffle Parmesan fries too but didn't finish as I saved my appetite to eat more meat instead. I would highly suggest to have the doneness of the Wagyu as 'Medium-rare to medium' as when we had the first batch it as a little too dry for me. The meat was tender and not chewy at all or fatty. We could only have two servings. I thought we could have another but it was a lot of meat for us. We tried and they even tried to get us to have more. The sauce we liked was the Chimichurri and herb butter, together. You have to use all the herb butter or it will get hard fast in the serving dish. We didn't have any add ons but we did have drinks. We had Hoboken Beer and a drink called 'Rising Sun'. I would definitely come back to try other dishes. Prices are decent but you are limited two hours sit down. Our server AlfredoZ was great. 20% Tip is automatic even if it's two people. [41R,2026]

We came for my daughter's birthday and sat at the bar so we could experience happy hour …read more Food was delicious, service was great, and it was one of the highlights of our trip to NYC. THANKS!

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Kings of Kobe
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Bolognese Della Regina.

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Oh K-Dog & Egg Toast - Cheddar Hot Dog

Oh K-Dog & Egg Toast

4.4(64 reviews)
0.7 mi•Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West

Why haven't I come to this place earlier?! My friend and I were looking for places to pick up food…read moreto have a picnic at Central Park and came across this place because it was so close by. I feel like because I had everything on the menu before I didn't have much expectations but MAN I WAS WRONG!! EVERYTHING HERE WAS SO SO SO GOOD. We sat down and started with the bulgogi kimbap which had an amazing smokey/fire grilled/charcoal flavor?! This is not your average bulgogi kimbap. Next we tried #7 which was Half Mozza & Half Hot Dog and wow PLEASE get the cinnamon sugar coating with this! There are so many sauces and we decided with the ketchup and this fancy garlic one and man it was so good. Lastly we tried the ham&cheese toast which once again exceeded our expectations and the sauce on it was so good not to mention the fluffy bread and everything just blending so well together for the perfect bite. It's been awhile I was surprised by how good something was and I'm already craving this again while writing this review.. They have some seating inside if you want to eat it right away as well as some drinks! I will definitely be coming back soon

been here a few times and the k-dogs are always hitting! love the ones coated with potato cubes the…read moremost. this time i tried their plant-based kimchi bulgogi kimbap and it was pretty ok. the kimchi fries were ok. the type of fries are not my fav -- i prefer thinner and crispier fries. their sauces always save the day!

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Oh K-Dog & Egg Toast - Very small but colorful

Very small but colorful

Oh K-Dog & Egg Toast - Sweet Potato Mozza Dog

Sweet Potato Mozza Dog

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Gray's Papaya - hotdog - Updated October 2026

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