Gray's Papaya

Talk about a MUCH better, REAL hot dog and NYC experience vs Nathan's. Sorry, Nathan's, but NO. Gray's Papaya is definitely what IT is all about and it is somewhere I could go back to over and over. It was quick, what you expected and food that tasted real (vs out of a can). I am not a huge fan of hot dogs, but this was so fun. I think it was about $7 for a soda and a chili cheese dog! #nycfood #nyc #grayspapaya #hotdogs

A very classic NYC staple. If you want to try an NY style hotdog this is the place to do it. The prices are low and the food is great!<br><br>I got a hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard and a papaya drink for $5.45. The hotdog had that snappy chew that is characteristic of dogs with natural casings, and was complemented well with the sauerkraut and mustard. In the end of the day it was just a hotdog, but considering the price it's great value imo! The papaya drink was also good, although maybe a bit sweet for my tastes, but still totally worth getting.

A must do NYC experience. I'm a local and have been going to Gray's Papaya since the early '80s. The original one in the Village closed many years ago. Back then you got two hot dogs for a dollar and you paid $1 and change for a drink. Still a good deal 40 something years later. Two hot dogs and a drink is under $10. Eat standing @ a window counter and people watch or take it with you. I can't explain it. You just have to do it. Either you like it or you don't. If you know you know. If you don't try it anyway.

Cheap, classic food! I stopped in for a cheap lunch and grabbed 2 hot dogs and a coconut drink. I ate at the ledge along the window and took in some good people watching while eating. Everything was great!

This is a place you absolutely must visit—the hot dogs are delicious! If you know the history behind them—they go back many, many years—you’ll appreciate that they have preserved that same authentic flavor. I also recommend trying their papaya drink; it’s impossible to stop drinking it—especially paired with their hot dogs. Make sure to order at least two!

Why am I giving a "Hot Dog Stand" 5 Stars.....This spot is Iconic and Essential for New York City Life. I've been going to this place since I was a Kid and am a little sad to know that this is one of, if not the Last Location. These are the true Classic N.Y.C. Hot Dogs. Grilled to a crispy snap and a juicy interior with each bite this is the Hot Dog experience every tourist wants when they hit a hot dog kart but doesn't get anymore. This place should become a Historical Landmark.The toppings are just as Iconic I recommend Mustard, Sauerkraut, and Onion Sauce and a Banana Daquiri as part of your "Recession Special" 😜

I went here twice during a 4 day stay in NYC, and I have to say, these are some of the best hotdogs I have ever eaten. The simplicity and cheaper pricing of the options makes deciding very simple.<br><br>The first time I went, I just got the one hotdog plus the papaya drink, and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the frank, and how well every topping came together. The papaya drink was refreshing as well, not too sweet.<br><br>I soon started craving more, and came back two days later to get the recession special (two hotdogs with a drink), with the banana drink, and once again I was fully satisfied with the flavors and textures. I only wish the dogs where a little bigger, but the cheap prices of the 2 or 3 hot dog meals make up for this.<br><br>Next time I go back to NYC, Gray's Papaya will be on my list of places to revisit.

This was a a great lunch spot and has great deals on hot dogs and a drink. Service is extremely quick. The only thing is limited counter space which can be a problem when it's cold. Even with outdoor tables. Overall I like the food and drink was delicious

Just had to try this NYC staple. Great hot dog for an even better price! And that papaya juice is something else! We were only in New York for a short time and with so many options to choose from we had a hard time narrowing it down. But we were happy Gray's made the cut! A must visit! Thanks for the lunch where we didn't have to break the bank!

Amazing place to get hot dogs and juices. It is insanely cheap and the food tastes equally good. I got a hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard and onions, was mind blown with the taste and freshness of it. I would definitely be a repeat customer and go there any time. Great service and very quick delivery of food

Classic food!!!<br>Heard of this store many times since 2006 when I watched a movie and wanted to taste how the NY hotdogs with buns tasted like... For $7.50 two hot dogs in 2026, this is a steal of a deal with authentic NY classic hotdogs.<br>Also the papaya drink had a flavor which I have never tasted before it is good !!!<br>I would strongly recommend trying this store for its classy taste and feel.

Took my 15-year-old son to Gray’s Papaya (2090 Broadway) so he could experience a real NYC classic, and it delivered exactly like it always has.<br>We both ordered the #2: two hot dogs plus a drink. I went classic with the Papaya drink and dressed both dogs with onions, sauerkraut, mustard, and ketchup. My son grabbed the Banana Daiquiri and went chili & cheese on both dogs.<br>The best part? My son is not a papaya guy at all. Not the fruit, not the drink. He took a sip of mine and immediately goes, “Wow Dad… this is surprisingly good.” Then he demolished his combo and said these were possibly the best hot dogs he’s ever had. He loved his drink too.<br>And yeah, the place is still the place: stand at the counter, no sit-down dining, and in winter you’ll see some wet floors from melted snow. For real, it’s not about glamor. It’s New York. That rough-around-the-edges vibe is part of that NYC charm.<br>I’m honestly grateful this legendary spot is still here. It gave me a quick, perfect father-son memory in a city that keeps changing. Long live Gray’s.

Had bookmarked this place for a while to try their iconic, inexpensive hot dogs. I was pleasantly surprised to see they also offer tropical fruit drinks on the menu. The hot dogs are indeed very affordable, and not just a plain sausage with ketchup; they offer several topping options. I really enjoyed the whole experience, fast service, good music. Definitely worth a stop to taste this classic spot!

Great dog joint located across the street from the 73rd Street Subway (look around when you exit!). When I visited there was a line but it moved quickly. While they only offer dogs and drinks, I found the taste and quality of both to be better than their frenemy (Papaya King). Note there are only standing counters inside and out, with a bit more space outside (keep in mind for cold weather). Saw that others mentioned the price: put it in context with a Sabrett from a dog cart ($7 at Penn Station), here you can get two dogs, dressed as you like, and a fruit drink for just under $9 (tax included)

Simply… Delicious! You are in New York, you need to get a slice and a dog. Well, Gray’s papaya is the place for the hotdog! Five dollars for a hotdog and a large tropical style drink? Hands-down no-brainer! I ended up getting two of the No.3 specials; 3 hotdogs and a large drink for $11. This place proves my theory, ‘Filipino people are just amazing!’🇵🇭<br>You can get them plain, with ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, and they’re sweet onions for free, or pay to have other condiments added. But I must say, been in New York a couple times, but this was the first time I hit Gray’s. Coming all the way from Vancouver British Columbia (for work), and I must tell you, hands-down, amazing, hot dog! You will not regret it! It’s a little small joint on the corner, a good little in and out style restaurant. But they do have a few high tops, where you can stand and people watch while you enjoy their delicious dogs!Thanks, Grays!🫡 Bravo Zulu!