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 read more

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No frills corner hot dog stand but it gets the job done on a fixed budget. Don't order the papaya juice as it's over-pulped. Big sign on window warning price increase starting June 1, 2026. I'm not that worried about the incremental price hike, as it'll remain one of the most economical hot dog lunch spots in Manhattan. read more

I've tried 3 different hot dogs spots and this is the top on. Bread is ok but the hot dogs itself is really good. Also, you have to try their papaya drink which reminds me of an orange Julius. Not sure why this got an overall 3.8 stars and might be to due to the wait but I wouldn't go here based on some bad/mid reviews. This is a must try when you are in Manhattan! read more

Gray's Papaya - Either #3 or #4. 3 hot dogs and a large papaya drink - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

This is my second time coming to this classic NY spot, and it was just as good as the first! Ordered a couple hot dogs with a drink combo which came out to around $7.50 ish. The hot dog sausages weren't out of this world but they were great and you can't beat the value you are getting. The toppings were fresh and tasted amazing. I'd recommend getting them with mustard, kraut, and onions. The highlight was the pina colada though! It was super refreshing, rich, and really complemented the hot dogs well. Some people say this place is a tourist trap but imo it's well worth the visit, just make sure you order your hot dogs the right way (no ketchup or relish), and get one of their awesome drinks. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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Full disclosure: I'm a tourist and I don't claim to be a hot dog connoisseur but I enjoyed Grays! It might not be the perfect but it's iconic (I first learned about it from the movie Fools Rush In) and well loved. They're super freaking efficient so even we walked up to a long line it moved so quick. We got two dogs and a drink for 7.50 and you get it dressed how you want. I really liked the sauerkraut. You can pay .75 for things like chili and cheese. The buns were soft. The dogs seemed a bit small but it's a great snack. The unexpected MVPs were the juices! We got one pineapple and one papaya and they were so tasty!! Sweet but not overly sugary. Our favorite is the pineapple but I would try the papaya too if you can. They have standing tables outside. read more

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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. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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! read more

Gray's Papaya - Glizzy and Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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. read more

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When you walk in the place looks dirty and there's people begging. I mean it's NYC so we didn't hold that against them. We still got the food which was absolutely disgusting. It smelled weird and we took a bite and instantly trashed it. I've had the hotdogs before in Greenwich Village and they were great. This location was horrible and I honestly do NOT recommend anyone eating here. This place should be shut down! read more

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 read more

Gray's Papaya - Local Special - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

I don't understand why people call this place an iconic NYC experience. I don't care if it is $3.25, bad is bad. Half of the bun was very hard and dry so I ate it open faced, the hot dog had no flavor, the skin was rough and it is the world's smallest hot dog. Brag about a better place please... read more

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. read more

Gray's Papaya - Griddle - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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. read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

Gray's Papaya - Takeout restaurant - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

Fantastic dogs, service & Marvelous Ambiance.Employees top notch!!! So grateful was reccomended read more

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. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hotdogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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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 read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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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. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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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. read more

Gray's Papaya - get the 3 dog special - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

Popped by to grab a famous dog. After many Chicago style dogs, this was a surprise. Service was super fast and friendly. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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Let me put it this way. We ate these franks so quick. I forgot to take a photo! They were that good. They vanished quicker than chumbawambas one hit wonder Tubthumping. Super fast service, they got a line of hot dog wielding, mustard slathering, chili pouring masters at hand waiting to serve up some history to you. Founded in 1973 by Nicholas Gray a former member of Papaya King which that even dates further back to the 30s. On broadway, this is the only location you will get to experience this gem. Movies like Die hard and You've got mail were once filmed at this location and you can just feel the history waiting to order your franks. We ended up ordering two "addicted to Gary" specials which came where 3 franks and large drink. So 6 dogs and 2 drinks. Both Papaya which were very refreshing. Sweet and cold. Just perfect for a hot day. Now onto those famous bangers. From chili with onions and mustard, to relish and ketchup. You name it we had it. Each one perfect one after the other. Your quintessential hot dog spot. A must to visit! No wonder there was a line out the door. I mean welcome to New York. Those who know, know. Places like this that serve up not only affordable eats but history with every bite are known to have a line. Truly appreciating that moment. After devouring our franks, it was time to head on over to Central Park and burn off what we had just ate for our next meal! read more

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While the prices have increased over time it's still a budget friendly spot and the food has stayed consistently the same since I was back in high school . No frills here, counter with a few stools, eclectic crowd and some misplaced ( for the area) street drama - perfect side show lol while you eat. I always get the Recession Special - 2 glizzies and a drink $7.50. I remember when this special was $1.95, and a single hot dog $0.50. Back then we felt like ballers lol. Most times I get the papaya drink but I often splurge and get the pineapple for a buck more. Service is quick and the guys serving are friendly enough to not be rude but keep the line moving. Cash only and there's a ATM on site but if you havw trust issues there's a bank on the next corner. read more

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Whenever I'm in New York City, I have to stop and get it some hotdogs here. They've been doing a recession special for decades, and you can usually get two grilled all beef hotdogs with mustard and sauerkraut and the brown spicy kind of mustard, along with one of their mango or papaya or " health drinks" that make you feel good and aid in their digestion. I dare anybody that goes there to eat just too because you're always go back for another one. I personally like to get the ones that are a bit crispier because it makes that skin just snap perfectly as a overhang over the bun that steamed and soft there are no chairs. There are just counters or you stand outside and just eat and talk to people, this is all about New York folklore and New York history and you should definitely stop in and enjoy it read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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Gray's Papaya is a NYC institution, but this is the last outpost. I was sad to see that their Yelp page showed that it had closed. But one night after dinner nearby, we walked by and all the lights are blazing and the dogs are sizzling on the grill! We had to come in to have a couple of hot dogs just for old times sake. The line around 8pm was out the door, but it moved fast. Current prices are a dog & a drink for $5.50, 2 dogs & a drink for $7.50 or 3 dogs & a drink for $11.50. Sauerkraut, onions & relish are free topping as well as mustard & ketchup (don't do it). You can also get cheese, chili & mayonnaise to top your dogs for and extra $0.50 each. Nothing beats the grilled snap of their frankfurters when you bite into them and sometimes you'll even be squirted with hot dog juice, which is 1000x better than the dirty boiled water dogs at the street pushcarts. The whipped drinks are pure sugar water with some flavoring. Try the original Papaya, Pina Colada, Coconut Champagne, Banana Daiquiri. They are all ultra-sweet diabetic nightmares, but they offset the salty taste of the hot dogs. read more

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Ready for a recession? The fantastic Gray's Papaya can help with its iconic, delicious Recession Special - 2 Hot Dogs plus a Medium Drink for $7.50 (excluding tax and a little extra if that drink is Pineapple)! And they have now deals for different budgets or appetites: The Local with one Hot Dog and a Medium Drink for $5 and "Addicted to Gray's" with 3 Hot Dogs and a Large Drink $11.50 - all excluding tax and a little extra if you're going for Pineapple). Onions, Relish, Mustard, Ketchup, and Sauerkraut can be added free of charge at your request, perfect complements to their all beef Dog with the perfect snap and flavor! (Chili and Cheese are available for extra!) Their namesake thirst-quenching Papaya drink, my favorite, pairs well with that savory bite. (And their special drinks have no chemicals, nothing synthetic, and nothing artificial!) Also, when around breakfast time, grab their deal on a hot Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on a Roll along with a Coffee! Over all the other "Papaya" competitors, Gray's remains absolutely the best! Love this place! How I miss the other locations of Gray's Papaya, especially the W. 8th Street spot! Recommend stopping by and experiencing this NYC landmark - recession or not! read more

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Wow, this place is famous and underrated at the same time. The hot dog was so juicy and fresh and really piping hot. I asked them to add mustard and sauerkraut and boy! that was a great decision. They are extremely quick with the order. The place is cute and small and it was not too crowded for a 6pm snack. Extremely affordable for a quick bite. I am a huge fan already, looking forward to going again and again. read more

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A work friend referred Gray's Papaya to me. It's definitely a quick way to get a Hotdog in NYC. It's super busy but the service makes the line move fast. Not somewhere you go to sit down and eat. You can stand and eat your hotdogs on a counter top. A great price for a NYC hot dog with NYC vibes. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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Food: excellent dogs especially for the price. They Have a variety of toppings. Love their papaya and the banana juice. Service: good. The staff keeps the line going and ensures they have your order right. Ambiance: don't expect to sit. Standing room only. Eat your food and be on your merry way. The location is convenient; right next to the subway. read more

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I used to go their Greenwich village spot for years before they closed back in the day. So I was happy when I saw this when I made it up to the upper west side. The hotdogs are still pretty good. The store is as bare bones and gritty as it was when I went to their Greenwich village spot. The service is walk up and order and pay as theres no seats just standing tables to eat inside and out. It's a nice little throwback to a new York before the rich and private equity took it over. Visiting here made me miss the nyc I grew up in the 80s to the early 2000s read more

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This was my first and last Gray's Papaya dog. I'm sorry but I'm not a fan. I don't get the appeal. To me it was a cheap boiled hot dog. I can say I've had the experience though. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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NYC classic. great snappy dog with delicious caramelized onions. i prefer mine with just ketchup mustard and onions but the saukeraut is good too. chili isn't my favorite, it's pretty bean heavy but still tastes good. papaya drink is the best beverage by far but the others are also solid. service is fast, food is cheap and a must visit. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

The hot dogs here are very tasty and the papaya drink is very good. But the price for a hot dog this high is highway robbery. With no rest room available and you have to stand up is not nice . Understandable the rents in the area is high but a hot dog ? The average working class person shouldn't have to pay for those high rents for a hot dog. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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The hot dog was mediocre and the drink was okay. The prices are very decent. If you're looking for a cheap bite, then this place is perfect. The staff was friendly and helpful and the service is quick. They had some cool tshirts for sale, but the one we wanted was out of stock. I'd recommend checking it out at least once. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot dog and Pina colada juice drink - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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Awesome chili cheese dog spot in Manhattan near Central Park. You have to make a pitstop here! read more

Gray's Papaya - The best damn chili cheese dogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

What can I say? As a native New Yorker you frequently have the undeniable craving that MUST be satisfied. 2 dogs with sauerkraut, onions & mustard and a papaya drink ($7.50). There are only two choices (Gray's or King). "#2 special. Well done with it all & a papaya" stated Soup Nazi style. Shuffle left to pay. Grab a coupla napkins. Goods handed over. Snag a coveted counter spot. Enjoy nirvana in the form of a slightly blackened hot dog that snaps with a bite and is complimented by the sour kraut and the sweet orange onion mixture all held together by the cushion of a potato roll. Just. Pure. Glee. Don't worry about the origin. We all know it's not organic. Just damned delicious, nostalgic & satisfying. read more

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Another place that is well regarded and famous. I will say, they make a good hot dog, and with all the toppings it is yummy. This place is affordable, quick and easy. The papaya juice and coconut drink were both absolutely delicious. Very refreshing and go well with the hot dogs. Service is quick, and ambiance is takeout style. read more

Gray's Papaya - Hot dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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An institution and a very necessary experience in NYC. I am so sad that there is only one location for Gray's Papaya. This place should have shops all over the city. Heck, all over the country. If Portillos can do it, Gray's Papaya can too! It was Jeremy and D's first time at Gray's. Jeremy and I shared the three dogs and a drink combo, with chili and cheese. Jeremy smashed most of the hot dogs himself, quick eater that he is. That's okay; I'm not a big fan of chili dogs. Thing is, there's a place called Ann's in Anne arundel County, maryland, that is super famous for their chili dogs and soft serve. We think it's trash. Gray's blew them out of the water. And that papaya juice?? Holy cow, that stuff is beyond delicious. Why can't I get that (or the banana) drink everywhere? If Orange Julius can do it, so can Gray's! The only downside of the snack is that the counter for eating can only be used by standing. There aren't any seats, and there's nothing for a person in a wheelchair to use as a table. I had to rely on Jeremy to give me bites of the hot dogs. While that is super loving, caring and slightly romantic, not everyone is lucky enough to have a partner like that in their lives. Still, would recommend read more

Gray's Papaya - Ambiance - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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Always get in the mood for a hotdog when traveling, it's easy on the wallet, quick, and nothing beats that tasty American snap! This spot was the fastest to satisfy that craving.. Damn I should've gotten 3 instead of two! Wash it all down with their tasty papaya smoothie! Pls see my pics.. read more

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