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. read more

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

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 read more

See all

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! read more

See all

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. read more

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

See all

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. read more

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

See all

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 read more

See all

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

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

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. read more

Gray's Papaya - Yummy dogs 2 ways and orange drink - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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! read more

Gray's Papaya - IG food page : @bobaliciousreview - Hot Dogs Near Me - New York, New York

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. read more

See all

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

See all

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

I was back in NYC so I made another Gray's Papaya trip. We visited on a Sunday evening. There was no line so we walked right in and ordered our food. I got the local special again with a hot dog and grape drink. We stood outside and ate our food and was on our way. The hot dogs were just as delicious as always! read more

See all

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

See all

Man, the Pina Colada Dogs here are FIRE. I ate here by myself on my last trip here as my girlfriend slept in the Hotel room. She will not eat any hot dogs unless the meats are Kosher. But its my second time visiting here and I was feeling like one of their hot dogs. Its a nice looking family owned or oriented place. Love the menu options of the food. Their French fries are good too. Very big portions, and not so high in price. E,ployees are friendly too. read more

I've been waiting try this place for the longest time and it lived up to the hype. Possibly the best chili cheese dog I've ever had. Easy 5 star review. read more

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

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

See all

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

See all

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

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

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

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

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

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

See all

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

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

See all

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

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

I didn't love it I can't lie. Tastes like a boiled hot dog with nothing special but the papaya juice is good. It's cheap but almost all hot dogs are so read more

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all