Flipping Out Over Gray’s Papaya!
Yes, that’s me outside of Gray’s Papaya, a legendary Hot Dog stand that launched in 1973 and routinely makes the list of “must eat” New York food! Here’s why:
OK, so isn’t a hot dog just a hot dog?
Well, yes and no! Remember when I shared this $29 dog for sale in NY?
More on that hot dog in a moment, but let’s head to Gray’s Papaya and I will share details about why this is such a beloved institution in the Big Apple:
“When You’re Hungry, Or Broke, Or Just In A Hurry!”
That sign says it all!
Located for five decades at 72nd and Broadway on New York’s Upper West Side, Gray’s Papaya has been THE place for hungry New Yorkers to get their hot dog fix.
As one online review noted:
“And if anyone knows a good hot dog, it’s New Yorkers!”
They are known for their no frills hot dogs – and only hot dogs – grilled on a flat-top surface so the outside has a crispy snap!
Gray’s has a fun social media account that drops images like that to entice you to stop by and dig in! And their hot dogs are a great value Too!
You can get two for $6.95, which includes a papaya drink!
They call it the “recession special”, and you can add a third hot dog for another two bucks!
Still, great value means nothing if the food isn’t good, right? So, I headed inside and here’s what happened:
Here are a pair of hot dogs: relish on the left and mayonnaise – yes, mayonnaise – on the right!
There are number of free toppings a a few that cost 50 cents, and all are worth trying!
Gray’s Papaya hot dogs have a firm skin but the filling inside is moist and delicious!
I ordered this hot dog with Sauerkraut, which is fresh and crisp as well, with a nicely tart finish!
Again, two hot dogs and a drink is just $6.95, a really good deal! There is always a line outside but they make them very fast so it’s a delicious quick lunch!
On this day, I put mayonnaise and onions on the left hot dog and just some sauerkraut on the right…
Gray’s Papaya is located at 72nd and Broadway, a terrific neighborhood on the west side of New York – and it opens at 8a and offers a great deal for breakfast too!
Yep, bacon egg and cheese on a roll – a New York tradition – is only $2.75 and add a cup of coffee for a quarter! A great deal!
Gray’s Papaya is a classic New York “pop -in” that is a must see – and what a great deal!
Now, back to that $29 hot dog I teased:
I headed to Mischa’s to try their hot dog – click here to see what you get for your money!
I also reviewed an iconic hot dog stand in Hollywood called “Tail ‘O The Pup”:
Yes, they have a giant hot dog outside to greet you and if you click on my link you can see my review as well:
One last point about hot dogs – have you ever impaled them on spaghetti and then cooked them!
Check it out:
It’s a unique way to make them, and kids love it!
Click here to see more!
Along with Gray’s Papaya, there’s another iconic slice of food in New York:
A slice of New York pizza is a rite of passage in the big apple…click here to see the story of one of the city;’s most famous pizza joints!
I share all of these recipes on my food website “Bite! Eat! Repeat!” – it’s your site for all things food – if you like what you see, please click on my link and follow this blog as well!
If you like the story, share it with friends on social media! Thanks!
Categories: Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Eat This!, Fast Food, Food, Food Pictures, Food Porn, Recipes, Restaurants, Travel, Wacky Food, World's Wildest Food
Bite! Eat! Repeat! 
I love their promo/marketing style, as only a nyc local place can do – great deal and I’d try it!
Exactly, the goofy nature of it works well! Thanks for the comment!
Small wonder it is so popular. Two hot dogs and a drink for that price is tremendous value!
Best wishes, Pete.
Pete, that is what makes it so great – and they taste really good too! Cheers!
Hi John, that is a good price and the pictures are appealing.
It gets written up as a “must do” in NY for foodies because it’s fast easy fun inexpensive and tasty!
Loved our visit to Gray’s Papaya for a great hot dog, and delicious papaya drink! Who’d have ever thought of putting those two together?