Gray’s Papaya

When I was a young calf, I would come to «Graze at Gray’s.» I would watch the cute, busy and interesting people bustle by. I would «Gaze at Gray’s.» They used to just hand me my food in a bag even if I wanted to stay and eat it. There were no «Trays at Gray’s.» And I met a couple of London Cockney Mafia guys in here. Brothers. Twins in fact. I met the «Krays at Gray’s.»
I am sad that Gray’s no longer exists. There were three of them, and now there are one. I was a regular at all three. I have no idea why they disappeared and turned into a very generic and unimpressive 2 Bros Pizza. Maybe people just stopped eating Hot Dogs. At least there is still one, on the Upper West Side. I wrote a review for Gray’s awhile back when on tour only to find it has closed, so here is my review from the old days that I was unable to post while they were still alive. I hope they come back soon, but in the meantime, there is one left, which is on the Upper West Side, so go there before it, too, disappears:
This place was always going to get a 5 from me. I am rating the one on 8^th just south of the Bus Terminal cause it’s the one I always go to (it’s near the places I frequent when in NYC), but they are probably all just as good. I say that presumptuously, although I think I have tried one of the others, the one that is near Greenwich Village, and I think it was the same sort of thing. I really like their drinks, and I really like their dogs. They’re not as good as Buffalo dogs, but they are quintessential New York dogs and I think they are better than Nathan’s Coney Island dogs if you ask me :) But Coney Island rocks anyway.
Their Banana Daquiri is good, their Pina Colada is amazing, and one of the other drinks is excellent too… I forget which one. One or two of them are not good. I think their Papaya is good, but I can’t remember, that might be the one that isn’t good. The hot dogs are delicious and this is the cheapest food you will ever find anywhere. I’ve been eating this sh*t since I was 16 on the streets of NYC.
The story goes like this. I was a kid… really. I was living in England and trying to escape from a bad home situation. I met hot American girls on the Internet and started online dating one of them that was 17 in Maine. I convinced my Dad to let me fly over here (alone) for three weeks, and spent the first 10 days or so in Maine with the girl. I convinced him that it was worth flying to NYC instead of Boston because it was «the same distance» from Maine and $ 50 cheaper for the ticket. I worked all summer to save up for it. Then I lied to the girl’s parents and told them I had to fly back, and spent the last 10 days up and down the East Coast, seeing Boston, New York City and Washington DC. It was the time of my life… probably the most thrilling thing I’d ever done, at that time in my life.
On the last day, I was down to, I think, about $ 2 left… that was all I had. I also had one token for the subway, to get to JFK airport. I was starving, and when you are starving in NYC with only $ 2… you get the Gray’s Papaya meal deal! 2 hot dogs and a drink for $ 1.50, I think it was at the time. Delicious! And then back to England. Mark my words, I came back to NYC a lot over the next few years, and Gray’s Papaya was always on the menu, my friends. I always went to this 8^th Ave location because it was near the bus station (and all the sex shops… shh), but also went to the Greenwich Village location (which was the first one I ever discovered, because my guide book to NYC told the 16 yo me that Greenwich Village was the only safe place to wander around at 3am, and of course Gray’s was 24 hrs).
The only location that survived, as I said, is the one which I never really went to until recently, way up on the UWS. Now let’s lay down for a bit and I promise not to make any moves. We’ll cuddle and reminisce about the days of Gray’s.

I was fortunate enough to live near this location for quite some time and was never disappointed. Though I was sad to see it go, luckily there are multiple locations, but this one was super special.
A reliable go-​to for any time of day (especially late at night), I had many a meal here and it deserves to be said that this was a fantastic New York staple.

I was like what the heck this place is closed. Definitely a great location, it was visible to see all along 8^th avenue, walking from 34^th street direction going uptown. I did enjoy the 2 hot dogs and a drink deal.
–Now I believe it is a 2 Bros Pizza. THOSE seriously seem to be poppin up everywhere. I am not gonna lie, it is a good slice for 1 dollar. Gray’s Papaya on 72^nd is my definite always go to spot.

Came here for breakfast to try their 2.25 egg and ham on a roll.
I should have rolled on by, because it wasn’t all that. Sure it was hot, but it was just fried on aluminum foil on their griddle, and the roll was just a cheapo hamburger bun.
I think there are better options for breakfast sandwiches in the area.

What is there really to say about Gray’s? It’s a great dog, and cheap.
They griddle the buns so that their crispy/​crunchy. Their kraut is awesome and compliments the saltiness of the dog itself, very well. Their Papaya juice is sweet and flavorful, while not being overbearingly sweet like sodas.
It’s one of, if not, my favorite late night, drunk eats.

I had just finished a restaurant meal at a Thai place where my $ 11 entrée came with 5 skimpy pieces of small shrimps and a few tasteless veggies. Dying of starvation AFTER I just ate from a restaurant, I went to the nearest place I knew with reasonable prices without having dine in service. Crawling through the door on wobbly weak knees, I noticed a new sign by the entrance loudly announcing 50 cents hot dogs in big black bold letters. 50 CENTS HOT DOGS? Hot damn. Now that IS a recession special. I haven’t seen that price point at Gray’s Papaya in years.
Pulling myself up to the counter, I weakly croaked «Four hot dogs and a papaya drink please.» Soon after, I was happily chewing and filling my belly. As with the other Grey’s Papayas, the buns are nothing special, just regular hot dog buns lightly grilled, but I’ve always liked their hot dogs which have a nice snap to the skin when bitten into. A light topping of sauerkraut and onions were the only available free toppings, which I took advantage of. The papaya drink was as refreshing as always and is my go to flavor whenever I patronize any Grey’s Papaya.
I walked away from this spot satisfied and re-​energized. 4 hot dogs and a drink cost me a total of $ 3.50 cents. I’m not sure how long they could keep it this cheap but I assume these 50 cents hot dogs have to do with the new Two Brothers Pizza shop that opened up at the other end of the block with their $ 1 pizza slices. Sometimes war is good.

I love Gray’s Papaya hot dogs! I was in a hurry, so when they asked what I wanted on top, I said «Everything.» They gave me a weird look, but it was so delicious! I would order the same thing again.
This place is a must if you’re in New York. I’ve also tried a Nathan’s hot dog, but I like Gray’s more, especially with their recession special which is two hot dogs and a drink for $ 4.95. Can’t beat that in Manhattan.

Gray’s has been a go-​to joint for my whole life. I remember when my dad first introduced me to Gray’s and I was amazed that hot dogs were supposed to be this good. I never lost the taste for Gray’s and Gray’s never lost its touch either.
Papaya drink and piña colada are my favorite drinks. I usually order two dogs — one with onions and mustard and the other with sauerkraut and mustard.
Quick and cheap.

It’s cheap, quick and a New York City iconic hot dog joint you should try at least once in your life.
I’ve been there thrice.
The first time I went, I stopped at the one on 2090 Broadway (Upper West Side). I remember thinking, wow… this is salty! Then, when I went back with the boy over the summer, we decided to check out this particularly convenient location — closest to the Theatre District. A part of me had initially thought that my taste buds may have been a little compromised by the cheesecake I consumed right before my very first Gray’s experience, but nope — here, too, it was still just a teensy wee bit too salty for my liking (so I do what makes sense — balance it out with ketchup…). Pros: They’re also juicy… and did I mention CHEAP?
The Recession Special is great — 2 hot dogs and a drink for $ 4!
[ 100 ]

Quick, cheap, easy. If that’s what you’re looking for then Gray’s Papaya is your kind of date. But like an easy date, you’re ultimately left feeling like you want more. Such is the case with Gray’s.
The Recession Special at just under five dollars is the best bang for your buck here. Two hot dogs and a juice drink and you’re good. Having heard so much of the hot dogs in New York, Gray’s was a let-​down. Even the polish sausages Kim C. brought to us while we were in our lay-​over at Chicago were better. They have a myriad of drink options and I chose the papaya drink, kinda had to given the name, but it didn’t taste much like papaya. More like an orange julius.
They have signs all over claiming this is the best dog out there or of the health benefits to drinking papaya. Channeling the musical styling of Jennifer Lopez in «Jenny from the Block», «don’t be fooled by the signs that they got, it’s like, it’s like a hot dog from any other block.»
Anyway, the place is located really close to MUJI and in about 5 minutes you can scarf down your food and drink and move on. Like a cheap date it’s quick and easy and you’re left somewhat satisfied.

I was 17 years old, a Junior in High School, when I first heard of Gray’s Papaya from my friend Kyle. Many years later (ahem. Not THAT many!) … I finally made it there. Heading north a block from my White Castle tasting, I saw the now familiar Gray’s Papaya sign on the corner. Including the infamous «Recession Special.»
Now I love a good dirty water dog. Sabrett’s have been a favorite since childhood, which is probably why I never made it to Gray’s before now. I also love Street Food. Carts, windows with ledges, open-​air counters, umbrella-​covered milk crates, often serving the best Hot Dogs, Italian Icees, Cuban Coffee and Sandwiches, Croquettes, Tacos, Arepas, Gyros, Fried Twinkies… Whatever. I love it. Gray’s looked like the best of them: A counter with the mixed tropical juices dispensing, a cash register, and a flat top grill sizzling with Hot Dogs. 2 feet across are the open windows with ledges and a footrest for you to eat on. Various people spotted the ledges, a mother with a stroller, a few workmen, a random Business Suit.
Perfect.
I ordered mine with Spicy Brown Mustard and Cooked Onions (Onions sauteed and cooked in what I can only imagine is some mixture of ketchup, mustard, and spices…) I’d heard that the papaya juices just MAKE this experience, but, since I despise the flavor of papaya more than canned spinach, I opted to forgo it and enjoy the experience of the Dog.
The first bite: The skinned frank indeed «Snapped» (as it should) as I bit into it. The brown mustard was spicy and the onions savory and sweet… but they were both overcome by the «Power» of this Dog. It’s less-​garlicky cousins must be jealous. It was peppery, garlicky, snappy, juicy goodness. I can certainly say that while papaya juice might make me snarl, mango juice certainly matches superbly, cutting the spice and teasing the mild sweetness of the onions. I tend to have a sensitive pallete to ‘peppery’ spice, and this was no different, but I still have to admit, it’s a damn good hot dog. I finished the dog in 4 bites, was hit on (I think) by the random-​language-​speaking-​guy next to me, and went on my merry way.
All this, and White Castle, before 11 am…

It seems this place is popular for the price and quick service. However, it’s your typical hot dog joint. The plus is that they give you sauerkraut, and onions, ketchup and mustard. I had heard from people that the hot dogs in NY are the bomb, but didn’t expect much since it IS a hot dog, and you can’t do much with it.
I give it 2 stars because I liked Wurstküche more. Also the guy serving the hot dog gave us attitude! Please! I wasn’t even that drunk. He rolled his eyes at us when we requested for sauerkraut on half of the hot dog (since my friend and I were sharing). Yes it was 4am, but if your job is a server, then do your job! Good service and a friendly smile is expected! Is it really too much to ask?

Gray’s is what it is – a covered street vendor. Now a dirty water dog it isn’t but the price and standing room only accommodations make it a one stop grab and go. For those in the know, it takes the edge off after a night of carousing. For those looking to get a true NYC experience, go to Nathan’s in Coney. The recession fighter does the job, but most guys end up getting 1 or 2 extra dogs to ensure sobriety.
Cheers to you Gray’s, you’ll be there when I need you.

Nah…
It might have a recession price tag, but the size of the dogs are very recession-​y too. All things considered, I really don’t think the value of the recession special is that great. Make that three hot dogs and then we’re talking. All things considered, I liked the papaya drink best, actually.
One observation I made while reading through the reviews on this web site: most positive reviews come from out-​of-​towners, especially Californians. Is this really the «New York experience,» as many will have you believe, or are those pesky yoga types just fed up with the organic hype and do they need some grub in their systems?
Then again, overpriced food certainly is a true New York experience.

I did not buy the hype. I was starving and my expectations were high. 7 – 11 Big Bites are better. The stuff I grill in my backyard is better and way cheaper. Sure the sweet onions tasted pretty good, but at the end of the day the hot dog was not that great. The special orange drink tasted like regular orange cream soda.
The workers making the hot dog were not very friendly. They were just concerned with taking your order and getting you out of the line as quickly as possible.

Recession special: Two hot dogs and a drink for $ 4.45.
Cheap and their hot dogs are yummy! Better than the ones you can get at 7 – 11 for the same price. Better than a meal at the White Castle next door. Two of these little guys topped with condiments and some onions are good enough for a lunch or late night snack.
Thanks go out to my Unilocaler friend Amy for telling me to come here. I also remember it being mentioned in an episode of How I Met Your Mother.
Oh yeah, papaya drink was good! They have a lot of other fruit drinks, but you should try their namesake drink for kicks. Never had papaya drink myself and I liked this one.

About 8 years ago, a friend and I were visiting New York, and the friend says «We have to try Gray’s Papaya, because it was in that one movie!» I had no idea what he was talking about, but I generally don’t have any better reasons to try food, so I said «Sounds great, let’s do it!» So we tried it and thought it was great!
Fast forward a few years, and the wife and I were visiting New York, and I say «We have to try Gray’s Papaya, because it was in that one movie!» I had no idea what movie it was in and neither did the wife, but my reasoning must have worked, because we tried it anyway. We didn’t think much of the hot dog, but loved the fruity beverages. She got the piña colada, I got the banana.
Later in that same trip, I say «We have to try Gray’s Papaya, because it was in that one movie!» Just kidding, we just wanted to have another fruity beverage. :p This time the drinks tasted like water, so we got a refund.
3 stars, because the concept of a hot dog shop selling cool beverages is neat, but the drinks are inconsistent and the hots dogs aren’t anything special. I suppose if in New York again, I may try it again just because it was in that one movie that I don’t know and never saw.

I’m not a huge hot dog person, but these dogs certainly lived up to my expectations. They were decently priced and well-​cooked (both the dog and the bun). I really enjoyed the papaya drink that came along with the 2 hot dogs + drink «Recession Special.» I figured I was at Gray’s Papaya, so I needed to get the papaya drink!
Incidentally, I enjoyed talking to the Filipino dudes that were running the place =)

Yum

My very first experience at a Gray’s Papaya was a chance meeting. As I ventured the streets of NYC, I stumbled upon it and knew it sounded familiar to me. I just couldn’t place it… and then it dawned on me… FOOLS RUSH IN with Salma Hayek and Matthew Perry… awwww…so I had to try it!
I’m not really a hot dog fan, but there was something about their hot dogs that made them really tasty… maybe it was the sauerkraut, the chili, the cheese, or maybe because it was so darn CHEAP, but it was delicious! They do have specials where you can get two hot dogs and a juice (and yes, they have a variety of speciality juices to choose from that are yummy!) for under $ 3!!! No wonder Salma Hayek’s character on the movie had a special order shipped all the way from NY to Las Vegas for her movie hubby Mathew Perry… now that’s love!!!
My brother wanted to try it on our last trip there. He made us walk many, many, LONG blocks… in the rain and about a couple of hours before our flight home just to get a taste. Ask him if it was worth it and he’ll probably tell you YES and that he’d do it again!