Gray’s Papaya has been on the corner of Broadway and 72nd Street since the 1970s, and if you ask Steve, this is where you’ll find one of New York’s best hot dogs.
The funny thing is that the place is almost as famous for its papaya drink as it is for its hot dogs. Thanks to Gray’s Papaya and Papaya King (another famous hotdog shop), a hot dog with an ice-cold papaya juice has become one of New York’s classic food pairings, much like our hot dog and a Cocio (chocolate milk) in Denmark. It might sound like an odd combination, but it works really well.
The hot dogs are made with 100% beef and have a natural casing that gives them a light snap when you bite into them. Then there are the toppings. Steve always orders his with mustard and sauerkraut, nothing else, because that’s how he thinks a classic New York hot dog should be eaten. I usually pile on a little bit of everything, so in the photos below, my hotdog is the one that has all the stuff on it, mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, grilled onions, and relish:)
What to Order
If it’s your first visit to Gray’s Papaya, order the Recession Special. It’s a combo with two hot dogs and a fruit drink (go for the signature papaya juice). It’s the combo most people order, and one of the best deals in the city.
Gray’s Papaya isn’t the kind of place where you linger. There are no tables, so you order at the counter, eat your hot dog standing up, or take it to go before heading on with your day.
One practical thing to keep in mind is that there’s a $10 minimum for card payments.
Gray’s Papaya, 2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
