Welcome to Gray's Papaya
Gray's Papaya, located at 2090 Broadway, New York, is a beloved institution known for its exceptional hot dogs and refreshing papaya juice. With offerings like the all-day frank specials and breakfast sandwiches, it caters to both quick lunches and hearty breakfasts. The hot dogs are celebrated for their satisfying snap and crispy texture, perfectly complemented by a range of classic toppings like mustard and sauerkraut. Customers rave about the unique, sweet papaya drink, which enhances the experience. Gray's Papaya marries convenience and quality, making it an essential stop for locals and tourists alike, embodying the spirit of New York's vibrant street food scene.
- 2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, United States2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, United States Hotline: +1 212-799-0243
Welcome to Gray's Papaya, a beloved icon nestled on the bustling streets of New York City at 2090 Broadway. This establishment has become synonymous with the quintessential New York hot dog experience, blending nostalgia with a refreshingly casual vibe that invites everyone in. The moment you step through the doors, you are greeted by the tantalizing aroma of sizzling franks and the sweet allure of their signature papaya juice.
Gray's Papaya stands out not just for its legendary hot dogs, but because of the unique charm of its offerings. The hot dogs are expertly crafted, boasting a snappy casing that gives way to a juicy interior, perfectly complemented by a range of toppings, from traditional mustard and sauerkraut to relish. Each bite is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that is always quick to satisfy those hunger pangs. As one enthusiastic patron noted, it’s a "food that cuts through the bullshit and delivers pure, unadulterated satisfaction."
And let’s not forget the beverages! The famous papaya juice is not merely a drink but a refreshing accent that surprisingly elevates the overall experience. It’s sweet and slightly tangy, a perfect balance that cuts through the richness of those hearty franks. And for the budget-conscious, their daily specials make it easy to enjoy this iconic fare without breaking the bank. The Recession Special, for example, pairs two franks with a medium drink for under $7, proving that great taste can come at a reasonable price.
The atmosphere at Gray's Papaya is a lively mix of locals and tourists alike, often reflecting the eclectic spirit of New York City itself. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before heading to Central Park or indulging in a late-night snack, the staff here are friendly and welcoming, making your experience all the more enjoyable.
In a city that never sleeps, Gray's Papaya is a haven for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal that speaks to the heart of what it means to indulge in New York cuisine. It’s not just about the food; it’s an experience, an institution where hot dogs and papaya juice unite cities, and people, around one simple truth: deliciousness is best served unpretentiously. Don’t just take my word for it—visit Gray's Papaya and discover how this legendary spot captures the essence of New York, one flavorful bite at a time.

Worth the hype. Hot dogs have a bite to them, crispy goodness (not boiled soft). Toppings were eve so it made for a perfect bite. Get them all the way, and get ready to get a bit messy. The papaya juice is top notch, sweet and perfect with the hot dogs.

Papaya juice was a nice surprise. Hot dog didn’t disappoint! Worth a stop by. Recommend grabbing a dog and heading by the water to sit.

Great hot dog, nice toppings, reasonably sized so can have between meals if you are trying to Friendly staff. Juice was decent and something different but not that special. Coffee was actually weirdly good and so cheap.

I enjoyed our quick trip here. We jumped on the subway to uptown and grabbed a couple dogs and a juice for each of us. I enjoyed the crispness of the dogs while also being juicy and flavorful. Definitely get it with the relish and sauerkraut! The #2 special each with 2 dogs and a drink was 7.50 each.

Alright, let's talk about a New York institution, a place that cuts through the bullshit and delivers pure, unadulterated satisfaction: Gray's Papaya. Forget your Michelin stars and your tweezer food. This is where you come when the hunger pangs hit with the force of a New York City cabbie's horn, and you need something fast, cheap, and undeniably good. Step right up to that counter, ignore the chaos, and order yourself a couple of those glorious hot dogs. Snap, crackle, and pop – that's the sound of pure deliciousness. The snappy casing, the juicy dog, the mustard and kraut doing their beautiful, symbiotic dance. And that papaya drink? Sweet, slightly funky, the perfect chaser to cut through the richness. Look around. You'll see everyone here, from construction workers grabbing a quick bite to late-night revelers soaking up the booze. It's a beautiful cross-section of this city, all united by the simple craving for a damn good hot dog. Gray's Papaya isn't fancy, it's not trying to be. It's just honest, iconic New York, served up quick and dirty. Five stars? Hell yeah. It's a goddamn essential experience.

Nice place for a quick and cheap meal. Where you can get breakfast too,but it's mostly known for their hot dogs. For 5 dollars you can have a hot dog and a juice. Not a fancy place but definitely one you should get to know

NY style service, but the hot dogs were the best I’ve ever had! Ordered with just mustard and sauerkraut, relish looked good too. Some condiments cost 75cent extra (mayo, chili, cheese). I ordered pineapple juice, it was good, tasted natural. Wanted a coffee but hey we’re out of it. Stand up eating only. Would definitely visit often if I lived in the city.

A classic place to get a quick and reliable bite! It’s within walking distance of Central Park, too, so you can enjoy your Recession Special hot dog combos with a lovely view! I’ll have to come back for their signature tropical drinks, the other reviews all say good things about those.