Gray's Papaya — Restaurant in New York

The Last of a New York Institution.

When I think of New York hot dogs; two names spring to mind: Nathan's and Gray's Papaya.

And sure Nathan's has all the glamor and history in Coney Island but for me Gray's Papaya is quintessential New York City hot dog.

Growing up there used to be several locations all over Manhattan and now there is just one.

Anyway enough about the silent memories from my childhood on to the food.

Gray's Papaya has one thing on its menu hot dogs; cooked in one way on a flat top grill. You can add several toppings onto it; onions with a tomato-ish sauce, sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup and relish (these are included with the price of a hot dog) and for additional charge you can have cheese (.50) and chili (.50).

The price of single hot dog is 2.95 but get slightly cheaper if you get a combo. The local special is one dog and a medium drink for 4.50, the recession special is 2 hotdogs and a med. drink for 6.95 and for the hungry there is addicted to Gray's which is 3 dogs and a large drink for 9.95.

The hot dogs are made to order so you better make up your mind how many you want and what toppings you want before you get to the register or face an annoyed and hungry crowd (there is always a crowd). Its a great hot dog, the weiner itself is snappy and crackling with the sweet tomatoey onions and brown mustard, the bun toasted. I usually get 3 😁.

But that's not all there is still the drink portion. I always go with the Papaya, it's their namesake and frankly it's the best. It doesn't really taste like Papaya, it taste more like a dream cause I literally can't come up with a way to describe it. They have other drinks too like Pina Colada, banana, coconut and at one point a drink with champagne in its name.

There are other hot dogs in New York, but Gray's stands on top. So of you are ever in NYC check out their last remaining location in the upper west side. Even Anthony Bourdain (RIP) said it's...

Kids, back in 2005, my friends and I set out to have the Best Night Ever. It was New Year’s Eve, and we rented a limo, planned five parties, and were chasing the kind of unforgettable night that only exists in stories or the mind of a hopeless romantic. Spoiler alert: the night didn’t go exactly as planned. But you know what? That’s not the point. Because in the middle of the chaos, somewhere between lost parties and found friends... there was Gray’s Papaya.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Ted, it’s a hot dog stand.” But no. It’s the hot dog stand. You don’t go to Gray’s Papaya because you're hungry. You go because it's there for you. It's warm. It’s reliable. It's everything New Year's Eve in New York usually isn’t.

I remember we were packed into that limo like sardines, the night wasn’t living up to expectations, and then—like a beacon of light—there it was. Gray’s Papaya. Marshall jumped out first (of course), and soon we were all in there, wolfing down hot dogs with mustard and sauerkraut, and sipping that weirdly delicious papaya drink. For those five minutes, the night was perfect.

Those hot dogs? Iconic. That papaya drink? Underrated. That moment? Legend—wait for it—dary.

Gray’s Papaya didn’t just save our stomachs. It saved New Year’s Eve.

So if you’re ever in New York, chasing your own perfect night... stop chasing. Just go to Gray’s. Because sometimes the best memories aren’t made at the perfect party—they’re made in the most unexpected pit stops, surrounded by your best friends and...

As Good as Advertised!!!

Setup -- one of the main spots that I was looking forward to on our trip to New York, from Tony Bourdain via no reservations. Hot dogs in NY, it shouldn't get any better.

Food -- the hot dogs lived up to the hype! Got two dogs, one with all the fixings including onion and relish, that one was for B. And then I got one with chili and cheese for me, of course. They were fantastic! I think I may have eaten mine in three bites. And definitely could have gone back for probably about six more 😂. Easy and simple, just like I like my hot dogs, and they were every bit worth the hype and a hop off the train.

Drink -- I didn't care about the drink as much as B, but she got the pina colada drink. This would normally be right up her alley, but it was extremely sweet. Tasted really good for a couple of sips, but was too sweet to finish the whole thing.

Service -- counter service and not very much space at all inside. But super quick, you give your order at the first part of the counter, and then it's ready for you by the time you get to the end and cash out.

Vibe/Space -- definitely not very much space inside. A few counter spots and a table or two outside, but this is definitely a spot to grab and go and head over to Central Park if you like, just get more than two!

Summary -- one of my first places I've had a chance to visit with the recommendation from one of my favorite people on TV, Anthony Bourdain. And it lived up to every bit of the hype, got to love that...