Sometimes, amid all the delicate veal sweetbreads, fall-off-the- bone braised short ribs and pan-seared sea scallops that Manhattan's fine-dining establishments have to offer, a New Yorker just needs a hot dog. For those times, there's Gray's Papaya, with three locations on the West Side. One perfectly grilled dog on a toasted bun: a buck and some change. A second frank and a non-alcoholic papaya drink: $3.50. Sinking your teeth into the otherwordly, all-beef, slightly crunchy casing: priceless. Cash only. No alcohol available. Open 24 hours.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Best Hot Dog in NYC
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"Nowhere but New York City do you find the combination of hot dogs and tropical drinks, and Gray's is one of the best practitioners. It's hard to find a cheaper meal."
– The New York Times
"The best of the Papaya Posse, Gray's, griddles the tastiest, snappiest $1.25 dog in town. No less a connoisseur of scrap meats than Mario Batali is a fan."
– New York magazine
"Gray's Papaya exemplifies the classic New York dog. The meat itself (all beef) boasts the ever-alluring combination of salty and sweet. It is cooked on a flat grill that renders the exterior (or casing) slightly crunchy. The buns are also lightly grilled ... one of the city's best cheap eats."
– Time Out New York
How others rate Gray's Papaya
Zagat 2009
21 food rating (very good to excellent)