New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Place · Upper West Side, Manhattan · on 2 of my lists

Gray’s Papaya.

Worth it, says Antonina. The joint is so good it was one of the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorites.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best hot dogs in New York

Gray’s Papaya, in my photographs

3 frames from my visits
  • The storefront of Gray's Papaya hot dog stand on the Upper West Side at dusk with customers outside.
    After dark
  • A hand holds two chili cheese hot dogs outside Gray's Papaya.
  • A hand holds two chili cheese hot dogs outside Gray's Papaya.
Where Gray’s Papaya appears on New York Dearest

It's on 2 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Best hot dogs in New York

No. 1 on that list
Worth it
  • Cost$
  • Address2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
  • From my guide, updated March 2024.

If you’re looking for cheap eats, one of the most affordable restaurants near Central Park is the iconic Gray’s Papaya. The no-frills, reliable shop has been churning out hotdogs in NYC since 1973.

Whether you’re swinging by because you’re hungry, bored, or broke , Gray’s will welcome you with open arms. The joint is so good it was one of the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorites. Since they’re so affordable they’re not necessarily artisanal or creative, they’re just solid NYC hot dogs.

Read it on the list
Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.

Best food carts in New York

No. 14 on that list
Worth it

I’m lucky enough to live a few blocks from Gray’s Papaya, a fixture of New York’s famed hot-dog scene. This corner joint was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorites in NYC and has been featured countless times on the big screen.

Gray’s Papaya has is not only one of the best street foods in New York City, it’s one of the best cheap eats. Hot dogs are $2.95 and they have a recession special that includes 2 franks and a drink for $6.95

Read it on the list
Gray’s Papaya

Nearby, from my lists

Worth it, within a ten-minute walk
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Gray’s Papaya

Upper West Side, Manhattan