Eating at Gray's Papaya. Legendary NYC Hot Dogs
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2024
- I eat at and review the original Gray’s Papaya on Broadway and 72nd Street between the neighborhoods of Lincoln Square and the Upper West Side of New York City. The restaurant is famous for their hot dogs, (which are considered to be among the best in NYC) and fruit drinks, which are offered at affordable prices. I also get some dollar pizza at 1 Dollar Pizza for $1.50 in Hell’s Kitchen and then have a delicious cookie at Schmackary's. Finally, I have coffee at a location of Gregorys Coffee.
Instagram: www.instagram....
Food Instagram: www.instagram....
My camera: amzn.to/3JERV17
My sunglasses: amzn.to/3mJXwK2
Full Disclosure: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission from a sale, but it doesn’t cost you anything extra.
About Me: I live in NYC and I’m about food, travel and work.
I’m always impressed how professional your videos are without a cameraman to assist. Great channel, James!
Thank you so much! Yeah, it can be hard without any help, but I try my best!
@@Jamesnu Jackson hole NYC 232 E 64th best burger for many's decades there r a few around NYC the upper west side one is goody
@@Jamesnu so baken cheese burger well dun and on the fries as well
only place cooks in bowls on the flat top grill there legendary sit down have there pickles order a coke have the deluxe set up // i grew up in nyc years of it ,. i had thousands of jackson hole burgers at least 1, or 2 , .
@@themikarenolds2910 I'll have to check that location out. I've been to the one near LaGuardia and really enjoyed my burger!
@@themikarenolds2910 Nice!
Never thought of gray's papaya as a special place, it was just the spot we would get hot dogs from in high school cuz it was so cheap
Yeah, but it's popular, and it's been around a while. I really enjoyed it!
Hell yeah, in high school my friends and I took advantage of the 50 cents hot dogs like crazy! I don't care what the price is now, I'll be in NYC soon and I will stop by and get a couple dogs!
If you grew up in NYC in high school it’s hard to appreciate what you had. Most American grow up in the suburbs and are actually not exposed to hotdog joints since hotdog joints are not that common in many suburban regions of the nation
This video is so great! I always see famous people talk about getting a hot dog from Papaya King (Dorinda Medley from the real housewives of new york). I didn't know those type of places had real papaya juice. Fun fact, papaya has natural digestive enzymes so eating some papaya juice may do wonders for your digestion. I always wondered if people in NYC ate a hot dog from a hot dog cart (I had one outside of the Met museum and it was really good!) or if they prefer Nathan's hot dogs or Papaya king. I heard so much about dollar slices but now due to inflation, it is 1.50! That's 50 percent inflation! NYC knows hot dogs like no one else in the world...
Yeah, you can definitely find a good hot dog in NYC! Thanks for sharing that info about papayas. It's good to know!
the last time i had grays papaya was in the 80s when i lived there i think it was either a dollar or a buck fifty for 2. a large slice up the street was a dollar and 50 cents more for a can of soda. very cheap to eat new york street food back then even with cost adjustment.
Nice!
I’ve said it before, but I really enjoy your channel. If I still resided in NYC and was a few decades younger, I’d be following your footsteps. I grew up in Queens, long ago. Thank you James.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
by far the best hot dog in NYC
It's a great hot dog for sure!
Wow, the price is incredible. I feel like the drink alone would be $10 + at a juice bar.
Definitely! It's great food for a good price!
This place looks delicious. Soon as I saw the post notification I felt hungry 😂
Haha! Indeed, it's a great place for hot dogs!
Great video! The recession special is my go too also!
Thank you! Yeah, it's such a great deal!
Well, you finally got to Gray's, James. I live nearby, so it's been a "cheap eats" stop for me for about 40 years. That "recession special" sign goes up and down every few years according to the economy.
I usually have one with mustard and red onion sauce, and one with mustard and kraut... but all this time I never knew they had relish... they must hide it somewhere, so one dog for me will now be mustard and relish and sauerkraut.
One thing I always do (and a number of other people whom I've noticed) is to ask for the dogs ""well-done". That doesn't really make them well-done, but just cooked more than the others that aren't well-done.
Also, I know people (even UES and UWS people) who somehow can't remember which store is which, so they call both "Papaya King". This is the kind of thing one just has to tolerate.
Also also, there is now a similar place (not sure of the exact name) at 23rd St. & 7th Ave. The menu there is a bit more extensive, and the dogs (and knishes) are good!
I can see why someone would want a "well-done" hot dog. I personally like a bit of snap to the sausage and some places really under do it. The one's I had at Gray's had a decent enough texture for me, but yeah, a bit longer on the flattop grill probably would've been pretty nice too.
With all of the hot dog places taking the name "Papaya," it's pretty confusing. When I first came to NYC I always thought that they were related in some respect. I think the one on 23rd. St and 7th Ave. is Chelsea Papaya. I haven't been there yet, but I'll probably check it out in the future.
when I'm up that way i go get two dog's and a drink eat and stare out the window and travel back in time😂
Nice! It's a great experience!
Honestly, both Gray's and the King are both excellent. The only reason I gravitate towards the King is because I lived on E83rd & Third, so it was a 3 minute walk. Still have family on the UES. I'm not sure if I've ever had a dollar slice while sober, but they're always good in a jam!
For sure! Both are iconic NYC establishments. Yeah, dollar pizza is definitely not the city's greatest culinary offering, but one can't complain when you're getting food that cheap and it can at least satisfy hunger in a pinch.
I'm not the biggest ground beef/burger guy or hot dog guy but I made sure to visit this place, along with Papaya King. The papaya drink seemed minimally processed, I really enjoyed it. Nice that you mix up street food and fine dining in your content. Next time you're in that area, head down the street to Pizza Collective. Very good Roman Style pizza.
Yeah, I don't have many hot dogs either, but Gray's along with Papaya King were worthy visits. I can't have fine dining every day and I wouldn't want it anyways. It's nice to have good food, with affordable price tags, without stuffy service, and the formal atmosphere. Also, I definitely can't afford fine dining all the time either so I like mixing it up. I've walked past Pizza Collective a few times and have been curious. I'll definitely have to check it out sometime!
I found that "Roman Style" pizza very good. A bit pricey, but only a little, so I have been there a few times. The minimum size (rectangular) slice you can get is much larger than a regular NYC round slice... but that doesn't mean it's comparable (in dough or cheese) to a Sicilian slice: it isn't.
I think there is one other "Roman Style" pizza shop in Manhattan somewhere, but I can't remember where.
@@richardgelber2740 I personally like "Roman Style" and really appreciate having a variety of pizza options in the city.
Nicholas Gray, the founder, passed away just last week. Lots of other background information in his obituary in the New York Times. May he rest in peace.
I heard about that. It's very unfortunate. His legacy will live on.
Have you ever tried the hog dogs down at coney island? My family use to take me there for hot dogs, corn on the cob, etc and just spend the day there when I was a kid. :)
I haven't yet, but I definitely plan to when it gets warmer out.
Plan to spend a whole day over there. You can take the subway there I think at least in the 80s. :)@@Jamesnu
Best places ever, both of them, Papaya King and Greys Papaya! Top hot dogs, best I ever had personally. And the best drinks!!!
Those are two great places indeed!
Close to 20000 subscriber. I knew you would make it soon 🎉
Almost there! I appreciate the support!
Its as good as it looks and a staple for NY fast late night mid day OTG eating. Your never disappointed.
Absolutely!
Nice, i plan to go here this weekend!
Excellent! I hope that you enjoy it!
It's fun seeing you giving a humble meal your review. Now I want a hotdog
Yeah, I can't go to the fancy places every day, but a good hot dog can be very satisfying!
I was disappointed by the change in mustard. They used to hav a rare store only (not sold in supermarkets) Gulden's spicy brown dijon with horseradish mustard. It was the best mustard in NYC. They no longer have it because Gulden;s no longer makes it.🤔
I didn't know that. That's a shame.
If you can find Nathan’s brand Deli Mustard, it’s great. Comes in a yellow plastic bottle. Hot n Spicy! 🌭
@@amyt2400 That's good stuff!
I need me some Gray's Papaya. Well done, James.
Thank you! It's good stuff!
love the humor!
Thank you!
I love the NYC hotdog. I love Grays Papaya …. It’s a street dog except INSIDE
Exactly! And a very good hot dog!
great video! glad i found your channel. great production values
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
That's a far walk from 72nd and Broadway. Loved the quick tour and editing today.
Thank you! I will go to great lengths all in the name of food! No destination is too far!
Thanks James. Usually anything that says "Papaya" is automatically considered a ripoff of the Original papaya King. But I am glad that you were able to correct that misconception. And I totally agree, you must take advantage of all of the free condiments. Those were 2 good looking dogs you ordered 🙂. And a Dollar Fifty Slice as your second course 🙂 As they say, twenties are the new Tens. I can't even remember the last time I had two TEN's in my wallet. Thanks again for the excellent content.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, there's a lot of Papaya King imitators, but Gray's Papaya is probably the most noteworthy of them all and they definitely serve some good hot dogs! For sure! You just can't get what you used to for the money, but it's nice that there are many affordable options still in NYC.
Thanks for another great review 👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
I would love to see how you eat the rest of the week. I can't imagine that you live on the type of food we see you eating. Except for coffee of course ... who goes a day without that.
Indeed! Coffee is a staple of my diet. When I'm not going out to restaurants or getting takeout, my food is pretty boring. I'm not much of a cook and I usually just make sandwiches or salads, which is partly why I like eating out all the time.
@@Jamesnu Well, I envy you, I would be big as a whale and maybe even dead if I ate as you do.
@@KEMET1971 I'm also a big runner and that helps too.
This was excellent!
Thanks for watching!
"just in a hurry" is important. I've seen how rude they can be to someone who gets to the front of the line and doesn't know exactly what they want.
Im not really a hot dog person, unless they are BBQ griiled but I want to try it! Thank you!
I know what you mean. Thanks for watching!
Love your videos. Straight and to the point. My suggestion is to travel to Astoria Queens to try the King of Falafel and Sharwarma on 31st and Ditmars. Best falafel in the city
Thank you! I actually live in Astoria and you're right! King of Falafel does have the best falafel in NYC. I might make a video about them in the future.
@@Jamesnu I live in bayside so I try to get over there when I can
Love Grays Papaya! I bought my bed above that place. I saw that pizza increase too. Tiny ass sign. lol
Gray's Papaya is a true NYC icon!
Holy smokes big fan of hotdogs and this would def be on the menu for up there…good job them jokers looked good
Thank you! Yeah, if one's into hot dogs Gray's is a must visit!
Always love your reviews! Are you going to try Gallagher's Steak House any time soon? I'm going later this month after hearing about their lunch specials. They have a great 3 course lunch for $32 which is a steal for Manhattan. You can get a full filet upgrade for $18 more which is still a pretty good deal.
Thank you! Yeah, that is a good deal! I'll definitely go to Gallagher's sometime and I am planning on a steakhouse visit soon, but there are other places I'm considering as well.
Please do a new review of the new re-opened Papaya King.
I'll keep that in mind. I've been wanting to check it out.
Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek brought me here “Fools rush in”..
Nice!
Great vlog, thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
I like the sound of your voice. Very nice and pleasant sounding. Love the narration too. You have a nice face. Handsome cute. 😍 You sound like my kind of date. I love hotdogs, pizza and coffee. 😋 Also like great deals and I can be cheap, as in I like a value for my meal. Though I do like to have a nice meal, spend a bit more sometimes. I'm all about getting a good deal. New York sounds interesting to visit. But only to visit, not to live. Anyways keep up the good work. I liked your video. Short, to the point and made it interesting. Hope to watch more of you. 😘
Thank you so much!
I'm jealous, I have been wanting to try them for years. I'll probably never get to NY
Never say never! I hope you get the chance to come and try this place.
was there Saturday if you go to the beacon for a concert it like that your preshow or after show place to eat .
Indeed!
Most fun you can have with your clothes on so good
@@robertwalegir8677 Haha!
Papaya King is the real legendary Papaya!
Indeed!
Impressive quality of the video - Keep up the good work! I watched the video before checking the amoubt of subscribers you have, and I was shocked! I’ll come back to this comment once you’re at 100k 😁
Haha! Thank you! I really appreciate it!
What a pleasantly affordable lunch! Too bad you had to pay 50 cents more for your dollar pizza slice, but it could have been worse.
I'm not losing any sleep over it. It was definitely a nice cheap food crawl!
It’ll never go there, but New York would really do well with a Portillo‘s…
Definitely!
I love yout teviews thank you
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
That papaya drink is a great mixer
Yeah, I bet it would work perfectly in a cocktail!
The video is very good.please continue
Thank you! I'm definitely making more videos.
I can’t even think how many of these I’ve had in my life. Never had a bad dog there. Now that I’ve retired and moved, no more papaya, So sad !!
That's a shame, but definitely, Gray's is a fantastic place!
I watch you a lot, but don't understand how you eat so much and are so slim I think I'm jealous
Thank you! I really appreciate it! I think I got lucky with my genes, but I'm also pretty active.
I've been by W 72nd and Broadway a bunch of times on my bike. I try to get a bike ride into NYC whenever I visit the in-laws in NJ. I take the GWB to the Greenway and cut over to CP on W 72nd. I'd love to stop there but not sure what to do with my bike. Doesn't look like any bike racks in front of the place and it's too crowded to bring my bike inside. What do New Yorkers do?
Yeah, that would be tough to bring a bike inside, but it shouldn't be a problem with one of the outdoor tables and there's a small park right near the restaurant with tables and chairs which could be an option.
Dude, the banana daiquiri at Gray's is the best drink in NYC.
I've got to try that next time!
Very thanks
Ugh! I was over there a couple weeks ago and didn't have a chance to stop in :(
Next time then!
you can laugh at me mr yet wear did you buy your watch from ?
Amazon a long time ago. I think I got it for a good price.
Papaya King is where it's at my dude
It's a great restaurant for sure!
@@Jamesnu They just moved locations after more than 90 years. Literally across the street.
@@MrSpeedyAce Absolutely! I haven't been to the new location yet, but I'll have to visit soon.
I love Grays
Me too!
the best hot dogs are ones off the street from one of the carts
They can be pretty satisfying!
Another superlative presentation and production. Thank you for this. I love your post-Gray's Papaya sojourn around the city for a slice, cookie and coffee. What a fun ride!
Gray's Papaya is far superior to Papaya King...and that always hasn't been the case. Papaya King has gone way downhill. Their dogs are now tough, salty and chewy. Two dogs and a drink there are $10.95, opposed to the $6.95 at Gray's Papaya. Gray's Papaya also has a delicious garlicky finish.
Thank you! I definitely liked Gray's, but I wish I could try them side by side to Papaya King. No doubt about it, Gray's has the cheaper prices too.
@@Jamesnu Papaya King used to be the best, but now way too salty, tough, chewy...and way overpriced. Even the "Papaya" copies around town put Papaya King to shame.
Looks good for a city place. Not sure why all these hot dogs are steamed or boiled though? Grilled is best.
Absolutely! Grilling, in my opinion, gives a hot dog a much better texture!
I saw your answer now
I see a Seiko, I hit like!
Thank you! I love my Seiko!
Its probably the only good hot dog left in NYC. Papaya King closed but they are supposed to reopen.
It's a shame about Papaya King, but yeah, Gray's is definitely one of the best in NYC.
@@Jamesnu The thing is NYC isn't much of a hot dog town. New Jersey and Connecticut win over NYC easily. I would also say Los Angeles and Chicago too.
@@JamesnuPapaya King finally reopened
@@user-or6yn8pm3c I heard about that. It's great news!
@@Jamesnu If you tried Connecticut hot dog places you wouldn't bother with NYC hot dogs.
2 bro's pizza is semi great dollar pizza. survivable pizza if you say it. good pepperoni.
Yeah, I had it once before. It's pretty decent.
but that burger looked good tho
mmmmmmm hotdogs
😋
Indeed! It was expensive, but it was a great burger!
$7 for that....amazing deal
Absolutely! Especially in NYC!
NICE!
Thank you so much!
Had many meals there
Nice! It's a great spot!
$1 Pizza is absolutely disgusting, I don't care to spend $5 for a slice of pizza, but $1 slice is complete garbage.
Fair enough. It's definitely not the best pizza.
Great deal. 🌭
Absolutely!
Papaya King is the best hotdogs
They're definitely great hotdogs!
Excuse me Sir but would you happen to have any Gray's Papaya? Au Cheval is supposed to be a legendary burger-overrated? How can $1,50 pizza survive in NY?
Yeah, it's surprising that one can still get pizza in NYC for that little.
I love their drinks, and prices… But maybe it’s because I’m too much of a Chicagoan, but I thought the hotdogs were really really bad. Dull and flavorless.
Fair enough.
Please the videos be for public and by average prices
Yes. I'll do my best to include more videos with decent prices.
Apparently All Beef 😂
Haha! You never know with hot dogs.
thats one lunch? good video but thats an afternoon of eating. not lunch.
Thank you! Yeah, it turned into a sort of food crawl, but I just couldn't go back home hungry.
Thanks for losing the glasses
Save your money 😂 make it yiurself😊
The stock music you used in this video is the most horrible thing I've ever heard in my life.
Grays Papaya was overrated the one time I visited around 2011.
That's a shame.
@@Jamesnu yes it was. traveled from out of state and couldn’t understand the hype.
@@alexandra-q7u1m That's unfortunate, if you still want to try a notable NYC hot dog, I would recommend Papaya King.
Not the Original Ain't The Papaya King .
Papaya King paved the way for Gray's.
Gotta say just had Grays and it was trash. I have had better dogs at Costco. Wasn’t worth the hype.
That's unfortunate.
Any hotdog isn’t worth critiquing,get a grip !
Very overrated and not really that affordable either. They also have virtually nothing else to go with the hot dogs either.