Papaya Dog

**not closed back in March.

"I'm a fan and I don't even usually like hot dogs"

$3.50 for a chili cheese hot dog that I devoured in about 5 bites. O-m-g. It was soooo good ! (Or, it had been a really long night - discuss.). The staff was friendly and service was very quick.

So, how did the lively, outgoing tropical vivacious papaya and the conformist, practical and frugal hot dog meet?  The city is filled with reminders of their long-term partnership:  Grays papaya, Papaya king, Papaya dog...  

I don't know, but I did enjoy the hot dog.

It's clear I'm a hot dog moron. I admit it. I don't have the advanced, rarefied palate of a New Yawker who could tell the difference between Nathan's and all the Papaya chains. I did enjoy Crif Dogs on my most recent trip since the toppings were so unusual and the tater tots so addictive. But if I was held at gunpoint and given a comparative taste test on all the hot dogs I've had, I'm sure I'd end up like Christopher Walken in "The Deer Hunter", and believe me, I'd be in no position to demand more cowbell. So I ended up at this Papaya Dog when I was staying at the Distrikt a block away. It was my first night in New York, so forgive me, I got excited to try one.

It was rather inviting on a warm summer night even though the only ones eating in there was a really loud, bejeweled couple who seemed to have failed a drug test because they were yelling at each other at the top of their lungs for no coherent reason. But I just figured it was part of the ambiance. I ordered a Chili Dog for a whopping $2.50 (photo: bit.ly/1xCZ8jQ). I didn't order a papaya drink though. I think I finished that dog in under two minutes. It was neither good or bad. It was a hot dog, and the chili was thick enough not to drip over my hand while I devoured it. I left the place and the drug-fueled argument between Ike and Tina in under five minutes. Somehow I don't think I made the most of it. Put that blindfold away.

FOOD - 3 stars...a dog is a dog but it did hit the spot for the two minutes I ate it
AMBIANCE - 2 stars...well, I'll just say finding clean formica was a treasure hunt
SERVICE - 3 stars...I'll say "fast" for the lack of any other impression
TOTAL - 3 stars...which Papaya am I supposed to go to again?

I'm not going to beat around the bush too much here. It's cheap, it's delicious, and any time that I am in the NY area, I'll make it a point to stop by and have a hot dog with one of their fruit drinks.

Papaya King, Gray's Papaya, Papaya Dog - these places are generally all the same. The same splashy (yet simplistic) red and white signs, the same "recession specials", same prices, same prepared foods/menu and having been around since I was born and even before then - they're a New York City staple.

Anyone that says they've never eaten, seen, stepped inside or walked by one is either lying or lives in a bubble...a bubble located underground because even bubbles will float by one of these spots - guaranteed.

This particular location was located on the same block, opposite corner for 10+ years before settling into this locale about 4-5 years ago. They've expanded their menu years ago to compete with popping up burger businesses, fast food places and the ever ominous NYC $1 slice trend...

As a result they no long offer just hot dogs - but also chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, pizza, French fries, chicken wings and a variety of different flavored fruit juices.

I normally just stick with the hot dog although I've had the fries and the chicken tenders before. The hot dogs are what really stands out because they're grilled, not boiled, and their possess a rich flavor and a crispy skin that's perfect for those nights where you've been drinking with your friends and only want to spend $1.50 on "dinner" or "post-hang munchies".

...About that though, when I was a wee lil girl hot dogs here were .75 cents - .75 CENTS...then it went on a steady up-track of .80, .99, $1.00, $1.25 and now $1.50. Still a bargain, but are we running out of pigs and other animal by products that hot dogs are being more expensive to come by?!

I get it though. Rent in NYC isn't cheap, which is why NYC is the birthplace of the "THE RENT IS TOO DAMN HIGH" political party by Jimmy Whatshisname who lives close to St. Mark's Place on 1st avenue - I've met him on 2 occasions that I've been hanging out in that area - he's a super nice guy.

Anywhoo - hot dogs here are tasty, might leave you feeling a bit icky, but it's worth it do eat...at least once or twice. If you're not a vegetarian and put cheese on it. It'll be $2.50 because apparently the price of cheese whiz is also on a steady ascent.

But it's delicious so get off Yelp and go do it :).

For one of Manhattan's most glorious hot dog chains, Papaya Dog sure knows how to stay alive even through the toughest times. Ironically, a hot dog isn't why I'd come here. Their version feels just a step below the infamous water dogs from street side carts. Instead, I'm here because:

* It's cheap:  How inexpensive are we talking? Think $1.50 for a full breakfast of eggs, toast, and potatoes. That almost makes 2 Bros Pizza look bad for charging $2.75 for two slices and a drink. Papaya Dog needs only the minimal amount to survive.

* It's in Times Square:  As long as you count the west side of 42nd Street Times Square, then it can be easy to come here instead of lingering at all the chain restaurants along Broadway. Papaya King to the rescue!

* People watching: There is a shady cast of characters in this part of Midtown. Anywhere from the bums of yesteryear to the crackheads of today. Crazies have love for hot dogs too, but especially those who are on a budget. Trust me when I say there is always something going on.

* Breakfast before hot dogs, that's my rule. At least the way that food is prepared and presented, the breakfast will win the battle every time.

OK

I'm not a hogdog fan at all but it was a temporary fix for my hunger... $1.50 for a small hot dog. Costco offers a good size dog plus all-you-can drink soda for the same price. But, hey, this was New York and had to try it...

Location is on a corner and not very clean. It can get busy so I'm not sure how fast their small staff can get out there to wipe tables. It's in and out kinda deal.

Review #0050

$2.79 for the bacon, egg, and cheese roll.

The absolute best meal you can get for breakfast on a budget.

Sure it seems a bit grimy and dirty, but it's no problem since the sandwich comes on a kaiser roll, TWO fresh cracked eggs, plenty of bacon, and TWO slices of cheese.  Some of those carts cheat you and give you less cheese, or even a half a slice of cheese, but this is definitely a good value.

Don't miss the 2 eggs, homefries and toast special for $1.49 as well.

Why go to Papaya Dog? Well, it's fast and it's cheap, but it's not always good. Several hours after eating a hot dog with kraut and onions from here, I'm left with terrible heartburn and hot dog burps that just won't go away, even with Tums. I've tried Gray's Papaya and Papaya King and they've never left me with such esophageal distress. The price is right at $4.99 for two dogs and a Coke, but at what cost?

I'm surprised by the three stars here...I just used the phrase "managing expectations" in another review, but it applies, maybe even more here.

The place is a dump, on a crappy corner, it can get busy, and the eating area gets destroyed...BUT...for the price the hot dogs are great, if you're looking for a cheap no-frills dog.

I got a plain hot dog with mustard and relish and a small papaya juice...It was a snack, hit the spot and quite frankly, it was damn delicious!

Been here twice -- they have hot dogs. You can get it anyway you want.

However, I saw the two workers on a Friday evening at midnight mock a effeminate gay man when he and his boyfriend came in. Seriously guys -- you work a hot dog stand -- you have no right to mock anyone.