Gray's Papaya

Some New Yorkers cite Papaya King as the penultimate hot dog, but for many natives, there's no substitute for Gray's Papaya. Gray's may have been a latecomer—it was established in 1973, more than 40 years after the original Papaya King—but it serves an even tastier product than its competitor. The exterior of Gray's grilled beef link is taut, almost rippling, and comes in a just-warmed, fluffy bun; a papaya drink rounds out the winning combination. As regulars know, toppings are unnecessary; a simple swipe of mustard is all you need.