The Papaya King

There are a number of Papaya somethings all over town so I'm not sure what the draw really is. This one is called the Papaya King and their papaya juice is good. The main fare is hot dogs with lots of different toppings, but just like Pinks in LA, it's still just a hot dog.

Naruto totally sucked for the second time so I was still hungry. We were heading to MOMA so I needed something quick and Papaya King was nearby and definitely quick.

I rarely ever order hot dogs. In fact, the only two places I've ever eaten hot dogs are at ball parks and in backyards. Now I can add 86th and Lex to that list. I ordered the hot dog that came with peppers and onions as toppings; turning down sauerkraut, curly fries, chili, and mushrooms. The hot dog is good; definitely better than the ball park and backyard variety, but not really good enough to warrant purposefully making a trip to get one.

Papaya King has a sign that says "better than filet mignon." If I go there again I'm going to ask that they qualify that statement. Better as in cheaper; perhaps. Better as in tastier; no way.

179 E 86th St
(between 3rd Ave & Lexington Ave)
New York, NY 10028

hot dog in bad lighting