Posted Sep, 14, 2009 - member since Sep, 14, 2009
Mmm. What can be said about Gray's that hasn't already been said before? I know someone who broke up with their boyfriend because they wouldn't go to Gray's Papaya (hopefully suplimentary to other relationship problems. I wouldn't want to think the sweet, sweet, call of Gray's was totally responsiable) and others who drive in to NYC from Jersey at 2 am because of a hotdog craving. While I remember when the Recession special was (WAY) cheaper, it's still a good deal since hotdogs on the street are still around $1.50 each, with no drink and chintsy toppings.
As far as flavor. They're hot dogs. They're good hot dogs. While I think their legend looms a little larger then it would without a healthy dose of nostalgia to keep it alive, they have a nice snap, good topping and the drinks (which I tend to find fairly saccharine on their own) pair freakishly well with the dogs.
The atmosphere for me is usually grabbing a recession special and eating it out of the brown paper bag while walking to the park, but the inside has its own charm, if an occasionally disproportinate amount of homeless. Although maybe that's part of its charm; watching bankers, students and homeless dudes standing shoulder to shoulder, chowing down on Recession specials.
And like Anna said, NO KETCHUP. Don't do it. Really.
