I pass Gray's Papaya constantly, as I am either walking home or en route to another destination in the neighborhood. One cannot help but take in the strong scent that permeates the air from their open doors on both Broadway and 72nd Street. No matter the hour, there always seems to be a line. Although I have not actually had a hot dog myself, I have relished in the experience of taking many a visitor to sample the goods. Tom, the Manhattan Sideways photographer, was thrilled to stop in for a few minutes one afternoon as we were busy walking on 72nd and stand at the counter chowing down two hotdogs and a soda. Opened by Paul Gray in 1973, the neighborhood staple sells cheap hotdogs 24-hours-a-day, every day of the year, as well as their famous papaya fruit drink. Featured in countless films such as You've Got Mail and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, the establishment is reputed to be one of the most iconic hotdog joints in the city.
