It was touch and go there for a while, with a “cash mob” at one point showing up to spare the beloved hot dog purveyor what seemed like its inevitable fate. But it turns out Papaya King will live to fight another day, serving its legendary red hots from a new address at 1535 Third Avenue, between East 86th and 87th streets, which is across the street from the original location.
The restaurant has been a fixture since 1932 when it was opened by Greek immigrants. In the time since, the menu has been expanded to include curly fries, onion rings, fried Oreos, knishes, and cheesesteaks. But its raison d’être has remained its crackling-skinned hot dogs, which have become a New York institution.
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