The only hot dogs available were once those boiled in street-carts. Luckily, this is no longer the case. Two specialty stores located only a few blocks from Stuyvesant make it easy for students to indulge in the traditional American food.
The New York City Hot Dog Company is a beautifully lit store conveniently located in front of the Church Street train subway station. Warm colors and a relaxing soundtrack create an inviting atmosphere despite the store’s small size. The store’s biggest flaw: there are no chairs—only a long wiener-shaped table overlooking the street.
The franks are juicy, with just enough spice, and the food is served neatly, without the dripping grease of other restaurants. A student special consisting of one beef hot dog (regular price $1.25) is also offered for $0.99.
The menu offers many types of hot dogs, including veggie soy dogs for $2 and chicken dogs for $1.75. Though the prices are high, they’re fair. “I was really happy to finally find a hot dog place nearby that had something else besides beef hot dogs,” sophomore Anna Deng said. “It tasted really good after not eating a hot dog for a long time.”
A variety of toppings are available, from the standard relish, ketchup and mustard—free—to premium creations, including bacon bits, veggie chili and guacamole for $0.50 each.
Employees are happy to explain the menu or cater to a specific buyer’s needs. The New York Hot Dog Company is an eatery that is easy to enjoy.
Mike’s Papaya, the older of the two vendors, looks it. Though it seems inviting from the outside, it is dingy and cramped inside. Plastic fruits and vegetables dangle from the ceiling, giving the store a cheap look. Only a few shaky uncomfortable eating counters are available.
Though perfectly competent, the employees are blunt and sometimes rude. When asked what drink he would recommend, one employee said he couldn’t recommend anything. He feared if it were unsatisfactory, the customer would report it to the manager.
Fortunately, the food compensates for these flaws. The 100 percent-beef hot dogs are juicy, succulent and grilled to perfection on a slow-cooking grilling machine. The hot sausage—a larger, stuffed hot dog—is even more delicious than the traditional one. The Philly cheese steaks are also tasty, with a perfect blend of onions, peppers, cheese and meat. The best item on the menu was the cheese fries. The EZ-cheese gives them a perfect melted, soggy texture and savory flavor.
Mike’s Papaya’s prices are also more affordable. A student can purchase two hot dogs, a large drink and cheese fries for under $4.50. Because of its accessibility, reasonable price and appetizing menu, Mike’s Papaya is an excellent lunch option for Stuyvesant students.
Both New York City Hot Dog Company and Mike’s Papaya deliver a fine dog, but each has its own relish. For great food at rock-bottom prices, Mike’s Papaya is the clear choice. But if you value service and aesthetics, the New York City Hot Dog Company comes out ahead.
The New York City Hot Dog Company
105 Chambers St. (Corner of Church St.)
About $7 for a meal
http://www.nychotdogs.com/
Mike’s Papaya
88 Reade St. (Between Broadway and Church St.)
$4.50 for a meal