Discover the real NYC in Shoot New York City’s Discover Guide

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the businesses listed are temporarily or permanently closed. I do suggest that you verify if they are open before visiting them. With many of them, it is probably best to call them as they may not have had the opportunity to update the information on their website.

I love the independent businesses in New York, they are the heart and soul of the city! In this section you will find bookstores, cafés, restaurants, arts & crafts markets and more. This is an ongoing project to list the best of indie New York so visit often to discover the real New York City. Experience the hidden gems and places that New Yorkers frequent. For more information on many of NYC’s vibrant neighborhoods, have a read of my Neighborhood Guides. I am not compensated for writing these reviews and I'm only writing about the places that I like.

Sadly, far too many of these unique, independent businesses close every year. When I learn of one closing I will move it to the category Vanishing NYC. They may be gone but they’ll never be forgotten!

Neighborhoods

Business Type

Papaya King, Upper East Side, Manhattan

Update - it’s so sad that this location closed.

Papaya King is a classic New York City tradition. There used to be many more locations and there is at least one competitor. They are typically open 24 hours 365 days a year. Papaya juice and a hot dog or your basic bacon, egg and cheese on a roll for breakfast are very popular and very inexpensive. You haven’t truly experienced NYC until you’ve eaten at Papaya King. Oh, I should mention that they’ve been in business for 86 years!

Papaya King - 179 East 86th Street at Third Avenue

Restaurants, Vanishing NYCLeanne StaplesJune 5, 2016Upper East Side, Manhattan

Discover NYC – Your Guide to Indie Businesses

Neighborhoods

Business Type

Papaya King, Upper East Side, Manhattan