Sharon S.
Yelp
If you're going to New York for the first time.... Only a few things come to mind as famous to eat there. You have to have a dirty water dog from a hotdog street vendor. I don't just settle for any street vendor selling them.... take my word.... go to Billy on the corner of 93rd & Central Park West.
First let's talk about the man. He is extremely nice and it's so pleasant to talk to him. He greets everybody with a smile, and enjoys doing what he does and it shows. He takes a lot of pride in his work and is a hard honest working businessman. Not out just for a sale, but to make sure you, the customer enjoy the experience of having one of New York's most famous iconic foods.
The hotdogs are sooooo good. How good??? I walked 35 blocks from my hotel room every other day when I would go to Central Park and he would be my first stop to get lunch, because they are that darn good. The hotdog buns are so soft, coupled with a nice extremely well tasting Sabretts Hot Dog, and then topped with deli brown mustard and sauerkraut. Pair that with a nice soft drink, gatorade or bottle of water, and you're going to be so happy. I also tried it with the onion toppings he has and that was extremely tasty too.... But I'm old-fashioned and believe the only two things that belong on a hotdog are deli mustard and sauerkraut. Kind of funny, when I ordered my first hotdog and told him that's what I wanted on it he leaned in toward me and said "You know how to order a dog don't you? That's the only way they have a true hotdog!" he said.
He has a lot of other tasty items to order as well. His hot pretzels are just simply wonderful as well. He also has sausage you can get instead of a hotdog.... Which I'm sure they are just as awesome as the hotdogs are, but for me being old fashioned, I just like a simple hotdog. He also has candy and chips to add to complete your order.
I gave him a very nice tip the first day because the experience is so worth it.... and he was almost so bashful he didn't want to except it, but he did after I did some coaxing. When I return the second day he insisted to give me a free hotdog and drink, and I told him I would like to pay for it because that's how I am. He insisted so I let him treat me with a free lunch, but on the third day I paid for my lunch again, and then tipped him very well to make up for the previous day. He's such a kind hearted soul.... and I saw him offering free drinks to people who would purchase hotdogs from him, which is nice of him to do, which is what inspired me to tip him because he still needs to earn a living and survive.
So if you're ever in New York and you're looking for a special treat to sit and eat in Central Park.... You'd be doing yourself a favor to go to Billy's Hot Dog Cart. Hop out of the park.... grab some lunch.... go right back across the street into the park.... and enjoy your lunch on a nice park bench in one of the most beautiful parks in the world.