Columbia Plaza Hot Dog Cart

I have been eating the chili cheese mustard onion half smokes from this guy for the last year and a half. They NEVER fail to be one of the best tasting half smokes around. If it wasn’t that Bens gives you an experience and a ton more chili on their dogs, I would say that these half smokes definitely compare to Bens. $ 2.50 for a half smoke seems like a solid price to me! He even has deals on multiple halfs and dogs if you are feeling particularly hungry.
You can tell that the vendor uses quality products and during lunch time you can smell the delicious aroma of his cart from over 50 ft. away. Ask yourself, when has a hot dog cart ever smelled good? This one does!
I have convinced many of my friends and colleagues to buy from this cart, and everyone agrees as to the great taste and friendliness of the owner.
The owner is from Afghanistan, has lived in America for the last 20 years and is an extremely friendly person. Sometimes, I help him move the cart in the morning if I am walking by and see him doing it by himself. There have even been times where I have seen him give people free food who either didn’t have enough money or the correct change available. He just says «pay me later.»
He is only out there Monday — Friday working hours as he largely caters to the government, tourist and student community that pass by the cart. I should also say that he has fresh pretzels (that he buys daily from somewhere downtown, he wouldn’t tell me) as well as a variety of drinks and other snacks.

$ 4.50 will get you two all beef hot dogs, a bag of chips and a cold can of soda. Cheapest eat in the area! Located right outside the entrance to Columbia Plaza. The vendor is meticulous and attentive.
A buddy of mine bought me lunch here one day. It was great. I got my hot dogs with EVERYTHING including the cooked onions. I selected my bag of sour cream and onion chips and told the vendor that I wanted a Coke. He took my bag of chips and put it in the bag. Then, digging down into the icebox inside the cart, he grabbed a cold Coke, which he wrapped with napkins before putting in my bag. Upon delivering $ 9 to the vendor, we then went into Columbia Plaza and sat at one of the picnic tables for our dogs.
Another day, I reciprocated on the dog deal. Still $ 4.50. Still hot doggityness.
I have been back since. These dogs even satisfy those who are sensitive to cart food (not me). In name brand sodas, I have moved on to Fanta. I love orange soda!
Oh, and, the tip «jar» is a plastic cup right by the window of the cart.
Hey, whadda want? Sure, it’s a hot dog cart. This is not haute cuisine. It’s the hot dog special!