Hot dog vendors are a common sight for party seekers in downtown Orlando, but there is only one that can satisfy the meat-averse among us: The Vegan Hot Dog Cart has been a staple for late-night revelers in the City Beautiful for the past 22 years.
“I’ve been told you haven’t been to Orlando if you haven’t been to the Vegan Hot Dog Cart,” manager Brandon Kaiser said.
Located on the corner of Orange Avenue and Washington Street, the cart serves hot dogs made of wheat and sausages formed with peas. Carolina BBQ, garlic aioli and kraut are just some of the vegan topping options available.
The menu is filled with creative pairings like the Holiday (cranberry chutney, fried onions, parsley), Old Reliable (chilli, “cheese,” scallions) and the El Boricua (banana peppers, garlic aioli, ketchup) — a combo that Kaiser, who is Puerto Rican, created to appeal to his Hispanic and Latino customers.
Kaiser said veteran customers will often order off-menu items like the Bad Santa, the Reptar and the Fast Eddy.
“Something about the vibe we have and the food we serve just brings this positive energy,” Kaiser said.
The Vegan Hot Dog Cart is owned by Shaun Noonan, who also owns Dixie Dharma, located inside the Market on South.
If you want to try as many add-ons as possible, order the Drunk Dog, which comes with a whopping 14 toppings.
The cart is open every night from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.