You know how the saying goes — “Don’t let great opportunities pass you by.” Well I did. Until just last year, I hadn’t given the campus food carts half a chance. I always settled for the easy fast food, never leaving my comfort zone.
Next time you’re hangry give one of these spots a shot — this is one bandwagon you need to hop on.
Chachi’s Burritos: Our first stop on the UO food cart tour is a burrito stand right in front of Taylor’s, owned by Doug Beaird. Chachi’s opened Feb. 2014, and has been highly successful ever since. During our talk, a customer came to the window, a quarter in hand and asked for a cigarette. Chachi’s actually sells single cigarettes for just 25 cents. “Just one of the little extra things we do here,” he said. It’s unique, has unbeatable prices and satisfies all cravings — Chachi’s Burritos proves why it’s here to stay.
Uly’s Tacos: Around 2 a.m., after everyone has finished singing “Sweet Caroline” at Max’s, the crowd clears out and heads to the Holy Grail of drunchies at UO. The small taco cart, open Thurs. through Sat. night 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., was started in 2009 by UO graduate Keith Bisbee. There’s also a second location on 13th Avenue and Olive Street, as well as a full restaurant in Gresham. Their street taco combo, The Trifecta, includes a steak, a chicken and a pork taco and gives LA tacos a serious run for their money. Prevent your next hangover with Uly’s.
Hot dog stand: Yes, that sweet lady who parks it across from the Duck Store five days a week, rain or shine. “I try to be out here almost every day,” says Shari Chrissis who thrives in the bustling hot spot of campus. Hot dogs with all the trimmings, chips, drinks and rice krispie treats decorate her cart as she calls customers “sweetheart” and makes your delicious dog your way. “They make it and I’m the one with the hands to craft it,” says Chrissis. The perfect grab-n-go item while walking to class for a quick treat.
Soup Nation: You may not know that little cart by PLC made it possible for the Soup Nation to open their own restaurant after it’s booming success on campus. Featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, this gold mine serves up over 80 varieties of soups and their little street cart serves a variety of 4 or 5 Mon.-Fri. “Would you like to sample your order first?” asked cart worker, Erica. But I was far too excited to devour my three-Cheese Tomato soup. I went for the whole cup. Also included with the lunch deal is a piece of their home-baked sourdough wheat bread, which made the flavors twice as killer. It’s the perfect rainy day lunch.
Follow Audrey Bittner on Twitter @PodgeTown