SHYSTERS

In a city where every lawyer claims to serve the public, Stein may be the only one who’s doing it literally.”

- Above the Law

A government shutdown and a subsequent furlough presented Isaac Stein with a golden opportunity to chase his childhood dream - running a hotdog cart. Thus, Shyster’s was born. You can find Isaac operating Shysters at the intersection of M St. NE and 1st St. NE. The hours of operation are solely at Isaac’s convenience.

As Seen On

National Public Radio

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MSNBC

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BBC

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Spectrum News

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Business Insider

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Fox News

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National Public Radio 〰️ MSNBC 〰️ BBC 〰️ Spectrum News 〰️ Business Insider 〰️ Fox News 〰️

NPR

During the 2025 U.S. federal government shutdown, IRS attorney Isaac Stein turns a furlough into a hot-dog cart venture in Washington, D.C.—launching Shysters Dogs under the tongue-in-cheek slogan “The Only Honest Ripoff in D.C.”, embracing a minimalist menu while planning to return to his legal job when the shutdown ends.

Furloughed federal worker Issac Stein, 31, works at his hot dog stand weeks into the continuing U.S. government shutdown, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 24, 2025.

Business Insider

Furloughed IRS lawyer Isaac Stein shares how he turned the 2025 government shutdown into Shysters Dogs, a D.C. hot dog stand built on wit, honesty, and legal precision.

@bbcnews Isaac Stein, a federal lawyer at the US tax agency, has taken on a new full-time job running his own hot dog stand to make ends meet during the government shutdown. #USGovernment #GovernmentShutdown #HotDog #FederalEmployees #US #BBCNews ♬ original sound - BBC News

Spectrum News

Furloughed IRS attorney Isaac Stein launched Shysters Dogs, a minimalist hot dog stand in D.C., turning the government shutdown into a chance to bring people joy with humor, honesty, and mustard.

MEDIOCRE MERCH

SHYSTERS ARTISTIC SHIRT - A GUARANTEED RIPOFF
from $30.00

Saturn devouring a hot dog, draped in the American flag — a tasteful nod to Francisco Goya and the folly of corporate greed. Printed in bold black-and-white linocut style on a soft cotton tee. And we didn’t use AI to make this design - we hired Roger Bailey (Instagram: @rogerthat.crtv) to make our concept come to life.

Disclaimers: 

  • Stylish, natural-colored fabric.

  • Some colors are different fabric blends.

  • Dark color speckles throughout the fabric are expected for this shirt color.

SHYSTERS BRANDED T-SHIRT - BECOME A WALKING BILLBOARD
from $30.00

It's the Shysters logo on a t-shirt.

• 100% cotton

• Fabric weight: 5.0–5.3 oz/yd² (170-180 g/m²)
• Open-end yarn
• Tubular fabric
• Taped neck and shoulders
• Double seam at sleeves and bottom hem

Disclaimers: 
• Due to the fabric properties, this white t-shirt may appear off-white rather than bright white.

SHYSTERS STICKER - A SMALL RIPOFF
from $5.00

A symbol of truth, justice, and an idle worker. Features the scales of justice weighed against a hot dog — the only fair balance in D.C. Stick it anywhere you want to raise expectations.

Don't forget to clean the surface before applying the sticker.

THE SHIRT OFF ISAAC'S BACK
$10,000.00

The item that is not intended to be bought. If you persist, Isaac will give you a performance and will not take any photos. The prevailing market price of this item increases tenfold with each purchase thereof.

For now, Isaac will literally sell you the shirt off his back for $10,000. In any case, this will be a men’s dress shirt like the one depicted in the above stock image (for legal reasons, we are obligated to say this picture was DESIGNED BY FREEPIK).

* All payments accepted. Domestic shipping in the 48 contiguous States only. No returns.

  • “In a city where every lawyer claims to serve the public, Stein may be the only one who’s doing it literally.”

  • "He serves up his dogs wearing a business suit and tie, just as if he were back at the office serving up tax regulations. The hot dog cart - the slogan for which is: “The Only Honest Ripoff in D.C.” - is the realization of a childhood dream for the 31-year-old Stein."

  • "One older gentleman yelled at a group of kids who were hassling me and spent 5 minutes of his day telling me about the merits of Gulden's mustard (the NY gold standard; I source my similar mustard from Baltimore). I encourage everyone to show some love for the people in your life who are this passionate [about mustard]."

    Isaac Stein, Hotdog Salesman

  • "Sending peace, love, and happiness to all."

    Isaac Stein, Not a hippy.