Restaurants Across America to Satisfy Late Night Cravings

Finding restaurants that are open late at night or even early in the morning is not just a quest for those out and about after the bars close. Hungry insomniacs and those who work the grave-yard shift or even a 12-hour day need to fuel up, too. Fortunately, there are places across the country that are ready to serve the tired and hungry when food options can be limited. Read on for places that receive high marks from customers and there to soothe your food cravings into the wee hours.

Related: The Best Hole-in-the-Wall Diner in Every State

Al’s Deli and Grill | Birmingham, Alabama

Students of the neighboring University of Alabama at Birmingham have been frequenting this hangout for decades. Al’s is open 24/7 and offers a full Mediterranean menu, burgers and hot wings. Locals rave about the kabobs, omelettes, and hefty stuffed baked potato. Expect leftovers.

City Cafe Diner | Huntsville, Alabama

Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday (and two hours later on Friday and Saturday), this Alabama diner boasts some of the largest servings in town. Regulars delight in the all-encompassing menu that is sure to appease even the most finicky palette. Breakfast is served all day, and there’s plenty of Greek food. Save room for dessert — when you enter you’ll spy the rows of homemade cakes.

Leroy’s Family Restaurant | Anchorage

Just about everything seems to be delicious at this 24-hour greasy spoon, which late-night partiers turn to for comfort foods such as omelets, breakfast burritos, and reindeer sausage. The servers here can joke and sass with the best of them, but they’ll definitely keep your coffee cup full.

Welcome Diner | Phoenix

Voted Best Late-Night Dining by the Phoenix New Times, the Welcome Diner has a menu filled with the kind of food that will expand your waistline. It’s a small place, but it offers a big helping of Southern charm thanks to its affable servers and tasty selections like fried chicken with country gravy, burgers and mac n cheese. For those who want alcohol, there are classic drinks (Whiskey sours, Sazeracs) as well as red and white wines.

Lucy’s Diner | Rogers, Arkansas

Servers at this quaint 1950’s-style diner want to make sure your order is fixed just the way you want it. With generous portions of fries or hash browns, and a burger or steak, this diner delivers big meals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar | Venice, California

Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch and bourbon? Or how about the Cocoa Puffs and vanilla vodka? These are only some of the choices offered at Nighthawk, which creates spiked cereal milk cocktails and decadent versions of classic breakfast foods. Get ready to indulge with candied bacon and tots, Drunken French toast, the fully loaded All the Breakfast Burger, and a hearty dish called Even Vegan with forbidden rice, spinach, and roasted cauliflower and poblano peppers. While open late most of the week, Nighthawk is closed completely on Mondays.

Union Kitchen & Tap | Encinitas, California

A stone’s throw from some of San Diego’s most beautiful beaches in North County, this neighborhood restaurant (open until 2 a.m. nightly) and tavern serves farm-to-table American fare and cocktails. Whether you want to have your burger inside while watching the game or partying in some of the other halls, it’s a casual spot to hang with friends. Cool tip: Cocktails are named after characters from Quentin Tarantino flicks.

The Yellow Deli | Boulder, Colorado

Diners will experience a cozy and comforting vibe while munching on sandwiches and salads at this casual spot that’s open 24 hours Monday through Thursday. Visitors rave about the veggie burger and jalapeño bread.

Trolley Square Oyster House | Wilmington, Delaware

This seafood-focused hotspot stays open until 1 a.m. (10 p.m. on Sunday) and specializes in icy cold bivalves on the half shell and draft beer. But if you’re looking for something more, Trolley Square also has crab cakes, lobster rolls, and other seafood dishes. Visit the restaurant in the early hours, and you’ll see seniors and families dining. Later that night, a younger crowd converges.

Related: 20 Amazing Seafood Shacks Across America

Tamiami Tap | Sarasota, Florida

Drop by this coastal neighborhood bar until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and get a taste of its classic seasonal food. The menu features items that locals expect, including fish tacos, burgers, beef sliders, and deviled eggs. Visitors applaud the staff for the friendly environment and great service.

Leonardo’s Mexican Food | Indianapolis

The eats at this 24/7 eatery are inexpensive, filling, and really good, according to customer reviews. Leonardo’s boasts fresh, authentic food, and reliable Wi-Fi. Visitors will want to try the savory steak burrito with pico de gallo and guacamole or the chicken enchiladas. In a hurry? Don’t get out of your car — the drive-thru is also open 24 hours.

Related: 30 Classic Drive-In Restaurants That Endure

Vine Tavern & Eatery | Iowa City, Iowa

Sports enthusiasts come out in droves to watch the game while eating the tasty maple BBQ wings at this Midwestern joint that’s open until 2 a.m. daily. Fans say the beer is cold, the burger and fries are hot, and the staff serves with a smile.

Burger Boy Diner | Louisville, Kentucky

The old-school jukebox keeps keeps the groove going 24/7 while the chef keeps the classic diner dishes flowing at this popular diner. Visitors appreciate the laid-back vibe while chowing down on breakfast foods, burgers, and biscuits and gravy.

Sunset Cove | Baltimore

Grab a seat until midnight (2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday) and enjoy the sea breeze while dining on seafood, steaks or burgers. With indoor and outdoor seating and a tiki bar, this lovely location may be one of Baltimore’s best-kept secrets.

Penny’s Diner | North Platte, Nebraska

Come in and appreciate the classic old-fashioned surroundings at this 24/7 diner and stay for the satisfying diner fare. The selections include omelets wrapped in tortillas, onion rings (not greasy!), and chicken fried steak.

Johnny T’s Bistro & Blues | Jackson, Mississippi

Late-night fine dining (until 3 a.m. nightly, closed Mondays) with live music is always a good idea, and Johnny T’s will make sure your visit is memorable. The outdoor, eye-catching photos of greats Lena Horne and Redd Foxx may lure you in, but it’s the catfish plate, sweet potato fries and fried broccoli that make you want to come back.

Red Arrow Diner | Manchester, New Hampshire

This historic down-home diner is open 24/7 and is a popular stop for presidential hopefuls and celebrities alike. It also has another claim to fame: the 2019 Business of the Year, according to Business New Hampshire magazine. Celebrate with its stick-to-your ribs fare including pancakes, eggs and bacon, or pie with ice cream.

Frontier Restaurant | Albuquerque

This special restaurant, open until midnight. daily, pulls in a ton of travelers thanks to its location along the iconic Route 66. It has good food, fresh tortillas made on the spot, and out-of-this-world homemade cinnamon rolls that would make even John Wayne smile.

Seasoned Vegan | New York

Harlem’s first vegan full-service restaurant, run by a mother-and-son team, serves dishes packed with flavor that look just like meat options. With its unique twist on soul food, the restaurant has earned a loyal following. Instagram pics showcase delicious-looking BBQ riblets and mac and cheese.

Seoul Food Meat Co. | Charlotte, North Carolina

This isn’t your usual Korean restaurant. Instead, this North Carolina BBQ joint wants to provide a you-can’t-find-it-anywhere-else experience. Come in late (it’s open until 11 p.m. or later) with an appetite and try the beef ribs, fire chicken, or double-fried chicken wings. Leave room for the potato swirl or bao buns.

The Toasted Frog | Multiple Locations, North Dakota

Hankering for some fried cheesy pickles? What about a 16-inch buffalo chicken lavosh (think pizza on Armenian bread)? Ever have an elk burger or FBLT (frog BLT)? If these unique dishes are of interest, this North Dakota staple with locations in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, will be right up your alley. But if you’re simply interested in a good martini, you’re in luck, too.

Goody Boy | Columbus, Ohio

With its unique spin on comfort food favorites and a recent menu overhaul, this retro stalwart has a let-the-“goody”-times-roll atmosphere. The eclectic offerings are available until 2 a.m. daily and include stuffed avocado halves, creamy-and-tangy macaroni and cheese, and mini Reuben sandwiches in egg-roll form. While temporarily closed, it’s expected to re-open in 2024.

Perry’s Restaurant | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

It can be said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For others, it’s simply their favorite food group. You can have hash browns all day at this 24/7 diner, though there’s also the standard burgers, fries, and onion rings. Oh, rumor has it their cinnamon rolls are huge (aka shareable).

Donnie Vegas | Portland, Oregon

This late-night hot dog specialist has a sweet patio, stays open until 2:30 a.m. daily, and has a weakness for dogs (the kind you eat, at least). There’s the Seoul Dog (kimchi, sambal aioli, and scallions) and the Tijuana Dog (cream cheese, pico de gallo, jalapeño, and cilantro). Worth a visit.

Olneyville New York System Restaurant | Providence, Rhode Island

Whatever you do, don’t ask for ketchup for your hotdog, ahem, weiner at Olneyville New York System. At this legendary restaurant (open until 2 a.m. or later daily), the small franks are made only one way — mustard, meat sauce, onions, and celery salt. Even Guy Fieri gives them a thumbs-up. They’re addictive, so be prepared to order a few, and wash them down with a glass of coffee milk.

Tattooed Moose | Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re looking for a late-night meal (the Tattooed Moose is open until 2 a.m. daily), you’ll be glad you came. The laid-back pub/sandwich shop also received a seal of approval from Guy Fieri who knows a thing or two about casual eateries with hearty meals. Be sure to partner your sandwich with the duck fries.

Cook Out | Greenwood, South Carolina

Don’t walk, run to this popular late-night chain (open until 3 a.m. or later daily) and try at least two of its 40-plus “fancy” milkshakes. With flavors that span a spectrum from banana pudding to cheesecake, peach cobbler, and Reese’s Cup, how could one go wrong? And don’t forget to complement your drink with a burger and onion rings.

Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop | Sioux Falls, South Dakota

There’s never a bad time to have a taco at this always-open spot. The challenge is picking one — there’s a menu of about 17 types at this family-owned shop. Diners craving burritos, tostadas or tortas will be able to scratch that itch, too. Want only breakfast fare? You’re in luck, since it’s served all day.

Boyd’s Jig & Reel | Knoxville, Tennessee

Yes, it’s an authentic Scottish music pub (open until midnight daily, closed Monday) where everyone is invited to bring an instrument and play, but you won’t find your typical bar food here. The menu, inspired by native Scottish fare, offers nontraditional meat pies, including macaroni and cheese-filled pastries, sandwiches, and a Jacket Potato dish. There’s also haggis, neeps and tatties, and bangers and mash.

Bob & Edith’s Diner | Arlington, Virginia

Not only does this always-open classic diner serve delicious eats, it kicks things up a notch with friendly and prompt service. Belly up to the counter or a booth to enjoy the celebrated pancakes or patty melts. There’s also chicken fried steak and biscuits and gravy.

The Original Ben’s Chili Bowl | Washington, D.C.

You can get a classic chili dog, but regulars come for the half-smokes, oversized grilled sausages served on a steamed bun. The original eatery, which has six satellite locations around the D.C. area, has reached landmark status. The celebrity and presidential photos on the wall (President Obama is a fan) and the lengthy lines to get in the joint make it clear it’s a place for good food. The original location stays open until 2 a.m. from Monday to Thursday, 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and midnight on Sunday, while the H Street location stays open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Ian’s Pizza on State | Madison, Wisconsin

The ingredients on a slice of pizza don’t have to be limited to the traditional toppings. Ian’s, which has three locations in Madison, has about two dozen varieties of pizza that include its famed mac n’ cheese, smoked brisket, and spinach feta pesto. Though you can get delivery or take-out here, there’s also a dining area (the restaurant is open until 2:30 a.m. daily), and visitors say the staff is super friendly.

Silver Mine Subs | Cheyenne, Wyoming

Mining for late-night eats in Cheyenne can be a challenge, but one sub shop has shifted that paradigm (it’s open until 3 a.m. daily). Diners at Silver Mine Subs can get hot and cold submarine sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, and chili. Also, subs can be made-to-order, and you can choose from more than 20 sandwich options. Don’t worry about blowing your diet — the menus come with calorie counts.