Had a late night and feeling hungry? Whatever the time of day, the US has plenty of restaurants to help satisfy your cravings – whether you're after an all-day breakfast or you need some post-bar comfort food. From retro-style diners that serve classics 24 hours a day to low-key Mexican joints where you can grab a bite way after dark, we've tracked down every state's best open-till-late restaurants.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover amazing places for a late-night meal (or early breakfast) across the USA, counting down to the best spot of all.
We've based our ranking on the enduring popularity of each restaurant in its place of origin and beyond, and on the opinions of our well-traveled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.
New Jersey institution Tick Tock opened in 1948, and it still oozes old-school charm today. It serves an all-day menu from 7am until 10pm, offering dishes from around the globe – including Italian delicacies, Mediterranean-style salads, and (of course!) teetering plates of old-school American cuisine. The diner's mantra is 'eat heavy,' so don't skip the cheesecake for dessert.
Open from 6am until midnight on weeknights, and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, Cascade Grill is a Portland institution serving up homestyle American dishes – with a focus on using the best local produce. With wood paneling and a big stone fireplace, it has a rustic vibe despite being a truck stop. The menu features a variety of meat, seafood, vegetarian, pasta, and breakfast dishes.
The 24-hour Nicollet Diner is housed in a building dating back to 1917, but it only became a restaurant in 2014. Even so, its shiny bar stools and electric-blue booths give it a retro vibe that customers love. Popular menu choices include the poutine, the 'hand-pattied burgers,' the chicken and waffles, and the buttermilk pancakes. There's also a bar that serves drinks until 2am.
The Millstone Family Restaurant has a trio of locations (one in Spearfish, and two in Rapid City) serving food all day, every day. There's an extensive breakfast menu featuring the likes of omelets, skillets, pancakes, and waffles – and lunch and dinner dishes include fish and chips, sandwiches, soups, salads, and burgers, as well as steak, shrimp, and chicken dinners. Customers also rate the service at the family-run restaurant.
Old-school truck-stop diner Rolling Hills Restaurant receives rave reviews for its friendly service and great food. The 24-hour joint is famous for its house-made knoephla soup, a North Dakotan dish consisting of potatoes, dumplings, and vegetables in a chicken broth. There's also an extensive menu of all-day breakfast items, burgers, omelets, salads, and sandwiches, as well as daily specials. Not only that, but there's a breakfast buffet every Sunday.
Broadway Diner appeared on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives back in 2009 – and it's still just as popular as it was then, all thanks to its huge menu of delicious dishes (including Guy Fieri's favorites, Hungarian goulash and shrimp Creole). The menu has both Greek and Italian sections, plus a wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and all-day breakfast items. Customers also love the retro interior, complete with light blue booths and a jukebox.
Laidback Mexican joint El Ricardo's Mexican Food offers fast, friendly service and affordable eats – and you can choose from booth seating or a takeout service. The burritos and tacos are the most hyped menu items here, with special Taco Tuesday deals bringing in the crowds. Other traditional dishes include carne asada, pollo asado (roast chicken) and spicy chile relleno.
The relaxed Bayview Café is part of Biloxi's IP Casino Resort. It serves a solid string of much-loved American dishes from 7am to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11pm the rest of the week. Taking inspiration from all over the States, the menu includes items such as California Dreaming Tacos (with blackened or fried mahi-mahi) and Mississippi Delta–style fried catfish fillets. Finish with an indulgent dessert – favorites include boozy banana cream pie and chocolate-pretzel bread pudding.
While Penny's has now burgeoned into a small chain of 1950s-style diners, one of its earliest outposts was in Wyoming's Green River – and it's still well worth a visit. The kitsch venue embraces the style of diners past with its monochrome theme, neon clock, and mismatched posters. The menu is every bit as cheerful as the decor, too; expect typical diner food, from all-day breakfast burgers to meatloaf and chicken-fried steaks.
A trendy spot known for its cool decor and great vegetarian options, Lost Lake Cafe & Lounge serves Seattle's hipster crowd until 3am Thursday through Saturday, and until midnight the rest of the week. Settle into one of the plush red booths and choose from the joint's menu of comforting sandwiches, burgers, and delicious dinners – including fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, and mac 'n' cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Still hungry? Round off your meal with one of the house-made pies.
The Diner is set across six floors, starting with a coffee shop on the first floor, and ending with a chic cocktail bar (serving a brilliant brunch menu) on the top. It's open from 7.30am until 11pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays – and it gets livelier the higher you ascend through the building. The dinner menu features dishes like lemon herb chicken, spicy shrimp Alfredo, and Creole mahi-mahi, as well as salads and burgers.
Craving ramen in the early hours? Moshi Moshi is the place to go. With two locations in Miami and one in Miami Beach, this cool Asian restaurant is open until 5am, serving a selection of sushi, ramen, stir-fried noodles, tempura, and Japanese curry. Customers love the vibe and the fresh food – and they say that the service is outstanding.
24 Diner was originally inspired by the cool venues of the 1950s – however, the menu (cooked up by top chef Andrew Cullen) is decidedly modern. Day and night, hungry diners can get their fix of delicious entrées, from brisket chili to Frito pie. Breakfast favorites include steak and eggs served over skillet fries, and the 24 Hash, which oozes Cheddar, bacon, and sausage.
Lucy's Diner has become something of a local landmark in the Ozarks city of Rogers. A traditional 24-hour diner, it has lots of lovely retro touches – including a great big sign out front, and a menu the length of your arm. After undergoing a complete renovation in 2024, it has a new lease of life. Southern classics are the favorites here, with biscuits and gravy, chicken-fried steak, and a catfish dinner all on offer. You can't go wrong with the bacon cheeseburger, either; get it with a tower of onion rings for the ultimate comfort food fix.
Mama’s Cocina Latina (on Atlanta's Piedmont Road) is the place to go for after-hours Mexican food and perfectly prepared passion fruit Margaritas. This no-frills joint has a menu of generously portioned tostadas, tacos, and burritos, as well as delicious breakfasts – from huevos rancheros to meat-packed fajitas with eggs. There's also a patio for dining al fresco.
Pie Hole is the place to go if you're suffering from late-night pizza cravings; it serves pies into the early hours every day of the week. You can build your own, or choose one of the joint's specialty pizzas (such as the Thai chicken, or the Pie Hole Supreme – topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, black olives, mushrooms, green bell peppers, and red onion). There are two locations in Boise, and one in Idaho Falls.
Family owned since opening in 1969, Bob & Edith's has spawned five locations across Virginia. The classic 24/7 diner has cozy booths and a menu of classic diner dishes, from breakfast eggs – served in a variety of ways – to hamburgers, chicken tenders, and towering sandwiches. Enjoy bottomless iced tea or coffee with your meal, and leave room for a generous slice of pie.
Let’s face it, a restaurant meal isn’t always what you want (or need) on a night out. When it’s getting late – whether your evening is nearly over or it's just beginning – what you might really crave is some tasty food truck fare. You’ll find Leo’s trucks all over Los Angeles (and in several other California locations), serving tacos al pastor until at least 2am. Some say they’re the best tacos in LA.
Not yet ready to go to bed in Atlanta? Make your way to the R. Thomas Deluxe Grill. The Buckhead mainstay has become a beloved establishment over several decades, offering an extensive menu of dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. The vegetarian options are surprisingly good for a grill (ranging from omelets to burgers), and regulars say everything is consistently delicious. You can drop by until 5am Wednesday through Saturday, and until 11pm every other day.
The Red Arrow was established back in 1922 in the city of Manchester, and it now has four locations across New Hampshire. A must-visit, the 24/7 diner has played host to stars such as Adam Sandler (who grew up in Manchester) and members of Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies. Expect typical diner staples – from steak tips to a turkey dinner – or try one of the restaurant's blue-plate specials, which change every day.
Open 24 hours (and with a drive-thru), Lina's Mexican Restaurant is the place to go for out-of-hours Mexican food. It prides itself on traditional Mexican dishes made in house, from enchilada-style burritos and chimichangas to tacos and sopes (a little like Mexican pizzas). There's also a menu of traditional Mexican drinks.
The classic Coney dog is a must-eat when in Detroit, especially at the historic American Coney Island (and its long-standing rival and neighbor, Lafayette Coney Island). Both spots serve these chili-topped hot dogs into the early hours on weekends, but fans say that American Coney Island has the edge. Open since 1917, it serves Coney dogs the classic way: in a soft white bun topped with sweet onions, spicy chili, and mustard.
Melba's was 'born from the rubble of Hurricane Katrina' in 2012, when owner Scott Wolfe bought a run-down property in New Orleans' 8th Ward with the hope of bringing business and tourism back to the area. The result was a laid-back po' boy restaurant, open 24/7. There's a wider menu now, but Louisiana's classic sandwich is still the big favorite here – whether stuffed with shrimp, chicken tenders, or hot sausage.
Kountry Kart Deli has been serving hungry Burlington customers since 1989 – and it's open from 6.30am until 10pm on weekends, serving chunky rolls, wraps, and sandwiches. Its breakfast sandwiches are the stuff of local legend, featuring your choice of meat, eggs, American cheese, and crispy hash browns, all stuffed into a chunky roll. The towering burgers and huge 'hot diggity dogs' are highly recommended, too.
If you're looking for a swanky late-night bite, head to M.A.C. 24/7, located at Honolulu's Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel. The focus here is on modern American comfort food with a Hawaiian twist, and customers say the dishes come beautifully plated and in generous proportions. The surroundings are sleek, with plush booth seating and floor-to-ceiling windows, while menu highlights include Hawaiian moonfish tacos, a pulled kalua-style pork sandwich, and mochi pancakes.
The hip and chic BBC Tavern & Grill is a popular joint with a diverse menu, and it's open until 1am every day. Customers rate the fun atmosphere – plus, there's a lovely covered patio area for sunny days, and cozy fireplaces inside (perfect for winter). Food is served until the restaurant closes, with menu highlights including crab cake Caesar salad, poke bowls (with your choice of chicken, salmon, tuna, or tofu), house-made meatloaf, and sharing dishes such as nachos.
Award-winning bar Bitter & Twisted is open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays (and until midnight the rest of the week) – and while it may be best known for its craft cocktails, its dishes are impressive. Highlights include small plates such as Hurricane Popcorn (butter, garlic, Japanese seasonings furikake and shichimi, and spicy rice crackers) and Korean nachos, made with gochujang beef brisket. Alternatively, try the barbacoa tacos, the chicken sliders, or the Dragon Dumpling Burger: a beef and pork patty, cheese, Sichuan pickles, and jalapeño mayo on an English muffin, served with dumpling dipping sauce.
Pizza is possibly the ultimate late-night snack – making The Pie Pizzeria one of the best places to satisfy your hunger after dark. With three Salt Lake City locations, plus spots in South Jordan, Midvale, and Ogden, this local chain’s pizza is regularly voted the best in Utah. For a real late-night experience, we recommend heading to The Pie Underground in Salt Lake City, which is hidden away under the university pharmacy. Here, you can grab a mega-meaty Mountain of Meat pizza, piled high with pepperoni, smoked ham, Genoa salami, Italian sausage, and ground beef.
Guatemala-born Elmer Palma has been serving a huge menu of global dishes to the people of Danbury in southwest Connecticut for more than 15 years. The 24-hour Elmer's Diner menu features a long list of options, ranging from Tex-Mex and seafood specials to sandwiches, salads, and soups. Pasta lovers should check out the Little Italy section, which boasts Parmesan-stuffed shells, eggplant Parmigiana with spaghetti, and spinach ravioli.
LGBTQ+ friendly bar Downtown Olly's is a favored nighttime venue known for its upbeat vibe and classic grill menu, which is served until 3am. Here, you can prop up the bar and tuck into a choice of breakfast items, pizza, burgers, wings, and (pre-11pm) entrées such as ribeye steak and seafood mac 'n' cheese. Finish it off with a cocktail or two – or maybe just a soda, if your evening is winding down.
Marty's PM is Birmingham's go-to late-night dive bar, open from 8pm until 5am every day – and as well as offering a fully stocked bar and live music, it also serves up a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and nibbles. There are regular specials to try, such as the Mango Momma burger, consisting of two patties, Cheddar, fresh jalapeño slices, lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of mango-habanero sauce (pictured). Fans of the bar love the fun atmosphere and say it serves the best burgers in town.
This dive bar is famous in Anchorage for its great atmosphere, decent drinks, and tasty food menu, with some reviews saying it has the 'best burger in town.' The Long Branch Saloon serves a varied menu filled with tasty bites, but customers particularly rate the blackened chicken taco salad, the house-made fries, and the wings. It also has a specials menu featuring classics like house-made lasagna with garlic bread and salad.
Established in 1883, The Oxford Cafe is possibly the oldest 24/7 restaurant in America. In fact, rumor has it, it's been running for so long that there are no keys to the front door. The place is usually packed with locals, who come here for hearty dishes like beef stew, breakfast omelets, burgers, and steaks. Customers also love the restaurant's games machines, and the historic photographs of Western Montana that decorate the space.
Local institution Town Topic has been serving delicious hamburgers to hungry Kansas City crowds since 1937, when founder Claude Sparks began dishing out patties from a little diner on Broadway. Skip forward more than 80 years, and Town Topic's Broadway location operates 24/7 – and there are now two other branches, too. Wondering what to eat? We say keep things simple with a classic hamburger (and a hand-dipped malt for dessert).
Dedicated to notorious gangster Bugsy Siegel, this Sin City restaurant can be found inside the El Cortez Hotel and Casino, which dates back to 1941. It was once part owned by Siegel himself, and his legacy lives on at this elegant restaurant – all exposed brick, red leather, and low lighting. It's open all hours, so you can graze on appetizers like shrimp cocktail and twice-fried chicken wings at any time of day. Alternatively, make a meal of it with the Bugsy Siegel burger, which comes topped with Applewood smoked bacon, caramelized tomato, and Cheddar.
A small chain with a slew of restaurants spread across Arizona and New Mexico, Federico's Mexican Food serves up hearty Mexican cuisine to the hungry people of the Southwest. You can swing by the Albuquerque location's drive-thru 24/7 for your fill of Mexican tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and tostadas – plus, most of the chain's other restaurants are open until at least midnight.
Charming French-inspired café and bakery Amélie's was opened by a trio of Francophiles in 2007, making its mark in Charlotte's hip arts district, North Davidson. It's continued to grow since then, and Amélie's now has a total of five locations, with its flagship NoDa branch open from 7am until midnight at the weekends (and until 10pm on weeknights). Choose from a selection of sweet treats, seasonal salads, soups, and sandwiches.
The home of the famous Philly cheesesteak, Pat's King of Steaks has been running since 1930. The popular sandwich was invented when hot dog stand owner Pat Olivieri made a quick lunch by stuffing ground beef and grilled onions inside an Italian roll; a passerby spotted the snack and instantly wanted one. These days, the restaurant is still owned by the Olivieri family – with onion and Cheez Whiz–smothered Philly cheesesteaks flying out of the door 24/7.
Open until 1am Thursday through Saturday (and until 11pm the rest of the week), this cocktail lounge and kitchen is loved by guests for its cozy ambiance and skilled, friendly staff. Sharing plates such as braised pork shoulder arepas and charred octopus make it the perfect place for a social affair – but if you like, you can get a meal all to yourself by opting for a crispy chicken sandwich or Dead Line Burger (featuring dry-aged beef, Pasilla pepper and basil sauce, butter lettuce, grilled onions, and Manchego cheese).
Circe combines American-infused Mediterranean cuisine with killer cocktails and great music until the early hours. Customers love the atmosphere as well as the delicious menu, which features dishes such as Maine lobster risotto, ribeye steak, Wagyu tacos, wild mushroom Bolognese, and cider-brined pork chops. It's the perfect place to make a night (and early morning) of it.
Lovers of gastropub-style dining will appreciate the comfortable, welcoming Kensington Pub in the heart of Cleveland’s Cedar-Lee neighborhood. It’s impossible not to feel at home among the joint's paneled walls, wooden floors, and beamed ceilings – and the food is sure to warm your heart and soul, too. There's a selection of pub classics on offer (including burgers, steaks, and mac ‘n’ cheese), but if you want a classic pub experience, go for the fish and chips.
A pair of casual 24/7 diners in Beckley and Parkersburg, Omelet Shoppe specializes in big breakfasts – and it's been running for more than four decades. As the name suggests, omelets are the star of the show, served in a variety of ways (with a choice of side, and toast or biscuits). The Western omelet (with ham, onions, peppers, and cheese) is a popular choice, but if you're really hungry, try the Country Boy (with sausage, hash browns, cheese, and sausage gravy). Burgers, steak dinners, sandwiches, and salads are all on the menu, too.
There's been a restaurant at this Colfax Avenue spot since 1942. In 1988 it was taken over by Greek-born Pete Contos, who passed away in May 2019. Today, Pete's Kitchen is still loved for its menu of Greek classics, and it's open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. See what the fuss is about with a gyros plate, a souvlaki, or a Greek-inspired cheesesteak (and be sure to save room for the baklava dessert).
New Orleans is a city that likes to stay up late, so it's no surprise that you can find a fantastic choice of evening eats here. Bouligny Tavern is just the spot for those who like to take their time with dinner. Open until 1am Thursday through Saturday (and until midnight Monday through Wednesday), the restaurant can be found just outside the Garden District. Diners while away the hours in relaxed but smart surroundings as they enjoy small plates such as duck confit and beer-battered fish sandwiches.
Aside from the big chains, there's a lack of late-night restaurants in South Carolina – but super-smart industrial-style restaurant Hendrix's whips up classy dishes up until 10pm (and the bar is open until 2am on the weekends). There's a great selection of small plates available, such as blue crab hushpuppies, pork meatballs, and garlic shrimp. Meanwhile, entrées include ribeye steak, served with roasted cauliflower, broccoli, and caramelized shallots.
Trendy spot Tine & Cellar's kitchen is open until 10pm six days a week. The restaurant serves an array of delicious dishes, including fish tacos, Atlantic salmon with cranberry chutney, and lemony garlic shrimp linguine. Diners love the modern decor, outstanding service, and flavorful food, and say that dining here exceeds expectations. There's a great cocktail menu, too.
Diners at No Vacancy say that the food is phenomenal, with a great selection of wines available. The 'elevated dive bar' opened in early 2023 and already has a dedicated fan base. The kitchen is open into the early hours, offering a menu of tasty burgers, sandwiches, sliders, Southern fried chicken, wraps, and salads.
Happen to have a hankering for some oysters as the night draws in? Eventide Oyster Co. has your back; its raw bar serves juicy oysters on the half shell, and it's open until 11pm every day. If you don’t happen to be in the mood for freshly shucked oysters close to midnight, this tiny seafood joint also serves buns and rolls filled with the likes of pastrami, lobster, and fried chicken, as well as a refined selection of hot meals – including clam chowder and clam bake (New England must-tries).
Customers say Ali Baba's serves up the best gyros in Lincoln. Here, meat is served either wrapped in pita bread, in a rice bowl, or in a salad, along with plenty of tomato, onion, tzatziki, and feta cheese (and the skin-on fries are a must-try, too). Open until the early hours, it's the perfect place to go for some late-night Mediterranean food. In the mood for dessert? Customers also rate the baklava.
Sophisticated Italian cuisine is the order of the day (and night) at Olio e Più, a New York trattoria that’s open until midnight all week. Plan to stay a while so you have time to really appreciate the handmade pasta in the pappardelle agnello verdure (made with roasted lamb, diced vegetables, herbs, and Parmesan). Alternatively, try the octopus carpaccio (with olive pâté, lemon dressing, microgreens, and cherry tomatoes), or dig into a pizza rustica topped with red and yellow peppers, braised onions, and Italian sausage.
New York is dubbed the city that never sleeps for a reason. While there are plenty of great spots here for late-night eats, this long-standing Ukrainian restaurant is one of the very finest. The revered East Village venue dates back to 1954 – and it'll see you through from breakfast to late-night dinner with a combination of traditional Ukrainian and American dishes. Be sure to try the pierogi dumplings and the bigos: a stew of sausage, roast pork, sauerkraut, and onions.
Boston has many lovely bakeries – but Bova's is open 24/7, so you can get your fix whatever the time of day. Family owned and dating back to 1926, when Calabria-born Antonio Bova realized his dream of opening a bakery in Boston's North End, Bova's still serves classics like Tuscan-style bread, Sicilian cannoli, subs, arancini, and tiramisù to hungry customers.
Leave it to LA to take a dive bar and make it classy. Tiny’s Hi-Dive, with its moody lighting and red leather seating, is inspired by 1960s Chicago. It eschews fancy mixologists and modern music, instead serving up hot dogs, sandwiches, and snacks alongside a selection of classic cocktails. Dive right into the theme with a Chicago Dog (with mustard, onion, neon relish, tomato, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt) and pair it with an Old Fashioned for the full experience. It’s dog friendly too, so feel free to bring your four-legged friend.
Open until 2am every single day, Sushi Blue delivers upmarket eats for the discerning late-night reveler. High-quality sashimi and sushi rolls sit on the menu alongside sake (hot or cold) and soju – a Korean spirit made from rice. Staples such as tuna rolls and California rolls are available, but the house specials, including the Dragon Roll (tempura shrimp, crab meat, grilled eel, avocado, and special sauce) and the Kentucky Derby Roll (tempura chicken, asparagus, cream cheese, crab salad, and sauce) are incredibly tempting, too.
Seek out fantastic Asian fare at Formosa Street Food & Bar, which is open almost until midnight Monday through Saturday (and until 10pm on Sundays). At this little restaurant in Oklahoma City, diners can take their pick from an array of exciting Taiwanese and Chinese dishes. Favorites include basil popcorn chicken, pork soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), and mini fried donuts with condensed milk. Drinks are plentiful – and options such as Chinese herbal tea and boba tea mean you can stay sober (or sober up), if you like.
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Last updated by Laura Ellis.