Late-Night Call: Where to Eat Past Midnight
New York is famously a city that never sleeps—and the same goes for its appetite. Whether it’s juicy burgers, indulgent sweets, or satisfying comfort food, downtown’s lineup of casual, cool, and consistently delicious spots ensures you’ll never go hungry, no matter the hour. We roundup of some of the city’s most beloved late-night haunts where night owls, industry insiders, and insatiable appetites converge well into the early morning hours.
Taking orders ’til 12am daily and 2am on weekends.
For early birds, night owls, and everyone in between, Soho Diner has you covered. The modern eatery, located in the heart of SoHo, pays homage to the great American dining staple with revived versions of tried-and-tested classics such as vegan banana pancakes, Montauk tuna melt, and baked mac and cheese. By day, expect freshly roasted, fair-trade, organic coffee and warm pastries; by night, enjoy handcrafted cocktails, burgers, and disco fries, with the music to match—courtesy of a jukebox offering up a handpicked selection of 45s. The vibe is refined retro, and all are welcome—morning, noon, and night.
320 W Broadway, New York; T. (212) 965-3011
Taking orders ’til 12 am daily and 1am Thurs to Sat.
For moody, timeless French bistro vibes, slip into this 20-year-old corner gem where hungry locals linger before calling it a night. Amid the soft clink of wine glasses and the hum of late-night conversation, start with a dozen oysters before moving on to the silky salmon tartare—or, if you’re feeling indulgent, go for the classic steak frites, served with a generous pile of thin, salty fries. Craving something sweet? The tarte Tatin with cinnamon ice cream is a dreamy finish to the evening—or a decadent way to begin the morning.
14 1st Avenue #1, New York, NY 10009; T. (212) 260-6481
Taking orders ’til 2am daily.
This old-school Italian joint dishes out wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas, crisp salads, and other unfussy crowd-pleasers that are consistently flavorful and ideal for sharing. The wine list leans heavily toward Italian bottles, offering a well-curated selection to match the menu’s rustic charm. Laid-back yet lively, this is the go-to spot for tender baked eggplant and bright, zesty spaghetti limone—even at 1:30 a.m.
19 1st Ave., New York: T. 212-420-4900
Taking orders ’til 2.30am daily.
This red-hued West Village speakeasy is known for its Art Deco interiors and elevated cocktails, served by dapper waiters dressed in crisp white chef’s jackets. The kitchen stays open late, offering a full dinner menu available until 2:30 a.m. Highlights include the whole rainbow trout and the indulgent truffle grilled cheese. Before you leave, a tarot card reader softly whispers your early morning fortune in a tiny, dimly lit foyer as you saunter out onto the street—fate in hand and night still lingering.
510 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014; T. (212) 242-3021
Taking orders ’til 12am daily & 1am on weekends.
Since 1954, this no-frills East Village diner has been serving Eastern European comfort food like handmade pierogies, tender meatballs, and vibrant beetroot borscht—served hot or cold, depending on your mood. Bonus points: it’s open 24 hours, making the all-day breakfast menu a go-to for anyone craving eggs, blintzes, or flapjacks at any hour. Best enjoyed with several strong cups of diner coffee.
144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003; T. (212) 228-9682
Taking orders ’til 2am every night.
The unofficial after-hours hangout for chefs, bartenders, servers, and other restaurant industry insiders in search of first-rate fare, Blue Ribbon delivers exactly what its name implies. Open until 2:00 a.m. every night, it’s consistently excellent. But don’t come expecting a cheap late-night bite—this is elevated dining with a twist. The unorthodox, eclectic menu spans everything from matzoh ball soup and paella to sweet-and-sour catfish, but the true standout is the revered raw bar. Always loud, always packed, and always exceptional, Blue Ribbon is a must-visit for insomniacs, industry pros, and adventurous eaters alike.
97 Sullivan St, New York; T. 212-274-0404