New York may be the city that never sleeps, but a more accurate description might be the city that always eats: You can get your hands on a cheesy slice of pizza, sizzling dandan noodles or guac-topped tacos just about any time of night. Here, ten excellent late-night restaurants in NYC open until midnight or later.
10 Late-Night Restaurants in NYC for a Midnight Snack (or Feast)
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Published Oct 22, 2019
Courtesy of Veselka
1. Veselka
Should you find yourself hungry in the East Village at 3 a.m., do as scores of barhoppers, NYU students and tourists have done since 1954. This iconic Ukrainian eatery works for just about any occasion, including a late-night bite. It’s open 24 hours a day, and there’s a certain comfort in knowing you can grab a seat and chow down on potato latkes, stuffed pierogi or matzoh ball soup whenever the craving hits.
144 Second Ave.; veselka.com
2. The Commodore
This divey (in a good way) Williamsburg bar is our go-to for one thing: crispy, juicy fried chicken. And the fact that it’s open until 4 a.m. every night makes it all the more appealing. You can get it as a plate (don’t sleep on the biscuits with honey butter) or as the Hot Breast sandwich topped with creamy slaw and pickles. The Hot Fish is also a winner—just be forewarned that the spice level is not messing around.
366 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn
3. Wo Hop
Don’t make the rookie mistake of entering through the main door at 15 Mott. For the real Wo Hop experience, take the stairs at 17 Mott to the bustling, rowdy basement eatery. Here, you’ll find what’s arguably the most exciting late-night dining experience in the city. This place has been open for more than 70 years, and most people dining in the basement are seasoned veterans, with chopsticks in hand and tables filled with heaping plates of fried rice, lo mein, and beef and broccoli.
17 Mott St.; wohopchinese.com
Oleg March
4. The Penrose
This Upper East Side cocktail bar and gastropub keeps the kitchen running until 2 a.m. with a special late-night menu, which features pretty much exactly what you’re hoping to eat in the middle of the night: cheesy poutine topped with smoked bacon, thick-cut fries, buffalo chicken wings doused in blue cheese, decadent mac and cheese, and a juicy cheeseburger. The cocktails here are delicious, if you’re in the market for a nightcap, and the full dinner menu is also available until midnight every day of the week.
1590 Second Ave.; penrosebar.com
5. Le Sia
Some NYC evenings only feel complete when they culminate with late-night Chinese food. Le Sia isn’t your typical spot for General Tso’s chicken and dim sum, though. The Astor Place eatery (open until 2 a.m. Friday to Sunday and until 1 a.m. on weekdays) is known for Chinese food with a Cajun twist, so you’ll find dishes like wok-fried crawfish and fried Dungeness crab, which arrives drenched in a sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns, ginger and about a dozen other spices.
11 E. Seventh St.; nyclesia.com
6. Prince Street Pizza
As New Yorkers, we’ve all experienced a midnight pizza craving when no other food will suffice. And while there are loads of slice shops open late, if you happen to be in close proximity to Nolita, your move is to head to Prince Street Pizza and get in line. Open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, this hole-in-the-wall boasts one of our absolute favorite slices in the city: a thick, doughy, cheesy square slice piled with button-sized pepperoni slices.
27 Prince St.; princestpizzanewyork.com
Evan Sung
7. Empellón Al Pastor
As an adult, there aren’t too many reasons you’d voluntarily head to St. Marks Place late at night—but one of those reasons is Empellón Al Pastor, a trusty offshoot of chef Alex Stupak’s brand. Open every day until midnight, this casual eatery serves some of the best tacos around. Our favorite is the namesake al pastor: slow-cooked, super-juicy pork shoulder cooked with pineapple. Wash it down with a spicy cucumber margarita, if that’s the kind of night you’re going for.
132 St. Marks Pl.; empellon.com
8. Coppelia
Where the West Village meets the Meatpacking District, you’ll find this casual Latin American–inspired diner, a breath of fresh air among the area’s many upscale and pricy restaurants. This cozy spot never closes, which means you can order huevos rancheros or buttermilk and ricotta pancakes any time of night. You’ll also find the cult-fave “mac and chicharrón,” Cuban sandwiches and crispy chicken flautas all for around $10.
207 W. 14th St.; ilovecoppelia.com
9. Lil Frankies
Frank Prisinzano’s East Village Italian joint is a favorite of ours for big group birthday dinners, Sunday brunches and late-night meals. It’s open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 4 a.m. on weekends. The specials change daily so you’ll never get sick of the menu, which usually includes some sort of gnocchi and ravioli, heaping plates of burrata and chewy charred pizzas. Just remember to bring cash.
19 First Ave.; lilfrankies.com
10. Corner Bistro
There’s nothing fancy about this West Village mainstay, but when it’s midnight and you find yourself on the hunt for a burger, this is your spot. The old-school pub serves food until 4 a.m. and has about nine things on its menu. The most famous item, of course, is the bistro burger: a seriously thick patty topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and bacon. It’s cheap, comforting and delicious—a trifecta that’s hard to come by in Manhattan.
331 W. Fourth St.; cornerbistrony.com
