10 Best Spots For Late Night Eats Slideshow
Blue Ribbon Brasserie, New York City
This dimly lit Soho landmark is hopping well into the morning. After they close their own kitchens, chefs stop here for the sprawling menu that offers gems like a roasted duck club sandwich with sweet potato chips, a striped bass, and sweetbreads.
Open: Until 4 a.m.
Cafe du Monde, New Orleans
The brilliance of beignets is that you can have them for both breakfast and a late-night dessert. I know this because my girlfriend recently did the doubleheader at the 149-year-old French Market location. For good measure, she went back the next day for thirds.
Open: 24 hours/day
Chino Latino, Minneapolis, Minn.
Think you can't find a melting pot of Caribbean, Polynesian, and Indian cuisine in this northern city? Think again. The family-style portions are meant for sharing, even though you'll probably want to keep the Laughing Buddha Miso Noodles and Cuban Pork Roast Crisis to yourself.
Open: Until 2 a.m. Fri and Sat, til 1 a.m. Sun-Thurs
The Palm, Various Cities
Deal Alert: At most locations, from 9 or 10 p.m. until close, The Palm shaves the prices off its bar food to a few bucks per plate. Three steak-quality sliders befriended by a handful of gaufrettes, crab cakes, and mini filet mignon sandwiches are all less than $5. They're the perfect complement to a $15 martini.
Open: Hours vary by city, usually 11 p.m.
The Stanton Social, New York City
A reservation is recommended if you are going to sit down at 10 p.m. and begin your evening here. The hip crowd has just rolled out of bed and is beginning their day, sharing an array of small plates, like French onion soup dumplings. You read that correctly — the hot broth and sharp Gruyere cheese are enveloped in the wonton skin.
Open: Until 1 a.m. Mon-Sat, 11 p.m. on Sun
The Original Pantry Cafe, Los Angeles
There is no lock on the door at this 87-year-old downtown institution because it never closes. It has served diner staples to movie stars, politicians, and regular joes. The urban legend is that it only hires ex-convicts as waiters. True? No, but it certainly makes a great conversation starter.
Open: 24 hours/day
The Sink, Boulder, Colo.
Boulder is filled with the young and fit who like to carry on, even after the mountain town likes to turn in around 10 p.m. Amble up to "The Hill" and order a pizza pie from this institution. The thin, slightly doughy crust is maybe the best in the land.
Open: Until 2 a.m.
Voodoo Doughnut, Portland, Ore.
The neighborhood is not exactly the nicest, the staff is not exceptionally friendly, and the line, snaking out the door, is practically unbearable to stand. But the doughnuts are goddamned good. The sugar bombs come topped with everything from bacon to Captain Crunch cereal to Butterfingers to bubble gum dust. Just make sure you know what you want when you reach the front of the line. If not, they'll move on to the person standing behind you. No joke.
Open: 24 hours/day
Woody Creek Tavern, Aspen, Colo.
This mountain tavern on the outskirts of Aspen was frequented by Hunter S. Thompson, who consumed many a libation under its roof. But Woody Creek offers more than anti-establishment chintz. The burger and onion rings deserve high praise and the enchiladas are surprisingly tasty.
Open: The official hours go until 10 p.m. but experience confirms that's more of a suggestion rather than hard-and-fast close.
Zed 451, Chicago
At this stylish take on a Brazilian steakhouse, $48 gets you an all-you-can-eat feast. The "salad bar" starts you down the right path with artisan cheese and charcuterie, smoked poblano deviled eggs, and tuna poke. Curry lime snapper, amaretto and pistachio duck breast, and spit roasted leg of lamb are finished tableside for your main course. Oh, they serve steak, too.
Open: The deck is open until 12 a.m., the lounge until 2 a.m. on Fri and Sat.