Midnight snacks
Is there any late-night food in San Francisco?
While there are scant midnight offerings here, they are by no means gone entirely.
One of my biggest bummers moving to San Francisco was a noticeable lack of late-night eats. I’m not a fan of comparisons to New York, but this is one “us versus them” where I’d much prefer the East Coast winter tundra if it meant getting a reuben sandwich past midnight. In walking distance, no less. The Bold Italic just published why San Francisco has the best food — which arguably, it really does — and the top comment after “yes, I agree” was “yeah except there’s nowhere open past 9 p.m.!”
I want snacks even later. I am often up past 2 a.m. feeling like the barren streets of any city make them mine; the world belongs to me in the early morning hours. I love adventuring out during a bout of insomnia or after a late-night romp and sitting with a coffee and hamburger, and my thoughts. And while sure there are scant midnight offerings here, they are by no means gone entirely. Save for one spot, the following are all tried-and-true eateries I’ve frequented over the years, and I’m going to give you the real truth of eating at them; not just the fluff.
Grubstake Diner
1525 Pine St
Open until 3 a.m. weekdays, 4 a.m. Thursday — Saturday
A burger and milkshakes spot that not only stays open late but delivers across town to the Sunset. Inflation is real at this place so expect to pay a decent chunk, but on the plus side: Grubstake stays pretty calm in the early morning hours, so it’s a nice spot to do your walk of shame or get something greasy after knocking back a few at a nearby bar.
The owner can and will pull up a chair and talk your ear off, so take that as a warning or an invitation. This is probably the first late-night spot I found in San Francisco when I moved here in 2010, and it still holds a special place in my heart — as it does for many San Franciscans.
Pinecrest Diner
401 Geary St.
Open 24 hours daily
This iconic diner has been a fixture of the city’s culinary landscape since 1969, offering up retro ambiance and a robust menu. Whether you find yourself craving a midnight breakfast or a late-night feast, fluffy pancakes stacked high or sizzling burgers, it’s all at Pinecrest. In a city that definitely sleeps, Pinecrest is a rare gem that stays open. This is one I’ve returned to many times over the years, and originally found during my initial introduction to San Francisco while checking out Bourbon & Branch nearby.
Orphan Andy’s
3991 17th St.
Open 24 hours daily
If I’m honest, Orphan Andy’s does not have my favorite food. Its coffee is very often terrible; I always remember finding little ground bits in the bottom of my cup. The funniest menu item for me is the “chicken tenders Caesar salad,” which is exactly what you’d expect: romaine that looks a couple days old with fried chicken tenders thrown on top of it. Scrumptious. What they lack in cuisine they make up for in charm and Castro community vibes. The tiny diner often has a line out the door late at night, and it’s always a good spot to listen to happy laughs or good gossip from drag queens and other nightlife entertainers just out of a gig. I love sitting at the counter at 1 a.m. with bacon and eggs like I am actually at a New York diner. Of the food selection I’d actually recommend, I’d say try the burgers.
El Farolito
2950 24th St.
Open until 1:30 a.m. most days, until 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
This is not the best Mexican food San Francisco has to offer, but it gets the job done. El Farolito is a no-frills spot with limited seating and a focus on quick service. The interior may lack the trendy aesthetics found in some modern eateries, and the atmosphere can be bustling and somewhat chaotic during peak hours. The emphasis here is squarely on the food, not on creating a particularly upscale or refined dining experience. In my 20s, I joined the throngs of drunk-food, after-the-bar goers who’d stand in long lines for El Farolito’s crispy tacos. It’s not a place I’ve returned to in a hot minute, but I bet it’s still good.
Casa Barajas
1849 Lincoln Way, located at a counter inside Chug Pub
Open until 1:45 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and until 10 p.m. all other days
For my hands-down favorite crispy tacos in San Francisco, try Casa Barajas. I had no idea they had late-night weekend hours now, and I called today to verify. Their taco hard shells feel pan-fried on the same day, mixed in with different meats and fresh shredded iceberg lettuce. Vegans and vegetarians can get a potato version that’s honestly just as good. I haven’t explored the whole menu here but I also love a good steak quesadilla from Casa Barajas, and I’m pleased they serve Mexican Coke. People often bemoan how far away the Sunset is, but Casa Barajas is one of the many reasons I continue to live here.
Toyose
3814 Noriega St.
Open until 1:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11 p.m. all other days
I found Toyose once on a hunt for after-hours spots and was entertained by its very residential look, with garage doors flanking its exterior. It feels more like a local hangout than a formal dining spot, with wooden tables and dim lighting. Tucked away in the Outer Sunset, the restaurant has a reputation for unique Korean comfort food offerings. I only ate there once, and I can only describe the experience as authentically Korean; my dish was a breaded shrimp with all the limbs and eyeballs, not the typical Americanized version I’m used to finding in a cocktail glass or at Long John Silver’s.
The menu at Toyose focuses on comfort foods and pub-style snacks. Diners praise the restaurant for its flavorful and generously portioned dishes, and menu highlights included dishes like spicy chicken wings, seafood pancakes, and various grilled meats. There’s stuff for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Womp womp, I remember when they opened until 3 a.m., but they still have some late-night hours.
Gyro Xpress
499 Castro St.
Open until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday and until 1 a.m. all other days
Another no-frills Castro spot that’s good to hit up after a lot of drinking. I find myself at Gyro Xpress about five times a year for one reason or another. A significant chunk of my family is Greek, so I’m often analyzing their Mediterranean offerings here. Their avgolemono soup is above average, although my favorite more lemony version from a restaurant currently is at Jack’s in San Bruno. I most often get a lamb and beef gyro plate and super cold can of Coke from Gyro Xpress; it’s consistently good food, fast service, and always a place to sit at one of the gayest corners in the country — and I mean that in the best way, of course.
Wok Station
2154 Irving St.
Open until 1:30 a.m. every day except Wednesday
This is mostly a place to order delivery — they have like one or two tables inside to eat. And I would describe the menu as essentially grocery store American Chinese food. Delivery arrives so fast that I assume Wok Station workers scoop it out of big, heated chafing dishes. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some delicious options to spoon into a takeout box. I’ll often get their house special chow mein or cashew chicken with a big order of rice. Their spring rolls are always super hot and crispy, and I like their crab wontons, too. Honestly? Check Yelp first for some menu items you also might avoid.
Naan N Curry
642 Irving St.
Open until 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and until 11 p.m. on Sunday
This place is sorta like late-night Mexican or pizza to me, except it’s Indian food. Comfort food. People praise Naan N Curry for its extensive menu that includes a variety of curries, tandoori dishes, biryanis, and, of course, naan bread. And there’s options for both meat lovers and vegetarians. I almost always get their garlic prawns and jasmine rice, although occasionally I’ll go wild on some curry or lamb-filled naan, which is absolutely incredible. I’ve ordered delivery from this location for many years, but can also say dining onsite is pretty decent with lots of seating. Very simple decor and nothing to write home about.
Bob’s Donut & Pastry Shop
1621 Polk St.
Open 24 hours
Bob’s is the only on this list I have yet to try, but as others report: The shop has a distinct old-school feel, complete with counter seating and a display case showcasing an array of tempting pastries.
Bob’s is perhaps most famous for its giant donuts, particularly the “Big Donut.” These colossal pastries are made fresh throughout the day, ensuring that customers can enjoy them at any hour. The classic glazed donut is a fan favorite, but the shop also offers a variety of other flavors and pastry options, including cake donuts and apple fritters.
Apart from its donuts, Bob’s is known for its friendly and efficient service. The shop’s commitment to providing delicious and generously sized pastries has solidified its reputation as a go-to spot for those with a sweet tooth.
There are several others not listed here, albeit I focused on the super late or all-hours places. Is there a late-night place you love but haven’t read about? Let me know; I want to try it.
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
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