New York City never sleeps, so people can find late night meals. Many places stay open past midnight. You can get food from fancy restaurants, small family shops, food trucks, and more.
The virus made things hard for late night dining. Some places closed for good. Others have shorter hours or fewer workers. But New Yorkers keep going. In 2023, late night meals got popular again. Most places reopened. New rules keep customers safe while eating late.
To make this list, places had to be open until at least midnight daily. We picked spots that have been around a while and that people love. The foods includes dumplings, diner classics, and fancy tasting menus. Most are in areas known for nightlife like Koreatown, Hell’s Kitchen, and East Village.
You’ll need to bring cash to old favorites like J.G. Melon. But most take credit cards. You don’t need reservations unless you want something really fancy like COTE Korean Steakhouse. While Manhattan has the most, some Brooklyn and Queens gems made it too.
Let’s explore New York’s tasty late night scene! I love grabbing a bite, even when it’s super late. The city offers so many options to satisfy those midnight munchies. We can find anything from pizza to tacos to Chinese noodles open after hours. I hope you discover new go-to spots and revisit beloved institutions that never close here.
JG Melon
Address : 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021, United States
Working Time : 11:30 am–3 am
Google Maps : Link
JG Melon is a classic New York spot open until 3 a.m. most nights. It’s had the same charming style since 1972. Tin ceilings, wood booths, firefighter helmets on display…very old-school pub. I love grabbing a bite here late night.
The scene is fun, especially as the bar stays open late. Friends chat over beers. Couples stop for a nightcap and a great burger. The mood is lively yet cozy thanks to the friendly staff and low lighting.
JG Melon’s famous for its thick house-blend burgers cooked medium rare. I always get mine with onion, lettuce, tomato and pickles. Pair it with their crispy fries or beer-battered onion rings. They have 18 beers on tap too!
One key tip: JG Melon is cash-only, so bring bills. Also try to get one of the cute booths if you can.
Beyond the iconic burger, they serve tasty steak sandwiches, fish and chips, chicken pot pie and more. The grilled chicken club makes a nice lighter option as well.
Fun fact: Former NYC Mayor Bloomberg named JG Melon one of his all-time favorite places! After 50+ years, it’s still a legend.
To Know More : NYC City Guide
Tacos El Borrego
Address : 9557 Roosevelt Ave, Queens, NY 11372, United States
Working Time : 9 pm–6 am
Google Maps : Link
For awesome late night tacos in NYC, check out El Borrego in Queens! They open at 9 p.m. and serve incredible authentic Mexican street-style tacos for just $2.50 each.
I always get the juicy al pastor with pineapple, onion and cilantro. The carnitas and chorizo are great too. They pack double meat onto overflowing tacos using fresh corn or flour tortillas.
The vibe at El Borrego is casual and vibrant. People order at the counters in Spanish then watch the griddle masters make the tacos. It’s quick, cheap and so satisfying after a night out!
Beyond the tacos, you can add consome soup, rice or other affordable sides. Make sure to grab a Mexican Coke, horchata or Tecate beer too!
El Borrego earned a spot on the New York Times Top 100 Restaurants list for 2023. It keeps things simple but executes traditional tacos flawlessly night after night.
Best Late Night Eat Foods
From classic diners to trendy new spots, New York has amazing late night food. As we’ve seen, you can find everything from tacos to dumplings to fancy steak dinners open super late here.
Some key things these top late night places have in common: They keep menus simple but do a few things very well. Long-running favorites anchor neighborhoods, but hot new spots generate buzz too. And most importantly – their kitchens stay open late every night, not just weekends!
More Dinning Restaurant
| Names | Address | Working Hours | Google Maps |
| Sharif’s Famous | W 31st St &, Broadway, New York, NY 10001, United States | 10 am–4 am | Link |
| Thai Food Near Me | 625 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States | 11:30 am–10 pm | Link |
| Kwik Meal NYC | 100 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, United States | 11 am–4 am | Link |
| Adel’s Famous Halal Food | 1221 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020, United States | 6 pm–5 am | Link |
| NYC Falafel Co | 201 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, United States | 11:30 am–4 am | Link |
| 8 Bit Bites | 77 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States | 11 am–3:45 am | Link |
| Little Italy | 189 Grand St, New York, NY 10013, United States | Open 24 hours | Link |
| Food Gallery 32 | 11 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001, United States | 11 am–11 pm | Link |
| Veselka | 144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States | 8 am–12 am | Link |
Final Words
For visitors looking for after-hours eats, focus below 14th St in Manhattan or head to Western Queens/North Brooklyn. Check hours since they vary widely. Have cash for old-school joints like JG Melon; newer places take cards. Expect some waits at peak times between 2-4 a.m. – it’s New York after all!
Even lifetime NYC residents haven’t tried all the 24-hour dumpling shops and diners fueled by grilled cheese and coffee. Late night dining means comfort food meets big city energy. So next time you crave tacos at 3 a.m. or post-party pierogies at 1 p.m., New York always delivers. We’ve got you covered whenever those late night munchies strike!