Let’s be real—we’ve all been there. It’s 1 AM, you just left a bar in Gaslamp, caught a late movie in Hillcrest, or finished a marathon session at work, and your stomach is staging a full revolt.
Sure, you could hit up the nearest drive-thru, but why settle for mediocre when San Diego has some genuinely great late-night spots that’ll make your taste buds (and your perhaps slightly intoxicated self) very happy?
San Diego might not be New York, but we’ve got some seriously solid options when those midnight munchies hit. From 24/7 diners to Korean spots that stay open until 3 AM, here are the best places for late-night eats in San Diego where you can satisfy your cravings without settling for sad fast food.
The 24/7 Heroes
Hours: 24/7
The vibe: Classic 1940s diner
This is the late-night spot every local has in their back pocket.
Rudford’s has been around since 1949, and after many wee-hours, post-drinks sessions spent scarfing french fries and sandwiches in one of the vinyl booths, we can confidently say at least some of its success lies in the fact that there just aren’t many places open 24/7.
The turkey club isn’t revolutionary, but it hits the spot at 3 AM, and honestly, any place serving breakfast all day deserves respect. The retro vibes and no-nonsense comfort food make it a North Park institution.
Address: 2900 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park
Hours: 24/7
The vibe: Newly renovated diner with 1940s charm and modern touches
Inside the newly renovated LaFayette Hotel is a new diner that feels old—or at least tries to, with 1940s-style decor and a menu that features classic diner breakfast plates such as corned beef hash and chicken-fried steak.
Sure, it’s got that carefully curated vintage vibe, but being able to get a proper milkshake at 3 AM? That’s pure magic.
Address: 2223 El Cajon Boulevard (inside the LaFayette Hotel), North Park
Hours: 24/7
The vibe: Classic Mexican joint with legendary burritos
Colima’s is a tried-and-true nighttime destination. The surf-n-turf burrito is offensively large, and the sprawling salsa selection remains iconic.
Fair warning: the drive-thru gets absolutely slammed once last call hits, but if you can score a parking spot and head inside, you’ll get your food faster and can properly appreciate their impressive salsa bar.
Address: 2302 University Avenue, North Park
The 2 AM Champions
Hours: 5 PM to 2 AM daily (food until 1 AM)
The vibe: DIY grill-your-own-steak paradise with cocktails
This place is an experience. Forget BYOB; it’s GYOS (grill your own steak) at Turf Supper Club, Golden Hill’s divey destination where you can grill your own steaks and enjoy stiff cocktails while bathed in red-tinged light that makes everyone look 27.5 percent sexier.
You don’t have to cook your own food, but where’s the fun in that?
Address: 1116 25th Street, Golden Hill
Hours: 8 AM to 2 AM daily
The vibe: American pub with karaoke every night starting at 9 PM
What makes Werewolf special is its commitment to being genuinely fun without taking itself too seriously. The food is solid American pub fare—think specialty burgers, wings that actually have some heat, and those dangerously good pork belly nachos that’ll ruin your diet plans.
But honestly, you’re not just here for the food. You’re here because at 9 PM every single night, this place transforms into karaoke central, and somehow everyone becomes a rockstar after a few drinks.
The crowd is a mix of tourists, locals, and people who definitely should have gone home an hour ago, which makes for the perfect late-night energy.
Address: 627 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
Hours: Until 2 AM weekdays, 3 AM weekends
The vibe: Authentic Korean
Min Sok Chon has all the requisite Korean goodies like bulgogi and galbi, along with fried chicken wings, dumplings, stir-fried rice cakes, and more.
Best of all, it’s actually open even later on weekends—until 3 AM! Come hungry and ready for soju towers—who knows where the night might lead?
Address: 4620 Convoy Street, Convoy District
Hours: Until 12:30 AM weekdays, 2:30 AM weekends
The vibe: Reliable Asian fusion
When you find yourself in Hillcrest with the late-night munchies, head to The Asian Bistro. It’s a reliable spot for decent Asian fusion, open from 4 PM to 12:30 AM during the week and until 2:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Yeah, parking in Hillcrest is terrible, but the drunken noodles make up for it.
Address: 414 University Avenue, Hillcrest
Hours: Until 1 AM daily
The vibe: Thai fusion for North County night owls
If you find yourself in sleepy Carlsbad with late-night cravings, Same Same stays open until 1 AM every day in service of those midnight snack runs.
The gochujang chicken sandwich is surprisingly good, and their Thai curries hit different at midnight.
Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 213, Carlsbad
Hours: Kitchen until 1 AM, bar until 2 AM
The vibe: San Diego’s oldest tavern with massive burgers
Ultra-late night just so happens to be a great time to stop at San Diego’s oldest tavern, Waterfront, which can get pretty packed at peak hours.
Their burgers are legitimately huge, but our go-to is the Waterfront dip with a side of chili—it’s the perfect hangover-prevention strategy.
Address: 2044 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy
Hours: Food until midnight, bar until 2 AM (closed Mondays)
The vibe: French-Mexican-California fusion with creative cocktails
The Lion’s Share has been a downtown mainstay for 12 years, and now, with executive chef Dante Romero (Two Ducks, Stone Brewing) at the helm, it’s got a whole new vibe.
Think French meets Mexican meets California cuisine, served nightly from 4 PM to midnight, with the bar open until 2 AM. The salt-and-pepper frog legs are a move, and their cocktails have names like “Cheeto Fingers” and “Second Divorce”—how can you not love that?
Address: 629 Kettner Boulevard, Downtown/Marina
The Lucha Libre Exception
Hours: Until 11 PM Friday/Saturday, 10 PM other days
The vibe: Wrestling-themed taco shop with cult following
Okay, so 10 PM or 11 PM doesn’t technically qualify as “late night,” but this place is such a San Diego institution that it deserves a mention.
The food here is genuinely good, and the wrestling-themed chaos just makes the whole experience more fun. The Surfin’ California burrito (yes, with french fries) is peak San Diego, and if you can snag the Champions Booth, it’s worth the experience.
Address: 1810 W. Washington St, Hillcrest
Pro Tips for Late-Night Success
Drive-thrus vs. walk-ins: Most Mexican spots have 24/7 drive-thrus, but they get slammed after bar close. If you can park and walk in, you’ll usually get served faster.
Convoy District is your friend: This area has multiple late-night Korean and Asian options within walking distance of each other—perfect for group decisions or backup plans.
Don’t forget 24/7 donut shops: Peterson’s is a legit old-school donut shop with all the goods: maple bars, old fashioneds, bear claws, crullers… Known for its large sizes and reasonable prices, Peterson’s has been around since 1981.
Cash helps: Some of these spots are cash-only or prefer cash, especially the older establishments. Hit an ATM before you’re desperately hungry.
See you there!
The late-night dining scene in San Diego might not rival LA or New York, but we’ve got quality over quantity.
Whether you need a quick burrito fix or want to make grill-your-own-steak into a whole experience, these best places for late-night eats in San Diego will satisfy those after-midnight cravings.
See you there, San Diego!