We have all experienced the late night hunger pains. And when it hits, the cereal and mustard packets in your kitchen will rarely suffice (we may be projecting here…you probably have milk to go with your cereal). Whether it be too many whiskey sours or getting off a night shift, you need to find some late night food to satisfy your hunger. And unless you’ve done your homework, finding a place that will properly satiate your hunger can be a challenge.
This is why we have sought out the best places for late night eats in San Diego. This list will not include McDonalds, the B.K. Lounge, or other fast food spots. Should your path lead you there, so be it (we get it). But we wish to highlight the more “refined” night owl restaurants in San Diego. The places willing to grease your fries and sauce your noodles, even if they can’t understand your rambling, incoherent order. In the end, your belly will be full and your heart will be satisfied.
3. The Asian Bistro
The Asian Bistro – a.k.a. The Golden Dragon – has been our saving grace during many late nights, which is why it is first on our list. It’s the perfect late night food spot when you have the midnight munchies, or needed a spicy soup to kick a cold before bed. Located in Hillcrest, this Thai, Asian-fusion restaurant is open until 2:30 AM on weekends, and 12:30 AM on weekdays, and serves a healthy variety of food that should meet the expectations of all hungry patrons in San Diego.
Some of our personal favorites include the drunken noodles with chicken (that’s the one with the extra wide noodles), Panang curry, or the basil fried rice. For dessert we always go with the sticky sweet rice with mango, although it’s worth mentioning they have some other creative desserts including a banana caramel cheesecake eggroll. No matter the menu item, the Asian Bistro has solidified itself as a reliable restaurant for late night eaters.
2. Rudford’s Diner
No late-night eats list would be complete without your 24 hour diner. In fact, it would be downright un-American. Located on El Cajon Blvd and open 365 and 24/7, Rudford’s diner has been serving San Diego’s late night eaters since 1949 (dang).
As you might expect, this old-school American diner serves up your classics like French toast, biscuits and gravy, omelets, and crispy, buttery hash browns. Should you fancy a lunch or dinner option, you can never go wrong with their patty melt and fries. After eating all that, if it is still in your heart, and stomach, then get yourself a classic chocolate malted milkshake or a slice of damn fine pie. If its your birthday, they will celebrate it by bringing you a donut with a single candle. Now that’s special.
Nostalgic decor, home-cooked meals, and a perpetual “Open” sign, its obvious why this diner is a solid spot for your late night cravings.
1. Colimas
If you need a late night snack in San Diego and you are not thinking of tacos from our neighbors down south, then you should be ashamed. But assuming you’re not a culinary sociopath, then Colimas Mexican Food in North Park is our pick for best late night food in San Diego. Open 24 hours with a drive-thru (please don’t drink and drive), and serving Mexican food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this was an easy decision for us.
If it is breakfast you crave, then order one of their delicious breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, or a classic breakfast plate with scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, hash browns, rice and beans, a meal for which we recommend napping afterwards. For lunch and dinner options, we like their tortas and cheesy quesadillas. But let’s be real, you would be remiss to not consider their Baja-style fish tacos, carnitas tacos, and pollo asado tacos, or maybe even go for their shrimp enchiladas (top notch). Their menu is extensive, so whatever Mexican food you’re craving, it would be hard not to find it at Colimas.
Just remember that if you wake up on your couch the next morning in a warm fuzzy daze the next morning with greasy cheese and tortilla crumbs strewn about, relax. It means you probably went to Colimas. Probably…
Buen provecho.
Honorable Mentions
Tacos El Gordo
Another great Mexican place that’s open late night, Tacos El Gordo is located in
Beginners Diner
It’s decent. Its expensive. It’s open 24 hours and located inside the Lafayette Hotel on El Cajon Blvd.
