Late-Night Bite
New York is a town that never sleeps, and the same might be said when it comes to appetite because you’ll never go hungry either thanks to a casual, cool, and delicious lineup of downtown diners and late-night haunts serving juicy burgers and sweet treats until the early morning hours. Here, we round up some of New York’s most quintessential diners and beloved late-night spots.
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Taking orders ’til 12am daily and 2am on weekends.
The Skinny: For early birds, night owls and everyone in between, Soho Diner has you covered. The modern eatery located in the heart of SoHo pays homage to the great American dining staple with revived versions of tried-and-tested classics such as vegan banana pancakes, Montauk tuna melt, and baked mac and cheese. By day, expect freshly roasted, fair-trade, organic coffee and warm pastries; by night, enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, burgers and disco fries with the music to match courtesy of a jukebox offering up a handpicked selection of 45s. The vibe is refined retro, and all are welcome–morning, noon, and night.
320 W Broadway, New York; T. (212) 965-3011
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Taking orders ’til 2.45am.
The Skinny: This red-hued West Village speakeasy is known for its Art Deco and elevated cocktails served by dapper waiters dressed in white chef’s jackets. It also serves tasty food with the full dinner menu available until 2.45am. Try the whole rainbow trout or truffle grilled cheese. Before you leave, a tarot card reader whispers your early morning fortune in a tiny foyer as you saunter onto the street.
510 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014; T. (212) 242-3021
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Taking orders ’til 1.30am daily and 3.30am on weekends.
The Skinny: You can’t miss the bright neon sign outside this West Village burger institution. Inside, grab a wooden booth as you make way for the legendary Bistro Burger, an oven-broiled patty topped with cheese, tomato, raw onions, and bacon, doled out on paper plates. Order a side of salty fries for good measure, and pair with frosty cold mugs of McSorley’s Dark Ale. Close your eyes and channel the boho poets of the past.
331 West 4th Street, New York; T. (212) 242-9502
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Taking orders ’til 2am daily and 4am on weekends.
The Skinny: This old-school Italian joint offers wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, simple handmade pastas, salads and other casual eats that are consistently tasty and great for sharing. The wine list is heavy on Italian bottles. Laid-back with just the right energy, this is the spot for baked eggplant and spaghetti limone at 1.30am.
19 1st Ave., New York: T. 212-420-4900
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Taking orders ’til 2am every night.
The Skinny: The unofficial after-hours hangout for chefs, waiters, bartenders and other restaurant industry insiders in search of first-rate fare, Blue Ribbon delivers exactly what its name implies. It’s open until 2am every night, and it’s excellent. But this isn’t a spot for a cheap late-night snack. With an unorthodox hodgepodge of a menu including matzoh ball soup, paella, and sweet and sour catfish, the main event is arguably the revered raw bar. Always cacophonous, always packed, and always exceptional, the Blue Ribbon is a must for insomniacs, elitists, and early birds alike.
97 Sullivan St, New York; T. 212-274-0404
PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Soho Diner
