Why are the best late-night and 24-hour restaurants in San Francisco so popular? Sometimes you really just need a diner for some late night fare to soak up the booze, or a spot with the perfect noodle—that comfort food you crave. San Francisco’s best spots come with a lot of history, from decades-old diners to Thai joints that rank up there with some of the best in the country. So give some of the following places – among the best 24-hour and late-night restaurants in San Francisco, CA – a whirl after your night out (or to cap it off), and take the edge off as you sit down to fill up.
After last call (around 2AM), nothing in town beats a huge hot bowl of delicious at King of Thai. We recommend the beef soup, or crispy chicken and duck (what the restaurant is known for outside of the noodles). You’ll deal a major pre-emptive blow to tomorrow’s hangover for less than you paid for your last double shot, which is a relief, especially if you opt for the Pad See Ew. Service here is prompt: Another bonus before you hit the hay that may help you avoid that incoming headache.
There’s all-day breakfast here, and Salisbury Steak (yes, Salisbury Steak) is also on the table. You’ll find burgers, fries, onion rings, a deep-fried burrito (yes…deep-fried), and milkshakes, malts, and sundaes on offer as well. Classic diner fare in a true greasy spoon setting, this place is a local haunt with a lot of legends behind it. Come by and dig in.
It’s not a greasy spoon or a spot to stave off a hangover, but this is a small Italian place that does feature one dish that will cure whatever ails you: Deep-fried eggs with polenta and pork ragout—enough said. There’s also the gnocchi, which has a dash of black truffle shavings on it. Lunches on the weekend are especially good times to enjoy the efficient bustle of the place. Service is professional and superb; if you’re looking for a hair of the dog, start at the small bar and work your way to a table.
Some suggestions for this place: Som tum thai, duck larb, Pork leg stew with pickled greens, fried rice with salted fish egg and Chinese broccoli, chan pad poo (crab noodles), Tofu prig king, and sticky rice. This family of restaurants, first opened about 30 years ago, has gradually grown as a place of foodie pilgrimage—a place that’s for serious eaters only. But if you stumble in a little unsure on your feet, they’ll have just what you need to fix you up as well.
Old-school jukeboxes, vinyl booths, and pine walls serving, in their words (proudly so): “Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night. Full menu all hours of operation.” This place opened its doors in 1935, and hasn’t looked back since. If you want to know what a hot cake tastes like, try them here. Or get a banana split, a malt, shake or other 1950s classic. Good for Sunday brunch as well, this place has won numerous awards. Open until 3AM.
Senior Editor Robert Lindsley is a media industry veteran and DC diehard with years of experience covering consumer products, technology, and other cutting-edge fields. A passionate fan of fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife, he's also a noted beer and wine connoisseur who loves trading tips and advice with readers.
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