The best 24-hour and late-night food in Boston

Since 1947, South Street Diner has welcomed hungry patrons at all hours. Open 24/7, it’s a prime spot for party people wrapping up a night out, insomniacs looking for a snack and some company, or commuters heading to or from South Station. The Diner Special (three eggs, two pancakes or French toast, home fries, toast, choice of bacon, corn beef hash, ham or sausage) is always a winner, as are burgers, shakes, and breakfast standards. Beer and wine is served nightly until 1am.

Located at the intersection of four communities, this cozy diner is popular for breakfast and lunch on weekdays. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it’s open 24 hours for all your diner fare cravings. The huge menu of classic favorites includes eggs Benedict, waffles, open-faced roast beef sandwiches, and country fried steak. There’s a full bar, takeout, and even catering for diner fare enthusiasts.

Head to Chinatown for Peach Farm’s fresh seafood and authentic Chinese fare, served nightly until 3am. The massive menu means there’s a lot to choose from, perfect for boisterous post-midnight crowds. Peach Farm is bustling at all hours, and perhaps most notably it’s popular with chefs and industry workers who stop by after their shifts.

The mini empire that is Clover serves healthful vegan and vegetarian fare. The HFI location in Central Square is open 24 hours a day, meaning it caters to early risers seeking a healthful breakfast as well as late-night, munchies-seeking crowds. The late-night menu, served from 12-5am, has most of Clover’s standard faves like the chickpea fritter, Impossible Burger meatball sandwich, and hearty vegetable stew.

Family-owned since 1932, this North End institution cranks out baked goods and Italian favorites 24 hours a day. Locals pop in to choose from a wide range of breads (including seasonal varieties such as Easter bread), pastries, cookies, tarts, cakes, and pies. For something more substantial, try fresh-baked calzones, subs, or Sicilian pizza.

This modern brasserie in the Hotel Commonwealth is a top dining choice at all hours. The various menus offer something for everyone, and friendly servers maintain a welcoming vibe. The late-night menu is available nightly until 1:30am. Enjoy raw bar selections, fries and other snacks, sandwiches, and even larger plates such as lamb chops and a juicy ribeye.

Uni is known for its standout sashimi program and inventive Japanese creations, but the weekend late-night ramen menu — available Fridays and Saturdays from 11pm until close (usually around 1am) — offers another reason to stop by. Two richly-flavored ramens, usually a traditional shoyu-miso option and something more inventive, are available alongside a few small bites. If you’re hungry for ramen after-hours, find out why Uni’s version has developed a cult following.

This no-frills joint in South Boston has been a fixture for more than 40 years. Craving a doughnut at 3am? You’ll find a wide variety of fresh ones at any hour. Even the drive-thru is 24 hours. Also on the menu: pizza, burgers, and gut-busting breakfast sandwiches are offered from 9am-10pm on weekdays and 9am-4pm on Saturdays.

This modern neighborhood tavern behind Fenway has plenty of fresh beer on tap, craft cocktails, notable wine selections, and more than 200 whiskeys. Good thing there's a menu of modern pub fare—steak frites, sirloin burger, roast chicken, charcuterie—available until midnight every night but Sunday (10pm). Even the standout oyster and raw bar is open for late-night slurping.

This hip izakaya in the mod Verb Hotel is the spot for classic and off-the-wall Japanese creations, plus inventive cocktails and potent punch bowls. For the late-night crowd, the “Midnight Munchies” menu is available from 10pm-1:30am. Favorites like the bacon-wrapped, jalapeno-stuffed Dogzilla are on the menu, plus karaage fried chicken, maki rolls, chicken ramen, a wagyu short rib burger, and more.

This homegrown burger joint is a hit any time for a quick, tasty burger and fries. If you're out late in The Fenway, grab a burger or dog until 2am every night. Out partying in Cambridge? The Harvard Square location serves up greasy goodness until 4am Thursday-Saturday.

This Harvard Square stalwart has remained steadfastly old school as the surrounding area becomes more chic. Cheap drinks bring crowds, as does the famous, wallet-friendly double cheeseburger. The kitchen is open until 12:45am Sunday-Wednesday and 1:45am Thursday-Saturday, so you can wrap up your night with a classic burger and waffle fries.

Head to The Frogmore for a taste of Low Country cuisine. The regular menu includes the likes of ribs, fried chicken, and po'boys. A late night menu is available until 1:30am, starting after 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10pm on other nights. Choose from mac-and-cheese, burgers, grilled pimento cheese sandwiches, and a few other filling options.

This hip neighborhood hangout features an eclectic menu with sandwiches, skewers, and shareable plates. The late-night menu is available until 1:30am and includes snackable favorites such as Frito pie, Sichuan-style beef jerky and buffalo-fried sweet plantains.

For a quick bite to soak up a night’s worth of drinking, Saus’s Boston location is there for you with gourmet fries, poutine, and crispy chicken sandwiches. The late-night menu (available 10pm-12am on Thursdays, and 10pm-2am on Fridays and Saturdays) is limited and slightly upcharged, but where else can you get delicious fries with a variety of sauces or poutine after a night of bar hopping near Quincy Market?