Where to Find Great Late-Night Food around Boston
Don't sleep on these places to eat well after midnight.
One possible late-night treat: the fried Taiwanese-style pork chop at Taiwan Cafe. / Photo by Chelsea Kyle
Sure, with our early last calls and even earlier subway-service shutdowns, Boston will never be confused for the City That Never Sleeps—and the pandemic and ongoing staffing shortages condensed a lot of the late-night restaurant schedules that did exist. But for those in need of midnight snacks or second dinner to go along with late-night revelry, there are still a fair number of spots that stay open serving food past 11 p.m., and sometimes even into the wee hours of the early morning. Ahead, a 24-hour-accessible guide to the best late-night menus currently available in and around Boston, organized by location.
Last updated in February 2024; stay tuned for periodic updates.
Jump to:
- 24-Hour Cheat Sheet
- Late-Night Dessert Delivery Cheat Sheet
- Boston: Allston | Back Bay | Charlestown | Chinatown | Dorchester | Downtown | East Boston | Fenway/Kenmore | Fort Point | Jamaica Plain | Mattapan | North End | Seaport District | South Boston | South End
- Brookline
- Cambridge
- Somerville
- Beyond
See also: An Early-Risers Guide to Boston: What to eat, drink, and do at daybreak.
24-HOUR CHEAT SHEET
Boston has very, very few 24-hour establishments. Here are those very, very few (find full descriptions in their corresponding neighborhood sections below):
- Bova’s Bakery (North End)
- Doughboy Donuts (South Boston)
- South Street Diner (Downtown)
LATE-NIGHT DESSERT DELIVERY CHEAT SHEET
What if it’s late, you’re already on the couch, and all you want is an ice cream sundae or cookies delivered? Wherever you are in Greater Boston, chances are you’re in range of a late-night dessert delivery option.
The Scoop N Scootery is a locally born ice cream shop—now with locations in Allston, Brighton, and Arlington—that delivers customizable ice cream sundaes (with tons of toppings) as late as 2 a.m., depending on the night and the location. Also on the menu: ice cream pies, cookies, shakes, and more. The sizable delivery range includes Boston, Arlington, Somerville, Cambridge, Winchester, Medford, Belmont, Watertown, Newton, Chestnut Hill, and Brookline. thescoopandscootery.com.
And then there’s national chain Insomnia Cookies, which tends to set up shop near colleges. Sure enough, there are Greater Boston locations near Harvard, BU, and beyond, and they’re open as late as 3 a.m. some nights of the week. Choose from a variety of cookie flavors (including some vegan selections), as well as ice cream (try it on a brownie or cookie), ice cream sandwiches, cookie cakes, and, of course, milk. insomniacookies.com.
BOSTON
Allston
The Avenue
Burgers and tacos are the focus at this neighborhood bar and grill, serving food until 1:45 a.m. nightly. If you weren’t already tipsy when you arrived, you will be when you leave—watch for Jell-O shots, spicy margaritas, and other beverages that’ll fuel your nostalgia for the college years.
1249 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, Boston, 617-903-3110, avenuebar.com.
Dumpling Kingdom
This sibling spot to Chinatown’s fabulous Dumpling Cafe (see below) awaits you with soup dumplings, Taiwan-style pan-fried dumplings, steamed pork-and-leek dumplings, and, sure, plenty of non-dumpling options, too. It’s open until 12:30 a.m. nightly (1:30 a.m. on weekends).
137 Harvard Ave., Allston, Boston, 617-562-8888, dumplingkingdomallston.com.
El Jefe’s Taqueria
Now a small regional chain, El Jefe’s has a quartet of Greater Boston locations (and some in Pennsylvania and New Jersey), all open for breakfast through late-night. The casual taco shops—located near colleges—offer customizable tacos, burritos, and bowls with classic fillings like pollo asado and carnitas. The Boston Common location is open until 2 a.m. nightly; Boston University and Symphony until 3 a.m.; and Harvard Square until 4 a.m.
957 Commonwealth Ave. (Boston University), Allston, Boston, 617-530-1327, eljefestaqueria.com. More locations below.
A previous version of Lone Star Taco Bar’s Mexican hot dog. / Courtesy photo
Lone Star Taco Bar
Smothered in refried beans, crema, chipotle mustard, longhorn cheese, and roasted salsa, Lone Star’s over-the-top Mexican hot dog tastes best around midnight—wonder why that is? In fact, the popular taco bar’s full menu of satisfying snacks—including house-made chorizo tacos, piquant chili con queso, and crispy tostadas—is available until 12:30 a.m. every night at both the Allston and Cambridge locations. (The venues close at 1 a.m.) Pair your meal with a hydrating Topo Chico mineral water, and you’ll thank yourself in the morning. (See also: Lone Star’s sibling gastropub, Deep Ellum, in Waltham—listed under “Beyond” below.)
479 Cambridge St., Allston, Boston, 617-782-8226, lonestar-boston.com. Another location below.
T. Anthony’s
If you haven’t gotten a late-night slice at T. Anthony’s, did you really go to BU? This Comm. Ave. staple—around for nearly 50 years—delivers until 12:30 a.m. nightly and stays open until 2 a.m. The hefty menu also includes steak tips, subs, wraps, and more.
1016 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, Boston, 617-734-7708, tanthonypizzeria.com.
Victoria Seafood
It feels like this unassuming Chinese restaurant has been on Comm. Ave. forever, with its awning advertising a twin lobster special that has slowly crept up in price over the years. Open until 1 a.m. nightly, the focus is—as the name suggests—seafood, but the huge menu also covers plenty of other ground, from pan-fried noodle dishes to hot pot. Your best bet: Bring a large group and try one of the massive party platters for a wide variety of dishes.
1029 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, Boston, 617-783-5111, victoriaseafoodonline.com.
Back Bay
The dramatic main bar at Lolita’s Fort Point location. / Photo by Adam DeTour
Lolita Tequila Bar
Brought to you by the same team behind Yvonne’s, Ruka, and more, Lolita’s penchant for drama shines through in the gothic décor and the impressive lineup of margaritas, mojitos, and sangrias. The menu of crispy rock shrimp tacos, grilled street corn, guacamole with lobster, and lots more is on at both locations until 11 p.m. or midnight depending on the day (bar until 1 or 2 a.m.), and the night always ends with a “wow” when the check arrives with a complimentary cotton candy cloud.
271 Dartmouth St., Back Bay, 617-369-5609, lolitamexican.com. Another location below.
A filling combo from Tasty Burger. / Photo by Wayne Chinnock Photography
Tasty Burger
Unfortunately Tasty Burger doesn’t keep any of its locations open until 4 a.m. these days like during its pre-pandemic heyday, but you can still get a tasty burger until 2 a.m. nightly in Fenway or midnight in Back Bay, Harvard Square, and Central Square most of the week and 2 a.m. on weekends. Not too shabby! The night’s not over until you’ve scarfed down a Hubba burger, loaded with chili, cheese sauce, and scallions, and a side of tater tots—and maybe a house-made raspberry lime rickey or two.
145 Dartmouth St., Back Bay, Boston, 617-303-0540, tastyburger.com. More locations below.
Charlestown
Ali Baba
Sibling to the South End’s Ali Baba and its neighbor El Triunfo (see below), this Charlestown spot is located right by the Sullivan Square MBTA station and stays open until at least midnight most of the week. On the menu: Middle Eastern fare with a focus on Turkey, from doner kebabs to lahmajun.
99a Cambridge St., Charlestown, Boston, 617-398-6902, alibabacharlestown.business.site.
Chinatown
Double Chin. / Courtesy photo
Double Chin
This Asian fusion restaurant is pure fun, from the ice-cream-and-candy-topped cube toast to the ramen-crusted fried chicken. It’s open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday but 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday (delivery until 3:30 a.m.), for when you really need a slice of brown sugar boba crêpe cake in the early morning.
86 Harrison Ave., Chinatown, Boston, 617-482-0682, doublechinbos.com.
Frog leg hot pot at Dumpling Cafe. / Photo by Chelsea Kyle
Dumpling Cafe
Come for the soup dumplings (try the pork and crabmeat), stay for other staples like rice cakes with pork and mustard greens. It gets crowded late, but service moves quickly, and you’ll be on your way, satisfied and full, in no time. Open until 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 p.m. the rest of the week.
695 Washington St., Chinatown, Boston, 617-338-8858, dumplingcafe.com.
Jumbo Seafood
Jumbo Seafood, jumbo menu: There’s something for everyone here, especially if you love live-tank seafood and/or dim sum. (We will never say no to late-night dim sum.) There’s Peking duck, too. Open until 2 a.m. nightly, with takeout available until 1:30.
5 Hudson St., Chinatown, Boston, 617-542-2823, jumboseafoodboston.net.
Peach Farm
Peach Farm’s ultra-late hours were a pandemic casualty, but back in the day, you’d see chefs from all across the Boston restaurant industry gathering post-shift. Nowadays, it’s open until 12 a.m. nightly, so it’s still a suitable spot for an 11 p.m. craving. The menu is enormous, but your best bet is live-tank seafood. You’re sure to spot the lobster with ginger and scallions on many tables.
4 Tyler St., Chinatown, Boston, 617-482-3332, peachfarmseafood.com.
Taiwan Cafe’s sauteed rice cakes with pork and preserved mustard greens. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Taiwan Cafe
What luck that one of our all-time favorite Chinatown spots stays open until 1 a.m. nightly, leaving us plenty of hours to fit in visits for the fried Taiwanese-style pork chop, Sichuan-style white fish in spicy broth, and a braised eggplant dish that may convince even the most eggplant-averse to try a bite.
34 Oxford St., Chinatown, Boston, 617-426-8181, ordertaiwancafe.com.
Dorchester
Dorset Hall
Open until 1 a.m. nightly, this gastropub is a great fit if part of your group wants something hearty (mac and cheese, fish and chips, chicken parm) and part of your group wants something a little lighter (Asian salmon salad, grilled chicken sandwich). Add an espresso or chocolate martini for a boozy, dessert-y finale to the evening.
367 Neponset Ave., Dorchester, Boston, 617-533-7114, dorsethall.com.
DW Food and Brews at Boston Bowl
It’s comfort food, and it’s available for dine-in or takeout until midnight nightly—and you can stick around for bowling, billiards, and arcade games. What more do you need? (A “waffle sundae explosion,” perhaps.)
820 Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester, Boston, 617-825-3800, bostonbowl.com.
Downtown
El Jefe’s Taqueria
See Allston section above.
80 Boylston St., Downtown (Boston Common/Emerson), Boston, 617-936-3610, eljefestaqueria.com.
JM Curley’s burger. / Courtesy photo
JM Curley
It’s all about the comfort food and craft cocktails here. The abbreviated late-night menu—available from 10 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday—includes the Best of Boston burger and some other treats, from pizza rolls to mini corn dogs. Have a cocktail here, or have one at sibling/neighbor the Wig Shop, open until 2 a.m. nightly.
21 Temple Pl., Downtown Crossing, Boston, 617-338-5333, jmcurleyboston.com.
South Street Diner, where breakfast is a 24-hour affair. / Photo by Chris Lyons Photography
South Street Diner
What do rock bands, late-shifters, night-owl office workers, and tipsy college students all have in common? They go to South Street Diner, where the short-order cooks are firing orders 24/7. Inside the neon-swathed confines of this midcentury holdover—originally built in 1947 to serve the hungry workers pouring out of nearby factories—patrons slurp down towering milkshakes, burgers, and platters of griddled French toast morning, noon, and midnight.
178 Kneeland St., Leather District, Boston, 617-350-0028, southstreetdiner.com.
East Boston
Perros Paisas’ perro paisa—a Colombian-style hot dog. / Courtesy photo
Perros Paisas
How’s this for late-night fare: an absolutely enormous hot dog topped with cheese, bacon, salad, mayo, ketchup, quail eggs, crushed potato chips, and more. Enter Perros Paisas, a Colombian food-truck-turned-restaurant with arepas stuffed with hamburger meat, hot dogs laden with toppings (including one dog that’s approximately a meter long), and more. You’ll have to get there by 11 p.m. most of the week, but it’s open until 3 a.m. for your Friday and Saturday night needs.
350 Bennington St., East Boston, 857-415-0993, perros-paisas.negocio.site.
The Quiet Few
The regular menu ends at 10 p.m., but a rotating grilled cheese selection is available until 1 a.m. nightly, perfect for those who want to keep the night going working their way through the neighborhood bar’s huge whiskey selection. (Keep an eye out for the opening of South Boston sibling spot Small Victories in 2024!)
331 Summer St., East Boston, 617-561-1061, thequietfew.com.
Fenway/Kenmore
The Back Door Donuts apple fritter. / Photo by Emily Burke/ENB Social
Back Door Donuts
Ok, grabbing a late-night doughnut from a side door at Loretta’s isn’t quite the same as waiting in line at the back door at the Martha’s Vineyard original, but Back Door Donuts has arrived in the Fenway, and we’re not going to complain about giant apple fritters (and more!) available until 2 a.m. nightly.
1 Lansdowne St. (Loretta’s Last Call), Fenway, Boston, 508-693-3688, backdoordonuts.com.
A spread of Blue Ribbon Brasserie dishes. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Blue Ribbon Brasserie
This Kenmore Square newcomer from a respected New York restaurant group (also behind Kenmore neighbors Blue Ribbon Sushi and Pescador) keeps the kitchen open until midnight nightly (the bar closes at 1 a.m.). In addition to the regular menu—which draws inspiration from France, New York’s Chinatown, and beyond—Blue Ribbon offers half-priced bar burgers and oysters between 10 p.m. and midnight.
528 Commonwealth Ave., Kenmore Square, Boston, 617-634-0404, blueribbonbrasserieboston.com.
Oysters and whiskey at Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar. / Courtesy photo
Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar
Book a pig roast party here, or swing by after a Sox game for seafood towers, charcuterie, and creative comfort food: duck confit pot pie, whiskey-glazed pork belly, etc. (Speaking of whiskey, there’s plenty to drink.) The kitchen is open until midnight Monday through Wednesday and 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
1310 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, 617-450-9000, citizenpub.com.
El Jefe’s Taqueria
See Allston section above.
269 Huntington Ave., Fenway (Symphony), Boston, 617-936-3651, eljefestaqueria.com.
Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar. / Photo by Reagan Byrne
Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar
Nachos, quesadillas, birria tacos, and a few other items make up the abbreviated late-night menu at Loco, available from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. (At the sprawling new Fenway location, you’ll also find dollar oysters on the Monday late-night menu and half-priced tacos on the Tuesday late-night menu. But if you’re reading this in February 2024, you’ll have to wait a bit to partake—the Fenway Loco is closed for renovations until March 1.)
61 Brookline Ave., Fenway, Boston, 857-277-0769, locosouthboston.com. Another location below.
Tasty Burger
See Back Bay section above.
86 Van Ness St., Fenway, Boston, 617-425-4444, tastyburger.com.
Fort Point
Lolita Tequila Bar
See Back Bay section above.
253 Summer St., Fort Point, Boston, 617-369-0931, lolitamexican.com.
Lucky’s Lounge
Follow the red lights to this secretive little Congress Street bar, which serves food until 1:30 a.m. nightly. It’s bar food without too many frills—think Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, prosciutto flatbreads, smash burgers, and kung pao cauliflower—and fun vibes. Wash it all down with a classic cocktail.
355 Congress St., Fort Point, Boston, 617-357-5825, luckyslounge.com.
Italian craft beers and pizza are on the late-night menu at Pastoral. / Courtesy photo
Pastoral
For anyone winding through the streets of Fort Point in search of sustenance (or one last round), the warm glow of Pastoral’s dining room is a welcome sight. At this neighborhood favorite, a massive wood-fired oven burns the midnight—err, wood to turn out perfectly blistered pizzas. (The late-night menu, available from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, includes pizza, garlic knots, and a couple other options, but you’ll have to go earlier in the evening for pasta, salads, and the rest.) Be sure to check out what’s on tap; the deftly curated beer list can include far-flung Italian imports and other treats.
345 Congress St., Fort Point, Boston, 617-345-0005, pastoralfortpoint.com.
Jamaica Plain
The Jeanie Johnston
Cozy up at this friendly pub (or order takeout) until midnight daily—the late-night menu isn’t huge, but you’re sure to find something filling among the toasted ravioli, Buffalo tenders, mozzarella sticks, jumbo wings, and the like. Top it off with a dessert shot or something from the extensive liquor list.
144 South St., Jamaica Plain, Boston, 617-983-9432, jeaniejohnstonpub.com.
Joseph’s Sub Shop & Pizza
JP’s very-late-night food options are practically non-existent—Joseph’s to the rescue! Open until 3 a.m. nightly, this shop serves, as advertised, subs and pizza. (Salads, wings, calzones, and more, too.)
8 S. Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain, Boston, 617-731-9880.
Mattapan
Joseph’s Pizza & Sub Shop
Another Joseph’s, another late-night savior. Operating until 3 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, this pizzeria—open since 1980—delivers brick-oven pizza, hefty hot and cold subs, fisherman’s platters, cheesecake, and lots more.
1200 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, 617-298-0065, josephspizzamattapan.com.
Simco’s
This Mattapan institution, best known for its hot dogs, stays open past 2 a.m. nightly. The dogs are pretty simple—mustard, ketchup, onion, and relish—but you can add chili and/or cheese, too. Not in a hot dog mood? You’ll also find steak and cheese subs, calzones, and other late-night comfort. If you’re not ordering online via a third-party delivery app, bring cash.
1509 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, Boston, 617-296-3800.
North End
Bova’s Bakery’s cases are stocked at all hours. / Photo by Jared Kuzia
Bova’s Bakery
Freshly made cannoli are always delicious, but for some reason, they taste even better at 4 a.m. Unlike other North End bakeries (and most Boston businesses), Bova’s stays open 24 hours a day with cases full of rainbow marzipan cookies, red velvet whoopie pies, and savory options like Buffalo chicken calzones and Sicilian slices. Best of all, you can still snag most pastries for under $4.
134 Salem St., North End, Boston, 617-523-5601, bovabakeryboston.net.
Lucca
Exceptional Italian until 12:15 a.m. nightly? Sign us up. This North End stalwart features house-made gnocchi (try the appetizer with braised short ribs or the entree with butter-poached lobster) and other fresh pastas; self-appointed “really, really good” meatballs; and substantial entrees like bone-in veal osso bucco.
226 Hanover St., North End, Boston, 617-742-9200, luccaboston.com.
Seaport District
Borrachito. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Borrachito Taqueria & Spirits
This New York import is a counter-service taqueria in the front, speakeasy-style bar in the back. Either way, you can get tacos (and more) late: The taqueria is open until midnight Monday through Wednesday and 1:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday (10 p.m. on Sunday), and the bar is open until 2 a.m. nightly (except for midnight on Sunday), with live DJs energizing the space on Fridays and Saturdays. The short rib and bone marrow birria quesadilla is a must, and you might as well get an extra-large margarita for the table.
70 Pier 4 Blvd., Suite 270, Seaport District, Boston, borrachito.com.
Committee
Swing by this swanky Greek spot for bao “gyro,” lamb frites, and a giant feast of grilled meat. Group-friendly cocktails for up to six don’t hurt, nor do desserts like a halva ice cream and brownie sundae. Dinner service runs until midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
50 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, 617-737-5051, committeeboston.com.
Madras Dosa Co. / Courtesy photo
Madras Dosa Co.
Late-night dosa with a ton of choices for fillings! Madras offers a large menu with plenty of vegan and/or gluten-free options, most centered around the South Indian dosa, a crêpe-like dish made with a fermented rice-and-lentil base. The Seaport location is open until 2 a.m. (3 a.m. on weekends), and the Harvard Square offshoot stays open until 3 a.m. all week.
55 Boston Wharf Rd., Seaport District, Boston, 857-233-5188, madrasdosaco.com. Another location below.
Stubbys fried chicken. / Photo courtesy of Stubbys
Stubbys
This casual fast-food spot comes to the Seaport via Nantucket and stays open until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday (11 p.m. the rest of the week), serving popcorn chicken, Reubens, jerk chicken quesadillas, cheeseburgers, and more. And shhh…there’s a secret menu!
43 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, 857-277-1695, stubbysboston.com.
South Boston
Doughboy Donuts. / Photo by Ruby Wallace-Ewing
Doughboy Donuts
Don’t let the rather drab façade of this old-school Southie joint fool you—inside (or via the drive-through), a glorious rainbow of frosted carbs, served up 24/7, awaits. Rocking everything from tie-dye purple-and-blue icing to crunchy Fruity Pebbles cereal, Doughboy serves classic Boston cream and jelly-filled doughnuts, too. The coffee is brewing at all hours, and there are iced flavors like vanilla and peanut butter. In a city where Dunkin’ occupies nearly every corner, this classic coffee shop holds its own. (Note: The deli portion of the business does not stay open around the clock.)
220 Dorchester Ave., South Boston, 617-269-7560, doughboydonutsanddeli.com.
Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant
With a late-night menu available seven nights a week from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., this is a reliable spot for post-midnight cravings, especially if it’s wood-fired pizza with creative toppings or spicy wings you were craving. You’ll have to come back in the morning for tall stacks of Fruity Pebbles pancakes.
425 W. Broadway, South Boston, 617-765-8636, lincolnsouthboston.com.
Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar
See Fenway/Kenmore section above.
412 W. Broadway, South Boston, 617-917-5626, locosouthboston.com.
South End
Chicken parm at Anchovies. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Anchovies
This beloved South End dive bar is delightful at any hour, and the kitchen is open nightly until 1:30 a.m. when you need to cozy up somewhere after midnight and eat a huge portion of chicken parm and drink an oversized martini while surrounded by eclectic décor and neighborhood characters.
433 Columbus Ave., South End, Boston, 617-266-5088, instagram.com/anchoviesbar.
El Triunfo
For years, SoWa denizens have heartily embraced this Mexican grill, which stays open as late as 3 a.m. Detect a hint of Middle Eastern cuisine amid the burritos, pupusas, and enchiladas? (Falafel as a filling for tacos, etc., for example) Indeed, it’s a sister venture of next-door Turkish restaurant Ali Baba (see Charlestown listing above)—which means you can end an evening of pints at Foley’s with a restorative meal that includes both steak fajitas and baklava.
147 E. Berkeley St., South End, Boston, 617-542-8499, eltriunfo-boston.com.
Franklin Cafe
Established in the 1990s, this South End mainstay—from the crew behind Tasty Burger and Citizen Public House—serves a full menu until 1:30 a.m. nightly. Think gastropub fare: pappardelle with spicy lamb ragu; steak frites; pork schnitzel. It all pairs nicely with the twists on classic cocktails (a rosemary paloma, a mezcal-based Negroni, etc.).
278 Shawmut Ave., South End, Boston, 617-350-0010, franklincafe.com.
BROOKLINE
The Abbey
Going strong in Brookline since 2010 and Cambridge since 2014, the Abbey is a reliably great gastropub that serves its full menu until 1:30 a.m. nightly. The menu’s always changing, but expect hearty fare like bison Bolognese with fresh linguine; steak frites; and various panini. There’s a substantial selection of booze, too—particularly bourbon.
1657 Beacon St., Washington Square, Brookline, 617-730-8040, abbeyrestaurant.com. Another location below.
Old-school potato skins and more pub grub are available late every night at Coolidge Corner Clubhouse. / Photo by Jacqueline Cain
Coolidge Corner Clubhouse
With 24 high-def TVs hung around the cozy space, the Clubhouse is the best spot to settle in for one of those classic Red Sox-Yankees pitchers’ duels that goes into extra innings. The huge menu of pub grub—like “mile-high” nachos, stuffed jumbo tater tots, big salads, and plenty of sandwiches—is available nightly until midnight, with the bar remaining open until 2 a.m.
307 Harvard St., Coolidge Corner, Brookline, 617-566-4948, coolidgecornerclubhouse.com.
CAMBRIDGE
The Abbey
See Brookline section above.
1755 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge, 617-714-4944, abbeyrestaurant.com.
Clover’s chickpea fritter sandwich. / Courtesy photo
CloverHFI
We hope the Central Square location of Clover eventually returns to its 24-hour schedule, but it’s still open pretty late, serving its “later night” menu until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The fast-casual, vegetarian spot—part of a local chain—offers local beers, a few sandwiches, snacks like rosemary fries and falafel with hummus, and a few other items at this time of night. Bonus: Two vintage pinball machines. Second bonus: Did you play a show across the street at the Middle East? Bring proof, and your meal that night is on the house.
496 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge, cloverfoodlab.com.
El Jefe’s Taqueria
See Allston section above.
14 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-945-1986, eljefestaqueria.com.
Joe’s Pizza
Joe’s arrived in Harvard Square from New York City in late 2023, to much fanfare, slinging NY-style and Sicilian-style slices and pies with classic toppings. A house salad and sodas round out the menu—nothing complicated here. Open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
3 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 857-259-6085, joespizzanyc.com.
Lone Star Taco Bar
See Allston section above.
635 Cambridge St., East Cambridge, 857-285-6179, lonestar-boston.com.
Madras Dosa Co.
See Seaport District section above.
22 Eliot St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-714-5261, madrasdosaco.com
Pinocchio’s Pizza & Subs
A Harvard Square haunt since 1966, this is where students (and famous dropouts) get their late-night Sicilian pizza or the occasional sub or baked ziti. It’s small, ultra-casual, and exactly what you’d want from a college-adjacent pizza place open late (midnight on Sundays and 1 a.m. the rest of the week—or 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday from September into May, when classes are in session).
74 Winthrop St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-876-4897, pinocchiospizza.net.
Si Cara’s pizza. / Photo by Chris McIntosh
Si Cara
Featuring Neapolitan-ish pizzas with creative toppings, plus a fun natural wine list, this cozy little Central Square spot serves an abbreviated menu starting at 10 p.m. (until 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and midnight Thursday through Saturday). Enjoy a few starters and pizzas like the “Spanakopita, but Pizza” (garlic cream, spinach, feta, dill) and the spicy miso pizza (ground pork, black garlic, fried egg, sesame).
425 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge, 617-945-7629, sicarapizza.com.
Tasty Burger
See Back Bay section above.
23 Prospect St., Central Square, Cambridge, 857-999-2080; 40 JFK St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-714-1590; tastyburger.com.
SOMERVILLE
Chow N Joy
Open until 1 a.m. nightly (2 a.m. Friday and Saturday), this Spring Hill spot—find it about halfway between Union and Porter squares—is a Chinese takeout and delivery staple for the neighborhood. No real surprises here, but it’s reliable, offering a few styles of dumplings; lo mein and other noodle dishes; pu pu platters; and the like. You’ll also spot a few selections from other cuisines, like pad thai, takoyaki, and Korean fish corn dogs.
626 Somerville Ave., Spring Hill, Somerville, 617-623-4378, chownjoysomervillema.com.
Dumpling Kitchen
More Spring Hill Chinese food available late (2:15 a.m. nightly), with even more of a dumpling focus (plus some Sichuan house specialties). The particularly exciting bit: soup dumplings. Find them on the menu under “mini juicy buns”—that’s how you’ll see soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao, on a lot of Greater Boston menus. We’re also partial to the Shanghai-style pan-fried pork buns.
217 Highland Ave., Spring Hill, Somerville, 617-628-1128, dumplingkitchen.net.
Falafel Place
This spot might not win points for creative naming, but the falafel is excellent, as are the various shawarma and kabob rollups. The halal restaurant offers plenty of vegetarian options—like grape leaves with cucumber salad, pita, tahini, and hot sauce—and stays open until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
1 Main St., Winter Hill, Somerville, 617-764-2336, myfalafelplace.com.
Trina’s fried chicken. / Photo by Pat Piasecki
Trina’s Starlite Lounge
This neighborhood mainstay, located steps from the Cambridge border in Inman Square, is known for its hot dogs (fancied up or no-frills, in a perfectly buttery bun), cocktails, and friendly staff. Order before 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday (bar until 1 a.m.), but you have more wiggle room on Friday and Saturday, when the kitchen stays open until midnight (bar until 2 a.m.).
3 Beacon St., Somerville, 617-576-0006, trinastarlitelounge.com.
BEYOND
Truffle gorgonzola fries at Deep Ellum in Waltham. / Photo by Alyssa Beauregard for Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum
Allstonians shed a tear or 100 when longtime gastropub Deep Ellum (sibling to Lone Star Taco Bar) closed in 2020—but fortunately it made a comeback in 2023, this time in Waltham, with plenty of old favorites (truffle gorgonzola fries!) and a killer beer list, among other perks. The kitchen is open until midnight all week (except for Sunday, when it closes at 11 p.m.)—a rare chance to eat this late this far outside of the city.
467 Moody St., Waltham, deepellum-waltham.com.
Kushari & Grill
Lucky Tufts students are in close proximity to this excellent Middle Eastern restaurant, which showcases Egyptian dishes such as the hearty, vegan-friendly kushari—a carb-y mix of noodles, rice, lentils, and chickpeas with tomato, garlic, and hot sauces and caramelized onions. Most nights, it’s only open until 10:30 p.m., but on Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open until 3 a.m. for your late-night shawarma fix.
321 Boston Ave., Medford, 781-874-1536, kushariandgrill.com.
Love Dog Hot Dog Buffet—in the daytime. / Photo by Pat Piasecki
Love Dog Hot Dog Buffet
Open until 2 a.m., 3 a.m., or even 4 a.m. depending on the night, this Best of Boston food truck serves up Brazilian hot dogs loaded with toppings to hungry crowds. If your hot dog isn’t covered with every condiment imaginable, plus corn, peas, and potato sticks, what’s the point? Try it pressed for the panini version of a hot dog.
1865 Revere Beach Pkwy., Everett, 617-869-1705, instagram.com/lovedoghotdogbuffet.
