When the going gets tough, the tough get going. That is, the tough wolf down six donuts in a row after dancing for hours at Providence. Do you know where to find an open kitchen after midnight? Well, we asked our Instagram followers for their favorite late-night food in San Francisco and they did not disappoint. Whether you’ve been clubbing all night, got carried away during after-work drinks, or stayed out late after a concert, these are some essential spots to keep in your back pocket. Finish your drink and read on to discover 10 excellent late-night eats (in no particular order) recommended by San Franciscans, for San Franciscans.
As always, scroll down to the bottom for an interactive map. Cheers!
1. The Detour
This amazing arcade bar has a packed event lineup every week, dozens of essential arcade and pinball games, board games, and more. The exciting menu offers a ton of options inspired by Asian street food with a California twist, plus a full bar. Try their Shishito peppers, Burmelote grilled corn, or crispy sticky adobo wings.
📍 Location: Duboce Triangle • 2200A Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
🕜 Hours: 5pm-2am Friday, 2pm-2am Saturday, 1pm-12am Sunday, 5pm-12am Monday-Thursday
2. El Farolito
This classic, local favorite offers enormous portions and quality meat options for a burrito that will hit the spot, and is beloved among locals who are out for a late night in SF’s Mission District. Be sure to try their chiles rellenos, taquitos, and quesadillas while you’re at it. Most importantly, keep in mind that they are cash only!
📍 Location: Mission District • 2950 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
🕜 Hours: 10am-2:30am Friday-Saturday, 10am-1:30am Sunday-Thursday
📍 Location: Mission District • 2779 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
🕜 Hours: 10am-2:45am Friday-Saturday, 10am-1:45am Sunday-Thursday
📍 Location: Chinatown • 1230 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
🕜 Hours: 10am-2am daily
📍 Location: Excelsior • 4817 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112
🕜 Hours: 10am-3am Friday-Saturday, 10am-2am Sunday-Thursday
3. Orphan Andy’s
This late night institution in the Castro is run by married partners and co-owners Bill Pung and Dennis Zieball. They host a late-night refuge with colorful decorations and some of the best late-night food in San Francisco including French toast, chicken-fried steak, hot cakes, and a tuna melt. A perfect option if you’ve been out so late that you’re already craving breakfast.
📍 Location: Castro • QH68+W2 The Castro, San Francisco, CA
🕜 Hours: Open 24 hours Thursday-Saturday, 7am-9:45pm Sunday, 9am-9:45pm Monday-Wednesday
4. Yuet Lee Seafood Restaurant
This legendary Cantonese seafood restaurant has fed hungry San Franciscans since 1977. Their most famous dishes include the salt and pepper squid, Peking spare rib, and crispy garlic with prawns in the shell. If you’re looking for late-night Chinese food in San Francisco, Yuet Lee is a dependable option in North Beach.
📍 Location: North Beach • 1300 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
🕜 Hours: 11am-11pm Wednesday-Monday, 5-11pm Tuesday
5. Taqueria Cancun
Here’s a no-nonsense taqueria with an impressive selection for meat lovers. You’ll find carne asada, pork (al pastor), chicken, chorizo, carnitas, and all cuts of beef including tongue, head and brains! Try their amazing classic burrito with rice, beans, onions, cilantro, and salsa. Or upgrade it to a super burrito with cheese, avocado, and sour cream.
📍 Location: Mission District • 2288 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
🕜 Hours: 9am-12am Friday, 9am-1am Saturday, 9am-11pm Sunday-Thursday
📍 Location: Bernal Heights • 3211 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
🕜 Hours: 10am-12am Friday-Saturday, 10am-9:40pm Sunday-Thursday
6. Uncle Boy’s
Here’s your go-to spot for perfectly delicious late-night burgers and fries! Step it up a notch with some popular menu items: “The Chiki and the Egg,” with fried chicken, bacon, mayo, avocado, a fried egg, and Louisiana hot sauce; and “The Spency P,” with a grilled beef patty, an egg, grilled onions, mayo, and beef gravy.
📍 Location: Inner Richmond • 245 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118
🕜 Hours: 11am-1:50am Thursday-Sunday, 11am-9:50pm Tuesday-Wednesday, closed Monday
7. Taqueria Vallarta
This taqueria has some quintessential Mexican menu items that taste even better late at night. Try their street tacos, which come with all your favorite toppings, or the “San Francisco Plate” with fresh seafood including oysters, fish fillet, and shrimp. If you’re out with the whole squad, you’re in luck, because groups of 15 people or more get 15% off!
📍 Location: Mission District • 3033 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
🕜 Hours: 10am-2:30am Friday-Saturday, 10am-2am Sunday-Thursday
8. Crepes Ooh La La
A street crepe is the perfect late-night food in San Francisco for when it gets too late for dinner, so you might as well get started on breakfast. These crepes come easy to carry, so you can eat them while walking down the street en route to your next location. Favorite menu items include Nutella and strawberry as well as cheese, spinach and mushrooms.
📍 Location: Lower Nob Hill • 1220 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
🕜 Hours: 4:30pm-2am Monday-Friday, 11:30am-3am Saturday, 1:30pm-2am Sunday
9. Bob’s Donuts
This epic family-owned donut shop has been in business since the 1960s! Favorites include the Cinnamon Cake donut, raised maple (of course), and “The Big Donut” which is absolutely enormous. You can also try your hand at the Donut challenge, in which you simply have to eat a Bob’s donut in 3 minutes or less. If you can manage it, you can be listed on the Hall of Fame!
📍 Location: Nob Hill • 1621 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
🕜 Hours: Open 24 hours daily
10. ABV
This trendy cocktail bar offers some more upscale late-night eats that pair beautifully with high-quality cocktails that have caught the attention of North America’s 50 Best Bars Awards. Favorites include the fried cauliflower with harissa and aioli, the octopus a la plancha with fries and chipotle, and the falafel lamb dogs.
📍 Location: Mission Dolores • 3174 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
🕜 Hours: 4pm-2am daily. Kitchen closes at 12am.
The late-night crowds of SF are well taken care of thanks to some fantastic restaurants working ’round the clock. Whether you’re dying for a massive burrito to cap off your night, or you’re craving a sugary donut as an after-club snack, we love these spots for serving some of the most dependable late night food in San Francisco.