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 youโve 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.
๐ Location: Duboce Triangle โข 2200A Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
๐ 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 SFโs Mission District. Be sure to try their chiles rellenos, taquitos, and quesadillas while youโre at it. Most importantly, keep in mind that they are cash only!
๐ Location: Mission District โข 2950 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
๐ Hours: 10am-2:30am Friday-Saturday, 10am-1:30am Sunday-Thursday
๐ Location: Mission District โข 2779 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
๐ Hours: 10am-2:45am Friday-Saturday, 10am-1:45am Sunday-Thursday
๐ Location: Chinatown โข 1230 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
๐ Hours: 10am-2am daily
๐ Location: Excelsior โข 4817 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112
๐ Hours: 10am-3am Friday-Saturday, 10am-2am Sunday-Thursday
3. Orphan Andyโs
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 youโve been out so late that youโre already craving breakfast.
๐ Location: Castro โข QH68+W2 The Castro, San Francisco, CA
๐ 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 youโre looking for late-night Chinese food in San Francisco, Yuet Lee is a dependable option in North Beach.
๐ Location: North Beach โข 1300 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
๐ Hours: 11am-11pm Wednesday-Monday, 5-11pm Tuesday
5. Taqueria Cancun
Hereโs a no-nonsense taqueria with an impressive selection for meat lovers. Youโll 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.
๐ Location: Mission District โข 2288 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
๐ Hours: 9am-12am Friday, 9am-1am Saturday, 9am-11pm Sunday-Thursday
๐ Location: Bernal Heights โข 3211 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
๐ Hours: 10am-12am Friday-Saturday, 10am-9:40pm Sunday-Thursday
6. Uncle Boyโs
Hereโs your go-to spot for perfectly delicious late-night burgers and fries! Step it up a notch with some popular menu items: โThe Chiki and the Egg,โ with fried chicken, bacon, mayo, avocado, a fried egg, and Louisiana hot sauce; and โThe Spency P,โ with a grilled beef patty, an egg, grilled onions, mayo, and beef gravy.
๐ Location: Inner Richmond โข 245 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118
๐ 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 โSan Francisco Plateโ with fresh seafood including oysters, fish fillet, and shrimp. If youโre out with the whole squad, youโre in luck, because groups of 15 people or more get 15% off!
๐ Location: Mission District โข 3033 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
๐ 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.
๐ Location: Lower Nob Hill โข 1220 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
๐ Hours: 4:30pm-2am Monday-Friday, 11:30am-3am Saturday, 1:30pm-2am Sunday
9. Bobโs 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 โThe Big Donutโ which is absolutely enormous. You can also try your hand at the Donut challenge, in which you simply have to eat a Bobโs donut in 3 minutes or less. If you can manage it, you can be listed on the Hall of Fame!
๐ Location: Nob Hill โข 1621 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
๐ Hours: Open 24 hours daily
10. ABV
This trendy cocktail bar offers some more upscale late-night eats that pair beautifully withย high-quality cocktails that have caught the attention of North Americaโs 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.
๐ Location: Mission Dolores โข 3174 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
๐ 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 โround the clock. Whether youโre dying for a massive burrito to cap off your night, or youโre 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.
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