It’s almost midnight on a Saturday. You’re hanging with friends, laughing and enjoying a few rounds of beer, when suddenly you feel it-the monster midnight munchies. Instantly ravenous, you flag down the bartender and ask for a menu, only to hear those dreaded words: “Kitchen’s closed.” Sadly, it’s a much too common phrase heard after 10pm in many Boston establishments. However, before resigning yourself to picking at the bartender’s stash of canned olives and maraschino cherries, consider heading to one of these restaurants, where the food is great even when it’s late.
South Street Diner
178 Kneeland St., Boston, (617) 350-0028
www.southstreetdiner.com
Open daily 24 hours
Nothing hits the spot after a night of conspicuous imbibing like a little grease, and the South Street Diner is one of Boston’s classic greasy spoons. Nearly every hour of the day and night, patrons crowd the 1950’s style restaurant, clamoring for the oozing omelets, juicy burgers, thick onion rings, fluffy chocolate chip pancakes and traditional frappes. Breakfast and dinner are served 24 hours, the prices are cheap, and the spunky staff delivers prompt service. Throw a little Elvis on the jukebox, and what more could you ask for in the wee hours?
News
150 Kneeland St., Boston, (617) 426-NEWS
www.newsboston.com
Late-night dining until 4am
If the bright lights, hissing grills and clinking silverware of a traditional diner don’t appeal, head across the street to News, an after-hours nosh spot with a sophisticated vibe. At this restaurant/lounge, you’ll find sultry lighting, leather couches, flat screen TV’s, Wi-Fi, a sushi bar and a mind-boggling menu, offering everything from calamari and Cubano sandwiches to eggs Benedict to banana Oreo smoothies.
Franklin Café
278 Shawmut Ave, Boston, (617) 350-0010
www.franklincafe.com
Late-night dining until 1:30am
The catalytic cocktail menu is reason enough to hit the cozy Franklin Café, but so is a growling stomach. Nestled in the hip South End, the Franklin Café serves its full menu of upscale comfort food until 1:30am. There can be a bit of a wait for one of the ten or so tables, but you’ll appreciate the extra time to peruse the lengthy menu of unique drink concoctions-like the tangerine gimlet-and fusion entrees, such as the duck quesadilla and smoked salmon “BLT.
Temple Bar
1688 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, (617) 547-5055
www.templebarcambridge.com
Late-night dining Su-W until midnight, Th-Sa until 12:30am
Casually trendy and perpetually lively, Temple Bar has the added attraction of optimal location. Strategically positioned between Harvard and Porter Squares, Temple is a short stroll from a plethora of bars and clubs and draws a hip crowd of students and young professionals. The menu of eclectic American cuisine includes dishes so delish that you will sober right up-think the Guinness and Irish cheddar fondue, served with potato wedges, gherkins, carrots and Irish soda bread.
Miel Brasserie Provencale
510 Atlantic Ave, InterContinental Hotel, Boston, (617) 217-5151
Open daily 24 hours
If you crave filet mignon and foie gras at 3am, Miel is your destination. Somewhat a Boston dining anomaly, this 24 hour brasserie can sate the most high-minded of palates any time of day or night. The menu of traditional Provencale fare includes a selection of fish and meat entrees, soups, artisan cheeses and even burgers. Keep in mind, however, that this isn’t your typical post-clubbing chow joint-the atmosphere is hushed elegance, and the prices average $30 per entrée.
Sasso
116 Huntington Ave, Boston, (617) 247-2400
www.sassoboston.com
Late-night dining until 1:30am
Sophisticated and sassy, Sasso impresses with its airy atmosphere and regional Italian fare. Twenty-foot windows make up three sides of the restaurant,
giving late-night patrons an unobstructed, glittering view of the bustling nightlife on Huntington Avenue. A separate bar and lounge reside on the fourth side of the restaurant, and the center of the room is occupied by an enormous marble staircase leading to the mezzanine dining room. Chef David Ross plates exquisite entrees made with fresh, locally-produced ingredients, and the menu changes with the seasons. There is also an extensive wine list.
Bova Bakery
134 Salem St., Boston, (617) 523-5601
www.northendboston.com/bovabakery
Open daily 24 hours, take-out only
Kitchens in the North End are notorious for closing early, despite a hopping late-night neighborhood bar scene. So where are stranded, starving imbibers to go? Skip the cab and make the short walk to Salem Street, where a haven for carb-lovers and sugar-addicts still has its doors open. Bova Bakery serves up authentic Italian delights 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Choose from sweet treats like ricotta cannoli, tiramisu, fresh fruit tarts and Whoopee pies, or go for savory with a fresh-baked calzone, over-sized sub or slice of Sicilian pizza.
