At the close of each night, students all over Boston spill from bars, concerts, and clubs into the cold air. Many are caught in a wave of hunger, fueled by the calories they’ve burned dancing and the alcohol waiting to be soaked up by extensive carbohydrates. The same dilemma arises: Where to eat?
Although no two nights out in Boston are the same, they don’t have to end with a defeated UberEats order from McDonald’s. The city is full of late-night gems, and this guide highlights some of the best, no matter which neighborhood you’re coming from.
North End
Coming from bars in the North End, anyone with a sweet tooth is obliged to try one of two 24-hour establishments located in Boston. Bova’s is beloved by all and easily defeats the bakery choice of tourists, and Mike’s Pastry, from its cannolis to its wide selection of cakes, pastries, and cookies. I recommend the lobster tail, but it’s hard to go wrong among the glass cases of this legendary establishment.
Downtown
If you’ve ever despaired at Chipotle’s early closing hour, you will be excited to hear of another popular Mexican chain restaurant ready to fill the burrito-shaped hole in your heart: El Jefe’s Taqueria. With additional locations in Fenway and Allston, this burrito spot is a staple that doesn’t charge extra for guacamole and remains open until 2 a.m…
The food and drinks flow until 1:30 a.m. at Estella; a sit-down American-Caribbean fusion restaurant with plenty of takeout options. The expansive menu might leave you overwhelmed, but it’ll be hard to go wrong at this favorite.
Black Seed Halal Grill offers a Middle Eastern menu until 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, including a variety of wraps and kebabs. Additionally, Jim Curley is open until 1:30 a.m., serving an array of American comfort foods.
Chinatown
If you’ve spent the night in a club downtown, you might try a short trek to Chinatown for Boston’s other famous 24/7 location: South Street Diner. Breakfast and dinner are served all night here, so you can pack in a full size meal before making the journey back to campus for the night.
Double Chin restaurant is open until 4 a.m. for both takeout and dine-in meals, and its menu spans full size platters to smaller dishes of gyoza and fried rice. This is perfect for anyone who wants less than a full meal, or those who crave boba into the early hours of the morning.
Fenway
After 7 p.m., anyone leaving the nearby Loretta’s Last Call or Lucky Strike will find Back Door Donuts’ Boston pop up with a long line and a variety of tasty donut flavors. The apple fritters are a clear winner among their selection, but any donut is sure to please sweet lovers.
Tasty Burger is open till 2 a.m. with a variety of moderately priced burger options. For a larger group and a smaller budget, split a combo meal.
For an alternative to the packed Crazy Dough storefront, students can order their pizza from College Pizza in Fenway until 2:30 a.m. Its menu also features pasta, wings, and loaded fries.
Dumpling Palace, located on Massachusetts Ave between western Back Bay and Fenway, is open until 2:30 a.m. on weekend nights and features Chinese cuisine.
South End
Visitors to the South End craving pizza can try Alexandria’s or OTTO pizza until 3 a.m., but there are other cuisines available to adventurous eaters. Ali Baba serves Turkish staples like lamb and falafel 3 a.m. daily.
Southie
Chilacates, open until 1 a.m., offers a wide range of customizable Mexican plates, as well as some drinks and desserts. It seems to be one of the only casual dining spots open late in the area, besides the obligatory OTTO pizza, open until 1 a.m.
Brookline
Though beginning to venture towards a “greater Boston” categorization, many students will spend their nights closer to home in Brookline. Luckily, Brookline offers a few options for late-night eats that may appeal even to those looking for a sober adventure.
Anatolia Kebab house offers Turkish food until 1:30 a.m., including American fusion options like pasta or pizza, as well as traditional options like kebab. Lemon chicken soup has never failed to be a comfort food, and it’s sure to be a winner here.
Merai is an elevated Thai dive bar, but it serves dine-in or take-out until 1 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. They are known for their award winning drinks and plates, including mouth watering dishes like crab croquettes or smoked duck bao.