Jamie Ferrell - Senior Staff Writer•
There’s nothing quite like a 2am burrito at El Farolito.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. That is, the tough wolf down six donuts in a row after a night out on the town. Do you know where to find an open kitchen after midnight in San Francisco? Well, we asked our Instagram followers for their favorite late-night haunts and they did not disappoint. Read on to discover 10 excellent places (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 Shish*to peppers, Burmelote grilled corn, or crispy sticky adobo wings.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-12am; Fri 4pm-2am; Sat 12pm-2am; Sun 2pm-12am
Location: 2200A Market St, San Francisco
See also: 10 epic arcade bars to check out in the Bay Area
2. El Farolito
This classic, local favorite offers enormous portions and quality meat options for a burrito that will hit the spot. Be sure to try their chiles rellenos and quesadillas while you’re at it. Keep in mind that they are cash only!
Hours/locations:
- 2779 Mission St: Sun-Thurs 10am-1:45am; Fri-Sat 10am-2:45am
- 4817 Mission St: Sun-Tues 9am-1:45am; Wed 9am-2:45am; Thurs closed; Fri 9am-3:45am; Sat 9am-2:45am
- Also at 2950 24th St (closes at 11:45pm) and 394 Grand Ave (closes at 9:45pm)
See also: The 10 most delicious burritos in SF, hands down
3. Orphan Andy’s
This popular spot 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 late-night comfort food including French toast, steak and eggs, and a tuna melt.
Hours: Open 24 hours!
Location: 3991 17th St.
See also: 13 excellent queer-owned businesses recommended by San Franciscans, for San Franciscans
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.
Hours: Mon 11am-12am; Tues closed; Wed – Sun 11am-1am
Location: 1300 Stockton St.
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.
Hours: Mon 10am-12:30am; Tue closed; Wed-Thurs 10am-12:30am; Fri-Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-1:30am
Location: 2288 Mission St
See also: The 10 most delicious burritos in San Francisco, hands down
6. Uncle Boy’s
Here’s your go-to spot for perfectly delicious late-night burgers and fries! Step it up a notch with their new 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.
Hours: Mon closed; Tue-Wed 11am-9:50pm; Thurs-Sun 11am-1:50am
Location: 245 Balboa St
See also: 21 burgers recommended by San Franciscans, for San Franciscans
7. Taqueria Vallarta
This taqueria has some awesome 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 oysters, fish fillet, and shrimp. Groups of 15 people or more get 15% off!
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-2am; Fri-Sat 8am-3:30am; Sun 8am-12am
Location: 3033 24th St.
See also: The 10 most delicious burritos in SF, hands down
8. Crepes Ooh La La
A street crepe is the perfect late-night food for when it feels 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.
Hours: Mon 4pm-12am; Tues 12pm-8pm; Wed-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 1:30pm-10pm
Location: 1220 Polk St
See also: The 10 best pancake spots in the city, according to San Franciscans
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!
Hours/locations:
- 1621 Polk St: Open 24 hours!
- 601 Baker St: Sun-Wed 7am-9pm; Thu-Sat 7am-10pm
See also: Baked in the Bay: A sweet tooth’s guide to San Francisco
10. ABV
This trendy co*cktail bar offers some more upscale late-night eats, as well as high-quality co*cktails. Favorites include a gulf shrimp tacos, a fried chicken sandwich, and fried cauliflower with alioli.
Hours: 4pm-2am every day. Kitchen closes at 12am.
Location: 3174 16th St.
See also: Sip your way through these 5 secret speakeasies in San Francisco
Featured image: @savoreachbite via Instagram
