San Diego has one of the best late-night food scenes in the nation featuring a diverse blend of restaurants, bars, and diners. Whether you want a quick bite after a late-night movie screening or are looking to grab a nice meal after the bars close you can find a spot near you. We’ve put together a list of eight of our favorite late night and open 24-hour restaurants and diners from all areas of San Diego to ensure the next time you come down with the midnight munchies you’ll know of the perfect spot near you.
Buddy’s Diner- (Pacific Beach)
This retro-style diner is open 24-hours a day on Garnet Avenue, the main drag in the bustling beach town of Pacific Beach. The highlight of this 1950s diner, aside from the funky ambiance, is their all day breakfast. They feature a variety of classic comfort foods, including Chilaquiles, French toast, and chicken and waffles. Their menu also features an array of malts and milkshakes, the perfect end to a night out on the town.
1564 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA, 858-263-7599
Basic Urban Kitchen & Bar (Downtown)
For a more upscale late-night experience unwind in the industrial-chic ambiance offered by the Basic Urban Kitchen & Bar in Downtown San Diego. Located in a building that dates back to 1912, guests will enjoy the charming interior that features expansive windows providing scenic views, while indulging in selections from their gourmet menu. Pizza lovers will be in heaven diving into one of their New Haven-style brick oven, thin crust pizzas, served until 2 a.m. every day.
410 10th Avenue, San Diego, CA, 619-531-8869
Studio Diner (Kearny Mesa)
When looking for a late-night snack in Kearny Mesa, it’s all about Studio Diner. Walking through their doors, guests will be transported to the 1940s at this neon-lighted diner. The restaurant is situated on the former lot of Stu Segall Productions, and the interior pays homage to the era with plenty of movie memorabilia. In true retro diner fashion, they serve breakfast 24-hours a day, but also offer a variety of American-style lunch and dinner fare, burgers, dogs, sandwiches, and signature dishes like chicken pot pie and macaroni and cheese.
4701 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA, 858-715-6400
Golden Dragon- The Asian Bistro (Hillcrest)
Jimmy Wong’s Asian Bistro, also known as Golden Dragon, is the late-night eatery people flock to when in the ultra-hip neighborhood of Hillcrest. Open every day until 3 a.m., they are known for having a staff that never disappoints, and a delicious array of mouth-watering Asian-inspired dishes. Some of their highlights include wonton soup and drunken noodles, and for those looking to continue the party or unwind with a cocktail, they offer lychee cocktails until 3 a.m. daily.
414 University Avenue, San Diego, CA, 619-296-4119
Izakaya Masa (Mission Hills)
For late-night eats in Mission Hills head to Izakaya Masa, a traditional Japanese restaurant open every day until 1 a.m. except Sundays, when it closes at midnight. The ambiance offers a tranquil, yet vibrant feel with traditional Japanese décor showcasing calligraphy, paper lanterns, and stunning drapery. Guests will enjoy their delicious sushi menu and additional Japanese fare including ramen, cheesy wontons, pad Thai, and more. They also feature a select menu of sake, beer, and soju.
928 Fort Stockton Drive, San Diego, CA, 619-542-1354
Rudford’s Restaurant (North Park)
There may not be a more famous late-night eatery in San Diego than Rudford’s Restaurant in North Park. They have been serving San Diegans since 1949, 24-hours a day. It’s the city’s original 1940s themed diner, providing American-style eats in a retro atmosphere. Known for serving up deliciously large portions, guests can enjoy everything from chili cheese fries and specialty burgers to classic staples like chicken fried steak, pot roast, and meatloaf.
2900 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA, 619-282-8423
Werewolf (Gaslamp Quarter)
Werewolf in the Gaslamp Quarter is a high-energy establishment owned by two cousins who wanted to bring late-night to a whole new level, and they’ve done just that with their eclectic menu and atmosphere. Guests can enjoy this colorful and wacky place until 2 a.m. every day with various events like their karaoke nights and free lotto happy hour. They serve up American fare with a twist such as full boar burgers and a belly Cubano sandwich.
627 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA, 619-234-0094
Turf Supper Club
Rounding out our list is none other than the Turf Supper Club in the Golden Hill neighborhood of San Diego, open until 2 a.m. daily. It is distinct among the late-night spots with its iconic grill-your-own-steak menu. Guests can choose from a selection of meats and kabobs and grill their late night eats themselves. Each selection includes a slice of their famous garlic bread, and diners can choose from a menu of sides including a baked potato and side salad. As one of the city’s oldest cocktail lounges, they also feature a selection of signature cocktails and boast a live piano bar every Sunday.
1116 25th Street, San Diego, CA, 619234-6363
That’s All Folks
Now that we’ve showed you ours, it’s time for you to show us yours. Have we missed any late-night spots that deserve to be on the list? Let us know in the comments below; we’d love to hear from you.