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TallBoy Grilled Cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich from TallBoy
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

D.C.’s Essential Late-Night Food

From pizza to sushi, it's all out there after hours

by Eater Staff Updated
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A grilled cheese sandwich from TallBoy
| Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.
by Eater Staff Updated

On nightlife strips across the area, weekend crowds stumble onto the street looking for late-night eats. Seasoned drinkers know that a greasy burger — say, from Lucky Buns in Adams Morgan — or a jumbo slice of pizza will go a long way toward combating the following day’s hangover. Washington’s selection of midnight snacks runs far deeper than ground beef and pizza. There’s chicken shawarma at Charcoal Town off U Street NW, kimchi slaw hot dogs at Anju in Dupont, and grilled cheese options at TallBoy in Shaw. And that’s just a small sample. Here are 22 places that satisfy late-night cravings. —updated by Gabe Hiatt

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Osman & Joe's Steak 'n Egg Kitchen

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Situated in a building that dates back to 1931, this classic diner is open 24 hours. A patty melt costs just $9.99, and a grilled-to-order, 8-ounce choice steak and eggs runs for $18.99. Plus, there are 20 flavors of milkshakes.

4700 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 686-1201
(202) 686-1201

Also featured in:

The Diner

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Those seeking a true greasy spoon experience won’t find it at this polished modern diner in Adams Morgan, but they will find a solid 24/7 spot that serves bread pudding French toast sticks and a Ragin’ Cajun omelet with andouille sausage and shrimp. On top of a full breakfast menu, dinner and lunch options span from chili cheese fries (or tots) to a nacho burger and a Thanksgiving-style turkey platter.

2453 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 232-8800
(202) 232-8800

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Amsterdam Falafelshop (Multiple Locations)

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Open until 4 a.m. on weekends in Adams Morgan and on 14th Street NW, Amsterdam Falafelshop is an obvious choice for anyone looking to soak up alcohol with fries and falafel balls. A wide range of dips and Middle Eastern condiments make it that much better.

2425 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 234-1969
(202) 234-1969
The Washington Post Jason Berger The Washington Post via Getty Images

Also featured in:

Roy Boys (Multiple locations)

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A couple blocks from the 9:30 Club, Roy Boys has a late-night menu that focuses on fried chicken and fresh oysters. There are four fried chicken sandwiches, including Nashville hot and mango gochujang varieties. It’s available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.on Friday and Saturday. There’s a second location in Navy Yard.

2108 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 558-9382
(202) 558-9382
Roy Boys chicken
Fried chicken and biscuits from Roy Boys
Roy Boys [official]

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Charcoal Town Shawarma (Multiple locations)

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This converted rotisserie chicken joint right off U Street NW serves Jordanian chicken shawarma that rotates over coals on horizontal spits before being rolled in flatbread with pickles and garlicky toum spread. It’s open until 2 a.m. on Monday through Thursday and 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. There’s now a second location in Georgetown.

2019 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 232-2330
(202) 232-2330

Lucky Buns

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Hulking burgers and fried chicken sandwiches are classic late-night food, and Lucky Buns has versions that incorporate a number of Australian and Southeast Asian ingredients to satisfy adventurous eaters. There are also spice bags full of fried chicken tossed with peppers, onions, chiles, and Sichuan peppercorns. Dinner runs until 11 p.m. seven days a week, but from Thursday through Saturday there’s a late-night supper menu.

2000 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 506-1713
(202) 506-1713
Lucky Buns/Official

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El Tamarindo

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Adams Morgan workhorse El Tamarindo serves classic Salvadoran fare such as pupusas and chicken tamales until 2 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and until 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 328-3660
(202) 328-3660

Ben's Chili Bowl

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Ben's Chili Bowl serves iconic half-smoke sausages smothered in chili until 2 a.m. during the week and until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Just be prepared for a long line.

1213 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 667-0909
(202) 667-0909
A half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl
A half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

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Ducinni's Pizza

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The undisputed champ of Eater's very scientific late-night jumbo slice crawl, Ducinni's serves up oversized slices of pizza until 5 a.m.

1778 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
202-483-0007
202-483-0007
Dulcinni’s Pizza DC slice R. Lopez

Anju

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This new Korean pub from the Chiko owners has a tight late-night menu at the first-floor bar that’s available until midnight Sunday through Thursday and closes at 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Options include spicy Korean fried chicken with a white barbecue sauce, kimchi slaw hot dogs, and a spiralized fried potato on a stick with furikake and citrus aioli.

1805 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 845-8935
(202) 845-8935

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Astoria DC

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The booths at this sibling cocktail bar to Copycat Co. make it feel less chaotic than its predecessor. Instead of late-night dumplings and skewers available on H Street, this Dupont hangout serves Sichuan dishes like chile wontons, stir-fried basil eggplant, mapo tofu, and water-boiled beef (all $14). The kitchen closes at 1 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

1521 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 754-0065
(202) 754-0065

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Surfside Taco Stand

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The downtown crowd can order shrimp tacos and quesadillas to-go at Surfside Taco Stand, open 24/7 and located just south of Dupont Circle.

1800 N St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 466-1830
(202) 466-1830

Also featured in:

TallBoy

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The bar replaced Smoked & Stacked in Shaw with a goal to cater to late-night appetites with a simple menu of smoked wings and grilled cheese sandwiches. In the latter category, there’s an OG with just cheddar and a Reuben option with pastrami, Swiss, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. Food is served until last call every night of the week.

1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 465-4822
(202) 465-4822
TallBoy wings
Wings at TallBoy
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

Julia's Empanadas (Multiple  Locations)

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Open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in Dupont and Adams Morgan, Julia’s slings $5 empanadas. A couple standbys are a Chilean style — filled with beef, raisins, and olives — and a Bolivian saltena packed with chicken, potatoes, and green peas.

1221 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 861-8828
(202) 861-8828

Horace & Dickie's Seafood Carryout

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For a fried seafood fix, head to Horace & Dickie's on H Street NE. The longstanding carry-out is open until 2 a.m. from Monday through Saturday.

809 12th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 397-6040
(202) 397-6040
Horace and Dickie’s in D.C., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

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New Big Wong

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New Big Wong dishes out late-night Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine until 5 a.m. on weekends and 3 a.m. on weeknights. In Washington, it’s known as a favorite hangout for chefs looking for a bite after work.

610 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 628-0491
(202) 628-0491

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Wiseguy NY Pizza

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It’s not jumbo slice, but it is about as good as New York style pizza gets in D.C. Wiseguy serves up pizza, garlic knots, and chicken rolls until 5 a.m. on weekends.

300 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 408-7800
(202) 408-7800
Review of Wiseguy NY Pizza Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Also featured in:

The Hamilton

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This sprawling restaurant in the Clyde's family boasts a late-night menu — available until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 1 a.m. every other night — featuring everything from mumbo sauce-covered chicken wings, and lettuce wraps to boozy milkshakes and fried crab cakes. There’s also half-priced sushi after 11 p.m.

600 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 787-1000
(202) 787-1000

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Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar

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For an assortment of bar snacks, breakfast platters, and half-pound burgers, head to Capitol Hill's iconic Tune Inn, which serves food until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (about an hour before closing), and till 1 a.m. every other night.

331 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 543-2725
(202) 543-2725

Also featured in:

Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company

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Mixologist-turned-rum distiller Todd Thrasher’s multi-level tiki bar at the Wharf development serves a late-night menu from 11 p.m. until close — last call is usually 1 a.m. — that includes $4 beers, $5 rum drinks, $6 snacks like tater tots or crystal shrimp dumplings, and $13 tiki wings or flatbreads.

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 900-4786
(202) 900-4786
The upstairs bar at Tiki TNT
The upstairs bar at Tiki TNT
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

Ravi Kabob House (Multiple locations)

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The bone-in chicken karahi — a soulful Pakistani curry brimming with fresh ginger and hot peppers — provides a late-night jolt at a trusty trio of kebab houses within a couple square blocks of each other in Arlington. Expertly marinated kebabs and special samosas topped with tender, spied chickpeas are also recommended orders. Ravi is open — and packed — until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 1 a.m. from Monday through Thursday.

305 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 522-6666
(703) 522-6666
Karahi from Ravi Kabab
Karahi from Ravi Kabab
James M. Thresher for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Yechon

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This suburban gem in Annandale serves a full range of Korean barbecue along with specialities like milky oxtail soup and cold buckwheat noodles. There’s also Japanese fare — teriyaki chicken, shrimp tempura, broiled salmon — and house-made sushi 24 hours a day.

4121 Hummer Rd, Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 914-4646
(703) 914-4646

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Osman & Joe's Steak 'n Egg Kitchen

4700 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Situated in a building that dates back to 1931, this classic diner is open 24 hours. A patty melt costs just $9.99, and a grilled-to-order, 8-ounce choice steak and eggs runs for $18.99. Plus, there are 20 flavors of milkshakes.

4700 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 686-1201
(202) 686-1201

The Diner

2453 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Those seeking a true greasy spoon experience won’t find it at this polished modern diner in Adams Morgan, but they will find a solid 24/7 spot that serves bread pudding French toast sticks and a Ragin’ Cajun omelet with andouille sausage and shrimp. On top of a full breakfast menu, dinner and lunch options span from chili cheese fries (or tots) to a nacho burger and a Thanksgiving-style turkey platter.

2453 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 232-8800
(202) 232-8800

Amsterdam Falafelshop (Multiple Locations)

2425 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Open until 4 a.m. on weekends in Adams Morgan and on 14th Street NW, Amsterdam Falafelshop is an obvious choice for anyone looking to soak up alcohol with fries and falafel balls. A wide range of dips and Middle Eastern condiments make it that much better.

2425 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 234-1969
(202) 234-1969
The Washington Post Jason Berger The Washington Post via Getty Images

Roy Boys (Multiple locations)

2108 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

A couple blocks from the 9:30 Club, Roy Boys has a late-night menu that focuses on fried chicken and fresh oysters. There are four fried chicken sandwiches, including Nashville hot and mango gochujang varieties. It’s available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.on Friday and Saturday. There’s a second location in Navy Yard.

2108 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 558-9382
(202) 558-9382
Roy Boys chicken
Fried chicken and biscuits from Roy Boys
Roy Boys [official]

Charcoal Town Shawarma (Multiple locations)

2019 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

This converted rotisserie chicken joint right off U Street NW serves Jordanian chicken shawarma that rotates over coals on horizontal spits before being rolled in flatbread with pickles and garlicky toum spread. It’s open until 2 a.m. on Monday through Thursday and 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. There’s now a second location in Georgetown.

2019 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 232-2330
(202) 232-2330

Lucky Buns

2000 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Hulking burgers and fried chicken sandwiches are classic late-night food, and Lucky Buns has versions that incorporate a number of Australian and Southeast Asian ingredients to satisfy adventurous eaters. There are also spice bags full of fried chicken tossed with peppers, onions, chiles, and Sichuan peppercorns. Dinner runs until 11 p.m. seven days a week, but from Thursday through Saturday there’s a late-night supper menu.

2000 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 506-1713
(202) 506-1713
Lucky Buns/Official

El Tamarindo

1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Adams Morgan workhorse El Tamarindo serves classic Salvadoran fare such as pupusas and chicken tamales until 2 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and until 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 328-3660
(202) 328-3660

Ben's Chili Bowl

1213 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Ben's Chili Bowl serves iconic half-smoke sausages smothered in chili until 2 a.m. during the week and until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Just be prepared for a long line.

1213 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 667-0909
(202) 667-0909
A half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl
A half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Ducinni's Pizza

1778 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The undisputed champ of Eater's very scientific late-night jumbo slice crawl, Ducinni's serves up oversized slices of pizza until 5 a.m.

1778 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
202-483-0007
202-483-0007
Dulcinni’s Pizza DC slice R. Lopez

Anju

1805 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

This new Korean pub from the Chiko owners has a tight late-night menu at the first-floor bar that’s available until midnight Sunday through Thursday and closes at 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Options include spicy Korean fried chicken with a white barbecue sauce, kimchi slaw hot dogs, and a spiralized fried potato on a stick with furikake and citrus aioli.

1805 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 845-8935
(202) 845-8935

Astoria DC

1521 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

The booths at this sibling cocktail bar to Copycat Co. make it feel less chaotic than its predecessor. Instead of late-night dumplings and skewers available on H Street, this Dupont hangout serves Sichuan dishes like chile wontons, stir-fried basil eggplant, mapo tofu, and water-boiled beef (all $14). The kitchen closes at 1 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

1521 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 754-0065
(202) 754-0065

Surfside Taco Stand

1800 N St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

The downtown crowd can order shrimp tacos and quesadillas to-go at Surfside Taco Stand, open 24/7 and located just south of Dupont Circle.

1800 N St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 466-1830
(202) 466-1830

TallBoy

1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The bar replaced Smoked & Stacked in Shaw with a goal to cater to late-night appetites with a simple menu of smoked wings and grilled cheese sandwiches. In the latter category, there’s an OG with just cheddar and a Reuben option with pastrami, Swiss, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. Food is served until last call every night of the week.

1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 465-4822
(202) 465-4822
TallBoy wings
Wings at TallBoy
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Julia's Empanadas (Multiple  Locations)

1221 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in Dupont and Adams Morgan, Julia’s slings $5 empanadas. A couple standbys are a Chilean style — filled with beef, raisins, and olives — and a Bolivian saltena packed with chicken, potatoes, and green peas.

1221 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 861-8828
(202) 861-8828

Horace & Dickie's Seafood Carryout

809 12th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

For a fried seafood fix, head to Horace & Dickie's on H Street NE. The longstanding carry-out is open until 2 a.m. from Monday through Saturday.

809 12th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 397-6040
(202) 397-6040
Horace and Dickie’s in D.C., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

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New Big Wong

610 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

New Big Wong dishes out late-night Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine until 5 a.m. on weekends and 3 a.m. on weeknights. In Washington, it’s known as a favorite hangout for chefs looking for a bite after work.

610 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 628-0491
(202) 628-0491

Wiseguy NY Pizza

300 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

It’s not jumbo slice, but it is about as good as New York style pizza gets in D.C. Wiseguy serves up pizza, garlic knots, and chicken rolls until 5 a.m. on weekends.

300 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 408-7800
(202) 408-7800
Review of Wiseguy NY Pizza Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The Hamilton

600 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

This sprawling restaurant in the Clyde's family boasts a late-night menu — available until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 1 a.m. every other night — featuring everything from mumbo sauce-covered chicken wings, and lettuce wraps to boozy milkshakes and fried crab cakes. There’s also half-priced sushi after 11 p.m.

600 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 787-1000
(202) 787-1000

Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar

331 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

For an assortment of bar snacks, breakfast platters, and half-pound burgers, head to Capitol Hill's iconic Tune Inn, which serves food until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (about an hour before closing), and till 1 a.m. every other night.

331 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 543-2725
(202) 543-2725

Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Mixologist-turned-rum distiller Todd Thrasher’s multi-level tiki bar at the Wharf development serves a late-night menu from 11 p.m. until close — last call is usually 1 a.m. — that includes $4 beers, $5 rum drinks, $6 snacks like tater tots or crystal shrimp dumplings, and $13 tiki wings or flatbreads.

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 900-4786
(202) 900-4786
The upstairs bar at Tiki TNT
The upstairs bar at Tiki TNT
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Ravi Kabob House (Multiple locations)

305 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203

The bone-in chicken karahi — a soulful Pakistani curry brimming with fresh ginger and hot peppers — provides a late-night jolt at a trusty trio of kebab houses within a couple square blocks of each other in Arlington. Expertly marinated kebabs and special samosas topped with tender, spied chickpeas are also recommended orders. Ravi is open — and packed — until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 1 a.m. from Monday through Thursday.

305 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 522-6666
(703) 522-6666
Karahi from Ravi Kabab
Karahi from Ravi Kabab
James M. Thresher for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Yechon

4121 Hummer Rd, Annandale, VA 22003

This suburban gem in Annandale serves a full range of Korean barbecue along with specialities like milky oxtail soup and cold buckwheat noodles. There’s also Japanese fare — teriyaki chicken, shrimp tempura, broiled salmon — and house-made sushi 24 hours a day.

4121 Hummer Rd, Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 914-4646
(703) 914-4646

Related Maps