THE place to scratch late-night cravings — whether they be for hot cakes, half smokes, country fried steak or coconut cream pie — has kept night owls fat and happy since the Nixon administration. The original location (now one of three) continues to dish out stick-to-your-ribs-good grub 24 hours a day.

Looking for an everyday fiesta? This Tex-Mex joint serves up margarita deals each weeknight, putting fruity refreshment — mucho melon, strawberry and a peach-green apple blend are just some of the featured selections — in drinkers' hands, either frozen or on the rocks, at cut-rate prices ($5 and $9 for a regular or large drink, respectively). Fret not, beer drinkers: Cantina’s got them covered with $3 bottles or drafts as well as $10 pitchers of Corona Light.

So long, soggy cereal. Indulge in some of spiciest breakfast fare Ethiopia has to offer (think: baked beans seasoned with onions, jalapenos and chili paste). Or fill up on assorted chicken, lamb and beef dishes (plus cooked cabbage, stewed collard greens and spongy injera) at the lunch buffet. Do dinner right with raw beef escorted by spicy butter or tender chicken swimming in hot chili sauce.

Who doesn't love a local chainlet that rescues animals (dogs and cats), spins out Tabasco-spiked onion rings and delivers beer to its customers? Granted, it’s more fun to poke one’s head into the wall of coolers and create an individualized craft brew sampler (Lambics and Tsingtao and Bocks? Oh, my!).

This East Asian kitchen is hiding in plain sight. The nondescript exterior gives way to a postage stamp-sized room that seats four. Pull up a chair and sample fresh baked naan, protein-packed piroshki, milk tea dumplings and tsuivan, a hearty stew featuring meat, vegetables and noodles.

This South American retreat focuses on meaty Bolivian dishes. Feast on pique lo macho, pollo saltado and, of course, the big bronze saltenas filled with either chicken or beef.

Jonesing for java? This local coffee shop grinds and roasts on sight, pouring the fruits of its labor into nearly a dozen espresso-based options (from straight up to honey-vanilla latte), frozen drinks (half dozen fruity smoothies, vanilla ice cream-laced frappuccino) and other refreshing alternatives (lemonade, hot apple cider with caramel sauce, hot chocolate with Ghirardelli chocolate).

This sweets peddler is the pride of Richmond, luring in connoisseurs of the confectionary arts with deep-fried goodies sporting everything from a hot pink glaze reminiscent of strawberry lemonade to chocolate and caramel sauces speckled with sea salt. Brighten up a Monday morning with a French toast donut featuring a cake-like round draped in maple frosting and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or a Fruity Pebbles-covered “log” that’s as airy and sweet as the rainbow crust is colorful and crunchy.

Standard-bearer. Neighborhood touchstone. Critical darling. Thai Square continues to reward intrepid diners with a flood of enticing flavors, both familiar and exotic. The kitchen consistently produces pulse-quickening curries and mouthwatering meats alike. Don’t miss the honey roasted duck, deep-fried whole flounder with chili sauce or pork-y drunken noodles. It's a standout in a neighborhood with several Thai options, from the stylish Bangkok 54 to Rincome Thai Cuisine.

This combination retailer/eatery is home to gourmet nibbles, local beers (“We only pour beer made by breweries within 150 miles of Twisted Vines,” management insists), and boutique wineries from around the world. Tasting flights are dictated by region (New Zealand; Willamette Valley, Oregon) or style (sparkling, Cabernet Sauvignon).

This late-night hangout specializes in freshly shucked oysters, steamed mussels, pan-seared crab cakes and barbecued, bone-in pork shanks. Expect live music on weekends and a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar during brunch.