The Best Late-Night Eats in San Francisco, California

When you’re out late in the Mission and want food that’s a little more elevated than a bacon-wrapped hotdog from a cart (although also an excellent option), you can’t go wrong with ABV. The trendy neighborhood bar has a fantastic cocktail menu and affordable bar bites that will satisfy any late-night craving. The New F*ckin Burger – a 1/3-pound grass-fed beef patty with white cheddar, raw red onion, shredded lettuce, pickles and a tangy secret sauce – hits the spot every time. But self-proclaimed foodies will also appreciate options like the foie-gras-stuffed olives, octopus à la plancha, and the meat and cheese boards. Kitchen hours: Open until 1am every night of the week.

You could go home and order Chinese food for delivery, or you could go to Bon Voyage in the Mission and enjoy flavorful Chinese dishes in a lively tropical space with tiki-inspired cocktails. The menu is divided into three sections: “From the Wok” (kung pao chicken, chow fun fried noodles, minced chicken lettuce cups etc), “Dumplings and Buns” (mini lamb pot stickers, pork and shrimp wontons etc) and “Other Things” (fried pork spring rolls, Szechuan green beans etc). Prices range from $7 to $19. It’s all good, but the kung pao chicken, wontons and green beans, in particular, is always a winner. Kitchen hours: Open until 2am every night of the week.

Nopa is always a fantastic late-night option, but when you’re hanging out near the Divisadero Corridor after 11pm and want something a little more casual, head just down the block to Horsefeather instead. The menu is small but packs a punch, especially if you order the double cheeseburger or the fried chicken that comes with a jalapeño cheddar waffle. The cocktails at Horsefeather are also well executed, and while the atrium is preferable for people-watching, the tables in the back are perfect if you’re looking for something a little moodier. Kitchen hours: Open until 1am every day of the week.

The first thing to know about Sam’s is that you’re most likely not going there to order pizza. It’s on the menu, but most just pretend that it isn’t. No, the reason you go to this North Beach institution – and greasy spoon – is for the double cheeseburger made famous by Anthony Bourdain who, albeit after a long day of drinking, declared it to be of the “top three in the world.” You can replicate his exact order (double cheeseburger, fries and a beer) by ordering the $15.99 Anthony Bourdain special. Just be sure to bring cash, as it’s all that’s accepted. Kitchen hours: Open until 3am every day of the week.

Tommy’s Joynt attracts people from all walks of life looking for affordable, fresh-carved hot meat sandwiches, quick service (seriously, the cafeteria-style line moves fast, so know what you want and speak up) and a cold beer. Tommy’s is no-frills, but that’s because frills aren’t necessary when you’re enjoying a roast beef sandwich or a corned beef platter with mashed potatoes. All of the sandwiches are under 10 bucks, while draft beers are $6 and well drinks, $4. Kitchen hours: Open until 1:30am every day of the week.

WesBurger is hands down one of the best burger joints in the city, and on Friday and Saturday nights, it stays open until 3am with a special late-night menu. The menu is small – there are four delicious things on it – but they’re only available late at night. Good luck choosing between the double smash burger with special sauce; the pimento grilled cheese sandwich; the fried chicken sandwich with garlic mayo, pickles and hot sauce on a Hawaiian bun; and the smoked barbecue brisket tots topped with pico de gallo, jalapeños and goat’s cheese. And if you’re not quite ready to stop drinking (and it’s before last call), head to The Den next door, a tiny bar where you can get beer, wine and low ABV cocktails, as well as everything on the WesBurger late-night menu. Kitchen Hours: The “Late Night” menu is available until 3am on Friday and Saturday.