The Best Late Night Bites In Boston

Unfortunately, Boston is nothing compared to cities like New York and LA when it comes to nightlife. You would think that with the dozens of colleges in the Boston area, the city would stay open later, but even recent efforts to keep the subway open later have failed. Thanks to Blue Laws and liquor licenses that end at 1:00am, the city shuts down pretty early. However, it is possible to find a few hidden gems for late night eating. Check out the best ones below.

1. South Street Diner

Diner, Restaurant, American

Established in 1947, South Street Diner has become a landmark in the Boston area. If you’re craving pancakes in the middle of the night, you’re probably going to go to South Street. They’re one of the only 24-hour restaurants in Boston, and their full menu is served all night – breakfast, lunch, and dinner available.

Hours:Open 24 hours

Tasty Burger

Tasty Burger is a fairly new establishment on the Boston food scene, as they opened their doors in 2010. Since then, they’ve opened five more locations. The Fenway and Back Bay locations are open until 2:00am, and in Harvard Square on weekends you can order a burger until 4:00am. It’s also one of the most inexpensive meals in Boston. You can order their basic burger for just $5.95.

Hours: Fenway & Harvard Sq. open until 2:00am, Harvard until 4:00am on weekends

Tasty Burger, multiple locations, Boston, MA, USA

2. The Franklin Cafe

Cafe, Restaurant, American

The Franklin Cafe has been in operation since 1996, giving them enough time to become a staple in South End. Their award-winning menu includes impressive twists on classic bar food, with dishes ranging from grilled calamari to warm matchsticks of zucchini. Regulars rave about their steak frites, Franklin Cafe’s take on steak and french fries.

Hours:Kitchen open until 1:30am

3. Bova's Bakery

Bakery, Pastry Shop, American, Pastries, Italian, Vegetarian, Dessert, Fast Food

For college students in Boston, Bova’s Bakery is a staple that you need to know. While the debate over the best cannoli in the North End may live on, Bova’s is the only place you can get one in the middle of the night. They’ve been family owned and operated since 1932, and three generations have served their traditional Italian recipes. Besides sweets, be sure to try their Sicilian pizza, homemade breads, and other savory bites. If you get hooked and move away, not to fear. They’ll ship their food all over the country!

Hours: Open 24 hours

Cannoli from Bova’s | ©Casey Campbell | ©Casey Campbell

4. Dumpling Cafe

Cafe, Restaurant, Chinese, Asian

At some point, everyone has had a midnight craving for Asian inspired bites. Dumpling Cafe is here to fulfill. Besides having at least half a dozen dumplings on the menu, they have a massive menu of Chinese and Taiwanese dishes. Located right in the heart of Chinatown, this is some of the best food in the area.

Hours: Open until 2:00am