San Francisco chefs, bartenders divulge favorite late-night eats: Way better than Jack in the Box
By Dianne de Guzman, SFGATE
Updated 6:03 pm, Tuesday, April 24, 2018
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Photo: Hollie Fernando/Getty Images
Try out these late-night favorite places to eat from chefs and others from the Bay Area food industry.
Try out these late-night favorite places to eat from chefs and others from the Bay Area food industry.
Photo: Hollie Fernando/Getty Images
Nite Yun, chef and owner of Nyum Bai:
I love going to Tacos El Gordo at 4201 International Blvd. in Oakland. There's plenty of taco trucks in the neighborhood but I keep going back to El Gordo for the al pastor taco.
Tacos El Gordo: 4201 International Blvd., Oakland. Hours vary, but does serve late at night.
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Nite Yun, chef and owner of Nyum Bai:
I love going to Tacos El Gordo at 4201 International Blvd. in Oakland. There's plenty of taco trucks in the neighborhood but I keep going back to El Gordo for the al
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Photo: Ian Kasley, Flickr
Tacos al pastor with the requisite sliced radish and limes at Oakland food truck, Tacos El Gordo.
Tacos al pastor with the requisite sliced radish and limes at Oakland food truck, Tacos El Gordo.
Photo: Izzie C. / Yelp
Jonny Cimone, bar director of Hotel San Francisco:
For late-night eats, my pick is Alamo Drafthouse in the Mission. It's an awesome movie theater that delivers boozy milkshakes and food to your seat, but we often skip the movie and go hang out in Bear Vs Bull Bar, the theater's lounge, for food and cocktails.
Alamo Drafthouse, Bear Vs Bull Bar: 2550 Mission St., San Francisco. Open until 2 a.m. daily.
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Jonny Cimone, bar director of Hotel San Francisco:
For late-night eats, my pick is Alamo Drafthouse in the Mission. It's an awesome movie theater that delivers boozy milkshakes and food to your seat, but we
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Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Tony Cervone, chef and partner at Souvla:
After a night out — which I rarely do anymore — I always love the burger at Nopa. You can still get that last cocktail, glass of wine or beer you don't need and have that burger to soak up all of those poor decisions you made throughout the night. Also, Chef Alejandro is always good for a big hug, showing lots of love and a bad joke.
Nopa: 560 Divisadero St., San Francisco. Open most days until 12 a.m., Thursday and Friday open until 1 a.m.
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Tony Cervone, chef and partner at Souvla:
After a night out — which I rarely do anymore — I always love the burger at Nopa. You can still get that last cocktail, glass of wine or beer you don't need and
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Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle
Nigel Jones, co-owner and chef of Kaya:
My go-to, late-night spot is Nopa. It is right next to a live music venue called The Independent, which is owned by a good friend of mine. After service has wrapped at Kaya, sometimes I’ll head over to The Independent to take in some music and unwind. I’ll stop by NOPA after, which is open till 1 a.m. on the weekends, and order their wood-grilled hamburger. It is hearty, but not heavy. It comes on a nice, light brioche bun and is served with French fries.
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Nigel Jones, co-owner and chef of Kaya:
My go-to, late-night spot is Nopa. It is right next to a live music venue called The Independent, which is owned by a good friend of mine. After service has wrapped at
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Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle
A burger and fries at Nopa.
A burger and fries at Nopa.
Photo: @quesosbros/Twitter
Ryan Farr, founder and CEO of 4505 Burgers and BBQ:
If I get a craving for a late-night snack and I'm out in my neighborhood, Hawker Fare is my go-to. Chef James Syhabout creates cravable dishes. Of course, Bar San Pancho for crispy tacos and a bag of 4505 Chicharrones shaken with some of their hot sauce is a close second. I've also been known to be found at Loló, Namu Stonepot, and ABV.
Hawker Fare (shown above): 680 Valencia St., San Francisco. Open until 10 p.m. most days, Friday and Saturday open until 11 p.m.
Bar San Pancho: 3198 16th St., San Francisco. Open until 2 a.m. daily.
Loló: 974 Valencia St., San Francisco. Open most days until 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday open until 1 a.m.
Namu Stonepot: 553 Divisadero St., San Francisco. Open most days until 11:30 p.m., Thursday to Saturday open until 1 a.m. Closed Mondays.
ABV: 3174 16th St., San Francisco. Open until 2 a.m. daily. Kitchen serves food until 1 a.m.
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Ryan Farr, founder and CEO of 4505 Burgers and BBQ:
If I get a craving for a late-night snack and I'm out in my neighborhood, Hawker Fare is my go-to. Chef James Syhabout creates cravable dishes. Of course,
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Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle
Wes Leslie, bartender at SRO:
On nights when I close the bar early enough, I'll stop by ABV before their kitchen closes at 1 AM. The grilled abalone mushrooms and fried cauliflower are the perfect late night snack, and I could drink their tiki-inspired Pink Flamingo cocktail for the rest of my life and be perfectly happy.
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Wes Leslie, bartender at SRO:
On nights when I close the bar early enough, I'll stop by ABV before their kitchen closes at 1 AM. The grilled abalone mushrooms and fried cauliflower are the perfect late night
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Heena Patel, chef at Rasoi and upcoming Besharam:
My late-night favorite is "pav bhaji." Growing up in Mumbai, with busy, buzzing streets and so much street food to choose from, it was always the standout. The tantalizing smell of spices in thick curry with melted butter on toasted bread is brilliant. I will be serving that dish at my new restaurant, Besharam, so our community has the opportunity to enjoy it.
Shown here: Couple eating pav bhaji at a food stall at Juhu Beach in Mumbai, India.
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Heena Patel, chef at Rasoi and upcoming Besharam:
My late-night favorite is "pav bhaji." Growing up in Mumbai, with busy, buzzing streets and so much street food to choose from, it was always the standout. The
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Photo: UniversalImagesGroup/UIG Via Getty Images
Chef Heena Patel's version of the late-night classic, pav bhaji.
Chef Heena Patel's version of the late-night classic, pav bhaji.
Photo: Donovan Dapper
Jason Raffin, chef de cuisine at Comstock Saloon:
If I want to get back to my roots of Franzia and frozen onion rings, I head to Sam's in North Beach to disgrace myself in the best of ways with a double burger with bacon and plastic cup of wine. Not only am I greeted by the friendly faces of the owners who work long hours and have carried on the legacy of Sam since his death, but I can count on running into some of the best chefs in San Francisco leaving a late shift at Quince, Cotogna, or Coi. The industry runs deep at this establishment and for good reason.
The burgers remind you of your neighbor’s backyard bbq with no-fuss ingredients treated correctly, and with care. The can taste the love and feel it all around you from people coming from all walks of life.
Sam's: 618 Broadway, San Francisco. Open until 2 a.m. daily.
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Jason Raffin, chef de cuisine at Comstock Saloon:
If I want to get back to my roots of Franzia and frozen onion rings, I head to Sam's in North Beach to disgrace myself in the best of ways with a double burger
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Photo: Grant M. / Yelp
A bacon cheeseburger is served at Sam's in North Beach.
A bacon cheeseburger is served at Sam's in North Beach.
Photo: Daun H. / Yelp
Robin Song, executive chef of Gibson:
I've been much less of a night owl these days and my late night snacks are not that exciting — a quesadilla is the easy go-to. However, there are a few spots I do enjoy these days. In Oakland, I stop at Dragon Gate near Jack London often. It's a dark Taiwanese bar, with stiff drinks and tasty street food. If anyone dares, you can even get a karaoke room.
Here in the city, not quite late-night, but after work I've frequented Mensho Ramen and Namu Stonepot to get my spicy noodle fix.
Dragon Gate Bar & Grille (shown above): 300 Broadway, Oakland. Open until 2 a.m. daily.
Mensho Ramen: 672 Geary St., San Francisco. Open until 11:30 p.m. most nights, closed Mondays.
Namu Stonepot: 553 Divisadero St., San Francisco. Open until 11:30 most nights, 1 a.m. Thursday to Saturday, closed Mondays.
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Robin Song, executive chef of Gibson:
I've been much less of a night owl these days and my late night snacks are not that exciting — a quesadilla is the easy go-to. However, there are a few spots I do enjoy
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Photo: Andrew C. / Yelp
Rob Lam, chef and co-owner of Perle:
Ramen Shop: That’s the go-to. If I can have a big bowl of noodles at the end of the night, that’ll certainly make me happy — and they have a full bar. It’s not traditional Japanese ramen, but they put their own California, Chez Panisse twist on it, and it’s just quality all around. It’s really an industry spot, for a lot of the us around the Bay Area, in Oakland and Berkeley.
Ramen Shop: 5812 College Ave., Oakland. Open most days until 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday until midnight.
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Rob Lam, chef and co-owner of Perle:
Ramen Shop: That’s the go-to. If I can have a big bowl of noodles at the end of the night, that’ll certainly make me happy — and they have a full bar. It’s not
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Photo: John Storey
A bowl of ramen served at Ramen Shop in Oakland.
A bowl of ramen served at Ramen Shop in Oakland.
Rob Lam, chef and co-owner of Perle (continued):
If you ask me what I cook at home ... it’s just, 'Grab it from the pantry, whatever’s there.' I usually don’t even remember what I ate the next morning.
[There's] two things that I consistently do. One is popcorn: It’s fast, I just put it in that air blower, add some pretty good melted butter and nutritional yeast. I mix the nutritional yeast with parmesan. I put enough butter in there so that you can, you put a straw in there, you could suck it up.
The other thing I do is just two slices of white bread, scrambled eggs and butter. Soft scrambled eggs and a really good butter, oh man. Think two pieces of completely un-nutritious white bread.
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Rob Lam, chef and co-owner of Perle (continued):
If you ask me what I cook at home ... it’s just, 'Grab it from the pantry, whatever’s there.' I usually don’t even remember what I ate the next morning.
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Marcus Garcia, sommelier and co-owner of Perle:
Yuet Lee … after all these years, still [here] for the Salt and Pepper Squid and the people who roll in late night. Many great memories over the last 20 years going there. One of the classic late-night hangs amongst restaurant and bar folk: convivial, fresh and fast!
Yuet Lee: 300 Stockton St., San Francisco. Open most nights until 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday, open until 3 a.m.
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Marcus Garcia, sommelier and co-owner of Perle:
Yuet Lee … after all these years, still [here] for the Salt and Pepper Squid and the people who roll in late night. Many great memories over the last 20
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Photo: Laura Morton
The salt and pepper squid plate served at Yuet Lee in San Francisco.
The salt and pepper squid plate served at Yuet Lee in San Francisco.
Photo: Jules S. / Yelp
The team at The Snug:
If you were to catch the group at The Snug after a night out, you might see them having a wing or two over at Krispy Krunchy Fried Chicken on South Van Ness. Calling it some of the best fried chicken in the city, one team member stated that "ordering the four-piece combo and eating it on the freezer outside the store is how the pros do it." Duly noted.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken: 599 S. Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. Open 24 hours.
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Photo: Joe K. / Yelp
Daniel Parks, beverage director of Pagan Idol:
My favorite thing to eat after a long shift behind the bar is my wife's pork adobo. But, if I'm out looking for late-night food, one of my favorite spots in the city is Louie's Bar on Stevenson. I think they have some of the best chicken wings in SF - they do them either Buffalo style or a Bangkok style with Chinese black vinegar, chilis and sesame seeds. They also do a killer Pozole Rojo — just like abuela used to make. The atmosphere is great. The staff is awesome. There's usually sports highlights or a cult classic film on the TVs. The menu is elevated in comparison to what would be available after midnight elsewhere.
Louie's Bar: 55 Stevenson St., San Francisco. Open daily until 2 a.m.
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Daniel Parks, beverage director of Pagan Idol:
My favorite thing to eat after a long shift behind the bar is my wife's pork adobo. But, if I'm out looking for late-night food, one of my favorite spots in the
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Photo: Seth C. / Yelp
The Bangkok wings, served with a generous sprinkling of white and black sesame seeds for customers of Louie's Bar.
The Bangkok wings, served with a generous sprinkling of white and black sesame seeds for customers of Louie's Bar.
Photo: David G. / Yelp
Adam Tortosa, executive chef of Robin:
Tortosa gave word that his favorite late-night dish to make at home is an Asian instant soup, BCD Tofu Soup Starter (mild), which includes House Foods' tofu and BCD Tofu House's soup seasoning. He's apparently so into this soup, he's stocked up and fully prepared should the need strike. Alongside the included soup flavorings, he adds whatever fresh vegetables are in his fridge — these days that includes zucchini, cabbage, and carrots — to the broth, adds the tofu and cracks an egg inside.
Shown here: Tofu soup, center, with a raw egg served alongside a variety of vegetable dishes.
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Adam Tortosa, executive chef of Robin:
Tortosa gave word that his favorite late-night dish to make at home is an Asian instant soup, BCD Tofu Soup Starter (mild), which includes House Foods' tofu and BCD Tofu
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Photo: Robert Lachman/LA Times Via Getty Images
Christ Aivaliotis, co-owner of The Kon-Tiki:
In Oakland, most places I would like to eat at close early and [at The Kon-Tiki] we close at 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. So if I find myself out and about, I end up craving our cheeseburger. Other than here for late-night food, there are 3 places I like to go. One is Tacos Mi Rancho, the taco truck adjacent to Lake Merritt. The steak torta is my go to. Super chopped up Carne Asada on a grilled stale roll with cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce and jalapenos, slathered with mayo or sour cream (usually I can't tell which!) So good. I skip the beans though as I feel like beans have no business on a sandwich.
The Kon-Tiki: 347 14th St., Oakland. Open until midnight most days, Friday and Saturday open until 1 a.m.
Tacos Mi Rancho (shown above): 1434 1st Ave., Oakland. Open daily until 2:30 a.m.
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Christ Aivaliotis, co-owner of The Kon-Tiki:
In Oakland, most places I would like to eat at close early and [at The Kon-Tiki] we close at 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. So if I find myself out and about, I end
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Photo: @daryldarko/Twitter
Christ Aivaliotis, co-owner of The Kon-Tiki (continued):
Also, a standby old favorite is New Gold Medal. Cheap, late-night Chinese in Chinatown. Wonton noodle soup and Peking duck — probably the cheapest in Chinatown — with steamed buns are excellent, and make the Lyft home a little easier after visiting friends at their bar shifts. Finally, Shooting Star Cafe on Webster, just down the block from The Kon-Tiki, is great. Greasy chicken casserole, egg rolls, french fries and waffles! It's so weird with the mish-mash in there, and always satisfying.
New Gold Medal Restaurant (shown above): 389 8th St., Oakland. Open daily until 2:45 a.m.
Shooting Star Cafe: 1022 Webster St., Oakland. Open daily until 2 a.m.
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Christ Aivaliotis, co-owner of The Kon-Tiki (continued):
Also, a standby old favorite is New Gold Medal. Cheap, late-night Chinese in Chinatown. Wonton noodle soup and Peking duck — probably the cheapest in
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Photo: @hud.stagram/Instagram
Christ Aivaliotis, co-owner of The Kon-Tiki (continued):
When I was working in the city at Hawker Fare/Holy Mountain, I would always always end up at ABV. Great food and the burger there is always killer. Also, the bartenders are more than generous to their industry friends with the mezcal cheekies. Also, the burger at It's Tops made me endlessly happy and helped to soak up all the rum I would have out and about. I love that place: So old-school. One cook churning out dozens of fried bits of this and that and those burgers saved me many a night.
ABV (shown above): 3174 16th St., San Francisco. Open until 2 a.m. daily, kitchen serves food until 1 a.m.
It's Tops Coffee Shop: 1801 Market St., San Francisco. Open until 3 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 11 p.m. on Sundays, and 3 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
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Christ Aivaliotis, co-owner of The Kon-Tiki (continued):
When I was working in the city at Hawker Fare/Holy Mountain, I would always always end up at ABV. Great food and the burger there is always killer.
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Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle
Christ Aivaliotis, co-owner of The Kon-Tiki (continued):
The Brazen Head was a favorite as well. Escargot and Peppered New York Strip steaks are things one should never eat at midnight, yet, here we are. I would have a caesar salad, french onion soup, and if they ever had creamy lobster ravioli, these would be my steak sides. Finally, Yuet Lee on Broadway. Salt and Pepper squid almost makes me wish I still worked in the city.
The Brazen Head (shown above): 3166 Buchanan St., San Francisco. Open until 2 a.m. daily.
Yuet Lee: 1300 Stockton St., San Francisco. Open until midnight most days, Friday and Saturday until 3 a.m. Closed Tuesdays.
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Christ Aivaliotis, co-owner of The Kon-Tiki (continued):
The Brazen Head was a favorite as well. Escargot and Peppered New York Strip steaks are things one should never eat at midnight, yet, here we are. I
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Photo: Douglas Zimmerman, SF Gate / Douglas Zimmerman
Bob's Donuts & Pastry Shop
1621 Polk St.
San Francisco
The creme de la creme of late-night eats: Bob's Donuts in Nob Hill. The legendary donut shop has been open since 1960 and has over 1,900 reviews on Yelp with a 4.5 star rating. If you're feeling competitive at 4 a.m., you can try their donut challenge: eat one donut within three minutes.
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Bob's Donuts & Pastry Shop
1621 Polk St.
San Francisco
The creme de la creme of late-night eats: Bob's Donuts in Nob Hill. The legendary donut shop has been open since 1960 and has over 1,900 reviews
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Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle
Orphan Andy's3991 17th St.
San Francisco
A lot of the eateries on this list are donut shops, but if you're in the mood for a less sweet treat, Orphan Andy's has classic diner food.
Orphan Andy's
3991 17th St.
San Francisco
A lot of the eateries on this list are donut shops, but if you're in the mood for a less sweet treat, Orphan Andy's has classic diner food.
Photo: Russell Yip, SFC
Nikko's Cafe 340 23rd Ave.
Oakland
There's not much open 24-hours in Oakland, so if you're hankering for a greasy spot in the wee small hours, try Nikko's. They've got the usual lineup of reasonably priced burgers, pasta and omelettes.
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Nikko's Cafe
340 23rd Ave.
Oakland
There's not much open 24-hours in Oakland, so if you're hankering for a greasy spot in the wee small hours, try Nikko's. They've got the usual lineup of reasonably
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Photo: Google Street View
Silver Crest Donut Shop340 Bayshore Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94124
The neon sign out front says "WE NEVER CLOSE," and the owner pours shots of ouzo so if you're looking for a place to continue your party (and get something in your stomach), this is your spot.
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Silver Crest Donut Shop
340 Bayshore Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94124
The neon sign out front says "WE NEVER CLOSE," and the owner pours shots of ouzo so if you're looking for a place to continue your party (and get
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Photo: Chris Colin
Adalberto's Mexican Food2370 North Texas
Fairfield
Fairfield is pretty far afield if you're in the city or the East Bay, but it's worth the drive for Adalberto's. For huge portions of Mexican food at not-Bay Area prices, it can't be beat. As people who grew up in Fairfield (like this article's author) will tell you, Adalberto's is one of the few things we dream about after leaving town.
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Adalberto's Mexican Food
2370 North Texas
Fairfield
Fairfield is pretty far afield if you're in the city or the East Bay, but it's worth the drive for Adalberto's. For huge portions of Mexican food at
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Photo: Ernesto Andrade, Flickr Creative Commons
Cafe Colma1700 Hillside Blvd.
Colma
The cafe inside Lucky Chances casino is the busiest spot in Colma after midnight. The cafe serves standard diner fare, but the biggest draw is its excellent Filipino fare. The silog plate is particularly popular.
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Cafe Colma
1700 Hillside Blvd.
Colma
The cafe inside Lucky Chances casino is the busiest spot in Colma after midnight. The cafe serves standard diner fare, but the biggest draw is its excellent Filipino
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Photo: Jen Fedrizzi, Special To The Chronicle
DNA Pizza371 11th St.
San Francisco
Being right next door to the DNA Lounge is a prime location to entice revelers at all hours. They serve pizzas by the slice and the whole pie, and they even deliver until 4 a.m.
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DNA Pizza
371 11th St.
San Francisco
Being right next door to the DNA Lounge is a prime location to entice revelers at all hours. They serve pizzas by the slice and the whole pie, and they even deliver until
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Photo: Google Street View
Shari's3360 Castro Valley Blvd.
Castro Valley
Shari's is technically a chain too, but they're rare enough in the Bay Area that we decided to include it. Pies are the can't-miss item here, and they come in a variety of super decadent flavors.
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Shari's
3360 Castro Valley Blvd.
Castro Valley
Shari's is technically a chain too, but they're rare enough in the Bay Area that we decided to include it. Pies are the can't-miss item here, and they come in a
... more
Photo: Google Street View
Cafe Mason 320 Mason St.
San Francisco
The colorful spot on Mason St. serves a variety of cuisines, including French, Mexican and American. They also have an extensive salad menu, if late night greasy spoon-ery isn't your thing.
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Cafe Mason
320 Mason St.
San Francisco
The colorful spot on Mason St. serves a variety of cuisines, including French, Mexican and American. They also have an extensive salad menu, if late night greasy
... more
Photo: Google Street View
All Star Donuts 901 Clement St.
San Francisco
The Inner Richmond spot has $1 donuts and breakfast bagel sandwiches that Yelpers rave about.
All Star Donuts
901 Clement St.
San Francisco
The Inner Richmond spot has $1 donuts and breakfast bagel sandwiches that Yelpers rave about.
Photo: Google Street View
Heidi's Pies1941 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo
Heidi's Pies is a slice of Middle America in the Bay Area, serving up its hot, delicious pies like it's 1950. Heidi's pies are available for purchase at some Nugget Markets now, but if you want a sit-down, stuff-your-face-in-public experience, your late-night pie run is still the original 1970 location in San Mateo.
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Heidi's Pies
1941 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo
Heidi's Pies is a slice of Middle America in the Bay Area, serving up its hot, delicious pies like it's 1950. Heidi's pies are available for purchase at some Nugget
... more
Photo: Spoonstein, Flickr Creative Commons
Donut Wheel 10250 N. De Anza Blvd.
Cupertino
The apple fritters get highest praise here, but donuts of all sorts are available for your late-night sweet tooth. Donut Wheel is cash-only and doesn't have wifi, so be ready to actually interact with your friends for a change.
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Donut Wheel
10250 N. De Anza Blvd.
Cupertino
The apple fritters get highest praise here, but donuts of all sorts are available for your late-night sweet tooth. Donut Wheel is cash-only and doesn't have wifi,
... more
Photo: Google Street View
Pinecrest Diner401 Geary St.
San Francisco
Right in the heart of the mania near Union Square is Pinecrest Diner. The menu boasts all the usual diner fare, and it's especially popular with revelers leaving Ruby Skye in the evenings.
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Pinecrest Diner
401 Geary St.
San Francisco
Right in the heart of the mania near Union Square is Pinecrest Diner. The menu boasts all the usual diner fare, and it's especially popular with revelers
... more
Photo: Google Street View
San Francisco chefs, bartenders divulge favorite late-night eats: Way better than Jack in the Box
The quest for late-night food in the Bay Area can be a rough one, if you don't know where to turn.
Who amongst us hasn't shown up to the Burger King on Van Ness Avenue, or stood with the crowds outside of the Jack in the Box on Geary Boulevard, feeling that perhaps it's the only chance at food for the night?
(Don't answer.)
But late-night food can be better. The dining scene after dark can be limited, but there's no need to always succumb to fast food corporations after a late movie or a longer-than-planned happy hour.
SFGATE put the call out to chefs, bartenders and owners of local establishments and asked them what they're eating late at night: Where do you go, or what do you cook, when it's late at night and hunger strikes?
While a few acknowledged the Bay Area late-night food scene is challenged — a constant conversation among midnight warriors — a number of industry folks took the questions to heart. Many used this as a time to celebrate those places they turn to in a hunger crunch.
One such believer in the late-night food scene is Christ Aivaliotis, co-owner of The Kon-Tiki in Oakland. Admitting the Bay Area is "woefully underserved" in the food arena past 10 p.m., Aivaliotis took the time to rattle off a lengthy list of places he goes to at night. He ended his screed with an apology over the number of recommendations, writing, "I really want to champion those of us that go for it after midnight with the unnecessary calorie intake, at a time when we should be asleep."
Indeed. Night owls, scroll through the slideshow above for a list of places to head to — and some ways to up your midnight snack game — when you're in need of some food.