DineSpin

Best Late Night in Philadelphia

Find the best late night restaurants in Philadelphia, PA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Philadelphia's late-night food scene runs on the assumption that you're either starving at 2 a. M. Or you've decided dinner doesn't count unless it happens after dark. The places that survive here understand that timing is everything—they know you're not coming for ambiance, you're coming because the alternative is your couch and regret. What follows is a map of where to actually eat when the rest of the city has closed.

Recommended:

Best Late Night in Philadelphia

1.

Holy Guacamoly

95/100

The mango sauce is genuinely remarkable—acidic enough to cut through rich meat, bright without being cloying—and the menu logic supports it: fresh proteins, customizable builds, portions that justify the price. Service moves fast and stays friendly even when the upstairs seating (which is small) fills up. This is one of those places where the system works.

Pro tip: Get the mango sauce. Don't skip it thinking you'll go traditional—it's the thing that makes this place worth the trip.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, flavor, and quality, with a wide variety of customizable options and unique sauces.

Everything tasted spot on

👋Service95

Staff are frequently described as friendly, polite, attentive, and welcoming, contributing to a positive dining experience.

Great service. Great people.

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally described as nice, clean, and cozy, with some noting it can be small but has upstairs seating.

The scenery is perfect for dining in

💰Value90

Diners find the prices reasonable for the generous portion sizes and high quality of ingredients.

Affordable! Halal products!

📍 1722 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
4.9$$PhiladelphiaMexican
Ideal for
Quick and flavorful lunchesLate-night cravingsCustomizable meals
2.

Nanu's Hot Chicken

92/100

Excellent hot chicken living inside a gas station, which is either a dealbreaker or a non-issue depending on how badly you need outstanding hot chicken. The flavor and crispness are consistent; the vibe is not romantic. If you can get past the setting, the food and service justify the trip.

Pro tip: The gas station location is real and it matters to some people. Know what you're getting into before you go.

🍽️Food95

The hot chicken is well-regarded for its first-rate flavor, crispiness, juiciness, and well-balanced spice levels. The variety of options and fresh ingredients are also noted.

Best Hot Chicken in Philadelphia

👋Service93

Service is frequently described as great, friendly, attentive, and fast, with staff often noted for their hospitality and welcoming demeanor.

Great customer service

Vibe75

The atmosphere is generally considered friendly and welcoming, though some diners note it is located within a gas station, which impacts the overall ambiance.

Nice play to stop at

💰Value90

Diners find the food to be very reasonably priced, affordable, and offering generous portion sizes for the cost.

Very reasonably priced

📍 7434 Ogontz Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138, United States
4.9$$PhiladelphiaAmerican
Ideal for
Hot chicken enthusiastsQuick and casual mealsLate-night cravings
3.

Halal Cart

92/100

Best halal cart in the city, according to people who eat at halal carts. Delicious, cheap, fresh, fast—no hedging required. You're eating from a cart in a busy part of town, so you're not getting table service or a quiet moment, but you're also not paying for those things.

Pro tip: Rice can be inconsistent, so taste it before you walk away if you have time.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its delicious taste, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, with many calling it the best halal cart in the city.

Best Halal Cart in the city

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, polite, and efficient, though there are a few mentions of inconsistency.

Super friendly and efficient service

Vibe75

As a food cart, the vibe is functional and convenient, catering to quick meals rather than a dining experience.

Super convenient to Drexel / market area

💰Value95

The cart is widely lauded for its excellent value, offering large portions and included drinks at very affordable prices.

Amazing price for the melt in your mouth lamb

📍 12 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
4.7$PhiladelphiaHalal
Ideal for
Quick lunches near DrexelLate-night cravingsBudget-conscious diners
4.

Ben's Fast Food

88/100

Fresh, balanced, surprisingly nutritious meals built for delivery, with portions that feel generous. The food itself is the draw—people celebrate it consistently. The problem is the third-party delivery services, which have a track record here of turning a 20-minute wait into an hour of refreshing your phone.

Pro tip: If you live close enough to walk or drive there yourself, do it. Third-party delivery is a gamble.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for being fresh, delicious, and well-prepared, with a good balance of flavors and quality ingredients.

Food was absolutely amazing!

👋Service70

Service is generally positive when experienced directly, but delivery coordination issues and communication problems with third-party services have led to significant delays and frustration.

Horrible experience wouldn’t recommend

Vibe75

The atmosphere and physical location are not frequently experienced due to a strong reliance on delivery and takeout, with some noting the packaging indicates care.

This place is too cute.

💰Value90

Diners find the meals to be affordable and a good value, especially considering the quality and portion sizes.

Great prices.

📍 3300 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
4.8$$PhiladelphiaAmerican
Ideal for
Health-conscious diners seeking convenient mealsLate-night eaters with delivery optionsVegetarians looking for flavorful choices
5.

China Kitchen

88/100

China Kitchen is a highly-regarded take-out Chinese restaurant in Philadelphia, celebrated for its consistently delicious and fresh food, particularly its fried rice and shrimp rolls. Patrons celebrate the friendly and efficient service, good value, and quick preparation times, making it a local favorite despite its lack of dine-in seating.

Pro tip: The food here is awesome there has not been anything I order I havent enjoyed

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its flavor, freshness, and quality, with many dishes, particularly the fried rice and shrimp rolls, highlighted as excellent.

The food here is awesome

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, quick, and polite, with staff often noted for their kindness and efficiency, though mentioned bad service.

Everyone is friendly

Vibe50

The restaurant is primarily a take-out establishment with no dine-in seating, offering a functional rather than atmospheric experience.

No seating, tho, for dine-in

💰Value85

Prices are considered decent, and the quality of food received offers good value for money.

Great prices

📍 547 E Wyoming Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19120, United States
4.4$$PhiladelphiaChinese
Ideal for
Quick and tasty Chinese takeoutDiners seeking reliable comfort foodLate-night cravings with fresh preparation
6.

Pizzeria L’Angolo

88/100

Pizzeria L'Angolo is a highly-regarded pizza spot in Manayunk, well-regarded for its excellent pizza and fresh ingredients. While the food quality is a consistent draw, diners should be aware of potential issues with service rudeness, lengthy wait times, and occasional inconsistencies.

Pro tip: Best pizza in Manayunk hands down, though service and wait times can be inconsistent.

🍽️Food92

The pizza is frequently lauded as outstanding, with many diners highlighting fresh ingredients, quality toppings, and a satisfying crust. Other dishes like cheesesteaks and salads also receive celebrate.

Best in Manayunk hands down

👋Service75

Service is generally described as friendly and accommodating, though a notable pattern of rude or dismissive interactions with some staff members has been reported.

Lady who took our order had a very nasty attitude

Vibe75

The atmosphere is often described as casual and inviting, with a pleasant outdoor patio being a notable feature.

Cozy, authentic vibe

💰Value70

While many find the food worth the price, some diners note that prices can be steep, particularly for items like garlic knots or wings, and express dissatisfaction with added fees and tipping policies.

Price can be a little steep

📍 4105 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127, United States
4.3$$PhiladelphiaPizza
Ideal for
Pizza lovers seeking authentic flavorsCasual dining with outdoor seatingLate-night bites
7.

Baz's Hot Chicken & Gyro

88/100

Baz's Hot Chicken & Gyro is well-regarded for its remarkably delicious and well-seasoned hot chicken and gyros, served in generous portions at affordable prices. While most diners report positive experiences with friendly service, a few isolated incidents of poor order fulfillment and cleanliness concerns have been noted.

Pro tip: Delicious food, great portions, and friendly service make this worth trying spot.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its delicious flavors, excellent seasoning, and generous portions, with many diners calling it the best they've had.

Delicious food we’ve ever had

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, polite, and responsive, with staff often offering helpful suggestions.

Customer service is outstanding

Vibe65

The atmosphere is not a primary focus for most diners, with some noting it's a small, order-out-only spot, and one diner witnessed disruptive behavior from other patrons.

Small and order out only

💰Value88

Diners frequently highlight the large portions and affordable prices, noting it as a great deal compared to other establishments.

Super great portions for the price

📍 4056 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
4.5$$PhiladelphiaMediterranean
Ideal for
Late-night cravingsDiners seeking flavorful, well-seasoned chicken and gyrosThose prioritizing large portions and value
8.

Lucky's Last Chance

88/100

Creative burgers (PB&J and bacon actually works) made by a kitchen that knows what it's doing, served by staff that are genuinely kind, in a casual bar vibe where no one's pretending it's fine dining. Parking is inconvenient, which is the only real knock. This place actually functions.

Pro tip: Come for the burger combinations you wouldn't think of—they're dialed in.

🍽️Food92

The restaurant excels with creative and well-executed burgers, featuring high-quality, locally sourced meats and unique flavor combinations. Hot dogs and loaded tots are also well-regarded.

AMAZING. We sampled only a small portion

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and quick, with staff often noted for their positive energy and helpfulness.

Staff is kind and the kitchen

Vibe85

The atmosphere is consistently described as a chill, cozy, and friendly neighborhood dive bar with cool decor.

Vibes are super chill and low key.

💰Value80

Diners find the prices reasonable, especially considering the quality and generous portion sizes of the burgers.

Price is definitely worth it

📍 848 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States
4.7$$PhiladelphiaAmerican
Ideal for
Burger enthusiasts seeking unique flavorsCasual nights out with friendsLate-night food cravings
9.

Revival BBQ

88/100

Revival BBQ is a Philadelphia spot known for its excellent barbecue, particularly its brisket cheesesteak and pulled pork. While service is generally friendly and portions are generous, diners should be aware of potential waits and inconsistent preparation depending on staffing.

Pro tip: The brisket cheesesteak is out of this world!

🍽️Food92

The barbecue, particularly the brisket cheesesteak and pulled pork, is frequently described as outstanding and a standout item. Other popular dishes include mac and cheese and wings.

The brisket cheesesteak is out of this world!

👋Service85

Service is generally friendly and helpful, with specific staff members like Cecil and Leo well-regarded for their hospitality and knowledge.

Cecil was very knowledgeable of the entire Menu

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally positive, with mentions of good vibes and a lively DJ on Thursdays.

I REALLY enjoyed Rivivals atmosphere and vibe.

💰Value80

Portions are often described as generous, especially for the mac and cheese bowls, and prices are considered reasonable.

Huge portion size , great for the price.

📍 102 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
4.5$$PhiladelphiaBBQ
Ideal for
BBQ enthusiasts seeking unique cheesesteak variationsLate-night cravingsDiners looking for hearty portions
10.

Taqueria Hernandez Food Truck

88/100

The al pastor and cemitas here are why people show up past midnight with cash in hand. Fresh ingredients, reasonable prices, and the kind of execution that makes it clear someone cares about the tacos more than the turnover. The catch: order accuracy isn't guaranteed, and this is still a food truck, which means you're eating standing up or in your car.

Pro tip: Double-check your order before you leave. A few people have walked away with the wrong tacos.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and well-prepared meats, with cemitas and al pastor tacos being particular highlights.

Best cemitas in South Philly

👋Service75

Service is generally friendly and efficient, though one recent incident of rudeness and a past instance of incorrect orders suggest occasional lapses.

Rude and inconsiderate of others

Vibe75

As a food truck, the vibe is casual and convenient, catering to those on the go or seeking late-night eats.

Great place to stop if you're on the go

💰Value90

Prices are considered very reasonable, offering excellent value for the quality and quantity of food served.

Prices are very reasonable

📍 927 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, United States
4.4$$PhiladelphiaMexican
Ideal for
Late-night cravings — open past midnight on weekendsQuick and affordable lunches — efficient serviceTaco and cemita enthusiasts — well-regarded specialties

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