DineSpin

Best Late Night in New York

Find the best late night restaurants in New York, NY. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

New York's late-night food scene runs on volume, urgency, and the assumption that you're either drunk, desperate, or both. What separates the places worth your 2 a. M. Visit from the ones you'll regret by morning comes down to one thing: does the kitchen care when nobody's watching? These ten spots do—or at least they try hard enough that regulars keep coming back.

Recommended:

Best Late Night in New York

1.

Felix Empanadas

95/100

Felix Empanadas is a highly-regarded establishment in New York City, celebrated for its excellent, fresh, and non-greasy empanadas. The friendly service, vibrant atmosphere, and reasonable prices contribute to a consistently positive dining experience.

Pro tip: Best empanadas I’ve ever had! Fresh, flaky, and seasoned to perfection.

🍽️Food98

Empanadas are well-regarded for their outstanding taste, flaky, non-greasy crusts, and well-seasoned, high-quality fillings, with many calling them the best they've ever had.

Best empanadas I’ve ever had!

👋Service92

Service is frequently described as friendly, warm, accommodating, and efficient, with owner Felix often highlighted for his personal engagement.

Delicious food and great service!

Vibe85

The atmosphere is noted as having a cool, divey, or vibrant feel, enhanced by live jazz on Saturdays.

Great divey ambiance

💰Value90

Customers find the empanadas and other dishes to be high quality and delicious for a great price.

Amazing price too!

📍 192 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
4.9$$New YorkArgentinian
Ideal for
Late-night snack seekersEmpanada enthusiastsCasual diners seeking quality
2.

LaVista Pizza (2nd Ave)

92/100

LaVista Pizza is a highly-regarded New York City pizza spot celebrated for its excellent, consistently delicious pizza with a perfectly crispy crust. The establishment also stands out for its outstandingly friendly and attentive service, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes diners feel like family.

Pro tip: Best pizza in the city! Great owner and staff. Couldn’t recommend it enough.

🍽️Food95

Pizza is well-regarded for its delicious taste, with a particular emphasis on the perfectly cooked, crispy, and flavorful crust. High-quality cheese and fresh ingredients are frequently mentioned.

Some of the best I had in NYC

👋Service96

Service is overwhelmingly described as friendly, attentive, and outstanding, with many staff members, particularly Essam/Issa, being singled out for their hospitality and kindness.

The staff are very friendly and pizza is yummy

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as welcoming, friendly, and comfortable, with some diners feeling like part of a family.

Feels like family

💰Value85

The pizza is generally considered to be a good value, with fair prices and generous portions diners.

Not a rip off

📍 1099 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States
4.8$$New YorkPizza
Ideal for
Quick pizza slicesCasual diningLate-night bites
3.

Nai Brother Sauerkraut Fish 奈哥酸菜鱼 (Columbia University)

92/100

Nai Brother Sauerkraut Fish is a highly-regarded eatery near Columbia University, celebrated for its authentic and flavorful Chinese cuisine, particularly its signature sauerkraut fish and mala dishes. Well-regarded for the fresh ingredients, generous portions, quick service, and reasonable prices, making it a top choice for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Pro tip: The soup was really tasty with just the right amount of pepper corns to give that numbing flavor.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic, bold, and well-balanced flavors, particularly the sauerkraut fish and mala dishes. Ingredients are frequently described as fresh and high-quality.

Hands down the best fish soup

👋Service90

Service is frequently noted as great, quick, friendly, and attentive, contributing to a positive dining experience.

Great food, great service

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as cozy, clean, and inviting, with some noting authentic Chinese food court vibes.

Cozy environment

💰Value90

Diners find the portions generous and the prices reasonable, offering good value for the quality and quantity of food.

Super affordable and such great value

📍 2817 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
4.9$$New YorkChinese
Ideal for
Authentic Chinese food loversStudents seeking affordable mealsLate-night diners
4.

Blue Road Burger

92/100

Blue Road Burger is a highly-regarded neighborhood spot celebrated for its excellent smash burgers, fresh ingredients, and friendly owner. While most diners celebrate the quality and service, a few have noted high prices for certain items and one instance of rude service.

Pro tip: Best burger spot in NYC hands down!! The burgers here are so fresh and juicy.

🍽️Food95

Burgers are well-regarded for being outstanding, fresh, juicy, and perfectly cooked smash burgers. Sides like onion rings and tater tots also receive high marks.

Best burger spot in NYC

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with specific staff members frequently highlighted. However, one instance of rudeness was noted.

Service is attentive

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally perceived as relaxed, cozy, and having a good vibe, suitable for casual dining and conversation.

The atmosphere is great

💰Value80

While many find the prices reasonable, especially for specials, a few diners felt certain items were overpriced for the portion size.

$10 for a burger and beer is a ripoff

📍 134 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002, United States
4.9$$New YorkBurgers
Ideal for
Burger enthusiasts seeking high-quality smash burgersCasual diners looking for a friendly neighborhood spotLate-night snackers
5.

Tacos del Barrio

92/100

FIDI's standing-room taco counter run by owner Aiden, who treats handmade tortillas and fresh meat the way they deserve to be treated—seriously. One diner who'd had a lot of tacos called these 'simply the best tacos I've ever had, fresh and perfectly seasoned.' The al pastor, birria, and corn ribs are the real deal. Open past 2:50 a. M. Which alone puts this in rare company for serious late-night cravings.

Pro tip: Skip the salsas—multiple regulars mention they can run bland—and let the meat quality do the talking. Takeout only; there's nowhere to sit.

🍽️Food95

The tacos and quesadillas are well-regarded for their excellent flavor, fresh ingredients, and authentic preparation, with many diners calling them the best they've ever had.

Best tacos, best quesadilla I’ve ever had!

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, great, and outstanding, with specific staff members often highlighted for their positive interactions.

Great service and nice location !

Vibe85

The atmosphere is generally described as fun, upbeat, welcoming, and clean, contributing to a positive dining experience.

The overall experience is a 10/10.

💰Value85

While prices are considered reasonable for the area, one diner felt the meat portions were small for the steep price.

Not very expensive.

📍 71 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038, United States
4.8$$New YorkMexican
Ideal for
Quick and delicious lunchAuthentic Mexican food loversLate-night taco cravings
6.

The Oven's Slice

92/100

The Oven's Slice is a highly-regarded pizza spot in New York's East Village, celebrated for its excellent, fresh, and flavorful pizzas. While generally offering friendly and fast service in a pleasant atmosphere, some find the pricing to be on the higher end.

Pro tip: Hands down the best pizza in the East Village, no contest.

🍽️Food95

The pizza is well-regarded for its outstanding taste, featuring a perfectly crisp yet chewy crust, flavorful sauce, and fresh, generous toppings. Specific pies like the vodka and buffalo chicken slices are frequently highlighted.

Hands down the best pizza

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly, pleasant, and welcoming, with several staff members, including Bryan, Sergio, and Kira, receiving specific commendations for their helpfulness and positive attitudes.

Genuinely friendly the staff

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as warm, inviting, cozy, and lively, often enhanced by pleasant music, creating a positive dining environment.

Warm and inviting vibe

💰Value75

While the pizza is well-regarded, some diners note that prices, with slices around $5-$6 and combos reaching $8+, are on the higher side for the area, potentially making it less affordable for some.

$5 is the cheapest slice

📍 218 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, United States
4.8$$New YorkPizza
Ideal for
Pizza enthusiasts seeking top-tier slicesDiners looking for a friendly neighborhood spotLate-night pizza cravings
7.

Farook Halal Food

92/100

Farook Halal Food is a highly-regarded food cart in New York City, celebrated for its delicious and flavorful halal dishes, particularly the chicken and lamb over rice. It offers excellent value with generous portions at low prices, and is known for its consistent quality and friendly service from the owner, Farook.

Pro tip: Best halal cart in NYC hands down - the meat went so well with the sauces!

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding flavor, with the lamb and chicken over rice being particular highlights. Ingredients are noted as fresh, and the unique addition of curried potatoes is a frequent positive mention.

Most delicious chicken and rice

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, kind, and accommodating, with the owner, Farook, often singled out for his positive interactions.

Nicest person to serve

Vibe75

As a food cart, the vibe is functional and focused on quick service, with no specific ambiance details provided.

Null

💰Value95

The restaurant is lauded for its first-rate value, offering generous portions and low prices, often including extras like pita and a drink.

Best bang for your buck

📍 140 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
4.7$New YorkHalal
Ideal for
Quick and affordable mealsLate-night cravingsHalal food enthusiasts
8.

Fuchkart Food Cart

92/100

Fuchkart is a well-regarded food cart in Times Square offering authentic and delicious Deshi street food at excellent prices. Diners consistently celebrate the quality, flavor, and friendly service, making it a standout option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Pro tip: Delicious Deshi Street food, I found in Times Square with flavors like back home.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authentic Deshi street food flavors, with specific callouts for fuchka, pani puri, and dahi golgappe.

Hands down best Tok and Mint Pani

👋Service90

Service is described as friendly, fast, and accommodating, with staff willing to go off-menu for customer requests.

Friendly and fast service

Vibe85

The food cart offers a convenient and accessible street food experience in a high-traffic area.

Heart of the world in times square

💰Value95

The food is considered delicious and reasonably priced, especially given its prime Times Square location.

Outstanding price right in the middle

📍 1514 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
4.9$New YorkIndian
Ideal for
Tourists seeking authentic street foodLate-night snack seekersDiners wanting quick, flavorful meals
9.

Jerrell's BETR BRGR

92/100

Jerrell's BETR BRGR is a highly-regarded vegan burger joint celebrated for its remarkably tasty, meat-like plant-based burgers and delicious sides. While the food quality is well-regarded, the service can be inconsistent due to staffing, and the small space limits the dine-in experience.

Pro tip: The best vegan burger I’ve ever had, hands down.

🍽️Food95

The plant-based burgers are well-regarded for their excellent taste, texture, and ability to mimic traditional beef, with fresh ingredients and well-prepared sides like waffle fries and shakes.

One of the best vegan burgers

👋Service75

Service is generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, though some diners note it can be slow or overwhelmed due to limited staffing.

Amazing service

Vibe70

The atmosphere is casual and often described as a small, to-go focused spot with limited indoor seating and some outdoor tables.

Small snack bar

💰Value85

Diners find the prices reasonable for the quality and taste of the food, with generous portions noted.

Reasonably priced

📍 117 6th Ave, New York, NY 10013, United States
4.7$$New YorkBurgers
Ideal for
Vegan burger enthusiastsLate-night cravingsDiners seeking meat-like alternatives
10.

Square Pizza NYC: Times Square

92/100

Square Pizza NYC is a highly-regarded pizza spot in Times Square, celebrated for its excellent taste, particularly its garlic knots and unique sauces. It offers great value with friendly and efficient service, making it a top choice for both locals and tourists seeking delicious, affordable pizza.

Pro tip: Literally the BEST pizza I’ve ever had - and I’ve had a lot of pizza.

🍽️Food95

The pizza is well-regarded for its delicious taste, with many calling it the best they've ever had. Standout items include the garlic knots, vodka sauce, and spicy honey pepperoni.

Best garlic knots ive ever had

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, with specific staff members like Luis often highlighted for their positive interactions.

Pizza guy was very attentive and nice

Vibe65

The atmosphere is often described as small and cozy, with limited seating and a focus on grab-and-go rather than a sit-down dining experience.

Small and cozy

💰Value90

Diners find the prices to be very reasonable, especially for the quality and portion sizes offered, making it a great value.

Crazy cheap

📍 316 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018, United States
4.6$$New YorkPizza
Ideal for
Tourists seeking authentic NYC pizzaLate-night cravingsQuick and affordable meals

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