Whether you like to party hard or chill on weekends, we’ve all had the dilemma of trying to find something savory and fulfilling to eat during our late D.C nights. If you’ve been in D.C for even a short period of time, you’ve probably noticed that most restaurants close up pretty early. But look around and you’ll definitely find a few tasty exceptions beyond McDonald’s and Ho Chi. For the late-night dweller who wants something more, here are seven of my favorite spots in D.C to grab a meal after midnight.
1. Ben’s Chili Bowl
This U-Street eatery serves menu items from chili cheese dogs and chili cheese fries to burgers and sandwiches. What makes it even cooler is that it's a restaurant landmark in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It's open until 4 a.m. on the weekends, so there's no reason you should go to bed hungry.
2. Surfside
Open 24 hours daily, Surfside offers amazing quesadillas, tacos, burritos and more. You simply walk up to the stand, order, and there are picnic tables to sit and eat. It's actually one of the best tasting 24-hour food places I've ever had!
3. Jumbo Slice
Jumbo Slice is a must-have after a long night in Adams Morgan. It's a small, family-owned business and offers huge, delicious pizzas and calzones that are to die for. You are guaranteed to leave satisfied, especially since it's open until 3 a.m. daily (except on Sundays).
4. The Diner
The Diner is another popular Adams Morgan "after-hours" restaurant. Open 24/7 with a very diverse menu (yes, including breakfast), you will leave a very happy customer.
5. Italian Kitchen on U
Italian Kitchen on U-street is one of my favorite places to grab a panini for about $7. My favorite, shown above, is the chicken caesar salad panini. Not only does this place have the best paninis but it also serves pizza, wings, salads and more. It is also conveniently opened until 2:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and until 12:30 a.m. on all other days.
6. Kramerbooks
If you enjoy cool, unique places, please don't leave D.C without having a late-night meal here. Kramerbooks is an Indie bookstore and restaurant with a pretty enticing menu to enjoy until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. From their crab-cake pasta to their burgers, sundaes and pies, this place offers really great American food options as well as, you know, books.
7. Wiseguy NY Pizza
Many people rave over this eatery, and you will see why after you take your first bite into this New York City inspired, thin crust, cheesy goodness. Open until 3:30 a.m. on Thurdays and until 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, you have no excuse not to ease your hunger pangs even during the latest of late nights.
