The Twin Cities punches above its weight in lots of categories, but late-night food is not one of them. In fact Raphael Brion from the Star Tribune recently marveled at the comparative dearth of late night options after his first six months in town. But, we aren’t without a couple standout options in the category; I just think we could always use more. Here are our Top 5 recommendations for late-night eats in the Twin Cities.
Hours: 3 p.m.-2 a.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. weekends
Description: Excellent bar food with a menu that reads like a stoned undergrad dreamed it up
What to Get: Tostada Nachos, Breakfast Burrito
What to Drink: A stiff-ass rail drink
Hours: Thursday-Sunday 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
Description: A warm hug of Korean comfort food combined with impeccable late-night vibes
What to Get: K Chikin Cuties
What to Drink: Okja Wu (Barley tea and Lemonade)
Baba Saj baba ghanouj and salad (Kirstie Kimball / Racket)
Hours: 24 hours a day
Description: You didn’t know you needed a place for drive-thru falafel at 3 a.m., but you do
What to Get: Pita Bread, Saj Bread, Zinger Bowl, Falafel
Hours: 8 a.m.-12 a.m.
Description: A punk-rock/alternative institution famous for its late-night service and activist history
What to Get: Tempeh Reuben
What to Drink: Coffee
Hours: 5 p.m.-12 a.m. (kitchen closes at midnight)
Description: An industry magnet that serves their full menu til midnight perfect for an after shift date night
What to Get: Ricotta Bruschetta, Braised Chicken Thighs
What to Drink: Softened Saffron (N/A), Milk & Honey Little Dipper (Cider)
Honorable Mentions
Meteor - solid bar hang with delicious dogs
Mickey’s Diner by Willy - When you need a sausage omelet with scrambled eggs prepared in a blender on Christmas Eve at 11:22 p.m., accept no substitute
The Nicollet Diner - Your 24-hour tuna melt, onion rings, and pancake go-to on Eat Street
The Nook - In St. Paul and serving a full menu until 10 p.m. will get you on the list, especially when you have award-winning burgers
