10 Restaurants Open Late Night in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has many different reputations for many different things, but one thing most people may not consider is that it is a city that loves its food. In this post, we will cover some of the late-night options available to you when you’ve been out on the town and need something to hit those late-night cravings. From iconic cheesesteak joints to trendy gastropubs and even a Taqueria or two, let’s dig into ten of the tastiest spots to indulge in those midnight munchies in the City of Brotherly Love.
1. Abyssinia
229 S 45th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-2424
This spot in University City is open late, incredibly affordable, and darn delicious to boot. Abyssinia brings the authentic flavors and dishes of Ethiopia to Philadelphia. If you’ve never tried Ethiopian, you’re in for a treat when you stop by this place. Small and usually packed, you may have to wait a few minutes to get served, but it’s well worth it. Ethiopian food is meant to be shared, and most of the dishes here can be split between two people. The first thing you’ll notice is how colorful the platters are. Ethiopian food includes all the colors of the rainbow, each with its distinct taste, texture, and flavor. We recommend the doro wot, yebeg quey wot, or the beef tibs. Make sure to take your injera (Ethiopian bread) and sop up all the food on your plate. You don’t want to waste a bite.
2. Cantina Los Caballitos
1651 E Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 755-3550
Cantina Los Caballitos’s kitchen stays open until 1 am every day. That makes it a clutch option for late-night grub because many places limit their late-night hours to the weekend. Not so for this delightful Mexican spot that deals out delicious food and drinks late into the night. Cantina Los Caballitos separates itself from its competitors by having a high standard of food. So, whether you want tacos, a burrito, carne asada, or something else off the menu, you’ll be delighted by the flavors and quality here.
3. David’s Mai Lai Wah
1001 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 627-2610
Walking into David’s feels like you’re stepping right back into the 1970s. Decorated with neon lights, tube chairs, and more, the patrons of David’s match the decor. You’ll see just about anyone and everyone in this place looking to grab some late-night Chinese-American food. David’s menu has pretty much every classic takeout food dish you can think of which means there’s something for everyone. Fried dumplings, fried noodles, and chicken covered in any sauce you could want, David’s has it all.
4. Fountain Porter
1601 S 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Most locals have enjoyed at least one Fountain Porter burger. That’s because for $6 you won’t find many burgers better than this spot’s perfectly salty-seared patties. Throw on some cheese and you’ve got the perfect late night snack when you’re a couple drinks deep. They also have some more small plate snacks if you want a little bit more. Fountain Porter also has an impressive selection of wines by the glass as well as craft beers on draft. This is everything you need from a late-night joint.
5. Geno’s Steaks
1219 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 389-0659
Located right across the street from Pat’s in the heart of what has been lovingly dubbed “Cheesesteak Vegas,” Geno’s Steaks serves as the main rival to Pat’s cheesesteak crown. Not seeking to be outdone by their cross-street rivals, Geno’s is also open 24/7 and boldly claims that they, in fact, have the best cheesesteak in Philly. Founded in 1966 by Philly’s own Joey Vento, Geno’s took time to build its reputation as the best in town. This came from Vento’s mastery of grilling steak and his dedication to getting the flavor balance just right. Geno’s grills their steak nice and juicy and never greasy, which helps set them apart. We won’t stake our colors to either side of this battle, but we do recommend that you try both and make a decision for yourself.
6. Good Dog Bar
224 S 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 985-9600
Good Dog Bar is a classic late-night Philly haunt. Their bar menu is excellent and also includes some seasonal dishes which is unexpected for places on this type of list. You can get anything from empanadas to pizza and all of it is tasty. However, the go to here is absolutely the Mac n’ Cheese. Made with aged cheddar and sprinkled with buttered breadcrumbs, one bite of this after midnight will leave anyone and everyone in a state of pure savory bliss. Good Dog Bar is also incredibly dog friendly (who’d have guessed) so whether you’re looking for a spot to take your pupper for happy hour, or if they make the rounds with you late-night, this is the place for you (and them.)
7. Khyber Pass Pub
56 S 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-5888
Old City may not be the most hopping part of town late-night but Khyber Pass Pub is a mainstay for anyone in the area who’s burning the midnight oil. The menu skews Cajun-Southern but there are also plenty of vegan/vegetarian options as well. The vegan nachos are good whether you’re vegan or not. The burgers are great, too. Food is served until 1 am daily which makes it a great spot to hit on the way home.
8. Martha
2113 E York Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 867-8881
Martha raises the bar for late-night eats. They’re only open late on Fridays and Saturdays and because of that should definitely be near the top of your list. This place is very community-driven and features a lot of locally sourced produce and ingredients. The hoagies are a must-order. Whether you find a seat inside or out on the beautifully decorated patio, order your hoagie and relax into this lovely food experience to end your night.
9. Pat’s King of Steaks
1237 E Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 468-1546
Since 1930, Pat’s has in fact been the king of cheesesteaks, and that’s because they stand by the claim that they are the inventors and originators of Philadelphia’s most recognizable food staple. Open 24/7, you can always grab a bite at this pillar of the Philadelphia food scene. Ordering is simple. Tell them if you want onions or not, specify what kind of cheese your want, have your cash ready (they’re cash only), and then dig into some delicious goodness. Pat’s King of Steaks is the absolute go to when you’ve had your fair share of drinks and need that late-night bite.
10. Taqueria La Prima
1104 S 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 339-5000
This taco spot in Philly is open past midnight so you can always get your fix, and the prices are also hard to beat. You can get three tacos for roughly $9, and that’s a steal, especially for late-night food. The other thing that makes this place great is the fact that the food is pretty darn good. Most late night spots become more appetizing after you’ve had a drink or two. Taqueria La Prima is good no matter what state of soberness you find yourself in. Mixing and matching tacos is great, but we recommend getting at least one of the tacos al pastor.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Philadelphia city page!
Featured Blog Posts
Cheap (But Fun!) Date Night Ideas in Philadelphia
Who says a date night needs to cost a fortune to be incredible? Philly is full of great spots for dinner dates on the cheap. From hole-in-the-wall diners to places that recreate fine dining for less, Philadelphia’s food scene offers memorable bites at all budgets. Don’t fret over splitting the bill. Simply pick one of these cheap and fun date night ideas in Philadelphia.
17 Top Rooftop Restaurants in Philly With Breathtaking Views
The sky’s the limit at these Philadelphia rooftop restaurants and bars offering both stunning views and fabulous food. Here are some great places around town to social distance from the ground!
Best Christmas Bars/Pop-ups in Philadelphia, PA
Is there anything better than the holiday season in one of the great American cities? While city sidewalks bustling with holiday shoppers, streetlights pinned with wreaths, and retail window displays full of wholesome scenes all make Christmastime in Philadelphia a magical experience, the magic doesn’t end there. Once Thanksgiving is over, Christmas pop-up bars start popping up throughout the city. Many of Philly’s best bars transform into winter wonderlands full of festive cocktails. Check out the eight best Christmas pop-up bars in Philadelphia happening this year!
Best Hot Dog Spots in Philadelphia, PA
The delicious, simple, often maligned hot dog is an American classic. Hot dogs can be as simple or as fancy as you want them to be. Philadelphia has developed quite the food scene where chefs go the extra mile to make their dogs delicious! We’ve found some of the best hot dog spots in Philly so you can be sure to have an amazing lunch, dinner, or late-night snack.