late-night downtown: 41 restaurants for night owls
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Late-night dining in Downtown Los Angeles can be like a game of musical chairs: You find yourself running around, hungry and craving whatever it is you may be craving, only to find your favorite restaurant closed, lights out and you’re all alone on an empty street — or even worse, with a bunch of out-of-town guests in tow.
Well, lucky for you, you don’t have to skulk home cursing the day you chose to move here; there are a number of late-night eateries that you can rely on.
It’s been a while since we’ve run a list like this. If we missed your favorite late-night restaurant, let us know in the comments! Like all things Downtown, these hours are highly subject to change; take my advice and call ahead to confirm.
The following are all open until at least 10:00pm, listed in neighborhoodical order (a term of art I just made up).
Note: I have dined at all but a few of these establishments; supplemental information from Yelp used when necessary.
Historic Core / Broadway
Blossom Restaurant: Vietnamese pho, vermicelli, spring rolls and entrees served until 10:00pm daily except Sunday.
426 S Main St, 213-623-1973
Lost Souls Cafe: More a coffee shop than cafe, this independent oasis in an old bank building serves sandwiches, salads and wraps until 10:00pm. Free wi-fi is available, which is why I can be found here most days taking a break from Downtown.
124 W 4th St, 213-617-7006
Origami Bistro & Bar: With a grand opening earlier this month, Origami brings life to the corner of 3rd and Spring late into the evening — midnight daily, 2:00am on Friday and Saturday, to be exact.
257 S Spring St, 213-687-8606
Pete’s Cafe: The neighborhood’s go-to place for a few years now, Pete’s is open till 2:00am daily. A pioneer in the revitalization of Downtown LA, and you’re bound to see someone you know on the outdoor patio.
400 S Main St, 213-617-1000
Redwood Bar & Grill: A pirate bar may sound a bit odd, and this neighborhood hangout really takes the theme to heart: Rope nets on the walls, skull and swords over the bar. Some vegetarian options are available, but it’s mostly American pub food on the menu. Word of warning: Cover may be charged on nights with performances. Kitchen open until 12:00am daily (may close earlier depending on demand).
316 W 2nd St, 213-680-2600
Rocket Pizza: Recently expanding hours, this pizza-and-pasta joint stays open till midnight most days.
122 W 4th St, 213-687-4992
Tacos Mexico: A 24-hour taco stand Downtown? Check. Decent al pastor and carne asada? Check. Good cheap eats to follow your binge drinking!
913 S Broadway
Warung Cafe: Indonesian tapas-style cuisine in a hip setting. Check out the wild mushrooms stir-fried in a light sauce. Dinner served until midnight Thursday-Saturday.
118 W 4th St, 213-626-0662
Ye Olde Taco House #1: We’re not sure whether the “#1” in the name was in the hopes of an empire of mini taco stands across LA, but we can only find a reference to the first (only?) location on Broadway. As the name implies, look for the tacos, late into the evening.
340 S Hill St, 213-625-2700
Bunker Hill / Financial District
24/7 @ the Standard: As the name suggests, this ’60s-retro diner is open 24 hours a day. Food and service can be hit or miss during peak hours, but I’ve had generally positive experiences there. Located in the lobby of the Standard Hotel.
550 S Flower St, 213-892-8080
Adoro Mexican Grille: High-end Mexican dining is a good fit for Financial District suits; with a little higher price point, this spot may suit your need for a good date or pre-show dinner.
735 S Figueroa St, 213-955-9204
Bonaventure Brewery: Anchoring the sci-fi-retro Bonaventure Hotel’s outdoor podium level, the Bonaventure Brewery offers consistent service, a fine menu and a large selection of beers brewed in-house. Open until 1:00am daily.
404 S Figueroa St, 4th Floor, 213-236-0802
Casey’s Irish Bar & Grille: With a revamped menu and late-night hours, Casey’s is the spot for your Irish food fix: Fish & chips, bangers & mash, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef & cabbage. No word on whether bubble & squeak is available. Monday - Wednesday, kitchen open until 11:00pm; Thursday - Saturday, until midnight.
613 S Grand Ave, 213-629-2353
Ciudad: A special “happy hour after dark” is offered at this Latin fusion concept at 5th and Figueroa. Late-night tapas offered Wednesday and Thursday until 11:00pm, and Friday and Saturday until 12:00 midnight.
445 S Figueroa St, 213-486-5171
Library Bar: The trendy bar with comfortable seats surrounded by books has added a kitchen that serves burgers, fries, sandwiches and skewers until 11:00pm. Previously drinkers could order from Wolfgang Puck LA Bistro next door.
630 W 6th St, 213-614-0053
Maria’s Italian Kitchen: Maria’s prides itself on its hearty dishes prepared consistently every time, and the midrange Italian chain has been well received by the neighborhood. Dinner served until 11:00pm daily.
615 S Flower St, 213-623-4777
Takami Sushi & Robata: This trendy 21st-floor sushi lounge may be pricey, but the views alone are worth a visit. If the doormen outside want you to pay them $20 to get in, just let them know you want to visit the restaurant (don’t pay the money). Strange? Yeah. The space is split between the restaurant and Elevate Lounge, the adjacent club. Open till 11:00pm Monday-Thursday, 12:00 midnight Friday-Saturday, 10:00pm Sunday.
811 Wilshire Blvd, 21st Floor, 213-236-9600
Weiland Brewery: In the underground 505 Flower shopping center/food court, Weiland is open till 2:00am Monday through Friday (closed Saturday and Sunday). Typical brewery fare: Burgers, pasta steaks, salads.
505 S Flower St, B-Level, 213-622-1125
Wokcano: The small chain’s recent expansion brought the Japanese/Chinese fusion restaurant to Downtown. It’s certainly a welcome addition for its 2:00am closing time.
800 W 7th St, 213-623-2288
South Park
Colori Kitchen: Another staple with recently expanded hours on Fridays and Saturdays till 11:00pm.
429 W 8th St, 213-622-5950
J Restaurant & Lounge: Serving dinner until 11:00pm, this large space transforms into a lounge/club most nights. An all-around California menu with salads, steaks and seafood may be a bit pricey, but worth it.
1119 S Olive St, 213-746-7746
O Bar & Kitchen: Celebrating one year in Downtown this month, O Bar & Kitchen in the O Hotel serves drinks and food until 11:00pm. Try the truffle parmesan tots and see why patrons call them the “cracktots.”
819 S Flower St, 213-623-9904
The Original Pantry: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Pantry (owned by former Mayor Richard Riordan) dishes out the greasiest food to a mob of willing takers. It’s a must-visit once or twice, but eat at your own risk.
877 S Figueroa St, 213-972-9279
Panini Cafe: Opened with a bang recently with Mediterranean food, good prices and a 10:00pm closing time. Solid and dependable every time.
600 W 9th St; 213-489-4200
Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion: The famous fusion cuisine has been a hit in the neighborhood for several years now; Roy’s took a chance on Downtown when few others would. A solid menu of Japanese and Hawaiian dishes is heavy on the sushi and fish entrees. Open till 10:00 most nights; 10:30 on Friday and Saturday.
800 S Figueroa St, 213-488-4994
Tranquility Base: Small plates, good drinks and an outdoor patio. What else is there to say? Dinner till 1:00am.
801 S Grand Ave, 213-404-0588
City West
Blue Velvet Restaurant: Hip and trendy lounge setting, with prices to match. If you find yourself in this neighborhood, check out the restaurant and accompanying bar and patio. Dinner till 11:00pm.
750 S Garland Ave, 213-239-0061
La Parrilla: This Mexican standard on the west side of Downtown extended its hours to 11:00pm, earning a place on our late-night dining list.
1300 Wilshire Blvd, 213-353-4930
Pacific Dining Car: Step back in time at this longtime City West institution open 24 hours a day. Part of the city since the booming 1920s, the time of the Red Car and oil fields across Los Angeles. Pricey menu, but breakfast specials (served all day long) are a good deal. As the name implies, dining rooms are carved out of an old passenger train car.
1310 W 6th St, 213-483-6000
Chinatown
Full House Seafood Restaurant: A sign on the door proudly proclaims “We Open!” which is a fitting slogan for this post. Though seafood is the specialty here, most dishes are done better than your average Chinatown dive. My first recommendation for anyone looking to explore Chinatown and it’s open till 3:00am daily.
963 N Hill St, 213-617-8382
Master Chef: A recent arrival by the former chef at Full House, this new eatery specializes in seafood and has a decidedly more upscale ambiance than surrounding restaurants. Open daily until 1:00am.
937 N Hill St, 213-687-3638
May Flower Seafood Restaurant: Family-style Chinatown standard with a 4:00am closing time daily. Can get a bit crowded during peak times and after 2:00am.
679 N Spring St, 213-625-0588
Little Tokyo
As a nighttime dining destination, Downtown LA wouldn’t be the same without Little Tokyo. East 1st Street is a hotbed of activity well into the wee hours of the night, and several other eateries provide a safe haven for weary travelers. Since so many establishments are open late, the following is a list of standouts.
Daikokuya: Long considered the granddaddy of 1st Street’s Ramen Row, Daikokuya is locked in a battle for the most flavorful ramen with Weller Court’s Orochon. I’m an Orochon guy, but that doesn’t stop me from visiting Daikokuya every so often. Open till 12:00am Monday-Thursday, 1:00am Friday-Saturday.
327 E 1st St, 213-626-1680
Ebisu: From the owners of Daikokuya comes this Japanese-style tavern with starfish and giant tuna on the walls. Good tempura, teriyaki, eel and combo bowls. Open until 1:00am daily.
356 E 2nd St, 213-613-1644
Haru Ulala: This izakaya (small plates) eatery has earned a place in my heart (and my restaurant rotation) by offering okonomiyaki — Japanese-style “pancakes” with noodles, cabbage and the occasional fried egg on top. A plethora of other small dishes are offered. Open Monday-Thursday until 12:00am, Friday-Saturday until 2:00am.
368 E 2nd St, 213-620-0977
Kouraku: Japanese greasy spoon with a variety of menu options for those who don’t care about their health. Tasty, though. Closes at 3:00am Monday-Saturday, 12:00am Sunday.
314 E 2nd St, 213-687-4972
Orochon: My personal favorite for ramen. You can choose your spiciness level, anywhere from not spicy at all to “If you finish this, we take your photo and put it on our Wall of Bravery.” I can get up to Level 3 and hope to have my photo on the wall at some point in the future. Sure, some die-hard Daikokuya fans call it a gimmick, but there’s no arguing with the final product: Flavorful, delicious broth every time.
123 S Onizuka St, 3rd Floor, 213-617-1766
Weiland Brewery: Unlike the Financial District location, the Little Tokyo Weiland Brewery is open daily until 2:00am. Typical brewery fare: Burgers, pasta steaks, salads.
400 E 1st St, 213-680-2881
Arts District
Blue Dahlia Cafe: Burgers, paninis and salads are served at this cafe, which is open until 10:00pm Monday-Thursday and 1:00am Friday-Saturday.
738 E 3rd St, 213-613-0621
e3rd Steakhouse: Open until 1:00am daily, the restaurant has a nice range of steak options, sandwiches and appetizers. A more affordable late-night menu kicks in at 11:00pm.
734 E 3rd St, 213-680-3003
Royal Claytons: This English-style pub serves the southern Arts District, open until 11:00pm Sunday-Thursday, 2:00am Friday and Saturday. A large menu offers a lot for the casual diner.
1855 Industrial St, 213-622-0512
Zip Fusion: Moderately priced entrees, sushi and salads define this Arts District institution. Prices trend a little higher depending on what you order. Be sure to check out the Zip Fusion Bowl, the restaurant’s Korean bibimbap. Open Monday-Wednesday till 10:30; Thursday-Saturday 11:30.
744 E 3rd St, 213-680-3770
35 comments
Hop Louie in Chinatown is my go-to place for late-night Chinese food.
Hop Louie
950 Mei Ling Way
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 628-4244
Philippe’s serves up the French Dip sandwiches until 10:00 pm every night and I believe Cafe Metropol serves dinner until 10:00 pm Monday-Saturday.
I would’ve gone with neighborhodical (like methodical), but whatever.
Great list. Even though they don’t stay open as late, I’d pick Izayoi over Haru Ulala.
I wish Spring Street Smokehouse stayed open later.
Thank you for this list! My boyfriend and I are total night owls. This list will definitely come in handy!
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
Great list Rich! Thanks for refreshing my memory.
Oh yeah- Liliya’s China Bistro, in Higgins building, is open late most nights (kind of follows The Edison’s schedule as they get the late-night bar crowd).
This should be nominated for most useful blog post of 2008. Thank you!
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
FYI, LA Pizza Company on Figueroa in Chinatown delivers late on the weekends.
The Pantry. I remember when that was it for food (and food is a term I use loosely at the pantry, grease in the shape of food would be better,) but I still love it. I just drink the coffee though. I think the thing that is amazing is that the Tavern is right next door and is delicious (I’m a vegetarian, but the vegetables are especially good the sauteed spinach, so freakin’ good and the salads just tell them to not put bacon in it) at 3 am I understand at 12pm on a Sunday I am not understanding the line at The Pantry when the Tavern is right next door.
FYI, most of the restaurants at LA LIVE will be open late, some till 2am.
awesome list! now i know what i could be doing with my insomnia.
Excellent list - looks like I have lots of options for sobering up or late-night munchies commute back from the Westside.
You left out a couple of places. In Little Tokyo, Suehiro is open till 2:00am serving everyday Japanese cuisine - probably the closest thing to a Japanese Coffee Shop or should I say Tea Shop. Also, Shubicho on Beverly near Virgil is open till 12:00am six nights a week for incredible sushi or yes, cheese and wine.
Now if they start the metro running ‘til 2am I can really stay out late for drinks and then some delicious food afterward, before heading back to K-town!
Rich - we may have to make a night of this sometime :)
i know of a couple little “boutique bistros” in the South Park area that didn’t make the list:
Denny’s
IHOP
Subway
Open 24 hours, affordable, and absolutely DELICIOUS
there is at least one other ye olde taco house…i think it’s near the chapman, on 8th maybe?
great often-overlooked little pop and pop run corner store that is open 24 hrs:
7 Eleven.
corner of 7th and Olive.
great list
Bless you!
Cicada Restaurant in the Oviatt Building…
I’ve haven’t eaten there late at night but their website shows they’ll take reservations up to 11:30 pm.
617 S. Olive…File “neighborhoodically” under Bunker Hill/Financial District or Historic Core/Broadway?
Q: does any of the 41 resto’s offer anything… “affordable”? I’ve been to a “few” in the list and the only thing CHEAP is the al pastor taco stand on 7th and the various bacon-wrapped dogs by LA Live. You can’t eat that EVERYDAY. seriously thinking about moving DT but the thought of losing SGV cheap eats scares me
Tony: I count nine extremely affordable options: Blossom, Lost Souls, Colori Kitchen, May Flower Seafood, Daikokuya, Orochon, Kouraku, Tacos Mexico and Ye Olde Taco House #1…
And keep in mind, these are only the affordable places that are open late. As mdogg points out, IHOP, Denny’s and Subway are open late/24 hours as well.
It’s all subjective, of course, and ranges from Tacos Mexico’s $1.25 tacos to the Ramen Row stand-bys to a pasta dinner at Colori.
Though it’s easy to get lost in all the new expensive places (and blow your budget accordingly), Downtown still has a lot of affordable and mid-range options.
Cool list, definitely isn’t a complete list though…
siptea is open until 10p on friday and saturday nights, and also open until 10p on artwalk nights.
siptea.biz =)
If you’re talking about SO LATE that it’s early, Starbucks at 7th and Fig opens at 4:30 a.m. Have a muffin and a latte to nurse your hangover.
love this. thanks!
Please make a similar list of downtown restaurants that deliver!!!
Paul: We do have a list of delivery options in Downtown. http://www.angelenic.com/737/restaurants-that-deliver-in-downtown-los-angeles/
As long as we’re asking for more lists- how about an updated list of Saturday/Sunday brunch lists? I live for some good eggs (and maybe a spicy bloody mary or bottomless mimosa) on the weekends…
^ Oh, believe me, that’s next up. Stephen’s been working on that one. We’ve got some great additions.
Added Casey’s Irish Bar & Grille to the list; kitchen open till 11:00 M-W, midnight Th-Sat.
Wow- thanks so much for this list. I’m sticking it on my fridge.
this is a great list to have! Bookmarked it on my phone just in case I find myself staggering, er… wandering around. Although I have to say one major problem with DTLA is that “after 10pm” is considered “late night.” Where I’m from, 11pm or 12am is the norm on weekends! DTLA also needs some 3, 4, and/or 5am bars. Anyway, I’m glad that some developments like LA Live are making nightlife the norm for DTLA. As much as I don’t necessarily like the concept of “mall nightlife,” hopefully it will encourage a new lifestyle for Downtowners. I should also note that in the short 3 years I’ve lived here, I’ve already noticed big improvements in DTLA traffic on weekend nights. Keep it up, LA - DTLA has so much potential!
Sadly, time to take Tranquility Base off this list. Any other changes?
Great List. Definitely a great guide for those late night hunger pangs.
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