10 Greatest All-Night Diners
College is the last socially acceptable time in your life to stay up all night and sleep all day, which is why so many students wind up ending (or beginning) a night on the town with a stop at an all-night diner. Whether it’s a chain outpost that’s open all day or a mom-and-pop joint that stays open to catch people staggering out of last call, the late-night diner run is a staple of the college experience. The nationwide names are always great, but you might also consider taking a road trip to hit the rest. Check it out:
1. Denny’s (Nationwide)
One of the all-time classic diners, Denny’s is a global chain with more than 1,500 locations in the U.S., meaning you’re probably going to eat at one more than once during your school years. They serve all three meals around the clock, which means you can get pancakes at noon or a steak at 2 a.m. (though that’s probably a bad idea). A quintessential all-night spot.
2. IHOP (Nationwide)
The International House of Pancakes is probably mentioned in the same breath as Denny’s when people are looking for well-known late-night eateries. With close to 1,400 spots in the U.S. and Canada (and, believe it or not, Puerto Rico), IHOP is all about its pancakes and syups. Although the menu has items like burgers and sandwiches, the emphasis is on the breakfast foods, which makes it a great all-night stop for classic comfort food.
3. Canter’s Delicatessen (Los Angeles, California)
A famous deli in a city with plenty of famous places, Canter’s is located in Los Angeles’ Fairfax District, not too far from West Hollywood and the Grove shopping center. Its proximity to film and TV studios, as well as a variety of bars and clubs, makes it a prime spot to see stars as you’re chowing down on a Reuben at 1 in the morning. There’s also an attached bar called the Kibitz Room that’s open till 2 a.m. every night. One of the best delis in the city, and an ideal choice for all-night eaters.
4. Hollywood Grill (Chicago, Illinois)
Although it’s only been around since 1995, the Hollywood Grill has already become a favorite of locals looking to get their grub on after-hours. As is often the case with all-night diners, they serve breakfast around the clock, with a menu boasting “Chicago’s best” omelettes. Low prices and a relaxed atmosphere make it a solid choice for groups.
5. 59 Diner (Houston, Texas)
With a few locations in and around Houston, all open 24/7, the 59 Diner has become a classic for students and others in the fourth-largest city in the country. Offering their entire menu all day, 59 Diner also prepares meals to go, so if you’re driving home after a late night and want to eat but still get home at a somewhat reasonable hour, this is the place.
6. Cafe Coco (Nashville, Tennessee)
A rare healthy late-night alternative, Nashville’s Cafe Coco is a beloved bohemian joint with beer, coffee, and a nice spread of food available 24 hours a day. When you feel like taking a break from fried stuff, stop by Coco for a hummus platter, plate of pasta, or grilled sandwich.
7. Waffle House (Southern United States)
It’s probably not a coincidence that the bulk of this list is made up of Southern restaurants or those whose menus include traditionally Southern offerings like chicken fried steak or biscuits and gravy. There’s something about that kind of wildly unhealthy comfort food that’s appealing to everyone, especially late at night. Case in point: Waffle House, a regional chain that feels like a local shop. Don’t go looking for pancakes or French toast, though.
8. Steak ‘n Shake (Midwestern United States)
With 500 locations throughout the Midwest and South, Steak ‘n Shake is a chain version of mid-century diners that focuses on steak burgers and milkshakes. They’ve even lowered prices recently to compete with other restaurants in the same vein, making this a great choice for students looking to save a few bucks on a late-night meal.
9. Tick Tock Diner (New York City, New York)
Opened in 1948 and since drastically expanded to accomodate its success, this group of local diners is a New York favorite. Breakfast is of course served all day, as are a wide variety of sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and ethnic dishes including Mexican and Greek food. Don’t forget to order an egg cream.
10. Sesame Donuts (Portland, Oregon)
Like money and kittens, everyone loves donuts, which is why Portland’s Sesame Donuts has been drawing late-night crowds for years. Sure, they’ve got sandwiches, but when it’s the middle of the night, some sweet fried dough trumps a sandwich every time. The perfect stop after the bar or the next morning.


