As a college student in DC, I’m all about the late-night eats. I’m pretty much convinced that a taco at 3 am tastes way better than a taco at 7 pm. I think it has something to do with the fact that you’re not supposed to eat during that time. I just like feeling like a rebel, you know, living on the edge.
Nothing is better than a restaurant that’s open 24 hours a day to satisfy all my most-needed cravings. If you find yourself in the DC area and you’re desperately craving pancakes when you should be sleeping, I’ve got you covered with the best 24 hour restaurants DC has to offer.
1. Surfside Taco Stand
Right by Dupont Circle, Surfside never ceases to amaze by being centrally located and open 24/7. Plus, they have some of the best tacos in DC. My personal favorite are the grilled fish tacos, but I’m also a sucker for whatever special they have going on that day.
2. The Diner
With an extensive menu serving food all day and night, The Diner is certainly the best place to go in DC if you’re looking to satisfy all your cravings late night. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner at any time – try out the fluffy scrambled eggs.
3. Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe
A low-key bookstore in the heart of Dupont with a cafe that serves delicious food, Kramerbooks & Afterwards is also open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays, with live music to boot.
4. Ye Chon
Although technically not located in DC, this Korean restaurant is a short Uber away to Annandale. Honestly, I can’t think of anything better than eating bibimbap at 2 am. I like mine the classic way.
5. Epicurean & Company
This one might be solely for Georgetown University students, but nevertheless it is a gem. Open 24 hours during the weekends and late-night during the weekdays, Epicurean & Company (more commonly known to college students as “Epi”) serves the perfect late-night food, especially when you’ve had one too many to drink. Get the quesadilla.
6. Osman & Joe’s Steak and Egg Kitchen
This place serves straight-up soul food. I’m talking more than just steak and eggs – candy pancakes, funnel cake fries, waffles, biscuits and gravy – and at any time throughout the day.
7. IHOP
I don’t think I need to explain this one, but let’s just end it here: pancakes. Get them.
8. McDonald’s
I guess this one is kind of a given, but it’s going on this list anyway. Go ahead, buy a McFlurry and dip an order of large fries in it (it’s very possible that I’ve done this before, after a 1975 concert in the middle of Maryland).
9. Wiseguy NY Pizza
Okay, so this one isn’t open 24 hours, but it is open until 5 AM, which is effectively the same thing (seriously, what’s the line between really late at night and really early in the morning?). Plus they serve really good pizza. What more could you ask for?
Late-night (or extremely early morning) cravings have never been easier to get in DC with this list under your belt. All I know is this weekend, I’m headed to get tacos at 4 am.