The Spoon Choice Awards celebrate eateries in college towns for providing the most delicious food and inviting environments to students in the area. All of the winners are chosen by college students at universities around the country.
After enjoying a night out on the town at nearby dance clubs, frat parties, and perhaps even some of these Spoon Choice award-winning college bars, it's more than likely that the greasy food cravings are about to kick in. After all, what nightcap is complete without a fully loaded nacho plate? Even if you’re not spending your weekend nights out until the wee hours of the morning, sometimes you just need a pick-me-up while studying a little later than your planner had scheduled. These late-night restaurants and eateries hit the spot when the majority of the places in town have closed their doors.
From fried chicken tenders served with all the dips to cheesy fries loaded with bacon bits and sour cream to giant pepperoni pizza slices and ice cream cookie sandwiches, there’s no shortage of late-night food treats college students can get their hands on after the clock strikes midnight. College students from across the country shared their favorite fast-casual diners, pizza shops, and even creperies that serve up the goods for some late-night treats. Whether you’re going to school on the East Coast and want to enjoy a hot Philly cheesesteak under the moon or you’re studying in the South and craving breakfast for a late-night snack, these spots need to be added to your foodie bucket list.
Click on the map above to check out all the winners.
Planet Pizza, Fairfield, CT
Planet Pizza will always be a go-to spot for people seeking a bit more adventure when it comes to toppings. At the end of a long day, order the Philly cheesesteak pizza, the white clam pizza, or the chicken marsala pizza.
Nominated by Fairfield University
Double Chin, Boston, MA
Begin or end your night with a spot of boba and milk tea from Double Chin. Founded by the Chin sisters, this modern Asian restaurant serves up succulent bites including lobster rangoon, kimchi fried rice, and salt 'n' pepper calamari.
Nominated by Boston University
Insomnia Cookies, Boston, MA
Who knew late-night cookies would become so vital to the college lifestyle? From classic chocolate chunk cookies to loaded brownies served with ice cream, this sweets delivery service is a godsend for the students at Boston University and college kids across the nation.
Nominated by Boston University
Wings Over Boston, Boston, MA
This northeastern and midwestern wing restaurant offers perfect portions for sharing with friends before a night at the club. The honey mustard sauce is an absolute hit every time, especially when paired with Wings Over's waffle fries.
Nominated by Emerson College
Rosa Pizza, Ewing, NJ
In need of a giant pizza, heaping plate of pasta, or a melty meatball sub after 9 p.m.? Rosa Pizza in Ewing, NJ has you covered until 3 a.m. for all of your Italian food needs.
Nominated by The College of New Jersey
Krispy Pizza, New Brunswick, NJ
Krispy Pizza is a New York and New Jersey staple and is widely known for its super saucy Trio, a pizza topped with cheese, marinara, tomato sauce, and pesto. This will make your late-night decision easy...just grab a taste of everything!
Nominated by Rutgers University-New Brunswick
An Beal Bocht, Bronx, NY
You don't have to wait until St. Patrick's Day to seek out authentic Irish eats. An Beal Bocht serves up shepard's pie, bangers and mash, and much more. Sometimes your late night cravings include the heartiest stew the Big Apple has to offer in an authentic-feeling pub.
Nominated by Manhattan College
Jasper's Deli, Bronx, NY
The options at Jasper's Deli in the Bronx are endless. From cold wraps and made-to-order breakfast sandwiches to signature grilled cheeses and burgers, you'll find a delicious protein-packed meal to keep you full all night long.
Nominated by Manhattan College
Pizza Phi, Lewisburg, PA
From pizza and subs to French fries and deep-fried apps, Pizza Phi has a crave-worthy late-night treat for you. Honestly, you may just want to stop in for the desserts such as the cannoli with homemade filling.
Nominated by Bucknell University
Ocha Thai Noodle Restaurant, Pittsburgh, PA
You know what hits the spot every time? Dumplings! Ocha Thai Noodle's menu offers myriad appetizers and, of course, its namesake noodle soup dishes. Soup is a late-night craving food, no question about it!
Nominated by University of Pittsburgh
DP Dough, Champaign, IL
This chain is a staple on lots of college campuses, and for good reason. Its huge calzones are fuel for a late-night study sesh all the way to a pre-game necessity. Don't forget to order a side of tots, too.
Nominated by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Hello Thai, Chicago, IL
From Pad See Ew to spicy basil fried rice, Hello Thai's food is life-giving to the students at Loyola University Chicago. This small, family-owned eatery is just the place to find friendly faces and eat fantastic food all night long.
Nominated by Loyola University Chicago
Evanston Chicken Shack, Evanston, IL
Hot and fresh fried chicken paired with steaming, salty fries is always the move. Whether you're recovering from beer pong, need a stoner meal, or simply have to study all night, you can't go wrong with some tasty tenders.
Nominated by Northwestern University
The Rolling Stonebaker, Valparaiso, IN
Even Food Network Magazine agrees, The Rolling Stonebaker makes the best pizza in Indiana. From a classic pepperoni pie to an elegant shrimp scampi-inspired pizza, it may be a challenge to pick just one set of toppings to order.
Nominated by Valparaiso University
Rusty Taco, Lawrence, KS
Don't knock it until you try it, because the cauliflower taco absolutely slaps after a round of shots. Of course, the fried chicken taco or the brisket, egg, and cheese taco will definitely satisfy any late-night craving.
Nominated by The University of Kansas
The Pizza House of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI
The Pizza House of Ann Arbor dishes out hot and ready slices and snacks until 4 a.m. After you head home, you can wake up in a mere six hours to head back to Pizza House for breakfast.
Nominated by University of Michigan
Capo's Cheesesteak Hoagies and Grill, East Lansing, MI
Capo's is open all weekend through 2:30 a.m. to be your partying pal. Order a hoagie, smash burger, basket of cheese fries, and more for the ultimate nightcap. Pst — don't skip the funnel cake fries!
Nominated by Michigan State University
Sicilia Fine Italian Specialties, Columbus, OH
It's the best slice in town and is available until 3 a.m. This cheesy, greasy pizza tastes even better when you're a bit tipsy and you know that your money is supporting a small business.
Nominated by The Ohio State University
Raising Cane's, Madison, WI
Raising Cane's should be a campus necessity for its Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers. Nothing tastes better with High Noons than a Caniac Combo with extra Cane's sauce.
Nominated by University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ta'Carbon Mexican Grill, Phoenix, AZ
This small family business shares the finest authentic Mexican cuisine adored by Grand Canyon University students. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more will sit well with all of those White Claws you had earlier.
Nominated by Grand Canyon University
Filiberto's, Tucson, AZ
Filberto's is a fast-casual favorite with restaurants located in Southern California, New Mexico, and Arizona. After a night out, University of Arizona students can turn out the rest of the night with carne asada burritos, chicken tostadas, and adobada bowls.
Nominated by University of Arizona
Flaco's Cuban Bakery, Gainesville, FL
Cuban sandwiches are the highlight of Flaco's, making students and Gainesville natives return time and time again. Of course, you could never go wrong with some late-night nachos, burritos, tacos, and arepas from the establishment.
Nominated by University of Florida
Wagaya, Atlanta, GA
Late-night sushi and ramen is the perfect meal for catching up with friends after a long week of design classes. After enjoying some sake, you can head downstairs to Wagaya's grocery store, where you'll find Japanese candies, snacks, and drinks.
Nominated by Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta
Whataburger, Kennesaw, GA
This regional burger chain is a Kennesaw State late-night classic. Greasy burgers, salty fries, and malted milkshakes are served at a fabulous price on a 24/7 basis.
Nominated by Kennesaw State University
Goodfellas Pizzeria, Covington, KY
You don't have to be a fan of the famous 1990 crime drama to enjoy Goodfellas' pizza. Be sure to order some authentic bourbon with your meatballs and specialty "Wiseguy" and "The Boss" pizza pies.
Nominated by Northern Kentucky University
The Big Cheezy, Baton Rouge, LA
If you're out at the Baton Rouge bars near Louisiana State, it's likely you'll spot The Big Cheezy. Lactose-intolerant people, beware, as this is a haven for all things cheese, including, but not limited to, macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese.
Nominated by Louisiana State University
Crêpes a la Carte, New Orleans, LA
NOLA knows how to party, and they know how to do late-night food, too. This creperie is open until midnight or later, offering 50 kinds of flavors, featuring everything from Nutella filling to salmon Benedict.
Nominated by Tulane University
Roppolo's Pizzeria, Austin, TX
You can feel like a New Yorker even while in Austin. Grab a piece of cheese pizza or try the slice of the day. You can even pick up a calzone if you need a portable snack while walking the nightlife strip.
Nominated by The University of Texas at Austin
Fuego Tortilla Grill, College Station, TX
If you're a Texas A&M student craving tacos, you're definitely already making your way toward Fuego Tortilla Grill. There's no shortage of protein and filling options. From chicken and beef to breakfast meats and seafood, your tortilla will be loaded up with all the fixings.
Nominated by Texas A&M University
Ol' South Pancake House, Fort Worth, TX
The party never has to end because Ol' South Pancake House in Fort Worth is open 24/7. Pancakes abound, of course, with silver dollar pancakes, Dutch babies, classic buttermilk short stacks, and more. You can even get fancy with pork chops and eggs, omelets, biscuits and gravy, and beyond.
Nominated by Texas Christian University
bb.q Chicken, Richardson, TX
This restaurant's happy hour goes from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., which prices fries at $3 and Soju bottles at just $10. Of course, UT of Dallas students can't get enough of bb.q's Korean fried chicken with sauces such as soy garlic and spicy galbi.
Nominated by The University of Texas at Dallas
Panda Express, Richmond, VA
Who could say no to orange chicken after a long day of classes? Whether you need a late-night meal post-party or after studying, there's something magical about eating chicken egg rolls in the moonlight.
Nominated by Virginia Commonwealth University
Top Dog, Berkeley, CA
If you love buns and wieners, Top Dog should be your top restaurant. Choose from beef frankfurters, chicken dogs, kielbasa, and more top-notch sausages.
Nominated by University of California, Berkeley
IV Deli Mart, Isla Vista, CA
Craving wings after midnight, look no further than IV Deli Mart. With sides including curly fries, asada fries, and mac and cheese, you'll get all the salt you could ever want for a weekend night.
Nominated by University of California, Santa Barbara
South Beach Bar & Grille, San Diego, CA
Consider this a one-stop shop for nighttime fun. Grab a fruity cocktail, mahi mahi tacos, and coconut shrimp that fits a college budget and arrives at your table in good time.
Nominated by San Diego State University
Toyose, San Francisco, CA
Korean cuisine is the ultimate comfort food, TBH. With dishes like tteokbokki, chicken katsu, and tempura udon, you may never go back to a typical late-night slice.
Nominated by San Francisco State University
Fat Shack, Eugene, OR
Fat Shack's slogan is "Late Night Done Right," and it makes total sense as to why. Deep-fried Twinkies and Oreos, Reese's milkshakes, and mac 'n' cheese sandwiches really turn a good night into a great night.
Nominated by University of Oregon
Lucky Slice Pizza, Ogden, UT
Cheap and delicious pizza by the slice? What else could you ask for? While cheese, pepperoni, meat, and margherita flavors are available daily, the restaurant always offers new toppings based on the day of the week from chicken Alfredo to Hawaiian.
Nominated by Weber State University
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Redmond, WA
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse may be known for its varied bar selections, but it's even more famous for its desserts. After a long night, grabbing a "Pizookie" is sure to hit the spot, and on Tuesdays, these big cookies served with ice cream are just $4.
Nominated by Northwest University
Aladdin Gyro-Cery, Seattle, WA
Late-night Mediterranean food from Aladdin Gyro-Cery is a must for University of Washington students up past their weeknight bedtime. Fill your weekend party with some creamy hummus, crispy falafel, and, of course, succulent gyro.
Nominated by University of Washington
Click here for more from the Spoon Choice Awards.
Header photos courtesy of Hello Thai by Justine Bursoni, Wings Over Boston by Wings Over Inc, Crepes a la Cart by Kevin Merlin.