Late Night Bites in Lower East Side 🍰

It's 4am in New York, where are you eating?

Late night restaurants are crucial to New York City’s nightlife. Maybe you’ve just gotten off of work, or the bars have closed for the night and now you need some fuel before moving on to the next spot. Regardless if you’re sober or not, the following list of restaurants are my top 3 go-to’s after a long night.

Insitutions like Wo Hop, a 24 hour Chinese spot on Mott St. are essential to New York. Walk down a flight stairs into their small, always packed, no nonsense, basement level restaurant. This no frills establishment has been serving up old fashioned chop suey style food since 1938. The walls are papered with dollar bills, photographs, and the energy inside makes you feel like you’re back in old New York. Cram into a booth, order quickly, and enjoy. This place is cash only so be sure to come prepared!

Veselka, located on the corner of 9th St. and 2nd Ave, is a 24 hour Ukrainian diner that has been serving up the best food since 1954. With options for all, from perogies, to blueberry pancakes with a side of kielbasa, to the most delicious matzo ball soup. Just make sure to get there before 5am if you want the soup, they stop serving it after that! Whether you're going at 4am or 4pm, this place is always busy. The comforting food, warm lights, and buzz of conversation mixed with at least a few familiar faces gives this late night diner an irreplaceable spot in my heart.

Last but not least, self proclaimed "Best Empanadas in New York City", Empanada Mama, is another 24 hour joint with great energy and heavenly food. With over 40 different empanadas on the menu, and plenty of other options as well, fast and easy can still be incredibly delicious. Located on Allen St. just below Delancey, this New York staple is best enjoyed picked up and eaten in the car on the way home. I recommend ordering ahead because they get busy!