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San Francisco’s storied history is rife with debauchery. From its buccaneering days through the gold rush and the ‘60’s to today’s speakeasy revival, SF’s nightlife has always had it going on. So you can be certain that your options for late night snack-age are plentiful: donuts, pizza, and more tacos than you can shake a churro at. And that’s not evening mentioning the wide variety of 24-hour diners you have churning out pancakes and burgers around the city. So if you find yourself craving some indulgently starchy sustenance at odd hours in the city by the bay, you’ll want to peruse this list and peruse it well, because we’ve put together a list of the all-around best 24-hour and late night spots in San Francisco.
Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop
Address: 1621 Polk St.
This Nob Hill institution doesn’t attempt to win over fans with funky, outlandish toppings. Instead, Bob’s does it old school, from the vintage signs hanging around the store to classic glazed donuts, crullers, and famous apple fritters. They do the dough better than pretty much anyone else in the city. In fact, their donuts have been rated among the best in the country. And the best part? The later at night you go, the fresher the donuts are.
Taqueria Can-cún
Address: 3211 Mission St.
Cancun’s original shop in the Mission has a ravenous following, which is understandable, since for only $5.50 you get a mondo burrito that also happens to be one of the best in the city. Fortunately for us, their second location in Bernal Heights on Mission Street is not only less slammed with customers, but is open 24 hours—just the way we like it. Go for the carne asada and/or veggie super burritos.
Orphan Andy's
Address: 3991 17th St.
This cozy neighborhood spot is an all-time classic greasy spoon, except here you’ll find huge colorful kites hanging from the ceiling instead of vintage Coca-Cola posters. It’s little details like that, that have made Orphan Andy’s such a neighborhood staple. Open since ’77, Orphan Andy’s serves classic diner food in the heart of the Castro. It has a rich history, too—almost every prominent activist from the area has had a meal or three here. Home fries, French toast, biscuits and gravy—everything’s good, no matter if it’s at 5 p.m. or 5 a.m.
DNA Pizza
Address: 371 11th St.
Website: dnapizza.com
Pizza. Wings. Sandwiches. Coffee. Beer. Do you really need anything else in life? DNA Pizza has all of this stuff, with plenty of veggie-friendly options, available 24/7 right in SoMa. Their pizza and sandwich names are heavy on the puns with menu items like the Bobba Feta sandwich and the Okie Dokie Artichokie pizza. Definitely also order the Garlic Potato Alfredo if they haven’t sold out of it yet.
Sparky's
Address: 242 Church St.
Website: sparkysdinersf.com
Sparky’s is the other 24-hour diner in the Castro, aside from Orphan Andy’s, that is well worth the trek from wherever you may be in the city. As bars and clubs let out for the night, this place quickly fills up, and usually stays busy well into the early morning. Their menu is ridiculously extensive but we think you don’t have to go much further than their curly fries, grilled cheese, and the infamous milkshake. Before you leave, play a song on the jukebox because they still have one and that’s awesome.
Taqueria El Farolito
Address: 2779 Mission St.
Website: elfarolitoinc.com
So maybe El Farolito closes for a few hours in the morning. That doesn’t mean this local chain isn’t perhaps the most visited late night spot in the city. Just to give you an idea of the kind of religious following this place has: their Mission location has four and a half out of five stars on Yelp, with almost three-thousand reviews. Among the standouts of this no frills Mexican take-out joint is the carne asada and the al pastor, preferably in burrito form, accompanied by a cool Jarritos. For the adventurous, it doesn’t get better than un taco de lengua with extra salsa verde, especially after a long, beverage-saturated evening.
Cafe Mason
Address: 320 Mason St.
Website: cafemasonsf.com
If, at 4 a.m., you’re still concerned about the nutritional value of your food or whether it has farm-to-table origins, then Cafe Mason is your go-to. The vast majority of their food is made from scratch to order, with organic and local ingredients. In fact, their website proudly states that only fresh herbs are used. The pumpkin crepes and the shrimp and crab melt are good at any time, but really, their menu covers most of Western Europe, so whether you’re craving Swedish pancakes or penne a la vodka, your bases are covered. If you are looking to forgo the next-day guilt of a late night burrito binge, look no further than Cafe Mason.
Lucky Penny
Address: 2670 Geary Blvd.
Rounding out our diner category of late night noshing is the one and only Lucky Penny in Laurel Heights. With killer corned beef hash and eggs available at any hour of the day and a no-frills blue-plate ’50s vibe, Lucky Penny is one of those places that has the vague cozy vibe that will remind you of late night high school diner runs. Even better, the price is very right here, so you’ll still have plenty of cash for the rest of your night, or day.
New Sun Hong Kong Restaurant
Address: 606 Broadway St.
Website: newsunhongkong.com
Our Nightly Nosh SF list would not be complete without a hole-in-the-wall Chinese spot. New Sun Hong Kong is just that spot. Located on the edge of North Beach, Telegraph Hill, and Russian Hill, New Sun serves up all your favorite American Chinese standbys like Hot and Sour soup, won tons, and fried noodles. The ambiance leaves something to be desired, but you’re here to pick up some noodles and chow down at warp speed with zero remorse, so fret not about the brusque staff and enjoy the grease-and-salt-laden feast on the plate before you.
Lefty O'Doul's
Address: 333 Geary St.
Website: leftyodouls.biz
Named after the famous SF-born left fielder, this quirky Union Square sports bar serves American-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a strong leaning towards classic Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage. They constantly have a sports game of some sort playing on one of their twelve TVs, and the place is loaded with baseball memorabilia. Lefty’s is the perfect spot for anyone craving a turkey leg or roast beef sandwich with a side of friendly sports debating. With a cafeteria-style dining room, there’s almost never a wait to get food you want, which is always good thing in our book.