Finding healthy food options late at night can often feel like a challenge. The temptation to indulge in fast food or heavily processed snacks looms large when hunger strikes after dark. However, there are locations where it is possible to find healthy options that feature better ingredients than most fast food. Here's a guide to restaurants that offer late-night menus with healthier choices.
Bryant Lake Bowl: Entertainment and Nourishment
Bryant Lake Bowl provides more than just a night out; it's a complete experience where you can enjoy entertainment without compromising your health. Whether you are bowling, catching a show, or just looking for a late-night bite, you can choose from a full dinner menu or snacks like nachos and artichoke dip. Located at 810 W, this venue ensures that you can have a fulfilling night without derailing your dietary goals.
CC Club: A Historic Watering Hole with Late-Night Bites
The CC Club, with its roots dating back to 1933, has evolved from a tavern to a beloved spot for Minneapolis's music scene. Open in its current form since 1975, it serves up late-night fare including Heggies pizzas, burgers, hot dogs, and appetizers like pickle fries and cheese curds. Located at 2600 Lyndale Ave., it’s a judgment-free zone for those late-night cravings.
Flameburger: The Burger Joint That's Always There
For a late-night burger fix, Flameburger is a popular choice. Known for its satisfying burgers, it offers the Double Mega Bacon Cheese Flame, featuring two pounds of beef, four slices of bacon, and a generous amount of cheese.
Hard Times: A Haven for Vegans and Music Lovers
Hard Times is a reliable spot for those seeking vegan options and a welcoming atmosphere. Open nearly every hour of the day, every day of the year, this place is loved by U of M students and music enthusiasts alike. Their seitan sandwiches and vegan pastries are must-tries.
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Juche: Korean Specialties in St. Paul
Juche in St. Paul serves up Korean specialties, including kimchi-peanut butter veggie sandwiches. These dumplings are perfect after a long night. Located at 1124 Payne Ave., St. Paul, it's a great spot to slow down and enjoy unique flavors.
Leaning Tower: Pizza and Drinks on Lyndale
Leaning Tower has been a Lyndale staple for over 70 years, serving up slices and drinks. The Holy Trinity of Cheese pizza is a popular choice, but be cautious with the “shots” menu, which packs a punch. Located at 2324 Lyndale Ave.
Up-Down Minneapolis: Arcade Games and Scratch Kitchen Delights
Up-Down Minneapolis combines entertainment with a scratch kitchen, tap beers, and cocktails. With rows of vintage pinball machines, it's a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy late-night snacks. Located at 2021 Hennepin Ave., it offers both fun and good food.
Little T’s: Neighborhood Staple for Cocktails and Snacks
Little T’s is a neighborhood favorite for happy hour cocktails and midnight snacks. With strong drinks and a menu featuring snacks, sandwiches, and pastas, it provides an immaculate vibe for any hour. Located at 17 E.
Taqueria Los Ocampo: Authentic Mexican Flavors
Taqueria Los Ocampo offers authentic Mexican recipes that have been around for generations. Open late, they serve tacos, enchiladas, tortas, and elote.
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Mac's Industrial Sports Bar: Sports, Bar Food, and Arcade Games
Mac’s is known as one of Northeast's best spots to catch a game, offering a solid bar-food menu, pull tabs, and arcade games. With its kitchen open late, it's a great place for sports fans and casual diners alike.
Mesa Pizza: A U of M Favorite
Mesa Pizza is a U of M favorite, offering giant slices that are perfect for a late-night snack. Located at 1323 SE 4th St., Mpls., and 1440 W. Lake St., Mpls.
Zhora: Concerts, Events, and Late-Night Dining
Zhora hosts concerts, release parties, and events nearly every night, serving food until the early morning hours. With tap old fashioneds and a menu of small plates, flatbreads, and sandwiches, it's a spot where you can settle in for the long haul. Located at 509 1st Ave. N., Mpls.
Parlour: Late-Night Cocktails and Sandwiches
Parlour is perfect for a late-night cocktail, mocktail, or sandwich and fries. However, only the Minneapolis location offers late-night hours, making it a convenient spot after downtown and North Loop events. Located at 730 Washington Ave.
Star Bar: Parm Frites and Truffle Oil Grilled Cheese
Star Bar offers parm frites and a truffle oil grilled cheese, making it a great choice after a show or game downtown. Located at 618 2nd Ave. N., Mpls.
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Ox Cart Ale House: Post-Game or Post-Concert Spot
Ox Cart Ale House is a worthy choice for a post-game or post-concert meal, offering pickle fries, loaded totchos, and chicken sandwiches. Located at 127 W. 7th St., St. Paul.
The Gnome Craft Pub: Pizza and Local Sips
The Gnome Craft Pub is a classic choice for pizza, local sips, hoagies, and shared veggie plates. It's open late at most locations.
Mickey’s Dining Car: Classic American Breakfasts
Not to be confused with Mickey’s rail car diner, this spot has been serving classic American breakfasts and patty melts at all hours since 1960. It’s a great place to crowd in for hashbrowns and jumbo French toast anytime. Located at 1950 W. 7th St., St. Paul.
Hai Hai: Sake Brewpub with Asian-Inspired Dishes
Hai Hai, the first sake brewpub outside of Japan, boasts a menu of ramen, steamed buns, small plates, noodle and rice bowls, and more. Located at 2940 Lyndale Ave.
Martina: Bar Snacks and Small Plates
Martina offers a list of bar snacks and small and large plates perfect for sharing, like oysters, deviled eggs, scallops, and grilled octopus. If you need a hit of salt, go for the pickle plate. Located at 2551 Lyndale Ave.
Homegrown Gastropub: Organic and Locally Sourced
Homegrown Gastropub, which started as a popular food truck, serves up food and drinks made with locally sourced ingredients. It specializes in gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, nut-free, paleo, and earth-friendly dishes.
Additional Options
- Floridita (New York City): Open 24/7, this Cuban Dominican restaurant in Washington Heights is known for its Cuban sandwich, bistec, and rotisserie chicken.
- Neon Cactus (Allen, TX): Offers an unforgettable experience from lunch to late-night with delicious meals and a lively party scene.
- Hedary’s (Allen, TX): A Lebanese restaurant committed to using natural, fresh ingredients, with many herbs and vegetables from their organic garden.
- Taqueria Los Ocampo (St. Paul): Offers one of the latest-night deals around, serving flavorful tacos, enchiladas, tortas, and elote.
Tips for Healthier Late-Night Choices
- Opt for Whole Foods: Choose options with whole, unprocessed ingredients over fast food or heavily processed snacks.
- Consider Vegan or Vegetarian Options: These often include more vegetables and plant-based proteins, which are generally healthier.
- Watch Portion Sizes: Be mindful of how much you're eating, especially late at night when your body is preparing for rest.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body digest food and stay refreshed.
- Check Ingredients: Look for restaurants that prioritize locally sourced, organic ingredients.