It's 3am and I'm Hungry: 24-Hour Eateries In Los Angeles

Late-night hipster hangout, thy name is Fred 62. Besides being home to EXCELLENT people watching, this retro-inspired spot serves some pretty good food. The menu is diner-inspired, but many of the dishes have a modern twist: french toast covered in corn flakes, “apple punk tarts” (a twist on traditional apple pie), and meatloaf spiked with cumin ketchup. And with random menu additions like udon, soba, mac & cheese balls, and frittatas, Fred’s has everything you could possible imagine eating at 2am.

If you’re still sad you didn’t get that phone number, a trip to Canter’s might be a good idea. This 24-hour deli is always packed with after-hours hipsters who aren’t ready to call it a night at 2am. Thanks to the neighboring Kibitz Room, the deli is often frequented by punk rockers (if that floats your boat), but there’s also overflow from neighboring bar The Dime as well as nearby concert venue the El Rey. If you’re looking for something on the greasier, fattier side to soak up those cocktails, you won’t be hard pressed to find something here. And if you’re still adhering to that old mantra “thou shalt not eat after 6pm,” there’s always soup.

Yes, it’s a Mel’s, but since it’s on the Sunset strip, and smack dab in the middle of West Hollywood, it’s a good place to reconvene with your party people for some eggs and turkey hash (the best!).

I went here a LONG time ago after a friend’s birthday at Zanzibar. And I have to say I don’t remember this place being anything special, but can you really complain at 1am? Not really, no. You’re better off going to Swinger’s on Lincoln, but if you end up at Izzy’s it won’t be the end of the world. Plus, doesn’t everything taste really good when you’re drunk, anyway?

DISCLAIMER: Swingers is not open 24-hours, but it is open from 6:30am-4am, and since you should be sleeping by 5am anyway, it is on this list. If you’re looking for something on the healthier side (or you’re feeling guilty for downing two calorie-laden margaritas at nearby El Cholo), Swingers is a fine choice. You can get a Middle-Eastern platter, laden with veggies and hummus, a tofu scramble, or tofu stir-fry with brown rice. But don’t worry, they have “normal people” food as well like steak and eggs, French toast, BLTs, and brownie sundaes.

Fun fact: The Original Pantry is now owned by former LA mayor Richard Riordan! But back to business (i.e. the food.) This charming diner has been around since the 1920’s, so they know how to serve up a good meal (and a good cup of joe). OPC serves typical American diner food, which also happens to be perfect post-drinking food. You can fill up on eggs, bacon, hash browns, hotcakes, sausage, and steak—and that’s only a few of the breakfast options! There’s also lunch and dessert, but this place is all about the breakfast.

If you’re the type of person who has high standards when it comes to food (even when you’re drunk), then a trip to PDC is in order when you get the munchies in the early hours of the morning. Filet mignon, creamed corn, ribeye, creme brule, and spinach salad are just some of the offerings. The atmosphere is old, slightly stuffy, and expensive, but if you’re the type of person who would rather go to Lawry’s than the Apple Pan, then this is your joint.

A 24-hour diner in Silverlake with mediocre food, you’ll probably be disappointed with your omelette, but at least you won’t be disappointed with the hipster watching.

This isn’t the BEST destination for a midnight snack, but if it’s all that’s within eyesight and you’re dying of hunger, then you might as well. Just be forewarned this place is overpriced and not terribly good.