Late Night Eats the Big Apple

© Gabrielle Sierra / RumBum.com

Lets face it; we all get a little hungry sometimes, especially after a late night out on the town. Those 3am cravings are hard to ignore, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing greasy pizza or fast food. But just because the sun is starting to rise doesn’t mean you have to compromise your pallate, and New York City has a plethora of tasty late night eats to hold you over until your eventually pass out time.

If You Are in: Chinatown, Head to: Wo Hop

Wo Hop is one of the few remaining Cantonese restaurants amongst the sea of Ramen, Dim Sum, and Vietnamese joints that dominate China Town. Most places in this hood close around nightfall, yet Wo Hop only begins to hit its peak hours as the sun starts rising (they don’t close their doors until 7 a.m.). The post-clubbing crowd is often rowdy and always hungry, easily dominating (or passing out over) gargantuun portions of dumplings and chicken and with oyster sauce. But be sure to brace yourself for the harsh lighting; that breakdancer you picked up may just turn out to look a bit different off of the dance floor.

If You Are in: Little Italy, Head to: La Esquina Brasserie & Tequila Bar

Sure it may be 1:30 in the morning, but that doesn't mean you have to slum it with street meat. Keep it classy and roll on over to La Esquina Brasserie, a small and greasy Mexican food joint upstairs and an elite bar/restaurant downstairs. Once inside the street level, head to the peeling "Employees Only" door, and beg/sweet talk your way past the large bouncer or/and bitchy door-woman. For some this may elicit an immediate "hell no" but for others its just the New York elitism that keeps their nights going. Once inside the cavernous downstairs area, enjoy a night-capping (or night renewing) margarita while perched next to a few models and order up some mini-tacos, guacamole, or fresh tuna and shellfish ceviche. The food is light and reasonably priced – a deal considering the company you will be keeping and the scene you will take part in.

If You Are in: The East Village, Head to: Lil' Frankie's Pizza

It's rare to find a delicious full menu-restaurant that is open until 4am, but Lil' Frankie's fits that bill. The deceivingly large space offers garden seating in the summer, a full bar and wine selection, music, and a young swank crowd. The food is cheap and easy to share, however; after trying a few bites you may feel the need to bogart the goods for yourself. Their wood oven churns out pizza, fired eggplant, roasted chicken, pizza sandwiches, and garlic bread, while the kitchen dishes large salads and steaming bowls of pasta. Sure indulging in a full meal may not be the healthiest way to end a night, but this hot spot makes it hard to resist. The exposed brick walls, low lighting, trendy staff, and wooden booths contribute to the busy yet welcoming atmosphere. Although you may run the risk of encountering a wait at 3 a.m., you can sooth your grumbling belly with a drink at the bar and a few minutes of chatting with fellow creatures of the night.

If You Are in: The West Village, Head to: Mamoun’s

Any and every good New Yorker knows to get their two dollar Falafel Sandwiches at Mamoun's. With two locations (one in the West on Macdougal Street, and the second in the East on St. Mark's Place) these little spots are packed with patrons no matter what time of day or night. Offering fresh and fast falafel, lentil soup, spinach pies, shawarma, kababs, and hommus, Mamoun’s is an easy crowd pleaser. Despite the trend of price raising and menu altering, this place sticks to its low prices and original recipes, stuffing their sandwiches with veggies and offering Turkish sides with every platter. Mamoun's stays open past all of the pizza places on the block, keeping their doorway jammed until after 5 a.m. There isn't much room for seating, but hey, by that point you'll probably want to take your food to go anyway. Besides, nothing beats a hot fresh late night snack while watching others choke down congealed pizza or stale leftovers.

If You Are in: Chelsea, Head to: The Donut Pub

Your sweet tooth can strike at any time, and the people at Donut Pub understand this uncontrollable urge. Open 24 hours a day every day, the Pub offers drunken sweet seekers the chance to fulfill their cravings and worry about the fatty regret in the morning. Founded in the early 1960s, Donut Pub's design is reminiscent of an old fashioned coffee shop or diner with its stainless steel stools, long counter, and white tiled walls. The shelves boast something for everyone, from crullers to scones to black and white cookies. The donuts are light and flaky with sugar coatings, and if you so chose you can indulge in a snack that oozes with cream, or is stuffed with jelly or fruit.

So keep your dancing shoes on and don't be bummed when the bars shout last call- there are many places to keep the party going while also getting your eat on.