We’ve all been there. You’re leaving a late-night show or wrapping up a night on the town, and the midnight munchies hit. But it seems like the lights are off and the grills are cold at all your favorite restaurants.
Well, that’s not quite true — because there are definitely joints that cater to nighttime eaters with late-night meals of everything from pizza to burgers to falafel. Save this list for the next time you’ve got an after-hours craving.
Eclectic eats
929 Kitchen | Open until 12 a.m. Friday-Saturday
This spot offers a fusion of Korean flavors in the heart of Columbia, with dishes like bulgogi bowls and kimchi fries.
Beezers | Open until 12 a.m.
It’s not open as late as it once was, but the sub shop located across from USC’s horseshoe has been serving late-night subs and Beezer freezes since 1998.
Bourbon | Tuesday-Thurday to 11 p.m. + Friday and Saturday to 12 a.m.
Located across from the State House, this restaurant offers over 600 bourbon options and Cajun-Creole cuisine.
The Dragon Room | Tuesday-Thursday until 12 a.m. + Friday and Saturday 2 a.m.
A stylish lounge renowned for its creative cocktails, this Vista spot provides a cool space for late-night gatherings, accompanied by shareable dishes to keep you fueled.
Insomnia Cookies | Open until 3 a.m.
In addition to the monster cookies, Insomnia serves cupcakes and ice cream to conquer your late-night sweet tooth.
Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe | Open until 1 a.m. on Friday + Saturday
From cake slices to milkshakes, Kaminsky’s is the go-to spot for indulging in sweets well into the night.
Prohibition | Food until 11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Dip into this downtown spot for an after-hours burger, street corn fries, and a cocktail.
Publico | Five Points open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and BullStreet open until 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday
When that late craving for a taco and marg hits, Publico has you covered.
Robinson Room | Wednesday + Thursday to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday to 1 a.m.
The cocktails are as creative as the desserts, with a variety of cheesecakes available at this downtown location, making it perfect for a quiet nightcap.
Sammi’s Deli | Open til 1 a.m. except Saturday to 12 a.m.
Carry it out or have it delivered when you need a hot meal late, like a Philly, chicken tenders, or burger with fries.
Tio’s Mexican Cafe | Open until 11:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday | Located across from the Historic Horseshoe at USC, is a great “chips on the table” spot to conquer that hunger with the help of some queso.
Grab a slice
Eddie’s Calzones | Open until 4 a.m.
Located in Five Points, Eddie’s is the go-to spot for a calzone after you’ve been out at the bars or are just getting off work.
Village Idiot Five Points | Five Points location open until 12 a.m.
Squeeze into a booth for a late-night slice at this longtime Five Points favorite.
Bar food
Art Bar | Kitchen open until 12 a.m. Monday-Thursday + 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Settle in amongst the robots to chow down on everything from burgers to chicken tenders and wings.
Bar None | Open until 4 a.m.
A favorite among the service industry and a Five Points staple, this is a great spot to share cheese fries with friends and fill up with the Five Points Special.
Henry’s Bar and Grill | Open until 2 a.m.
The burgers are always great, but City Editor David’s go-to is the club sandwich with fries.
Home Team BBQ | Open until 12 p.m. with late menu
A popular spot for BBQ lovers, Home Team offers Southern classics like pulled pork and smoked wings that satisfy late-night cravings.
Goat’s | Open until 12 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Sometimes that craving for lobster mac and cheese hits later in the evening. Good thing Goat’s has you covered.
The Granby Grill | Tuesday-Saturday until 12 a.m.
The popular burger spot is now reopened and slinging some of the best cheeseburgers, onion rings, and hand-cut fries from the window of Lucky’s in Five Points.
The Grand on Main | Open until 12 a.m. on the weekends
A Main Street destination with a vintage bowling alley, self-serve taproom, and American classics, perfect for a stylish late-night hang.
Jack Brown’s Burgers | Open until 2 a.m.
The Five Points burger joint serves up its signature burgers late into the night.
Nightcaps | Open until 2 a.m.
If you’re not ordering the cheese sticks, then what are you doing?
Salty Nut Cafe | Open until 11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Located near USC, Salty Nut serves classic American fare in a relaxed bar setting, a local favorite among college students. Feel free to throw those peanut shells on the ground.
Transmission Arcade | Open until 12 a.m. Sunday-Tuesday + 2 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday
Named Columbia’s best late-night spot by Free Times readers, the downtown arcade is a great spot to bring a group of friends for a late dinner or pick it up to-go.
The Cock N’ Bull | Open until 11 p.m. Friday + Saturday
The Rosewood neighborhood haunt is a perfect spot to grab a late pint and a basket of fish and chips.
