The best late-night food in Boston

Head to Chinatown for Peach Farm’s fresh seafood and authentic Chinese fare, served nightly until midnight. The massive menu means there’s a lot to choose from, perfect for boisterous post-midnight crowds. Peach Farm is bustling at all hours, and perhaps most notably it’s popular with chefs and industry workers who stop by after their shifts.

Family-owned since 1932, this North End institution cranks out baked goods and Italian favorites 24 hours a day. Locals pop in to choose from a wide range of breads (including seasonal varieties such as Easter bread), pastries, cookies, tarts, cakes, and pies. For something more substantial, try fresh-baked calzones, subs, or Sicilian pizza.

Since 1947, South Street Diner has welcomed hungry patrons at all hours. Open 24/7, it’s a prime spot for party people wrapping up a night out, insomniacs looking for a snack and some company, or commuters heading to or from South Station. The Diner Special (three eggs, two pancakes or French toast, home fries, toast, choice of bacon, corn beef hash, ham or sausage) is always a winner, as are burgers, shakes, and breakfast standards. Beer and wine is served nightly until 1am.

This hip izakaya in the mod Verb Hotel is the spot for classic and off-the-wall Japanese creations, plus inventive cocktails and potent punch bowls. For the late-night crowd, favorites like the bacon-wrapped, jalapeno-stuffed Dogzilla are on the menu, plus karaage fried chicken, maki rolls, chicken ramen, a wagyu short rib burger, and more are available until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays (10pm otherwise).

This modern neighborhood tavern behind Fenway has plenty of fresh beer on tap, craft cocktails, notable wine selections, and more than 200 whiskeys. Good thing there's a menu of modern pub fare—steak frites, sirloin burger, roast chicken, charcuterie—available until 1am Monday through Friday, 2am on Saturday, and 10 pm on Sunday. Even the standout oyster and raw bar is open for late-night slurping.

This no-frills joint in South Boston has been a fixture for more than 40 years. Craving a doughnut at 3am? You’ll find a wide variety of fresh ones at any hour. Even the drive-thru is 24 hours. Also on the menu: pizza, burgers, and gut-busting breakfast sandwiches are offered from 9am-10pm on weekdays and 9am-4pm on Saturdays.

The mini empire that is Clover serves healthful vegan and vegetarian fare. The Central Square location, Clover HFI, caters to late-night, munchies-seeking crowds with a late-night menu, served until 3am Wednesday through Saturday, with most of Clover’s standard faves like the chickpea fritter, Impossible Burger meatball sandwich, and hearty vegetable stew. They also just release two meal boxes inspired by the flavors of New England summers on the Cape.

This homegrown burger joint is a hit any time for a quick, tasty burger and fries. Grab a burger or dog until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights at the three of the locations - Fenway, Back Bay, Central and Harvard Squares (North Station is only open until 9pm).

Opened in 2022, this new addition to Boston’s Irish fare showcases the kitchen handwork of chef Aidan Mc Gee of Ireland’s county Donegal. He sends out a traditional Irish menu that boasts dishes including beef and Guinness pie, Scotch eggs and hearty stews, plus Mc Gee’s famous weekly Sunday roasts. The festive sounds of live Irish music fill the pub and the lounge areas weekly, and a 2am closing time is perfect for keeping your Irish (or otherwise) eyes smiling.

This Harvard Square stalwart has remained steadfastly old school as the surrounding area becomes more chic. Cheap drinks bring crowds, as does the famous, wallet-friendly double cheeseburger. The kitchen is open until midnight every night except Sunday (when it closes at 10pm), so you can wrap up your night with a classic burger and waffle fries.

Swigs, sips and snacks are on the agenda until 2am at the newly opened Wig Shop, an intimate cocktail lounge by the jm Curley team in Downtown Crossing. Don’t wig out if you can’t find the sneaky place. It’s located in the former spot of an actual wig shop, with the faux bobs and weaves still on display among the neon signage. The cocktail menu is impressive and perfect for helping you let your hair down. The snacks are small but mighty – think caviar with potato chips, fried deviled eggs and lobster pancakes.

Martha’s Vineyard institution recently opened a late-night pop-up in partnership with Loretta’s Last Call. Your after-hours munchies don’t stand a chance against these sweet treats being sent out of a space adjacent to Lansdowne Street restaurant from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. nightly. While they’re known for giant apple fritter donuts, they also have all the traditionals (chocolate frosted, party sprinkles, Boston cream, and maple bacon, to name a few).