For many people, long after the clubs, bars, and sports arenas let out, Downtown LA becomes a ghost town. But even ghosts get hungry, and now that our beloved Original Pantry Café is out of commission, we thought we’d take the time to let people know where they can grab a bite in the wee hours of the morning. Here’s a list of 10 Great Places for Late Night Eats in Downtown Los Angeles.
Through the Fire at Danny’s Tacos
Photo courtesy Danny’s Tacos
Closing at 2am on week nights and 3am on the weekend, all anyone needs to know about Danny’s Tacos is that they’re open on at least four separate corners along 7th Street in Downtown Los Angeles when and where we need them the most; in the late-night hours of the city.
Although they offer almost every taco variety known to man, they set themselves apart with handmade tortillas, and 100 percent late-night community approval rating. Recently plagued by a series of arsons, they’ve been through the fire and continue to have our backs, providing inexpensive meals with an authentic Mexican taste that’s priceless.
They’re able to pick up and leave at a moment’s notice but they’ve become as much of a downtown staple as any brick and mortar choice in the city.
DTWeekly Secret Sauce: Danny’s Tacos now delivers!
The Historic Tastes of LA Cafe
Photo courtesy LA Cafe
Okay, party people! Since 2001, LA Cafe has been holding down Spring Street Strip in the Historic Core. Bars shutting their doors at 1:30 am is the perfect opportunity for a hop, skip, and a jump to the LA Cafe. Open 24 hours for pickup, delivery, or curbside eats, LA Cafe is a classic DTLA late-night go-to.
Too smashed? Never! LA Cafe’s Spicy Double Smash Burger is like an emergency reset button and the tastiest haze ever experienced.
Is that the sun coming up? Crispy Belgium Waffles with strawberries, whipped cream, and powdered sugar are like a ray of sunshine. Doesn’t matter if it’s 3 a.m. or 3 p.m.; from dusk til’ dawn, LA Cafe is slinging deliciousness.
DTWeekly Secret Sauce: Their Oreo Cookie Milkshakes are sure to keep the night rolling.
From Flame to Fame at Tacos Mexico
Photo courtesy Tacos Mexico
Tacos Mexico’s been slinging real-deal Mexican flavors across SoCal and beyond for 45 years. A long time away from his original taco truck, Antonio Moreno’s vision blew up with over 100 locations from OC to San Fernando Valley.
The downtown Tacos Mexico is located just south of 9th on the Broadway Corridor. The location is tight, busy, and stays a bit messy due to the chaos of a never-ending line of hungry late-night fans from the Orpheum to the United Artist Theaters.
Don’t hate the player, hate the game. Open 24/7, Tacos Mexico caters to the stars on Broadway from the north and south; it’s the perfect spot to keep the late-night DTLA party theatrics going.
Carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, and pollo—all seasoned by hand, marinated, and cooked on the spot—Tacos Mexico never fails to soak up the after-hours fun.
DTWeekly Secret Sauce: Tacos aren’t the only late-night treasures fresh from the grill. Taco Mexico throws down burritos, sopes, gorditas, tortas, and nachos, packed and stacked with choice of meats, rice, and frijoles.
Viewers and Chewers at Anwar’s Kitchen
Photo courtesy Anwar’s Kitchen
Anwar Jibawi, the Chicago-born Palestinian-American, is a comedic force known for his hilarious online skits filmed right here in Downtown Los Angeles. With the help of his family, friends, some legendary comedians, and more than a few celebrity sponsors, he’s amassed over 30 million subscribers and over 7 billion views since 2013.
When he’s not busy trying to charm women six-feet taller than him or attempting to out-boot a ranchero, Anwar’s bringing real-world flavor to Anwar’s Kitchen in the Fashion District.
The menu boasts 100% Halal-certified dishes, from flavorful shawarma and kabobs to fluffy pita and signature sauces, all made from scratch using fresh, local ingredients and imported spices.
Located just east of Los Angeles on 8th, Anwar’s Kitchen offers a vibrant and authentic Middle Eastern dining experience, showcasing recipes passed down through generations, primarily from his beautiful mother, Amal Jibawi.
And let’s be real, Amal won’t hesitate to hilariously slap her son cross-eyed if he dares to mess up just one of her recipes (for another 7 million views).
DTWeekly Secret Sauce: Anwar’s Kitchen is open until 4 AM, long after Amal and her flying slipper have called it a night.
Smacking Down at Taco Bell Cantina
Photo courtesy Taco Bell
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Taco Bell Cantina on 7th and Flower! Where, when the clock strikes 12, the cravings keep on raging!
In this corner, Chalupa Supreme, a veteran of countless late-night brawls, loaded with sour cream, ready to put things in order with its tag team partner, the Twisted Frozen Margarita, a swirling vortex of lime and tequila encased in an impenetrable shell of hard, twisted plastic.
In the other corner, hailing from the southwestern flavors of Orange County, The Cheesy Gordita Crunch, and tag team partner, The Doritos Locos Taco, a fiery wildcard, who seems tasty at first but is known to snap, sending unwinding blows of Diablo sauce in all directions.
And there goes the bell! It’s an all-out, no-holds-barred late-night match-up, not expected to end until 4 AM.
The crowd goes wild! As Doritos Locos charges with a boom, bop, bam! laying down the law on Chalupa Supreme, holding it up on the ropes, making its own rules, while punching Chalupa below the belt.
Disqualified.
What’s this? It looks like Twisted Frozen Margarita is about to unleash a frosty fury of crushed ice legalities on Gordita Crunch!
This may be the end of Gordita’s reputation, as Margarita’s icy tendrils grip Gordita, washing away its crunchy protection and taking a bite out of its now chilled soft underbelly. Gordita is cold.
And it’s over! The whole world waits for the judge’s final decision as this ferocious battle comes to an end with the winners and losers leaving Taco Bell Cantina in a hot mess.
DT Weekly Secret Sauce: Danny’s Tacos.
Syrup Variety: The Spice of Life at IHOP
Photo courtesy IHOP
Since 1958, the International House of Pancakes, rebranded as IHOP, has been synonymous with pancakes and pancake syrup. So many options to pour down on America’s favorite pancakes, French toast slices, and waffles, IHOP elevates its experience with the sweet taste of nostalgia.
Open 24 hours, downtown’s IHOP on 8th and Flower has become a dependable go-to for buttermilk enrichment.
IHOP will literally make anything at any time. From homemade biscuits and gravy to Eggs Benedict. Add milkshakes, coffee with caramel and whipped cream, and a heart slice of pie for an even sweeter late-night experience.
DT Weekly Secret Sauce: Which one of these is NOT placed on every table at IHOP? A) Maple B) Blueberry C) Raspberry D) Butterscotch
Don’t Sleep on Denny’s
Photo courtesy Denny’s
Originally opened in Lakewood, CA, in 1953, Denny’s has since become an All-American favorite, representing American comfort food around the globe.
With two 24-hour locations in downtown LA, one known for sustaining truckers and nearby law enforcement officers, the other known for catering to artists, partygoers, and tourists alike, located on Figueroa and 8th, just blocks north of Crypto.com Arena and LA Live.
Denny’s, where Grand Slam legends, eggs and bacon, toast and hash browns reunite with Bourbon burgers, fries, Cali Clubs, and crispy fried onion rings.
With a menu that reads more like an adventure map, Denny’s allows all to explore their kingdom of familiar options, even adding an extra coffee kick for those in need of caffeine to keep the night going.
DTWeekly Secret Sauce: Denny’s isn’t trying to be anything other than a damn good diner, providing night owls a place to be themselves, no judgment, no egg shortage, and no dress code.
Nothing to Fear at Farmer Boyz
Photo courtesy Farmer Boyz
At last count, there are nearly 100 Farmer Boys restaurants in California and Nevada. While its 7th and Alameda location might appear a bit deserted after dark, don’t let the looming presence of the industrial district or its mascot, a scarecrow, fool you.
Even under the dimmest streetlights, Farmer Boys upholds its promise of flavorful, made-to-order meals, with fresh ingredients sourced locally, so expect fresh eats when using the drive-thru in the dead of night.
They specialize in burgers, with every “burger box” filled with hot, juicy beef patties, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, double everything, plus fries and a Pepsi.
Farmers Boyz is open 24/7, serving breakfast burritos, French toast platters, and Denver omelets, making it a one-stop shop for hungry patrons any time of the day.
DTWeekly Secret Sauce: Just add fresh slices of avocado to up-taste any menu item at Farmer Boys, even the milkshakes.
Never too late for gourmet eats at Bossa Nova.
Photo courtesy Bossa Nova
Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine on Olympic in the Social District offers a vibrant and flavorful group of bites in the wee hours of the morning, open until 4am on the weekends.
Chef Francisco Freire brings over 30 years of culinary expertise to the table, with most Angelenos having their first night bites on the streets of Hollywood.
Now that Bossa Nova has expanded its reach to DTLA, patrons can enjoy everything from iconic Picanha, a succulent cut of beef grilled to perfection, to the comforting Chicken with Brazilian Cheese (Catupiry) in a creamy pink sauce. Pizzas and fettuccine pasta and their famed Brazilian bowls that mix hearty portions of proteins with vegetables and grains.
Each dish uses fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere creates a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy their last meal before heading to bed.
DTWeekly Secret Sauce: Nothing tastes better than freshly grated Parmesan at 3:30am.
Filling the Hole at El Huerto
Photo courtesy El Huerto
Expect classic tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, and more at El Huerto. This USC-adjacent Pueblo-inspired kitchen never falls short when it comes to satisfying all those Trojan post-game hunger pangs.
Modest and authentic, they know they can always count on El Huerto to bring the traditional Mexican dishes packed with authentico salsa heat!
Open 24/7, they serve a steady line patrons. No matter the hour, you can snag a quick bite.
They also provide a spacious and furnished patio for those who prefer to dine on-site, a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the meal.
DTWeekly Secret Sauce: El Huerto just north of Adam’s on Figueroa may be the only place to get a Chili Relleno Burrito at 3am.
