Sometimes, a bowl of microwave popcorn at 3am just won't do. So where do Oaklanders go out to eat in the wee hours?
We asked residents and sorted through Yelp data to narrow down your late-night dining options. With one exception, all are greasy spoons; to keep it local, we excluded national chain restaurants.
Nation’s Giant Hamburgers (317 Broadway)
Open from 6am to 2am every day, this Nation's Giant Hamburgers location "is one of Jack London Square's key oases for the stumblers of the world," according to Yelper Misha T. Besides sloppy burgers and fries, Nation's breakfast-anytime menu is popular with the late-night crowd.
Nikko's Cafe (340 23rd Ave.)
One of the city's only 24/7/365 eateries, Nikko's Cafe is a traditional diner with booths, counter stools, and a service staff that's seen it all. "The waitress is comical because you can tell she has to deal with drunk obnoxious people her whole shift," said Benita S. on Yelp.
"It's right off the freeway and there's parking, so remember it the next time you're starving at 2am," she advised.
Blind Tiger (2600B Telegraph Ave.)
Blind Tiger serves pan-Asian inspired tapas and cocktails — its newly expanded late-night menu offers creative small plates like massaman curry fries and grilled bok choy, but truly hangry diners can order onion rings, wings or cheeseburgers. The late-night menu is available from 11pm – 1am.
Analog (414 14th St.)
Healthy options can be found hella late; Analog serves vegan sandwiches made in-house from local ingredients and Acme bread. For entertainment, there's a jukebox, Nintendo NES and a VHS/record collection.
Open from noon to midnight Tuesday – Thursday, until 2am on Fridays, and from 6pm to midnight on Saturday.
Adesso (4395 Piedmont Ave.)
Open until 1am on Friday and Saturday, trattoria Adesso serves wine, cocktails, house-cured meats and small plates that will tide you over until the morning Free snacks (for the inebriated) are reportedly offered at 11 pm, along with $5 lambrusco and Fernet-Branca.
Dan Sung Sa (2775 Telegraph Ave.)
Cramped tables and suggestive posters give Dan Sung Sa, lovingly known as "Porno Bar," its characteristic charm. Order bulgogi tacos and spicy wings, then bop to K-pop until 2am.
Shooting Star Cafe (1022 Webster St.)
This Hong Kong-style cafe in Chinatown features an extensive selection of boba drinks, hot/cold desserts, fried snacks and full-sized entrees. Open daily until 1:30am.
New Gold Medal Restaurant (389 8th St.)
Open until 2am, roasted duck and BBQ pork are mainstays of the menu at New Gold Medal Restaurant (389 8th St.), which offers affordable Chinese entrees, generally priced under $10.
Home of Chicken and Waffles (44 Embarcadero W.)
Get your fill of Southern eats and hospitality at Home of Chicken and Waffles, where breakfast is served all day. The Jack London Square fixture is known for its c&w platter, which includes a huge, thin waffle, as well as popular sides like baked mac & cheese and collard greens. Open until 4am on Friday and Saturday.
Colonial Donuts (3318 Lakeshore Ave.)
As expected, the menu at Colonial Donuts is somewhat limited, but it's one of only two 24/7 spots we were able to find. Customers give the donuts rave reviews, but they're baked fresh in the very early hours, so time your visit accordingly. "A total winner, especially after a night of drinks and debauchery," wrote Yelper Natasha S.
Did we miss your favorite late-night restaurant? Tell us in the comments.
