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 Austin 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 tacos. Save this list for the next time you’ve got an after-hours craving.
Food truck favorites
DittyDog, 519 E. 7th St. | Open until 3 a.m. Tuesday + Thursday-Sunday
This Downtown food truck claims its “hotdog will change your life.” It’s loaded up with all the fixins, and the fry baskets are piled high with cheeses, gravy, chili, bacon, and more. There are also plenty of vegan + vegetarian options on the menu.
Golden Tiger, 1816 E. 6th St. | Open until 1:30 a.m.
Located at Whisler’s, Golden Tiger is raved about for its juicy burgers, top-notch chicken sandwiches, queso fries, and chicken fingers.
The Potluck ATX, 5700 Menchaca Rd. | Open until 3 a.m.
If you find yourself craving wings in south Austin, hit up this spot with dry rub flavors like Hot Girl, Blue Magic, Nintendo, and Bonnie and Clyde.
Shawarma Point, 75 Rainey St. | Open until 2 a.m.
Looking for a late-night bite on Rainey Street? Grab hearty rice bowls, pitas, salads, and sides at this family-owned food truck since 2013.
Eclectic eats
Casino El Camino, 517 E. 6th St. | Kitchen open until 1:30 a.m.
When the munchies turn into a ravenous craving for a massive burger, this Old 6th Street haunt is your go-to destination. Some call it home to the best burgers in Austin, but don’t skip the verde chili fries.
Industry, 1211 E. 5th St. | Open until 1 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Picture this: You’re chilling with the homies, it’s getting late, and everyone’s heart is set on a different cuisine. Industry is your solution, serving up everything from chicken wings and fish n’ chips to tacos and brisket pastrami.
Bar bites
Nickel City, 1133 E. 11th St. | Open until 2 a.m.
In addition to the usual suspects on a bar menu, this joint is slinging hot pizza logs, Buffalo shrimp, fish sandwiches, patty melts, and Detroit-style coney dogs into the early morning hours.
Frazier’s Long & Low, 2538 Elmont Dr. | Open until 2 a.m.
Sometimes late-night eats are necessary after a night on the town, and that’s where this neighborhood bar’s classic bites come in. Think: hot dogs, wings, fried pickles, pretzels, corn dogs, chicken fingers, burgers, and po’boys.
Mother’s Ruin, 1401 E. 6th St., Bldg. A, Ste. #204 | Kitchen open until 1:30 a.m.
Go for a smashburger with Old Bay waffle fries, crispy fish tacos with Thai Brussels sprouts, or something in between at this New York-based bar open 365 days a year.
Nice slice(s)
Zalat Pizza, 2222 Rio Grande St., Bldg. C, Ste. #190 | Open until 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Who says late-night eats have to be boring? This Texas restaurant chain creates inventive pizzas like the Elote, Pho Shizzle, Loaded Notato, and Pineapple Express, alongside traditional pies.
Hoboken Pie, 718 Red River St. | Open until 2:30 a.m.
Sure, you may have a slice of cold pizza in the fridge at home, but it’s no match for a freshly hand-tossed pie from this Jersey-inspired eatery in the heart of the Red River Cultural District. You can also order sandwiches, wraps, pastas, salads, and desserts.
Tacos after dark
Velvet Taco, two locations | Open until 4 a.m. Friday-Saturday
It’s never too late to try something new. This chain with locations Downtown and in The Domain serves extraordinary tacos like the chicken + waffle, beer-battered cauliflower, Korean fried rice, and fish n’ chips.
Is a meal at 3 a.m. considered breakfast or dinner? We’ll let you decide.
Photo courtesy @tysonstacos
Tyson’s Tacos, 4905 Airport Blvd. | Open 24/7
These “authentically Austin” breakfast, lunch, and dinner tacos will hit the spot at any hour of the day — City Editor Morgan suggests customizing a three-taco plate that comes with rice and beans.
Classic comfort food
Happy Chicks, 214 E. 6th St. | Open until 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Is it just us, or are chicken tenders better after midnight? Complement your tender basket with scratch-made sauces, macaroni and cheese, French fries, and roasted cream corn.
Mile High Mo’s, 2716 ½ Guadalupe St. | Open until 4 a.m.
Philly steaks, burgers, Buffalo chicken strips, deep-fried cheese curds, onion rings, and funnel cake poutine are on the menu at this eatery on The Drag.
P. Terry’s Burger Stand, three locations | Open 24/7
The Austin-based burger chain’s Barton Springs, MLK, and San Marcos sites recently switched to a 24/7 model to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
