Hungry After Hours? Your Essential Guide to Late Night Food in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) Craving food after midnight in St. Louis? The city’s late-night food scene packs more surprises than you’d think. A good meal can make your night, whether you’re finishing up at the bars or working the night change.
St. Louis’s best late-night restaurants pack quite a punch. Broadway Oyster Bar, The Gramophone, Salt + Smoke, and The Shaved Duck keep their kitchens fired up while other spots close down. On top of that, the city’s cafes and lounges make perfect spots to unwind before heading home.
Let me show you the best spots for late-night dining around the city. You’ll discover where to get your sweet fix after hours and which coffee shops stay open late. From downtown to your neighborhood, you’ll find everything you need to tackle those midnight cravings.
Best Late Night Restaurants in St. Louis
St. Louis boasts an impressive food scene that attracts night owls, shift workers, and anyone seeking to satisfy their late-night cravings. The Gateway City offers a diverse range of dining options, from classic diners to modern taquerias. Here are the best spots to grab a late-night meal.
1. Courtesy Diner – Classic 24/7 comfort food
Courtesy Diner never closes its doors, ready to serve you any time hunger strikes. This St. Louis institution serves classic American comfort food in a nostalgic setting. You’ll find the South Laclede Station Road location buzzing with activity around the clock. Their menu features diner classics, such as their famous Slinger – a hearty mix of a hamburger patty, hash browns, and eggs, covered in chili and cheese. Night owls particularly love their Western BBQ Burger and Chicken Fried Steak.
2. The Gramophone – Sandwiches and chill vibes
The Grove’s sandwich haven, The Gramophone, keeps its kitchen running until 1:30 AM most nights. This sandwich pub specializes in crafting exceptional sandwiches and serving craft beer. Their Philly Cheesesteak is a crowd favorite, featuring thinly sliced roast beef, green peppers, sautéed onions, and Cheez Whiz on a delicious garlic-cheese baguette. The laid-back yet energetic atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to unwind after a concert.
3. Mission Taco Joint – Street tacos until late
Mission Taco Joint brings California-style street food to St. Louis with a popular late-night happy hour from 10 PM to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The deals are hard to beat: $2.50 tacos, $2.50 Tecate beers, and $5.00 beer and shot specials. The menu features spicy chorizo tacos, hot chicken tacos, and vegan options made with Hungry Planet beef. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to unwind after a night out.
4. Steve’s Hot Dogs – Gourmet dogs after dark
Steve’s Hot Dogs serves the “Official Hot Dog of St. Louis” with creative toppings that range from sweet to spicy and savory. Each all-beef Nathan’s Famous hot dog gets cold-smoked, grilled, and topped on a fresh-baked French roll. The menu showcases St. Louis’s local ingredients, from the buns to the toppings. They run a “Hot Dog Happy Hour” on weekdays from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, offering half-price classic dogs.
5. The City Diner – Retro feel, full menu
South Grand’s City Diner captures mid-century charm with its retro atmosphere. Peter Spoto founded this place after feeding pipeline workers in Alaska, and his passion for service is evident. The diner grew from 85 to 240 seats through careful restoration and community support. It creates a welcoming space for everyone, upholding its values of inclusivity in modern times.
6. Layla – Burgers and shawarma until midnight
Layla creates a unique late-night experience with its quirky décor and local ingredients. The kitchen remains open until 1 AM, Monday through Saturday, and until midnight on Sundays. The menu features beef and lamb burgers, vegetarian options, and authentic shawarma. Don’t skip their desserts – the specialty shakes and gourmet baklava are worth trying. You’ll find this gem at 20 Allen Ave, perfect for satisfying a diverse range of late-night cravings.
7. Three Sixty – Rooftop views and bites
Three Sixty sits almost 400 feet above downtown St. Louis on top of the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, offering stunning views in every direction. This upscale rooftop spot spans 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. The kitchen serves food until 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, with pizza available until midnight on weekends. The menu features creative takes on favorites, including skewers and birria tacos, as well as wood-fired oven pizzas. Three Sixty delivers both altitude and quality for an elevated late-night experience.
8. The Hideaway – Dive bar with great eats
The Hideaway offers an authentic neighborhood bar experience, complete with cold drinks and surprisingly good food. They keep it simple with TJ’s Pizza to satisfy late-night cravings. This dive bar has earned its character over six decades in business. Weekend nights come alive when pianists take over the circular piano booth in the bar’s center. The Hideaway offers affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere that sets it apart from trendier spots.
Late Night Desserts and Sweet Spots
Late-night sugar cravings hit hard in St. Louis? The city has amazing dessert spots that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth well past dinner time.
Bailey’s Range – Ice cream and shakes
Bailey’s Range makes their ice cream in-house without artificial ingredients. The menu features boozy shakes and 30 local beers on tap. You’ll find them at 4175 Shaw Blvd, serving treats daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Their specialty burgers, made with Midwest-raised certified Hereford beef, make a perfect complement to desserts for your late-night feast.
Insomnia Cookies – Warm cookies delivered late
Night owls rejoice – Insomnia Cookies stays open until 12:35 am. Fresh-baked cookies arrive warm at your doorstep when those midnight cravings strike. Customers rave about their cookies being “warm and delicious,” with options that “melt in your mouth.”
Ted Drewes – Frozen custard institution
Ted Drewes has been a St. Louis icon for 95 years, serving legendary frozen custard. The original Chippewa location welcomes visitors daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Their famous “concrete” – frozen custard so thick they serve it upside down – became Dairy Queen’s Blizzard inspiration. This Route 66 roadside attraction draws crowds in any weather.
Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream – Open late on weekends
Jersey Shore boardwalk treats inspired this spot’s delicious waffle ice cream sandwiches. The Soulard location serves until 10 pm on weekdays and stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The nostalgic vibe and late weekend hours make it a perfect stop after shows.
Coffee Shops Open Late in St. Louis
Need a late-night coffee in St. Louis? Many places have shorter hours since the pandemic, but some coffee shops still serve as popular spots for evening visitors.
MoKaBe’s Coffeehouse – Cozy and LGBTQ+ friendly
South City’s favorite queer-owned coffeehouse, MoKaBe’s, sits right across from historic Tower Grove Park. The shop serves hot and cold drinks made with locally roasted Chauvin coffee. This popular late-night spot now runs Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. All the same, the welcoming space serves great vegan and vegetarian options and stays a cherished meeting place for St. Louis’s LGBTQ+ community.
Northwest Coffee Roasting – Late hours and strong brews
Northwest Coffee’s bustling café in Central West End (4251 Laclede Ave) features excellent outdoor seating. The shop stands out as the city’s only roaster using the ‘full city roast’ level. Customers can enjoy specialty drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. The café now welcomes visitors daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Blueprint Coffee – Minimalist vibe, open till 10 PM.
Blueprint Coffee brings specialty roasting with a minimalist style to its locations on Delmar Blvd and Watson Rd. The shop’s carefully picked beans shine through precise roasting and brewing methods. The doors open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and customers love their exceptional pour-overs and expertly crafted espresso drinks.
Where to Find Late Night Food Near You
Late-night food hunting in St. Louis presents its own set of challenges. The city might not be a late-dining hotspot – especially since the pandemic – but hungry night owls can still find plenty of good eats around town.
Be cautious when driving around after midnight. If you’re ever involved in a fender bender and the damage exceeds $500 or someone is injured, Missouri law requires you to file a police report within 30 days. Knowing the rules ahead of time can make a stressful moment easier to handle.
Using Google Maps and Yelp filters
Yelp’s “Late Night Dining” and “Late Night Food” filters are a great way to begin your search. These options help you zero in on restaurants that serve food late into the night. Always call ahead, as posted hours online may not accurately reflect the actual hours of operation. Restaurant closing times can mean different things – either the last seating or when they stop service completely – so a quick phone call saves time.
Best areas for late-night food: The Grove, South Grand, Downtown
The Grove buzzes with late-night energy, and spots like Eat DuckBill serve amazing popcorn chicken. Pie Guy dishes out New York-style pizza until 1 a.m. most nights. The Buttery on South Grand stays open 24 hours a day and serves breakfast anytime – remember to bring cash. Downtown’s restaurant scene stays active longer, particularly on weekends.
Tips for finding hidden gems after midnight
Restaurant hours listed as “4 to close” might mean an earlier shutdown if business slows down. Up Late keeps the comfort food coming until 4 a.m. on weekends. One of the things I love about The Gramophone in The Grove is its lively vibe and creative sandwich menu, which satisfies those midnight cravings.
Conclusion
St. Louis has way more late-night dining spots than you might think. This piece covers everything from classic 24-hour diners to specialty dessert shops that hit the spot when midnight cravings strike. The city’s after-hours food scene shines with comfort classics at Courtesy Diner, creative sandwiches at The Gramophone, and tasty tacos at Mission Taco Joint.
Sweet cravings don’t stop when the sun goes down. Bailey’s Range dishes out house-made ice cream, and Insomnia Cookies brings warm treats right to your doorstep. Ted Drewes stands as a frozen custard landmark that’s worth a visit any time of day.
Night owls needing a caffeine boost can head to spots like MoKaBe’s Coffeehouse and Blueprint Coffee, although their hours have shortened since the pandemic. The Grove, South Grand, and Downtown areas are your best bets for satisfying midnight hunger pangs.
A quick call ahead can save you a wasted trip, as hours often change and online listings might be outdated. Google Maps and Yelp filters help you easily track down these spots, but it’s smart to double-check before heading out.
The Gateway City might not be famous for its late-night food scene, but plenty of hidden gems await those who know where to look. This piece will help you explore the city’s after-hours food spots, rather than defaulting to a fast-food drive-thru. St. Louis offers a plethora of delicious options – you need to know the right spots.
