Do you know on what days late-night restaurants are the most popular? You got it - the weekends. Most of us have done it, and I certainly know I have. You go out to let your hair down. You're dressed to the hilt, your make-up is flawless, you've got enough money in your pocket to have a good time and you hit the town with the intention of painting it red. After you've had more alcohol than is probably good for you, the bars and the clubs close. That leaves you a little inebriated and a lot hungry. Now it's time to find food. But what's open at this time of night?
Of course, you could simply be a pregnant mom-to-be experiencing food cravings or a traveling couple who thought it would be a good idea to try to drive through the night. But if you go into an all-night food joint on a weekend, you're going to find it packed with people whose outfits are a bit racy, whose make-up is smudged and who have to concentrate on walking a straight line to the bathroom. Which will have a wait, by the way.
The fast food places are a good pick for after midnight. Though most of them won't keep their dining room open this late, the drive-through is usually still going full-tilt. Wendy's and McDonald's in particular are keeping their locations open into the wee hours of the morning. This isn't as easy to find in a smaller town, though, where the likelihood of someone dropping in at this time isn't good enough to justify the electrical bill. If you have the option, look for food in a bigger town.
Waffle Houses and Huddle Houses are sure-hits. This is where you'll find the majority of that rambunctious crowd I was telling you about. These places serve up the grease like nobody else. Nothing here is good for you but it's all delicious and rolling in calories. Their omelets are my favorite and try as I might I can't duplicate them at home. They also serve dinner and breakfast food at all hours, so whatever you want is yours.
From burgers to spaghetti, from meatloaf with mashed potatoes to pancakes with syrup, the choice is yours. The bill is usually very reasonable, as well, and their coffee doesn't stop flowing. All of this is terrific news for the people who got just a little too tipsy for their own good. The carbohydrates and fat will set you back to rights before you go to bed, and tomorrow you will awake refreshed.
Every now and then you'll find a mom and pop place that stays open late, but then again it will usually only be in a big town. The food will be rustic and plentiful, though quite often not a bit fresh or home-made. Don't let those smiling faces fool you. More often than not everything coming out of that kitchen was made just for you in a microwave. But if you're desperate, or know that the restaurant has a good reputation, give it a go.
In the town I live in there is a great billiard bar that stays open truly late at night, seven days a week. Even after the other bars and clubs have given it up and tucked in for the night, this place is still going strong, serving up food and alcohol until you can't stand it anymore. Get familiar with the places in your area and you'll probably come up with a bar that's similar to this one.
Some places have underground bars where the true night owls like to go, the ones who don't like to go to bed until they can see the sun coming up over the horizon. You'll have to get to know the locals before this type of place will be discovered, and they aren't necessarily dangerous. We have several in our location that are as hip as can be, with the best of clientele at all hours. Dip into one on a night while you've got your head on your shoulders to check it out.
If all else fails and you can't find anything else open, there's always the 24 hour Wal Marts, K Marts and grocery stores. Take yourself over to their deli section where the prepared foods are. At this time of night the hot stuff will usually be put away, but you can still have cold fried chicken, macaroni salad, potato salad and subs all night long. Prepared and packaged salads are also available as well as desserts like banana pudding and chocolate cake. When you're starving and everything else is closed, this looks like gourmet food.
Are you completely at wit's end? You're going to have to hit up that friend who puts up with you.
Find out more about late night dining here: best food after midnight.
Ray T. Lewis loves to eat at all times of the day or night.
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