By Bridget Veltri
Tipsy or not, your body is a temple and should be treated as such. The fact that you choose to worship with sangria and dancing instead of green juice and SoulCycle is irrelevant — spin class is for Sunday, anyway. You’ve got the drunchies,and there is no shame in that.
Where there’s good nightlife, there’s destined to be delicious munchies for drunk people. We understand that where your night ends might be determined by where you were drinking, but here are some spots you won’t regret the morning after:
When the whiteboard outside the Grubstake in Nob Hill reads, “Daily Specials,” it really means nightly. Open from 5:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., it’s sort of a classic diner in reverse. So whether you’re a food-friendly vampire, wasted, sober or just seriously starving, from Wednesday to Sunday this place is the perfect spot to end (or start) your night. If you want it, there’s a good chance they’ve got it.
The Grubstake serves up all-day — err, all-night — breakfast, salads, sandwiches and traditional Portuguese fare, like caldo verde soup, made with kale, potatoes and linguiçia. They’ve also got some pretty decadent desserts. And considering that it’s housed in an old rail car, the wine and beer list is enough to keep the party going long after you’ve left the party.
If you need something that will soak up and satisfy, look no further than Buster’s (as in cheesesteak, not Posey). Open every day until 2:30 a.m., Buster’s will make your cheesesteak exactly how you want it; just choose your cheese, toppings and chicken or beef. Too drunk for decisions? You can’t go wrong with the Philly cheesesteak, made with grilled onions and your choice of meat and cheese. The bread alone is fantastic, and this sandwich is one stranger you won’t regret picking up.
Something about late-night drinking brings out one’s inner craving for Latin American food. While we’re proud San Francisco is home to the country’s second Taco Bell “Cantina,” we thought we’d give you, well, más! When it comes to late-night Latin-inspired eats, this city is also home to an unparalleled pupusa place: Panchita’s Restaurant. Located in the Mission District and open until 2:30 a.m. on weekends (there’s also an Excelsior location, although it’s not open as late), Panchita’s is the spot to wind up at after a night of drinking and dancing. Be prepared to be patient, ’cause this place gets packed, but these hot, cheesy pillows of perfection are well worth it — and at only $3 a pop, the price is definitely right.
For those who are too embarrassed to admit that they aren’t entirely sure what a pupusa is, it’s basically a thick tortilla stuffed with cheese and other ingredients, e.g., meat, beans, zucchini and more. Panchita’s offers a variety of meat and vegetarian options to choose from. Top it off with a fermented cabbage slaw (called “curtido”), and you’re good to go.
Midnight Mediterranean food is never a bad idea, especially if you’re grabbing a gyro from Gyro Xpress in the Castro. Follow the rainbow (crosswalk) to this café, and enjoy all your favorites like falafel, baba ghanoush, dolmas and moussaka. Open until 2:00 a.m. on every Friday and Saturday, you won’t feelafal about grubbing out at Gyro Xpress.
Tommy’s Joynt, the original San Francisco hofbrau since 1947, slings up hearty, no-frills food until 1:40 a.m. If you find yourself at Van Ness and Geary, grab a tray and make your way through the line. You’ll marvel at the busy décor and international beer selection. Whether you’re looking for a great big sandwich or a plate of buffalo stew, a visit to Tommy’s Joynt will leave you feeling warm and full.
All the important meals end with something sweet, right? A solid night out should be no different. From the outside, Bob’s Donuts on Polk Street looks like your average 24–7 donut shop, complete with counter stools and pink takeout boxes. There might be a line, but you already waited for drinks, so at this point, why not wait for donuts? As you gaze at the glazed, try to resist the urge to tap on the glass — it “scares the donuts” and probably drives the friendly (but patient) staff crazy. Any choice you make will be the right one, but the Raised Sugar and Cake Crumb donuts seriously do not disappoint.
Usually, when you deign to get food at a minimart, you’re road-tripping (or just tripping). The typical minimart food selection is limited to hot dogs, nachos or a scalding-hot (and potentially dangerous) burrito. But Genki is far from typical. This Richmond District minimart makes crepes — 30 different delicious ones until 12:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Whether you’re craving sweet or savory, at Genki you can have your crepe and eat it too.
