Peach Farm is a longtime favorite industry spot because it’s open late with fresh and delicious Chinese food. (These days, that’s until midnight every night.) Its location in Chinatown, not too far from the Theater District, makes it a prime post-show option, too. The head-on Salt and Pepper Shrimp are a perfect snack with or without a Tsingtao or two, but to designate this Chinatown favorite’s seafood as “drunk food” does it a disservice. The Lobster with Ginger and Scallions is a specialty, and we also love the Roast Pork Lo Mein, Stir Fried seasonal vegetables, Singapore Style noodles, and other delights from the voluminous menu.

In Downtown Crossing, JM Curley is a reliable late-night dining option any night of the week. Sister-spot to neighboring steakhouse Bogie’s Place and cocktail lounge The Wig Shop, JM Curley is the casual kid on the block with a menu of burgers, sandos, and snacks to share served nightly ’til 1:30 a.m. Among the after-hours bites are the likes of Curley’s Mac, a rich cheesy skillet made with beer cheese and buttered breadcrumbs; Popcorn Chicken with smoked jalapeño aioli; and house-made crab Rangoons. 

Along with Chinatown sibling Dumpling Cafe, Dumpling Kingdom in Allston is a late-night go-to. With an extensive menu of umami and spice-packed Taiwanese and Szechuan flavors, the popular dumpling houses are both open nightly until 2 a.m. Catch us slurping down some Mini Juicy Buns (aka pork-filled soup dumplings) while our ears are still ringing after shows at Brighton Music Hall or the Paradise Lounge. This spot is also popular among the Boston University crowd. Beyond the dumplings, give the Roasted Duck Buns a whirl, and the Taiwan-Style Noodles with pork and vegetables. 

Part-dive bar and part-classic Italian-American eatery, Anchovies is a timeless slice of Boston nightlife. We’re here for the vibes and the pint-size Dirty Martinis, not necessarily the cooking—but huge portions of comfort food available until last call is partially why Anchovies is such a beloved South End institution. At 1 a.m., specialties like Burrata with tomato-basil salad and braised beef Ravioli in creamy alfredo sauce have no business being so good. You can never go wrong with Chicken Parm, and there’s always pizza, too, but hands-down our favorite midnight snack at Anchovies is the crispy Fried Ravioli, filled with cheese and matched with spicy marinara sauce.

If you find yourself hungry in Central Square after 10 p.m., the lights are on at Si Cara. SRV chef Michael Lombardi’s “pizzabar” serves a slimmed-down selection until midnight, specializing in a style of pizza called canotto, characterized by a crust that’s softer and puffier than a typical Neapolitan slice. Try the classic Margherita with super-fresh tomato sauce and fior di latte (fresh, semi-soft cow’s milk mozzarella) or one of the seasonal creations, such as summer Corn or Eggplant Piccata (eggplant, capers, garlic, lemon, parsley). Si Cara also offers some snacks on the late-night menu, like garlicky White Bean Dip served with lemon and potato chips and a craveable Garlic Bread.

Stubbys is a welcome addition to the Seaport and not only because it’s the area’s only late-night food. This casual spot comes by way of Nantucket, and it’s known on island and the mainland for quality fast-food fare served all day. Open till 11 p.m. nightly and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Stubbys serves up cheeseburgers (and Impossible meat), fried chicken sandwiches, fish and chips, salads, mozzarella sticks, and more as well as breakfast sandwiches and hash browns always available. Fans love the Steak & Cheese sub with a bag of Nantucket Crisps. 

The North End has a famous bakery open 24 hours, but if you’re craving more than just sweets  in the neighborhood after-hours on a weekend, head to Bricco. The Hanover Street restaurant is open ’til 1 a.m. or later on Fridays and Saturdays with a lineup of pizzas and snacks such as garlic-caper Wellfleet Mussels; Angus beef Meatballs with fresh ricotta and fresh-baked crostini; truffled ricotta-filled Zucchini Flowers; and more. Bricco’s Famous Espresso Martini—made with Absolut Vanilla, Bailey’s, Kahlua, Frangelico, Disaronno, espresso, raw sugar, and a cocoa rim—may keep you awake, but we’d bet you won’t be too upset about it.

A beacon of late-night dining in Boston since 1996, Franklin Cafe offers the full menu every night till 1:30 a.m. Head to this South End bistro for a little or a lot, from snacks like house-made Ricotta Crostini or Warm Ciabatta and Hummus to entrees like Sole Meuniere and the ever-popular Classic Hanger Steak Frites with a port wine sauce and Roquefort butter. The substantial selection of midnight munchies alongside the full gamut of craft cocktails makes Franklin Cafe a frequent post-shift spot for many in the Boston restaurant industry.