Whether returning from a night on the town, a late movie, or a long evening of work or studying, sometimes Columbus residents find themselves out and about — and hungry — in the early hours of the morning. While the majority of local restaurants close their kitchens by 10 pm, there are a handful of gems that serve the late-night (or early-morning) crowd.
From 60s-style diners to modern industrial hotspots, we rounded up our favorite restaurants with kitchens open past midnight. Next time hunger strikes well past dinnertime, skip the subpar drive-thru and try one of these instead!
The Best Late-Night Restaurants in Columbus Include:
Dirty Franks | Blue Danube | Mikey's Late Night Slice | Dan's Deli | The Walrus Kitchen & Public House | Little Palace | Buckeye Donuts | The Thurman Cafe | Condado Tacos | Red Brick Tap & Grill
Kitchen open until 1:45 am daily
Photo courtesy of Dirty Franks
Dirty Frank's, conveniently located on 4th Street, invites customers in with its wildly colorful atmosphere, cold beer, craft cocktails and (most importantly) vast menu of delicious hot dogs. Look for unique dogs like "Puff the Magic Popper," stuffed with cheddar cream cheese, jalapeño and real bacon bits, or "Slappy Pappy's Super Sloppy," with bacon, coney sauce, cheddar, sour cream and French fries. You can grab almost anything on the menu for under $4, so go ahead and order seconds if you're hungry!
Kitchen open until 11 pm Sundays, 12 am Monday through Thursday, and 2:30 am Friday and Saturday
This landmark on North High Street has served Columbus since 1940, and offers hearty comfort food served in a funky space with a jukebox and full bar. You'll be thrilled with anything on the menu, but standouts include the mac 'n' cheese, breakfast quesadilla and half-pound hot dog.
Kitchen open until 3:00 am daily
Photo courtesy of Mikey's Late Night Slice
This locally owned Columbus chain slings pizza pies piping hot from the kitchen, and is well known for its unique (and delicious) topping combinations. Look for the Cheezus Crust, a signature item that features American cheese melted atop two slices of pizza and pressed into a sandwich.
Hours vary — view the calendar to find a cart near you!
This self-proclaimed "neo-classical" mobile hot dog kiosk is a saving grace when the late-night hunger sets in. Established in 1994, Dan's Deli started as just one small cart in the heart of Columbus. It has since expanded to include 56 mobile restaurants serving Central Ohio! Look for classic hot dogs, bologna sandwiches and juicy steak gyros.
Kitchen open until 1 am
This newer, industrial haunt offers incredible burgers, clever bar bits, craft brews, a full bar and live music in an approachable and festive atmosphere. Standouts on the menu include lobster pierogies, portobello fries, deep fried deviled eggs and an impressive lineup of flatbreads — and you can taste it all until 1 am nightly.
Kitchen open until 1 am Sunday through Thursday, and 2 am Friday and Saturday
This historic bar downtown is popular for its casual 60s vibe, full bar and hearty fare. Visitors can expect pizza, stromboli, subs, burgers, gyros, fries and more — all served until 1 am on weekdays and 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Kitchen open 24 hours a day
Photo courtesy of Buckeye Donuts
You haven't had a donut until you've had a Buckeye donut. From Boston Cream to plain glazed, all of the donuts at Buckeye are made fresh daily using only quality ingredients. The shop is conveniently located on High Street in the heart of the campus neighborhood, and is a favorite for college students looking for a late-night study snack.
Looking for something savory? Buckeye Donuts also has a selection of delicious breakfast items, gyros, salads and more — but seriously, don't leave the shop without a donut.
Kitchen open until 2:30 am daily
The Thurman Cafe is known far and wide as one of the absolute best places to get a burger in Columbus. The burgers are so good, you might find yourself craving one in the early morning hours. Lucky for you, the kitchen is open until 2:30 am. Order the Thurman burger (or even the towering Thurmanator if you feel up to the task) to ease your late-night hunger.
Kitchen open until 2 am daily
Photo courtesy of Condado Tacos
This beloved local taco joint made our list of the best tacos in Columbus thanks to its approachable atmosphere, customizable menu and late-night options. Here, patrons are given the opportunity to order tacos exactly how they like them, first choosing the tortilla, then the meat (double if desired), cheese, salsa and a hot sauce. Beware of the ghost pepper sauce — this fiery number is for experts only. Stop in at one of the three Columbus locations daily until 2 am!
Kitchen open until 12 am Sunday through Thursday, and 2 am Friday and Saturday
Located in the charming Merion Village, Red Brick Tap and Grill serves up hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, house-smoked meats, sandwiches, burgers and more — and more than 30 beers on tap! There is truly something here to satisfy every appetite. Catch a game on the big screens or settle in on one of two patios on warmer nights. The kitchen is open until 12 am Sunday through Thursday, and 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays!
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