Los Angeles may not boast the same late-night dining allure as New York City, but food enthusiasts can still discover an array of delectable spots to satisfy their cravings after hours. This sentiment is shared by the talented chefs behind some of L.A.’s most exciting new restaurants, who have graciously revealed their personal favorite haunts to visit after finishing their evening shifts or enjoying a rare day off.
Alan Sanz, who serves as the bar director at Daisy Margarita Bar in Sherman Oaks and Mírate in Los Feliz, prefers unwinding after work at the Normandie Club in Koreatown for a well-deserved drink. He often joins fellow bar director Max Reis, and they frequently venture to Johnny’s Bar in Highland Park. Another go-to option for the duo is Jones in Hollywood, where they indulge in pizza and martinis. Sanz amusingly shares that they sometimes enhance their pizza with caviar from Daisy, creating an extravagant late-night meal.
Over in Westside, Michael Leonard of Beethoven Market in Mar Vista admits he typically heads home after his shifts but allows himself the occasional indulgence when hunger strikes. His reliable late-night stop is In-N-Out, famed for its consistent quality and open until 1 a.m. Leonard favors the location on Venice Boulevard in Palms. On particularly late nights, he might swing by Not No Bar in Venice for pizza or Wurstküche on Lincoln for their unique rattlesnake and rabbit bratwurst if he finishes his shift before 11 p.m. Additionally, he treasures the local street vendors, sharing his love for tacos, especially from a nearby truck called Mar Vista Tacos.
Miles Thompson, culinary mind behind Baby Bistro in Chinatown, appreciates the vibrant late-night scene in Koreatown. His top choice is Dan Sung Sa, a classic L.A. establishment. Though Ruen Pair, a personal favorite, has reduced its hours from 3 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thompson still treasures the numerous visits he has made over his 15 years in the city. He also fondly recalls the Prince and Bar Henry in Echo Park, where he enjoys a refreshing drink paired with a good meal. Living in East Los Angeles has its perks, as Thompson enjoys the convenience of countless taco stands lining Cesar Chavez.
Adam Leonti, who recently relocated from New York to Los Angeles to helm Alba LA, shares his refined taste for late-night dining. He enjoys a visit to Jones on his days off, delighting in a Manhattan and a New York strip steak. Describing his preferences, he mentions the Kipbitz Room at Canter’s in Beverly Grove and Capri Club in Eagle Rock as spots he finds appealing. Another of his favorites is Lala’s Argentine Grill off Melrose, where sweetbreads and Malbec lead to a pleasurable meal. However, he acknowledges that the traffic can be overwhelming on his journeys around the city.
In Beverly Grove, Adrian Forte of Lucia recounts his meat-and-potato preferences. His ultimate go-to is Chris N Eddy’s in Hollywood, famous for its crispy edged patties and melted cheese, open until 2 a.m. Friday to Sunday. Should he seek a delicious ramen fix, Tatsu Ramen on Melrose seamlessly resolves his late-night hunger cravings with its rich and flavorful broth.
Giles Clark from Cafe 2001 in the Arts District rounds out this roundtable with his late-night escapades. He sometimes visits Capri Club and Walt’s Bar in Eagle Rock, treating himself to a Hamm’s beer paired with a hot dog to close his evenings. For meals that fuel his energy, Clark gravitates toward Koreatown, known for its rich offerings of meat and fresh produce. He frequently indulges in intestine barbecue at Byul Gobchang, often ending the night at the Prince or HMS Bounty.
As a tapestry of diverse cuisines and late-night offerings unfolds in Los Angeles, it becomes increasingly clear that the city’s hospitality industry has cultivated its own set of beloved late-night spots. Whether savoring indulgent bites at a trendy eatery or exploring comforting neighborhood taco stands, there’s a unique sense of camaraderie and community among L.A.’s hardworking chefs and their favorite hangouts. With their after-hour destinations, these culinary professionals exemplify the fusion of cuisine and culture that makes Los Angeles an extraordinary place to dine late into the night.
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