If you’re hungry after a night out in the Big Apple, you’re in luck.
They say New York is the city that never sleeps, so, before sneaking into slumber at the Mondrian Park Avenue, check out this lineup of iconic late-night institutions. Featuring a tasty sprawl of thin-crust pizza, juicy burgers, stacked deli sandwiches, tangy tacos, and fresh sushi, it’s easy to see why grub always tastes better in the wee hours.
Corner Bistro
Nab a back booth inside this dark-paneled, old-school burger joint in the West Village. The legendary Bistro Burger, a juicy grilled patty topped with melted cheese, bacon, and raw onions is served on a paper plate and best enjoyed with a side of thin, salty french fries and ample mugs of McSorley’s suds. Of course, non-meat eaters opt for the grilled cheese with a side of pickles. Open all week ‘til 4am; 1.7 miles from the Mondrian.
Blue Ribbon Sushi
Down a short flight of stairs, this dim, sexy SoHo mainstay serves rows of fresh, colorful sushi, from basic vegetable rolls to more elaborate rainbow, dragon, and tempura-flake concoctions. Sit at the sushi bar or procure a cozy table in the back room and select from the day’s specials, known to include king salmon, toro, and Japanese sea urchin. Crowded? The neighboring Blue Ribbon Brasserie has been serving chefs and locals grubbing on oysters for twenty-five years. Open ‘til 2am; 2.3 miles from the Mondrian.
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong
In Koreatown, chef Deuki Hong (who cut his teeth with chef Jean-Georges) doles out a bevy of authentic Korean BBQ dishes from banchan to stir-fried squid and, of course, a prime sprawl of meats which are table-grilled (and lovely with some soju). Long a pit stop for in-the-know chefs and seasoned late night diners, when the weekend commences, the joint stays open until 7AM. Open Sunday-Thursday 11:30am-6am, Friday- Saturday 11:30am-7am; .5 miles from the Mondrian.
Lil Frankies Pizza
In the East Village, drop by this cash-only Italian joint where fresh salads, pastas, and thin-crust, wood-fired pies reign. If you’re not drawn in by the crowd-pleasing margherita or veggie-centric ortolana (with zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, radicchio), there’s also a handmade gnocchi and hearty lasagna with Bolognese. Thirsty? The bar pours ample Sicilian and Tuscan wines and grappa. Open Monday-Thursday ’til 2am and Saturday ’til 4am; 2 miles from the Mondrian.
Joe’s Pizza
Since the mid-1970s, this tiny, no-frills Greenwich Village storefront has been serving all walks of life, at all hours, including celebrities (Leo, Bill Murray, Conan O’Brien adorn the walls). Delicious warm slices of quintessential thin-crust New York pizza smolder with sauce and melted mozzarella cheese alongside baked Sicilian pies. With scant seats and counter space, keep in mind: The goal here is to eat and run. Open ’til 4am; 1.9 miles from the Mondrian.
Katz’s Delicatessen
Remember Meg Ryan’s glowing testimonial in When Harry Met Sally? Smack on the corner of the Lower East Side, Katz’s is arguably one of New York’s most famous delis (est. 1888). On the menu: stacks of sammies to ensure you never go hungry. On a dense menu featuring everything from peppery, hand-sliced pastrami to corned beef on rye to a hot Rueben (preferably with a generous stack of pickles), it’s hard to go wrong. There’s also a griddle hot dog to set you right. Open late on Fridays and Saturdays; 2.2 miles from the Mondrian.
Empellon Al Pastor
For margaritas, micheladas, and tacos, chef Alex Stupak’s East Village shrine whips up a variety of nachos and tacos stuffed with short ribs and cheeseburger (yes, you read that correctly). Vegetarians can nosh on mushroom and cactus varietals. Of course, the namesake pastor stars sweet pineapple and three salsas inside fluffy housemade corn tortillas and served with a side of black beans. Open ’til 2am Friday and Saturday; 1.8 miles from the Mondrian.
Veselka
This no-frills, 24-hour Ukrainian diner in the East Village offers a diverse crowd of students and locals a menu of hearty Eastern European staples. Stay simple and order the house delights: pierogies, latkes (potato pancakes), and specialties like earthy borscht, served either hot or cold. There’s also an all-day breakfast menu with eggs and pancakes, should you want to sip some coffee and watch the sunrise. Open 24 hours a day; 2.1 miles from the Mondrian.
Getting There:
From the Mondrian Park Avenue, simply hail a taxicab, order an Uber or Lyft, or if you’re feeling adventurous, the city’s subways run 24-7.
- Story by Kate Donnelly