Eclectic late-night eats on the SF Peninsula

Tasty options for hungry night owls with standards

by Kasia Grobelny

You know the feeling: It’s late, you’re hungry, the party’s over, the fridge is empty. And this isn’t high school, so Taco Bell or Denny’s won’t cut it. What now?

The news is good. There’s hope for the peckish but picky night owl searching the wilds of the Peninsula for a late-night bite. You just have to know where to look.

Palo Alto

Gravity Bistro & Wine Bar

Because you’re hungry and in: The heart of Downtown Palo Alto

Perfect for: Late-night steak frites and a whiskey sour

Rocks the full menu until: 1am Friday and Saturday; 11pm Sunday; midnight on other nights

Don’t come here if: You‘re broke. Drinks and nibbles for two clock in at upwards of $80.

Bistro fare is served at Gravity until 1am on the weekends. Photo: gravitywinebar.com

While there is no shortage of burgers and pizza around these parts, if you’re craving more sophisticated late-night fare and don’t mind shelling out a few clams for it, then Gravity is your place. Offerings from the French- and Italian-inspired menu range from burrata, oysters and charcuterie to fancier meals like duck confit and filet. With a good wine list, plus beer and a full bar, Gravity brings the evening to a fine finish.

Coupa Café

Because you can’t decide: What you want to eat

But you’re in the mood for: Convenient cuisine in a chill setting (with plenty of options to choose from)

Serving snacks until: 11pm nightly

Pass on this place if: Wifi-seeking laptop users annoy you (in which case, what are you doing in downtown Palo Alto anyway?!)

Coupa Cafe: bustling, homey and serving food until 11. Photo: coupacafe.com

Though certainly a popular spot for students, Coupa Café on bustling Ramona Street is more than just a hangout for the Stanford crowd. The café, which serves beer and wine, has the kind of variety that food lovers dream of. From traditional Venezuelan dishes like carne mechada and arepas to the more typical California spread of paninis, wraps and salads, Coupa’s got you covered, and at a budget-friendly price. Save room for a delectable sweet crepe for dessert.

Redwood City

Tacos El Grullense #1

Because you’re starving: And only Mexican food will do

You want something: Tasty and filling without breaking the bank

Get your taco fill till: Midnight

You want fries with that? Then order: The California burrito. The addition of fries takes this standard-issue burrito to the next level.

The Redwood City location is a Peninsula classic.

The jury is technically still out on the official comfort food of California, but I’d bet many would vote for Mexican cuisine. And really, who hasn’t had a late-night taco craving? Tacos El Grullense #1 doles out classic, no-frills tacos that hit the spot for the after-party crowd. Serving up the best of the magical trifecta — good, cheap and filling — El Grullense sees locals and visitors alike lining up on the regular. There are several locations across Redwood City (with even more throughout the Bay Area), but this one—the one on Middlefield Road—is the OG. With such rave reviews, you can’t go wrong.

Burlingame

Mokutanya

Because you just had to have: Deep-fried baby octopus and sake for a surprisingly good price

And didn’t mind driving to: An obscure address in Burlingame

The kitchen stays open until: 2am nightly

We dare you to try: The silkworm platter

Even dessert is exotic at Mokutanya, open til 2am. Photo: themokutanya.com

If exotic meat nights and tasty Japanese cuisine are your jam, look no further than Mokutanya Charcoal Grill. Here the menu features everything from lobster tail and beef tataki to more unique choices (to put it lightly) like silkworm and iguana. The exotic meat night menu rotates each week, so a new dining adventure always awaits. Though tucked away unassumingly near a gas station, this place is open way late (2am daily!), so there’s plenty of time to order up a sake, sit back and enjoy the savory late night eats (insect larvae optional).

Mountain View

Tommy Thai

Because you want some: Reasonably priced, generous portions of good Asian food

If you want to save some dough: Order online for a 10 percent discount

If meat isn’t your thing: Rest assured you won’t be stuck with the side salad — the menu has a wide assortment of veggie specialties

Know before you go: Order online till midnight, dine in till 10:30pm daily

When what you need is a Thai diner, there’s Tommy’s. Photo: tommy-thai.com

Feeling famished and thinking of some late night Thai? With an abundant menu featuring Cambodian and Thai cuisine — from classic pad thai to curry specialties and Cambodian stew and stir fry — Tommy Thai, right on El Camino, fits the bill. Bonus: the kitchen is open till midnight Monday-Saturday (pickup and delivery only after 10:30pm), a rare find in Mountain View. Next time you’ve got a hankering for some late night Thai in the area, you know who to call.

Eureka!

Because you’re longing for: Comfort food with a twist

But also want: Some refreshing, made-in-the-U.S.A. brews to wash it down

Pay a visit if: Mac ’n’ cheese balls and lollipop corn dogs sound like your childhood dreams come true

Order your food till: Midnight Thursday-Sunday; 11pm the rest of the week

The egg and jalapeno burger at Eureka: Mmm. Photo by Mountain View Voice.

If traditional comfort food (think mac and cheese, truffle fries, fried chicken sliders… you see where I’m going with this) is what you’re craving, then look no further than Eureka. Burgers more your thing? There are nine varieties to choose from. So whether you’re feeling the bone marrow burger, the bison or maybe sticking to the basics with a traditional cheeseburger, Eureka has got you covered. Wash down those late-night munchies with the perfect beverage: the restaurant features innovative brews and whiskeys, all made in the U.S. of A.

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THE SIX FIFTY Staff

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The best of what to eat, see and do on the SF Peninsula.

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