Not Sleeping? Neither Are These San Diego Restaurants

The 24/7 restaurant is often overlooked as a place that only exists for the 2 a.m. crowd. While this crowd might frequent such spots, 24-hour restaurants can satisfy more than a drunchie craving.

As a generation of mobile study and work grows, now is the time these spots are more crucial than ever.

Whether you are studying for finals, a writer on a deadline, or suffering through a case of insomnia, find your way to one of these 24-hour spots for your next late night or early morning fix.

Brian’s 24

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Promoting itself as “the restaurant that never sleeps,” this Gaslamp staple is known for its generous sized portions of comfort food and all-hours breakfast menu. Started by a father-son San Diego duo, Brian’s is a family restaurant with quality food. While this writer is a sucker for their waffles and pizza tots (not always at the same time), returning customers rave about their carne asada fries and breakfast burrito.

Rose Donut’s

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Donuts aren’t just for breakfast. That’s the philosophy behind this cash-only Linda Vista spot. With fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts, buttermilk bars, apple fritters, and Vietnamese coffee, Rose’s is guaranteed to give you a sugar high. Looking for something more savory? Their breakfast croissants are a crowd favorite.

Lestat’s Coffee House

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Occasionally a situation comes up that requires a constant flow of caffeine. It’s in these moments that Lestat’s delivers. With three locations throughout San Diego, this coffee house has ample space to work and plenty of nourishment to keep you working throughout the night. Whether you want something sweet, savory, caffeinated, decaf, or vegan, Lestat’s offers a varied menu to suit any mood.

Humberto’s Taco Shop

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Mexican food is arguably the official food of San Diego. Located in Golden Hill, Humberto’s serves up delectable tacos, steaming enchiladas, and a California burrito locals swear by. This no-frills joint is all about the food and no matter the hour, you’ll likely find a hungry crowd waiting in line. But fear not, the staff slings out orders quickly and it’s well worth the wait. You’re in San Diego, skip Taco Bell and head to Humberto’s.

Rudford’s Restaurant

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Serving San Diego since 1949, Redford’s offers an extensive menu featuring diner favorites such as hearty pot roast, stick-to-your-ribs biscuits and gravy, and patty melts. While diner’s like Rudford’s were once commonplace, a genuine diner is hard to come by. Rudford’s is a nod to nostalgia with inexpensive prices and food that will have you returning time and again.

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Studio Diner

Decked out in 1940’s-era movie memorabilia, this Kearney Mesa spot has been dishing out traditional American staples since 2003. Staying true to the theme, pancakes are made with a movie wheel impression and you’ll find catchy dish names such as, “Blockbuster Combo Platter” and “Count of Monte Cristo.”

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