Introduction to Late-Night Houston
Finding a good meal after midnight can be challenging, especially on weeknights. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for fast food or a sad bowl of cereal. Whether you’re craving tacos, pizza, or even a dozen oysters, Houston’s got you covered. We’ve rounded up some of the city’s best late-night restaurants so you can skip the endless scrolling and get straight to satisfying those midnight cravings.
Top Late-Night Restaurants in Houston
Houston is home to a diverse range of late-night restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. From Tex-Mex to Japanese bar food, there’s something for everyone.
BB’s Tex-Orleans
Open until 4am on Thursdays through Saturdays, BB’s Tex-Orleans in Montrose serves up late-night Texas fare with a Cajun kick. Slurp down bowls of gumbo, fill up on a shrimp or catfish po’boy, and enjoy meaty boudin links, with a daiquiri on the side—all in a laid-back space where no one’s rushing you at the door.
Cantina Barba
When a late-night carne asada taco craving hits, Cantina Barba has your back—serving until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2am any other day of the week. Located just off I-45 near White Oak Music Hall, this laid-back spot slings some of the city’s best margaritas, alongside tacos, burgers, burritos, and sides.
Dot Coffee Shop
The restaurant that started the Pappas empire—first opened in 1967 and has been going strong ever since. Open 24-7 except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dot serves scratch-made comfort food and daily specials in classic diner fashion. Find stacks of pancakes, omelets with all the meat you can handle, and slices of pie fit for a king.
Frank’s Pizza
Always prepared for Main Street crowds, this storied pizza joint is conveniently located in Downtown Houston. Get a single giant New York–style slice and grab a seat at Market Square Park for some weekend people-watching until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Genji Japanese Restaurant & Karaoke Bar
This Westchase haunt specializes in two things—Japanese bar food and karaoke, both of which are offered until 2am daily. You don’t have to sing for your supper, but there’s always entertainment in the main karaoke, which doubles as its dining room. Come for the fun and stay for the food, which includes bites of chicken karaage, katsu curry, and chicken teriyaki.
House of Pies
Ask just about any Houstonian, and they’ll likely tell you this is the place for pie, especially around the holidays. But this staple is more than its famous slices. Sure, the Bayou Goo is a fan favorite, with a pecan crust layered with sweet cream cheese, vanilla custard, and chocolate chunks. But the menu also tempts with waffles topped with whipped cream and a juicy open-faced chili cheeseburger.
Katz’s
By now, you probably know the saying: “Katz’s never kloses.” And it’s true—day or night, you can head to this diner to dig into towering deli sandwiches and cheesecake milkshakes. After a night out, nothing tastes quite as good as a platter of Katz’s fried pickles.
Loch Bar
Open until 2am nightly, Loch Bar makes the ride to River Oaks worthwhile. With a wide variety of raw seafood selections and creative cocktails, it’s an ideal late-night date spot. Add in the live music until 1am every night, and the only caveat is the check—this late-night indulgence doesn’t come cheap.
Mai’s Restaurant
The grande dame of Houston late-night dining, Mai’s is known for closing at 3am on Fridays and Saturdays and welcoming in rowdy Midtown clubgoers for decades. In 1990, Mai Nguyen took over the restaurant her parents opened in 1978, modernizing the old building, while keeping the soulful Vietnamese comfort food menu intact.
Poppa Burger
Ever wondered what a Flamin’ Hot Cheeto pie tastes like at 3am? You’re in luck. Open 24-7, 365 days a year—even on Christmas—this family-owned, cash-only stand has been feeding the Northside for more than half a century. Not feeling that bold? Poppa Burger is known for turning out burgers, breakfast tacos, and burritos that keep hungry crowds coming back night after night.
Spicy Girl
Midtown partygoers have no shortage of late-night dining choices, and Spicy Girl is one to add to the list. From 9pm to 3:30am, the restaurant offers a fast-food-style late-night menu. Order at the kiosk or through a QR code, pick up your to-go box, and grab an open seat if you’d like to dine in—just don’t expect table service.
Conclusion
Houston’s late-night dining scene has something for everyone, from Tex-Mex to Japanese bar food. Whether you’re craving a midnight snack or a late-night date spot, these restaurants have got you covered. So next time you’re out and about in Houston, be sure to check out one of these top late-night restaurants and satisfy your cravings.
