It’s 1am. You’re hungry or you need to study or you’re a little hung over (or quite possibly a combination of all three). Whatever your need may be, here’s a list of the top 10 best late night spots to satisfy your cravings.
10 – Geisel
Where: On Campus
Open: 24/7
The second floor of Geisel Library is always open, welcoming you with open arms, inviting you to pull up a chair and cram all night long. It can get fairly crowded during finals week, but on a normal night it’s easy to find a table for you and your friends to share as you burn the midnight oil.
9 – Middle Earth / Galbraith Hall
Where: On Campus
Open: 24/7
Both remodeled and revamped, these two large open-air work areas are located on the opposite sides of campus. If Geisel is too claustrophobic for your taste, give either of these two less densely populated and more eye appealing lounges a try.
8 – Living Room
Where: 1010 Prospect St
Open: 6:00am – 2:00am
This coffee shop / hookah lounge is just the right mixture of grungy and classy. Located in the heart of downtown La Jolla, the Living Room’s dark brooding ambiance is perfect for writers and philosophers to engage in late night musing.
7 – Your Local Dorm Lounge
Where: On Campus
Open: 24/7
Your local on campus lounge is a great place to meet friends, study, and engage in those deep late night conversations. Although they may not seem so glamorous, lounges provide a great common area for students to mingle and get to know one another. It’s also easily accessible for those without off campus transportation.
6 – Infinitea
Where: 4690 Convoy St, Ste 111
Open: Noon – 1:00am
This cute boba shop is an awesome place to grab a snack. Despite it’s great seating, it’s not uncommon for Infinite to be busy and buzzing. Stop by if you’re looking to grab a snack, study, or play some card games.
5 – Tajima Ramen House
Where: 4681 Convoy St, Ste 1
Open: 11:30am – 2:30am
Tajima’s is one of the few ramen houses in San Diego that remains open past 1am and it’s consistently packed and popping. Check into Yelp to grab a free drink and enjoy some of the best ramen San Diego has to offer.
4 – Goodie’s
Where: Marshall College
Open: 8:00am – 10:00pm
Though they close a bit earlier, UCSD’s pseudo-Chipotle (we have one of these really close by too, if you want the real thing) is definitely the most popular on campus eateries; it is also open the latest of all the HDH dining halls. Grab a monstrous burrito with those dining dollars you need to spend and bring it home as a late night snack. Just be careful not to finish the whole thing before you make it back.
3 – La Jolla Shores
Where: 8200 Camino Del Oro
Open: 24/7
There’s nothing better than taking a dip in the ocean at 3 am. Whether you’re walking, running, or driving to the beach there’s sure to be an adventure along the way. Just make sure to watch out for stingrays.
2 – Lestat’s
Where: 4496 Park Blvd
Open: 24/7
A bit further from campus, Le Stats with their famous iced snickers mocha is perfect for any student looking to pull an all nighter. A much welcomed change of scenery from the sterile UCSD common rooms, Le Stats has an eclectic vibe filled with local art, vintage chairs, and vibrant personalities.
1 – Vallarta Express
Where: 4277 Genesee Ave
Open: 24/7
The king of late night food, Vallarta’s is perfect for satisfying a late night cravings for greasy Tex-Mex food. Famous for their “Christian Fries” (carne asada fries with bacon, a fried egg, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese), this mausoleum to clogged arteries is worth the hype.
