People complain all the time that San Francisco isn't a 24-hour city, and sure, it is a city that often sleeps. But you may not know that there are actually plenty of options for late-night eating, including non-diner restaurants that serve until 1 or 2 a.m. Our top picks:
1. Nopa
It may be impossible to get a prime-time table at this popular Divisadero mecca of California cuisine, especially last minute, but try them around midnight and you might only have to wait a half hour! They serve nightly until 1 a.m., making this a popular after-work spot for many restaurant industry folk too. 560 Divisadero at Hayes
Both of these sister spots specialize in pizza and cocktails, and both have kitchens that are open nightly until 1 a.m. 1199 Valencia Street / 2175 Chestnut Street
Our favorite late-night (though not 24-hour) diner is this cozy Polk Gulch mainstay, where we definitely want to steer you to the underrated, totally excellent Portuguese section of the menu. Also, if you're in the mood for grease, the patty melt is pretty great too. They serve until 4 a.m. 1525 Pine Street at Polk
The Inner Mission's favorite gastropub, with their exhaustive beer selection, keeps the kitchen open until 1 a.m. every night for all of your burger-craving needs. 3141 16th Street
5. Sauce
Where to have a civilized supper after a three-hour opera? Head over to Sauce in Hayes Valley for some fried chicken or pot roast anytime before 2 a.m. Also, the newer Belden Place location keeps the same hours too, should you be downtown. 131 Gough Street/56 Belden Place
Previously: The Big Late-Night Eat: 50 Places in SF Open Past 10 p.m.
