Maybe you worked late, went to a concert or just got a hankering for a fat burger or a cheese omelet and everything’s closed. Or so it seems. Finding a place serving food after 9:30 p.m. is tough in Tallahassee.
Bars, especially on the college campuses, in the All Saints Arts District and in Midtown, are good bets to find sustenance while most folks are snoozing away (get takeout if you don’t want to stay), but there are more choices out there. FYI, unless you’re going to a 24-hour place, call first because some venues close early if they’re empty.
If you want to pig out while staying in your jammies, you just might be able to get cookies or mac n’ cheese delivered to your door.
Here are some choices that serve food after most places turn out their lights in Tallahassee:
Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack: Grab one of the best grouper sandwiches or burgers in Tallahassee at this funky bar and restaurant, a local favorite which also holds trivia, comedy, open mic and karaoke nights. Open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday to Friday, noon to 2 a.m. Saturday. Food generally served to 1 a.m. (call first, because the kitchen may close earlier, depending on the crowd). 325 N Bronough St.; 850-222-1075.
Bite Squad: The delivery service covers nearly 200 restaurants all over Tallahassee and features late-night service so you may be able to order from your faves. Order minimums and fees vary depending on the restaurant and distance.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: An appealing stop post work or play, the popular chain restaurant offers its extensive menu until closing time so if you have a late-night craving for that Peruvian quinoa bowl or Pizooki cookie treat, go for it. 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 1749 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-216-2010.
Buffalo Wild Wings: This sports-minded chain offers traditional and boneless wings with 21 types of sauce. Other menu items include burgers, wraps and desserts. 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 392 S Magnolia Dr.; 850-309-0065.
Checkers: The burger chain has several locations in Tallahassee, most open to midnight or later during the week and until 3 a.m. on weekends. The branch at 802 Lake Bradford Rd. is open to 5 a.m. on weekends. Go late or have a burger for breakfast. Check the website for locations and more details on hours.
Chicago Chicken & Grill: Chicken wings, strips and nuggets dominate but you’ll also find tacos, shrimp and salads on the menu at these three branches. Open from 11 a.m. to midnight. Delivery available. 1911 S. Adams St. , 850-765-1625; 2205 Apalachee Pkwy., 850-727-8217; 1904 W. Pensacola St., 850-692-3744.
Denny’s: “America’s diner” is always open, and as many of us know, a Grand Slam always tastes better at 3 a.m. 2690 N Monroe St.; 850-523-4491.
Fourth Quarter Bar & Grille: A friend says Fourth Quarter is THE spot for a late-night omelet, but you can order anything on the menu till 2 a.m. Other breakfast items are only available on Saturday and Sunday morning at this longtime local hangout, which has been open for more than three decades. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, breakfast 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday.
Gaines Street Pies: Pizzas, salads, calzones and appetizers like a hummus plate and spinach-artichoke dip are available at this venue in the All Saints Arts District. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 603 W. Gaines St. 850-765-9275.
IHOP: Indulge your desire for pancakes any time at this 24-hour chain. 2225 N. Monroe, 850-385 0010; 2840 Apalachee Pkwy.;850-656 1621.
Insomnia Cookies: College students aren’t the only zany people who crave chocolate chunk cookies and milk in the middle of the night. Insomnia delivers cookies, ice cream and milk to fans anywhere within three miles of its Tennessee Street location, which includes Florida State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. There’s a $6 minimum; the delivery fee is $1.99. 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday to Friday, noon to 3 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 1525 W. Tennessee St.; 877-632-6654.
Island Wing Company: One of the few late-night restaurant choices in the Northeast, this source for baked chicken wings offers its full menu until closing, but there’s also a $5 late-night menu featuring quesadillas, jerk chicken tacos, a veggie basket, seven boneless wings and a cheeseburger and fries. 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 1370 Market St.; 850-692-3116.
Liberty Bar and Restaurant: The casual bar is known for its elevated pub food from chef/co-owner Jesse Edmunds (El Cocinero). Four entree choices are only available until 11 p.m. but you can order from the rest of the menu, which includes a Scotch egg, artisan and charcuterie boards, burgers and chocolate cake until closing. 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (brunch) and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 1307 N Monroe St.; 850-284-7966.
Madison Social: The kitchen at this pub and eatery is only open late hours Thursday through Sunday, when you can load up chicken tenders, wraps, burgers and other bar bites. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Full menu available to 10 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday, to midnight or 1 a.m. Thursday to Saturday. 705 S. Woodward Ave.; 850-894-6276.
Midtown Pies: From the owners of Gaines Street Pies, this Midtown pizzeria attracts big crowds Friday and Saturday night after all the neighboring bars close at 2 a.m. so you might want to stop by earlier for pies, subs and wraps. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
Miller’s Ale House: The menu at the sports bar includes Zingers chicken tenders, salads, burgers and steaks. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily; the kitchen closes at 1:30 a.m. 722 Apalachee Pkwy; 850-222-0364.
Sugar Rush Bar: Sugar Rush is one of the hottest spots in town for over-the-top cool confections. Milkshakes have names like the Cereal Killer (with Fruity Pebbles and Cap’n Crunch), Cookie Monster (with a jumbo Oreo sandwich) and Unicorn (with an ice cream cone for a horn) plus you can order a shake garnished with a slice of cheese cake or birthday cake. If you prefer the basics, get your favorite flavor in a cup or cone, plus there are bins of candy. Sugar Rush, owned by Juan Severini, started out as Shake Shop in Donut Kingdom but it’s definitely evolved. Specialties are decorated to order so be prepared for a wait. Fans would say: Worth it. 414 All Saints St.; 850-778-9227.
TGIF Friday’s: Or TG it’s open till 2 a.m. every night. You can find burgers, chicken, salads, steak and plenty of appetizers at the casual, national chain, located near Interstate 10. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. 3390 Capital Circle NE; 850-422-8443.
Township: The beer hall-inspired space serves food until 1:30 a.m. daily but switches to a limited, late-night menu at 10 p.m., with items like cheese-drizzled fries, fried chicken thighs in a cone and Big Daddy and Big Momma pretzels. 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 619 S Woodward Ave., 850-597-8075.
Village Inn: The family restaurant offers a full, large menu, with lots of breakfast items and pies. 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 1225 E Park Ave., 850- 877-8471; 3392 Lonnbladh Rd.; 850-297-0053.
Waffle House: There are at least seven Waffle Houses in Tallahassee so there’s bound to be one in your neighborhood. You can find a pecan waffle, BLT or even a T-bone at this national chain, open 24 hours. Check the website for a location near you.
Waterworks: “Party like it’s 1965” is the slogan at this beloved tiki bar and restaurant, from owner Don Quarello. Waterworks features bar bites, sandwiches, salads and desserts. A friend raves that “the late-night Capri sammy is most restorative.” Open 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday to Friday, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday. 1133 Thomasville Rd.; 850-224-1887.
Wendy’s: The national burger chain (with salads, chicken and wraps) has several branches, with varying hours. Most close anytime between 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Expect earlier closing hours during weekdays. Check website for locations.
Whataburger: The five locations of this retro national chain are open 24 hours. Get breakfast items including the Breakfast on a Bun from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. 1101 Thomasville Rd., 2586 N. Monroe St., 1701 W Tennessee St., 2511 Apalachee Pkwy., 815 Lake Bradford Rd.
The Wilbury: From the owners of Gaines Street Pies, this new bar and music venue serves its lineup of quirky fare including pulled jackfruit tacos, barbecue brisket sandwich and “overnight and slow” pulled pork. 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for brunch and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. dinner Saturday and Sunday. 513 W. Gaines St.; 850-320-6353.
The Wine Loft: Stop by this sophisticated space for a glass of wine and linger over items like truffle tots, Angus sliders, baked brie and meat and cheese boards. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar hours: 5 p.m. to about midnight Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 1240 Thomasville Rd; 850-222-9914.