Joshua ReyIt’s perfectly normal to get hungry in the middle of the night. There are plenty of reasons why, but if you’re like us, we like to binge-watch our favorite shows at night, and movie night calls for some delicious late-night eats.
So we present to you some of the best restaurants we’ve found in Vancouver that are open late and serve up some amazing food to satisfy those late-night cravings.
Vancouver’s Best Late Night Eats
It’s perfectly normal to get hungry in the middle of the night. You’d want a restaurant that’s accessible, has a good menu variety, and, of course, good food.
It’s also great if they have a quick serving time, so you can continue enjoying your night without waiting too long. That’s why we’ve assessed these restaurants based on the criteria below:
1. East is East
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality of Food | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Freshness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Preparations | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Get ready to be transported along the culinary and cultural journey of the historic Silk Route at East is East, located right on Main Street. You can’t miss it; just keep an eye out for the restaurant with its all-wood exterior.
The menu here consists of three main dishes—soup, salad, and cold mezze (hummus and baba ganoush). You’ll enjoy a delicious combination of boulani, naan, and a blend of Afghan and Basmati rice.
Sure, we were a bit taken aback by the wide selection of main dishes, but we were more than happy to try out new things, and so we did. In the end, we got a platter of everything that was recommended to us.
The spinach paneer, mango butternut squash, and vegan butter chicken are our top picks here. All of these dishes were flavorful and paired well with basmati rice.
From the get-go, everything looks really good here at East is East. The only hiccup is the wait for our food, but it’s forgivable considering how bustling the night was.
Furthermore, the folks we chatted with couldn’t stop praising the buffet’s great bang for your buck—you get to sample a bit of everything. And, as a bonus, birthday celebrants get treated to a complimentary dessert.
Pros
- Accessible location
- Wide selection of main dishes
Cons
- Complaints about serving time
Customer Reviews
Good deals
“Went here to celebrate my cousin’s birthday and we all had a good time! Their feast buffet was a good deal as you get to try a little bit of everything! It was nice that the birthday girl got a free dessert as well!.”
-Louise L.
Warm atmosphere
“Warm and relaxing atmosphere! I was impressed with the way you order your dishes. Practically you can try everything they have in small portions.”
-Vitaly L.
2. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality of Food | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Freshness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Preparations | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Since 1985, Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House has served American cuisine made from ingredients collected from Pacific Northwest farmers, fishermen, and food artisans.
What sets them apart is the character and charm that greet visitors as soon as they walk through the door. The spacious, well-lit ambiance exudes an immediate sense of grandeur while maintaining a welcoming and cozy feel.
We were impressed to see that they serve dishes from the west and east coasts, such as fish and chips, oysters, steak tartare, and New England clam chowder. The menu also features a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
While all the dishes we tried were scrumptious, the absolute highlight for us was the filet mignon. The meat is marinated in café de paris butter gratin and comes with a generous serving of vegetables.
Presentation-wise, we thought they could use a little more attention to detail. However, we did appreciate that they can accommodate different dietary restrictions with their diverse menu options.
Additionally, the diners we’ve had the chance to talk to have shared with us how attentive and knowledgeable the staff is when it comes to explaining the ingredients and preparation methods of each dish.
Overall, we’re very happy with Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House and their commitment to providing a wide range of menu options for customers with dietary restrictions.
Pros
- Spacious and well-lit ambiance
- Serves west and east coast dishes
Cons
- Dish presentation could be improved
Customer Reviews
Excellent service
“The service was exceptional as we enjoyed the patio at sunset. The sun was directly in our eyes, but the attentive waiter brought an extra umbrella to shield us from the glare.”
-Daniel L.
Nice interior design
“Very nice interior and vibes, if you want to take some photo, sit inside. If you just want to chill, try rooftop…”
-Henry C.
3. Gringo
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality of Food | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Freshness | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Preparations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Okay, listen up. To get to Gringo, you’d have to hit Gastown’s Blood Alley. This backstreet is located between Water and Cordova streets, and it’s one of the oldest alleys in the neighborhood.
This late-night joint is all about tacos, nachos, and inventive cocktails. Tacos are served on a toasty corn tortilla, garnished with cilantro, while the nachos are reminiscent of the ones you find at sports stadiums.
We loved the nachos. Especially because it’s topped with generous toppings of cheese, pickled jalapenos, salsa, refried beans, black olives, sour cream, and green onions.
It’s also great that they’ve got a fine selection of nacho add-ons like smokey angus, chicken, pork, and marinated tofu. In our opinion, this allows for more customization.
The drinks here are also a blast, with margaritas arriving in buckets and cocktails adorned with small candies. It’s safe to say that dining here gives you the vibe of a beach party.
The serving time is also pretty quick, so you won’t have to wait long to satisfy your cravings. With all this in mind, you should definitely try Gringo’s on your next night out.
Pros
- Wide selection of tacos and cocktails
- Quirky interior
Cons
- Location a bit hard to find
Customer Reviews
Excellent atmosphere
“Don’t let the run down alley keep you away from this place. Atmosphere was excellent with lots of lights and colour…’
-Stephanie M.
Super friendly staff
“Neat hole-in-the-wall Tex-Mexican food that everyone seems to know about. Not a lot of seating. Staff are super friendly.”
-Danny Y.
4. Hungry Guys Kitchen & Bar
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality of Food | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Freshness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Preparations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
At Hungry Guys Kitchen & Bar on Granville Street, they’re all about serving up handcrafted gourmet dishes with a cozy counter-serve setup where you can enjoy delicious and wholesome burritos and bowls.
Plating matters here at Hungry Guys Kitchen & Bar. From what we’ve seen their nachos, tacos, burritos, and salad are a hell of sight to look at. Probably because they’re carefully arranged with vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.
Now, here are a few of our recommendations. If you’re ordering tacos, get the “Gringa” (beef, cheese, green onions, and sour cream). For tacos, go for the spicy chocolate chicken, and for bowls, go for the pork carnitas.
Trust us when we say that these dishes are a mix of savory and bold flavors. So, it’s a good idea to pair them with churros or cheesecake to end your meal on a sweet note.
There’s nice bar seating inside, and if you look up, you’ll see plants wrapped around the ceiling (they’re real plants), which looks so cool. You can’t go wrong dining at Hungry Guys Kitchen & Bar. The food is healthy, filling, and, best of all, delicious.
Pros
- Handcrafted gourmet dishes
- Healthy food option
Cons
- Limited seating capacity
Customer Reviews
Great flavors and friendly servers
“Delicious, fresh food! Great flavours, prices, and options! The staff was super friendly as well!…”
-Sofia B.
Comfy seats and awesome food
“So glad we decided to stop by this place while in Vancouver for the weekend. The food was awesome, the chairs were comfy and our server was great!”
-Chantel R.
5. Mean Poutine
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Quality of Food | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Freshness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Preparations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Mean Poutine absolutely lives up to its name, offering an impressive selection of poutine and specialty hotdogs. You’ll find it conveniently located on Nelson Street, where you can choose to either dine in or grab some takeout.
We certainly appreciate their creative takes on this classic Québécois dish. We mean, you can literally customize your poutines here by adding unique toppings such as meatballs, fried chicken, double-smoked bacon, and even angus roast beef.
What’s great is that they provide a ‘Build Your Own’ option, allowing you to customize your toppings. It’s also fantastic that they cater to vegetarians and give you the flexibility to add extra cheese, gravy, sauce, or green onions to your liking.
We’re having a hard time recommending just one, but here it goes. For spice lovers, get the chili poutine, and if you prefer a unique option, try the mean mexicana. Both options are packed with flavor and will satisfy your cravings.
There’s almost always no line here because the serving time is pretty quick, so that’s good to know. Aside from the poutine, their hotdogs are also worth a try.
Pros
- Creative takes on poutine
- Fast serving time
Cons
- Some complaints about topping portions
Customer Reviews
Super crispy and salty gravy
“This is the ultimate hole-in-the-wall counter service place – with the most amazing poutine! Made to order, fries were super crispy, and gravy was nice and salty. If we lived nearby, I would eat this every day!”
-Jurgita H.
Top choices for poutine
“Mean Poutine is one of the top choices for poutine in Vancouver. While they do offer hot dogs, and I have frequented this place ok sever occasions the point one has always been my go to.”
-Jeremy
6. Como Taperia
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Quality of Food | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Freshness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Preparations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Located in Mount Pleasant, the Como Taperia pays homage to the timeless standing-room-only tapas bars. And let us tell you, the atmosphere couldn’t be more authentically vintage.
Inside are high ceilings, brick walls, and a bunch of wine arranged on hanging shelves that give the space a rustic charm. It’s well-lit, so everything is visible and inviting.
The tapas here are endless—from classic Spanish favorites like mixed olives and tomato to innovative creations that showcase local ingredients like almonds, walnuts, and fish.
What we loved the most was the “Pan Con Tomate”. This dish may only have five ingredients: bread, tomato, olive oil, garlic, and salt, but it tastes incredible. The tomatoes were fresh, and they blended well with the fragrant garlic and rich olive oil.
But if you’re craving something fishy, get the “Anchoa Tosta, Muhammara, Anchovy, Manchego.” It’s definitely the healthiest option in the tapa menu, and it’s packed with flavors.
As for the preparation, we liked that the bread was toasted to perfection, giving it a nice crunch. The portions are also generous, so that’s another reason to consider having a late-night snack at this place.
Pros
- Wide selection of Spanish tapas
- Accessible location
Cons
- Relatively long serving time
Customer Reviews
Intimate places to dine
“One of the more amazing and intimate places to chat and dine around amazing tapas. Definitely recommend the steak, pork loin, potato bravas, and garlic shrimp…”
-Billy L.
Amazing food
“Incredible….INCREDIBLE. Amazing food, beautiful menu – what lies off the menu (specials, etc) are where the true beauty lies, but absolutely do not sleep on the tapas…”
-Richard H.
7. MeeT on Main
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality of Food | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Freshness | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Preparations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Since 2014, MeeT on Main has been the go-to for vegan and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant has a pretty impressive line-up of comfort food that features healthy burgers, bowls, and side dishes.
As far as menu variety goes, despite their commitment to vegan and vegetarian options, MeeT on Main manages to cater to a wide range of tastes.
We were really excited to try out their burgers, so we went ahead and ordered a variety of them to figure out which one would impress us the most. But before we dig in, it’s worth noting how they’ve managed to create healthier burgers.
MeeT on Main’s burgers are crafted entirely from plant-based components like mushrooms, oysters, and pumpkin seeds. Plus, we like the fact that they offer a diverse selection of sauces for their burgers, which really enhances their taste.
Want our advice? You should definitely get the signature “Meet” burger. This simple yet incredibly delicious burger comes with sautéed mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo, and crispy onion strings on top.
They’ve got quite a variety of side dishes as well, including classics like fries and poutine, along with options such as calamari and salads. On a whole, we think MeeT on Main is one of the best late-night eats in Vancouver.
Pros
- Vegan and vegetarian dishes available
- Variety of side dishes
Cons
- Some complaints about serving time
Customer Reviews
Fantastic late night restaurant
“Meet On Main is a fantastic late-night vegan restaurant with a delightful ambiance!…”
-Joshua A.
Nice vegan food and drinks
“Nice vegan food and drinks selection. Knowledgeable (not over the top) , pleasant staff. Nice art on the walls from local artists for purchase. Good atmosphere. Enjoyed it.”
-Marie A.
8. The Pawn Shop
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality of Food | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Freshness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Preparations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Tucked on Granville Street, the Pawn Shop is a late-night spot that combines the best of a taco and tequila bar with a playful nod to “selling gold.” Of course, they’re not actually selling gold but rather serving up tacos, tapas, and tequilas.
The interior ambiance is akin to a nightclub, and if you’re more inclined toward fresh air, they have a pleasant social patio on the outside. Additionally, they feature a DJ playing music during the evenings, which really adds to the fantastic atmosphere.
The tacos were pretty good; there was a tad too much sauce, but that didn’t really stop us from munching until the plate was empty. However, the carnitas were something else—super tasty and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
The burrito options were quite remarkable, offering a range of fillings to choose from. Yet what truly stood out to us was the kitchen’s dedication to delivering a delightful array of textures in every dish they serve.
To complement our meal, we indulged in a glass of their spiked slushies. The great thing is, you can tailor them to your liking, with options including vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, and a variety of mixers like soda, coke, tonic, ginger ale, and many others.
Pros
- Bar atmosphere
- Serves customizable spiked slushies
Cons
- Long wait to get seats
Customer Reviews
Great variety of tacos and drinks
“Good place for happy hour! I like the taco variety and drinks…”
-Karen
Nice spot for late night snacks
“Great spot for late night snack and drinks. Tatter tots were tasty but the tacos were a bit small, I think I had maybe 2 pieces of cauliflower in one of my tacos. Nonetheless great vibes, huge tequila selection and would go back.”
-Steven W.
9. Roxy Burger
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality of Food | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Freshness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Preparations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
This lively local late-night pub serves up creative burgers along Granville Street. Roxy Burger may be a tad small, but the intimate atmosphere is what makes them stand out.
That and the classic red couches and wooden bar stools add a touch of vintage charm to the place. The music is also banging, and the servers are friendly and attentive.
The menu offers a variety of unique burger options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, and we absolutely loved the “Create Your Own” burger option.
Customers can add a wide variety of topping choices, like Swiss cheese, guacamole, bacon, mushrooms, banana peppers, and a whole lot of sauces, from BBQ to spicy jalapenos.
Out of all of them, we highly recommend the Sriracha honey chicken burger. We’re not sure if it’s just the spicy kick, but the sriracha- and honey-glazed grilled chicken breast created the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
But if you’re not into burgers, there’s also wraps, sandwiches, and tapas here that are equally delicious. Just don’t forget to pair ’em with their cocktails and pints of craft beer.
Pros
- Has a “Create Your Own” burger option
- Wide variety of topping choices
Cons
- Limited indoor seating
Customer Reviews
Hamburger haven
“This place is hamburger haven for us! The sriracha honey chicken burger is my favorite and I don’t mind unhinging my jaw to eat it whole!…”
-Bartika D.
A staple in Vancouver
“This place is a staple and must do experience when in Vancouver!!! It is a an amazing spot for drinks and snacks, before, after a show, concert or really anytime of day and year.”
-Aleem A.
10. Tacofino
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Accessibility | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality of Food | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Freshness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Preparations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Staff Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Tacofino offers a menu of flame-grilled, char-roasted meat, and vegetable dishes. The setting is quite contemporary, with a sleek and modern interior that boasts stools in various vibrant colors and curvy black tables.
There’s not a lot on the menu aside from tacos, tortillas, carnitas, and quesadillas, but it really got our attention that they have quite an impressive line-up of alcohol.
They have a rotating selection of draft beers from local breweries, along with Mexican-imported cans and bottles. Additionally, you’ll find a diverse range of tequila-based cocktails crafted in-house.
In addition, most of the customers here raved to us about how quick the service is, as well as the friendly and attentive staff.
Ultimately, Tacofino is a pretty solid choice for your late-night cravings. They’ve got a great selection of tacos and tequila-based cocktails, and the flavors are on point.
Pros
- Sleek and modern interior
- Impressive line-up of alcohol
Cons
- Some complaints about food quality
Customer Reviews
Quick serving time
“I love it! It was my first time visiting this location. The food came so fast. We ordered before we get seated and all the food arrived within five minutes!.”
-Judy L.
Flavorful food
“Incredible food!! We ordered three varieties of tacos, the lemongrass chicken burrito, and the tofu fritters.. Everything was so flavourful, and the textures were on point!”
-Victoria S.
