Top 20 late night restaurants in Hillcrest San Diego
Discover our curated list of top-ranked late night restaurants in Hillcrest San Diego, compiled from extensive research across reputable websites and blogs. Explore outstanding options like Gossip Grill, Los Panchos Tacos & Cantina, Urban MO's Bar & Grill, Jack in the Box, McDonald's. Let's explore together!
- 1. Gossip Grill
- 2. Los Panchos Tacos & Cantina
- 3. Urban MO's Bar & Grill
- 4. Jack in the Box
- 5. McDonald's
- 6. The Asian Bistro
- 7. Wonderful Sushi Hillcrest
- 8. Uptown Tavern
- 9. Sushi Roll Land
- 10. Alfredo's Pizzeria
- 11. Hong Kong Restaurant
- 12. Tacaliente Mexican Grill
- 13. Jack in the Box
- 14. Chipotle Mexican Grill
- 15. Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest
- 16. Tony's Fresh Mexican Food
- 17. La Taquería Tijuana
- 18. La Fuente Mexican Food
- 19. Papa Johns Pizza
- 20. NOLA on 5th
1. Gossip Grill
A popular LGBTQ+ friendly bar and grill in San Diego

Gossip, a lesbian bar in San Diego, is a local favorite in the Hillcrest neighborhood. It is known for its lively atmosphere, with fun people, delicious food, and great music. The bar has been serving the community for many years, indicating its success in providing a welcoming environment.
Whether it's for brunch or a late night out, Gossip is the place to be. The bar offers heavy pours, especially typical of the Hillcrest area, and a menu of tasty food. The staff and patrons create a friendly and welcoming ambiance, making it a great spot for both regulars and newcomers.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
2. Los Panchos Tacos & Cantina
Handmade tortillas and traditional family recipes

During a stressful time while dealing with a family member in the hospital, I took a break to grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. The staff were incredibly friendly, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. The food was absolutely wonderful, providing a much-needed moment of enjoyment during a difficult time.
For a birthday celebration, a group of friends and I visited a restaurant known for its vast menu and well-crafted cocktails. The portions were large, ensuring everyone left satisfied. The margaritas, in particular, were well-balanced and added to the festive atmosphere of the evening. The vast menu offered something for everyone, making it a great spot to celebrate with a group.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
3. Urban MO's Bar & Grill
Popular local bar with a lively atmosphere and a great selection of drinks

Urban MO's is one of the top-rated late-night restaurants in San Diego. Its burgers have earned a reputation for excellence, while the staff is known for their friendliness and attentiveness. The restaurant is a popular destination for late-night dining, offering a lively atmosphere and excellent service.
If you're looking for a great place to eat late at night in San Diego, Urban MO's is a fantastic choice. The restaurant is always bustling with energy, and the staff provides top-notch service to every customer. Whether you're in the mood for one of their famous burgers or something else from the menu, you're sure to have a memorable dining experience at Urban MO's.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
4. Jack in the Box
Serving up unique and innovative menu items since 1951

This place is a popular spot for satisfying late-night cravings. The service can be unpredictable, with inconsistent service experiences. However, the food here is a standout, making it worth the visit. In particular, the tacos are a guilty pleasure that keep customers coming back for more.
Despite issues with service, the restaurant's late operating hours are a major draw for customers. The food is satisfying and flavorful, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a satisfying meal outside of traditional dining hours. Among the menu options, the tacos are a highlight, providing a delicious and indulgent choice for customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Late Night
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
5. McDonald's
Well-known global fast-food chain with a wide variety of menu items

McDonald's can be a convenient option for satisfying late-night cravings as it is open 24/7. However, the quality of service can vary, and it may not always meet expectations.
During a late-night visit, the staff appeared to be overwhelmed, and the food did not seem as fresh as one might hope. This particular location may need to improve its operations during late-night hours to ensure quality service and food.
6. The Asian Bistro
Offers a fusion of Asian cuisines in a modern setting

This place consistently serves delicious and fast meals, making it a standout option. I have had the pleasure of being served by Shay on multiple occasions, and he has been excellent. Recently, I enjoyed a late-night meal there that was incredibly satisfying. It's a shame that places like this aren't more common, offering great food well into the night.
In terms of quality, the Thai food served at this establishment is outstanding and can be enjoyed until 3 AM. The restaurant's Thai food offerings meet high standards within the wider Thai restaurant community. Whether you're looking for a late-night snack or a satisfying meal, this place is sure to deliver.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
7. Wonderful Sushi Hillcrest
Wide variety of specialty sushi rolls and Japanese dishes

If you're looking for a great place to grab a late-night meal, this establishment is an excellent choice. They specialize in sushi, which is always fresh and expertly prepared. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day.
While the prices may be slightly higher than some other sushi restaurants, the quality of the food and the overall dining experience make it worth the extra cost. The restaurant's later hours make it a standout option for those who enjoy a good meal at an unusual time. Overall, this spot is a great choice for anyone seeking fresh, delicious sushi in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
8. Uptown Tavern
Cozy atmosphere with a modern vibe and live music

Uptown Tavern is a popular spot for satisfying late-night cravings, known for its friendly service and a kitchen that stays open late. Ideal for those nighttime hunger pangs, this establishment offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that satisfies. The bar serves up strong drinks while the kitchen churns out delicious dishes, making it a well-rounded destination for after-hours dining.
Whether you're looking for a place to unwind after a long day or a late-night bite to cap off your evening, Uptown Tavern delivers. Its strong drinks and tasty food make it a standout choice among late-night dining options. The welcoming ambiance and attentive service keep patrons coming back time and time again, solidifying its reputation as a go-to spot for those seeking a satisfying end to their day or night.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
9. Sushi Roll Land
Fresh, high-quality ingredients and unique rolls

If you're looking for a great sushi spot that's open late, look no further than the best sushi place in Hillcrest. The service here is wonderful, even at 11pm. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that every guest feels welcome and well taken care of.
The sushi at this restaurant is always fresh and expertly prepared, even in the late night hours. This is a great spot to satisfy your cravings for high-quality sushi, with a menu that features all of your favorite rolls and dishes. Whether you're in the mood for classic rolls or something a bit more adventurous, you're sure to find something to love on the menu. With its combination of excellent service, fresh sushi, and convenient late-night hours, this Hillcrest sushi spot is a true gem.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
10. Alfredo's Pizzeria
Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, wood-fired oven

The pizza ordered was of average quality, with a thinner style that did not stand out. The cost of the pizza was deemed too high for its value, as it was priced at 17 dollars. Although it was edible, it did not offer great value for money.
In contrast, another individual had an excellent experience at a restaurant while on vacation in San Diego. The food was enjoyable, and the employees were commendable. The establishment was chosen by one of the vacationers for her birthday dinner, and it proved to be a great choice, as the whole party was delighted with their meals.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
11. Hong Kong Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant serving traditional dishes for over 20 years.

The Hong Kong Restaurant is known for its generous portion sizes, providing good value for the slightly elevated prices. It is customer-convenient with extended hours, remaining open for late-night visits, and offers the option of online ordering.
As one of my preferred lunch or very late-night destinations in Hillcrest, the Hong Kong Restaurant's unassuming appearance belies its true worth. It boasts an impressive Mandarin and Szechuan menu, with a reputation for low prices that don't compromise on quality or flavor.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
12. Tacaliente Mexican Grill
Authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist

The food from this late-night spot is amazing, particularly their burritos. So delightful that the visit was repeated for two consecutive nights. This Mexican restaurant stands out for its delicious and well-portioned burritos.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
13. Jack in the Box
Well-known fast-food chain with a wide variety of menu options, offers mobile ordering and payment

XOXO offers an amazing late-night dining experience with fantastic service and delicious recommendations. This new restaurant is making a name for itself as a favorite spot for dinner and snacks. XOXO is open for dinner from Monday to Saturday and serves a delightful fusion of traditional diner dishes and eclectic cuisines.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
14. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Sustainable sourcing, Focus on ethical food practices

If you're looking for a place to grab a bite to eat late at night, this spot is a great option. The food is consistently fresh, and the service is efficient even during late hours. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, you can count on this place to deliver.
One menu item that stands out is the steak burrito. It's a delicious and hearty option that is sure to satisfy. No matter how many times I've ordered it, it never fails to meet my expectations. If you're a fan of Mexican food, this burrito is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
15. Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest
Authentic Japanese ramen, homemade noodles, and rich, flavorful broths.

If you're looking for a great spot to satisfy your late-night ramen craving, this place is a perfect choice. The miso ramen is a delicious option that is sure to hit the spot. The service is quick and friendly, making the experience all the more enjoyable. The restaurant's late-night hours make it an ideal location for a satisfying meal, no matter what time of night.
This restaurant is not only open late but also offers a lively atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal even at midnight. If you're a fan of spicy ramen, be sure to give their spicy ramen a try. It's a must-try and will surely satisfy your spicy ramen craving. Whether you're looking for a quick and tasty meal or a place to socialize with friends late into the night, this restaurant is a great choice.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
16. Tony's Fresh Mexican Food
Authentic Mexican food in a casual setting

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
17. La Taquería Tijuana

The tacos at this unspecified location are often praised for their delicious flavor. Both Sebastian Falcon and Jannette Lopez rave about the carne asada tacos, with Falcon also highlighting the tripa and cabeza tacos as standouts. The guacamole served with the tacos is also noted for its quality. In addition to the delicious food, the staff is mentioned as being friendly and providing quick service.
Falcon specifically recommends ordering the tripa and cabeza tacos crispy. Lopez mentions that the tacos are served quickly after ordering. Both customers clearly enjoyed their meals at this establishment, with the friendly service and tasty tacos leaving a positive impression. It is evident that the tacos and staff are key factors in the satisfaction of the customers.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
18. La Fuente Mexican Food
Family-owned, traditional recipes, no-frills dining experience

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Late Night
19. Papa Johns Pizza
John's Favorite: Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza with Garlic Dipping Sauce

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
20. NOLA on 5th
Authentic New Orleans-style cuisine in San Diego

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch