RECAP AND REFUEL: PHILLY’S DINING SCENE CATERS TO DISCERNING (AND FAMISHED) NIGHT OWLS

Plenty Of Options For Late-Night Eats In Philly

As Philadelphia’s dining scene continues to grow, the city’s bistros, gastropubs, brasseries, eateries, diners and fast-food spots are growing by…hours. By law in Philly, the last call at the bar happens at 2 a.m. Last call for food, however, is anywhere from 11 p.m. to never. Check out this list of the hottest, coolest and coziest spots to nibble, nosh, gobble and dine well into the early-morning hours.

Until Midnight On Weekends:

Alla Spina – A hip and completely original approach to the gastropub, chef Marc Vetri’s baralways feels like the place to be. The crispy pig’s tails, pickled persimmon salad and carbonara mac and cheese keep coming until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and midnight Tuesday through Thursday. 1410 Mt. Vernon Street, (215) 600-0017, com
Buddakan – Edamame dumplings and chocolate-filled bento boxes are available until midnight at restaurateur Stephen Starr’s ever popular, always glamorous Old City shrine to modern Asian fare. 325 Chestnut Street, (215) 574-9440, com
The Dandelion – Stephen Starr’s cozy Center City homage to the great British pub serves its full menu of U.K.-inspired favorites: Welsh rarebit, fish and chips, and bangers and mash. 124 S. 18^th Street, (215) 558-2500, com
El Rey – Tacophiles find plenty of options at Center City’s kitschy Mexi-bar. The kitchen slings tortillas until midnight, after which nearby speakeasy The Ranstead Room becomes the obvious next stop. 2013 Chestnut Street, (215) 563-3330, com
El Vez – It’s always a fiesta atMidtown Village’s modern Mexican spot. Servers keep the margaritas flowing, along with freshly prepared guacamole, sea bass tacos, and churro chips. 121 S. 13^th Street, (215) 928-9800, com
Fergie’s Pub –This stalwart in Philly’s pub scene since ’95 offers the convivial gathering space you might expect to find in Dublin. On the menu: internationally inflected snacks, burgers and an all-day Irish breakfast that tastes great at night.1214 Sansom Street, (215) 928-8118, com
Heritage – Daily live jazz and savvy cooking make this destination a celebrated addition to Philly nightlife. On weekends, the kitchen serves its grilled beets over crispy rice with goat cheese, burrata over roasted squash and a mean burnt-chili braised lamb shank with green tomato preserves until the clock strikes midnight. 914 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 627-7500, life
Lolita – Honoring weekend hankerings for homemade tamales with spring onion crema, fried chicken tacos with blue cheese crema, and coconut tres leches, Marcie Turney’s eatery serves up neo-Mexican fare replete with tequila and mezcal cocktails until midnight. 106 S. 13^th Street, (215) 546-7100, com
Morimoto – Sushi lovers feast on tofu mixed tableside, yellowtail searing in a sizzling stone bowl and divine toro sashimi, along with sake-infused cocktails atthe Iron Chef’s palace of contemporary Japanese cuisine. 723 Chestnut Street, (215) 413-9070, com
P’unk Burger – For the discerning late-night burger eater, this bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot supplies a conscientious choice. Locally sourced, hormone-free, fair-trade burgers can be topped with any combination of condiments, including vegan and gluten-free trimmings. 1823 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 468-PUNK, com
Revolution Taco – Multiple food trucks came together to form this brick-and-mortar super kitchen that stays true to its student-feeding mission with later hours. Creative tacos and burritos come stuffed with smoked mushrooms, chipotle brisket or roast duck. 2015 Walnut Street, (267) 639-5681, com
SouthGate – Korean pub fare tastes even better late night. The spoils include super crispy fried chicken, bibimbap and bulgogi burgers, along with Asian-inspired cocktails. 1801 Lombard Street, (215) 560-8443, com
Strangelove’s – The clever bar food here runs the gamut from cheese plates and warm pretzel bites to kale salad and coconut lemongrass mussels. All can be ordered until midnight on weekends. 216 S. 11^th Street, (215) 873-0404, com