Some foods just hit differently late at night (especially after a couple of drinks): tacos, coneys, pizza — all varieties of greasy, cheesy and savory eats. But after the pandemic put a damper on restaurants staying open into the wee hours, it can be hard to know where in Greater Cincinnati you can go to satisfy those late-night cravings. Luckily, Cincinnati still has plenty of restaurants open until midnight or later on the weekends, and some during the week, where you can grab a bite after a night out.
Skyline Chili (Clifton)
Late-Night Hours: Sunday until midnight, Monday-Thursday until 1 a.m. and Friday-Saturday until 2 a.m.
Oh Skyline, what would we do without you? The Skyline in Clifton serves up Cincinnati-style chili late into the night daily. This faithful Skyline has always been there for us, no matter how much we’ve drunk, and until the “Open” sign turns off, they’re ready to help sober you up with plates laden with spaghetti, chili and cheese or coneys. 290 Ludlow Ave., Clifton.
Goodfellas Pizzeria
Late-Night Hours: OTR: Sunday-Thursday until midnight and Friday-Saturday until 3 a.m.; Covington: Sunday-Thursday until midnight and Friday-Saturday until 2 a.m.; Pleasant Ridge: Friday-Saturday until midnight
The place to be when you stumble out of the bar at 2 a.m., Goodfellas makes their dough fresh every morning and their sauce in-house. The slices are New York-style and as big as your face. They also offer subs, calzones and a multitude of dipping sauces. You’ll also find a bourbon bar upstairs at all locations. 1211 Main St., Over-the-Rhine; 603 Main St., Covington; 6099 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge.
The Pony
Late-Night Hours: Kitchen is open until midnight Friday-Saturday
By the looks of it, you’d think The Pony has been serving up late-night bites and drinks for decades, with its honeycomb tile floors, low-hanging green bar lamps and a glowing neon sign luring you in for an old-fashioned. Turns out, the comfortable dive-bar decor is the machination of hipsters, and we’re not at all mad about it. After an evening of trying the bar’s cocktails, like the Pony Express (grape vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade and grenadine) and the Old Work House, a seasonal old-fashioned with bourbon, strawberry-rhubarb syrup and black walnut bitters, try the food menu too. They serve up what you’d typically find at a bar, but turned up a notch. From burgers to roast beef sandwiches to chicken wing dip, everything is delicious, but the fries come highly recommended by regulars. 346 Main St., Over-the-Rhine.
Gomez Salsa (OTR)
Late-Night Hours: Friday-Saturday until 2 a.m.
On weekends, Gomez in OTR is open till 2 a.m., making it the perfect drunk-off-your-ass Saturday pit stop before piling into your Uber. But this Mexican eatery — which serves up tacos, burritos and turtles (a hybrid burrito with crusty cheese to seal the deal) — is also a prime spot to pick up grub before lounging in Washington Park during lunch break or literally whenever you’re on the go. 107 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine.
The Night Kap (Temporarily Closed)
Late-Night Hours: Wednesday-Thursday until midnight, and Friday-Saturday until 1 a.m.
For when you’re craving some comfort food in the wee hours, this food truck-turned-restaurant offers up a menu of delicious soul-food-style eats late into the night. The à la carte menu features wings that come in orders of six, up to 30, and flavors that include parm garlic, honey hot, buffalo lemon pepper and more. You can also pair wings with fish or chicken in a combo or try one of their entrees, like the quesadillas (veggie, chicken or salmon) or comfort-food fave chicken and waffles. The restaurant is currently located in Silverton, but will be moving to College Hill later in 2025. Relocating to 5841 Hamilton Ave., College Hill.
Camp Washington Chili
Late-Night Hours: Open 24 hours every day except Sunday
A great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner at any hour, Camp Washington Chili features greasy-spoon breakfast offerings, double-decker sandwiches, Cincinnati-style chili (which has won an “American Regional Classic” James Beard Foundation Award), coneys and even a few salads. And in an era where we’re seeing a reduction in diners open 24/7, this diner is the quintessential chili parlor of days gone by with its classic mid-century sign out front, dining counter inside and photos and newspaper clippings along the wall. 3005 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington.
Shanghai on Elm
Late-Night Hours: Tuesday-Thursday until midnight and Friday-Saturday until 2 a.m.
Formerly known as Shanghai Mama’s, Shanghai on Elm still offers delicious pan-Asian dishes, including your standard Chinese, like Sweet & Sour Chicken, as well as other Asian cuisines like Pad Thai and Japanese udon noodles, plus homemade sauces ranging from Thai sweet chili oil to Yum Yum to ginger soy. 700 Elm St., Downtown.
Agave & Rye
Late-Night Hours: All locations open until midnight Friday-Saturday
When you’re craving late-night tacos, Agave & Rye’s got plenty of kinds you won’t find at a drive-thru window. Diners flock to the restaurant to enjoy its vibrant murals and funky decor while chowing down on unique tacos, with proteins including kangaroo, duck, crab cakes, butter-poached lobster, crispy cauliflower, fries and crispy chicken — in addition to more familiar bases like steak, pork carnitas and mahi mahi. 635 Madison Ave., Covington; 3825 Edwards Road, Norwood; 7125 Fountain View Drive, Liberty Township.
Mellotone Beer Project
Late-Night Hours: Friday-Saturday until midnight
Brewpub Mellotone Beer Project just opened in November in the former Taft’s Ale House space — a beautiful former church — where it offers three experiences: its restaurant on the main floor, as well as a basement bar, Undertone, that hosts live music and an indoor beer garden on the top level. Mellotone has a scratch kitchen, with Brendan Martin, formerly of Boca Restaurant Group, at the helm, and a menu focusing on modern American fare that pairs well with their fresh, uncomplicated beer selection. 1429 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.
CityBird (OTR)
Late-Night Hours: Every day until midnight 1344 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
The deep-fried offspring of The Eagle in OTR, CityBird dishes out cage-free, all-natural chicken paired with housemade craft sauces until midnight every night. The tenders boast a full-bodied flavor: mostly mellow and savory but tinged with spice. They’re at their best wedged inside the Spicy sandwich — topped with Green Goddess slaw, Sriracha, mayo and served on a toasted potato bun. 1344 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine.
Dixie Chili (Newport)
Late-Night Hours: Sunday-Thursday until 1 a.m. and Friday-Saturday until 3 a.m.
Founded in 1929 by “Papa Nick,” Dixie Chili has classic, secret-ingredient Cincinnati-style chili with cheese and onions on spaghetti. Traditionally, Dixie’s offerings are dominated by Wisconsin cheddar, and the garlic is a great counterbalance to the dairy, making it one of the area’s favorite chili joints, especially when you’re topping off a late night in Newport. 733 Monmouth St., Newport.
Insomnia Cookies
Late-Night Hours: Sunday-Wednesday until 1 a.m. and Thursday-Saturday until 3 a.m. at both locations
Insomnia Cookies bakes up sweet eats until the wee hours of the morning. The best part is they deliver those delicious discs right to you. What better way to end off a night than with freshly baked cookies that are still warm when they arrive at your door? 216 Calhoun St., CUF; 1126 Main St., Over-the-Rhine.
Chameleon
Late-Night Hours: Sunday-Tuesday until 12 a.m. and Wednesday-Saturday until 1:30 a.m.
Come for the pizza and drinks and stay for the vibe at Chameleon. This bar/restaurant beckons you in with neon-light-plastered windows and the sounds of fun spilling out into the street with events like karaoke, live music, comedy and open mic nights. Did we mention the pizza? Chameleon whips up delicious slices and deep-dish pies, from your classic pepperoni and cheese to some incredible veggie concoctions like the Bianca (roasted asparagus, marinated Brussels sprouts, mozzarella, whipped ricotta, parmesan, greens and herb oil). 4114 Hamilton Ave., Northside.
Molly Malone’s
Late-Night Hours: Kitchen is open until 1 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Molly Malone’s restaurant and pub offers an authentic taste of the Emerald Isle with its menu full of traditional fare and appetizers, such as their popular beer-battered cod served with coleslaw and chips (fries). Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, the pub plays just about every soccer and rugby game live and keeps the kitchen open late on Fridays and Saturdays so you can keep the party going well into the night after your favorite team’s win. 112 E. Fourth St., Covington.
Elephant Walk Indian Bar and Grill
Late-Night Hours: Friday-Saturday until midnight
Your mom might have told you not to eat spicy food late at night, but we’re gonna encourage it with Elephant Walk. Not only do they serve up North Indian favorites like samosas, a variety of vegetarian dishes, tandoori specialties and naan burritos — a beloved street food in Mumbai — they also have an Ethiopian menu. Try the Misser Soup (a lentil soup seasoned with herbs and spices), an Injera Roll (Ethiopian, vegan flatbread that’s wrapped around vegetables and your choice of protein), or the Awaze Tibs, cubed beef steak, pan-seared and sautéed with red onions, bell peppers, cardamom and awaze sauce and served with injera. 170 W. McMillan St., CUF.
Condado Tacos
Late-Night Hours: The Banks: Daily until midnight; Oakley, Anderson Township and Mason: Friday-Saturday until midnight
Since 2014, Condado’s build-your-own-taco concept has taken the taco-loving population by storm. They commit to the build-your-own tacos concept down to the type of tortillas, with plenty of enticing options that cater to every taste. The formula is simple: check off what you want on your taco, then the goodness is brought out to you. 195 E. Freedom Way, The Banks; 3329 Vandercar Way, Oakley; 7877 Beechmont Ave., Anderson Township; 5070 Deerfield Blvd., Mason.
Flamingo Drive
Late-Night Hours: Friday-Saturday until midnight
A sister establishment of Milford’s The Governor, Flamingo Drive is a restaurant and bar that pays tribute to the dishes owners Paul and Neil Barraco enjoyed as kids in South Florida. Flamingo Drive blends Miami’s cultural influences with fresh, local ingredients and an added twist on Southern Italian food. Stepping inside the restaurant is like being transported to an episode of The Golden Girls, with vibrant pink and green palm tree motifs, white-tiled tables and design details reminiscent of the ‘80s and ‘90s. The menu was recently expanded and offers items like the Cuban Sandwich, featuring crispy pork belly, salami, sweet-and-spicy pickles and a Jarlsberg cheese spread, or the Swordfish Milanese (pan-fried swordfish, roasted tomato picadillo, fingerling potatoes and olive mayo). To drink, we recommend fitting the vibe and opting for something with rum, like the Cuba Libre, the Coconut Mojito or The Santiago (white rum, Haitian forest bitters, lime, grapefruit and orgeat). 227 Main St., Milford.
Keystone Mac Shack
Late-Night Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday until 2 a.m. and Thursday-Saturday until 3 a.m.
Keystone Mac Shack is known for deliciously gooey mac and cheese. Any of Keystone’s mac and cheese options would be a delightful, late-night craving cure, but for something with a spicy kick, opt for the Arcade Fire mac and cheese dish. It comes with fried chicken, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar and sriracha. For something milder and herby, go for the Fleetwood Mac: pesto, diced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. 2612 Short Vine St., Corryville.
Cloud 9 Sushi
Late-Night Hours: Nightly until 2 a.m.
This unpretentious sushi joint offers its specialty rolls, sake, martinis and cocktails late into the night. Try a premium roll like the Godzilla (spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber and crab stick inside, with their Hot Mama roll on top with eel sauce and spicy mayo) or the Play Boy (shrimp tempura and crab stick inside topped with tuna, Japanese mayo, eel sauce, masago and tempura flakes), or take part in the daily, dine-in half-priced sushi specials. 1018 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout.
Knockback Nats
Late-Night Hours: Every night until 2 a.m.
Wings are king at Knockback Nats, whether they’re dry-drubbed or tossed in one of Knockback Nats’ 12 sauces — including their award-winning bourbon-pineapple barbecue and spicy garlic ranch. Enjoy dart boards, video golf, video bowling and a jukebox for extra fun every night until 2 a.m. 10 W. Seventh St., Downtown.
Drunken Bento
Late-Night Hours: Monday-Thursday until midnight and Friday-Saturday until 1 a.m.
Drunken Bento, the Korean and late-night sushi spot of Clifton, has its doors open until midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Located right off of the University of Cincinnati’s campus, this sushi wonder has been giving life to the students and locals for years. We mean, come on — who doesn’t want a Sunday Morning Roll (salmon and cream cheese, deep fried and topped with eel sauce and spicy mayo) at the very start of Sunday morning? If you’re not into fish, there’s a great menu of entrées and appetizers to suit most tastes. 212 W. McMillan St., CUF.
Harry & Shan Asian Cuisine
Late-Night Hours: Friday-Saturday until 1:45 a.m.
Harry & Shan Asian Cuisine, located in the former Deme Kitchen space on Main Street, offers classic Chinese takeout items like sweet and sour chicken, General Tso’s chicken, Moo Goo Gai Pan and more, as well as other Asian dishes like Pad Thai. You can also get protein or vegetables made in traditional Mongolian, Szechuan, Hunan and Kung Pao styles or dim sum, a traditional Chinese meal of small plates. 627 Main St., Downtown.
Zaha Mediterranean Kitchen
Late-Night Hours: Sunday until 1:30 a.m.; Monday-Thursday until midnight; and Friday-Saturday until 2 a.m.
Sometimes, when midnight strikes, so do the cravings for falafel and shawarma. That’s where Zaha Mediterranean Kitchen comes in. This unassuming restaurant is tucked away on Court Street, but the menu of Middle Eastern eats packs a lot of flavor. Their pitas and basmati rice bowls are popular picks and can be ordered with your choice of chicken, falafel or gryo döner (a mix of lamb and beef) and choice of sauce. Save room for some of their delicious, flaky baklava as well. 133 E. Court St., Downtown.
Lucky Dog OTR
Late-Night Hours: Friday-Saturday until 3 a.m. 1210 Main St., Over-the-Rhine
It’s never too late for a cheese coney, and luckily for everyone, Lucky Dog OTR stays open late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant calls itself the “culmination of over 20 years of restaurant experience by founders Ryan Reynolds and Ray Gammouh.” Using hot dogs from Queen City Sausage, chili fans can opt for coneys, chili metts, chili cheese sandwiches, regular dogs or even a coney crate (10 for $25). They also serve their signature chili in 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-Ways and even in a salad with shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, tomatoes, sour cream and chipotle ranch. 1210 Main St., Over-the-Rhine.
Mikey’s Late Night Slice
Late-Night Hours: Sunday-Thursday until 2:30 a.m.; Friday-Saturday until 3 a.m.
Mikey’s is known for its giant, foldable pizza slices and drunk-friendly menu. And whether you’re a plain-ass person who likes their pizza with just cheese and Mikey’s Plain-Ass Pepperoni or you’re looking for a Popular AF pie piled high with toppings, Mikey’s will take care of the late-night, closed-the-bar-down cravings. 2014 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
Drunken Tacos
Late-Night Hours: Thursday-Saturday until 3 a.m.
When you’re still a little tipsy from all the shots you just slammed at Murphy’s and Uncle Woody’s and you just absolutely, 100% NEED tacos like it’s the end of the world, Drunken Tacos’ menu breaks the mold, blending different cuisines. They have your standard ingredients like beans, carne asada and queso, as well as extra, unexpected fillings. Try their Aloha Pork tacos with jasmine rice, pulled pork, bacon, onion, avocado, pineapple bits, hot honey-BBQ sauce, cotija and cilantro, or the vegetarian Cauli Crunch or Crispy Potato tacos. 200 W. McMillan St., CUF.
Baru
Late-Night Hours: Friday-Saturday until midnight
This elevated sushi and cocktail concept places most of its focus on its atmosphere and unique menu, all centered around its bar, which has been strategically placed to be the focal point of the restaurant. The idea behind Baru is stay-and-drink sushi, inspired by izakaya, which are beloved Japanese establishments where guests can stay, drink and unwind long into the night. Its menu is sophisticated but approachable, with fresh fish flown in daily, American and Japanese wagyu and shareable items. It also offers omakase meals, where guests leave dining decisions up to the chef. 595 Race St., Downtown.
J. Gumbo’s (Clifton)
Late-Night Hours: Monday-Wednesday until midnight and Thursday-Saturday until 1 a.m.
J. Gumbo’s brings a piece of Bourbon Street to Cincinnati, cooking up po’ boys, gumbo and other Creole and Cajun classics. They put soul into their cooking, and a bowl of their Voodoo Chicken just might put your soul back in your body after a late night. 286 Ludlow Ave., Clifton.
Bakersfield
Late-Night Hours: Friday-Saturday until midnight 1213 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
Part bar, part taco joint, Bakersfield specializes in gourmet tacos (pollo rojo, al pastor, huitlacoche, etc.), quality tequilas and whiskeys, of which they have a selection of over 100, and hand-crafted margaritas made the old-fashioned way, not from a pre-made mix. 1213 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine.