If our team of Forkers aren't out eating, we're probably burning the midnight oil writing about it. When all that talk makes us hungry again, what's still open? This week's list will answer that inquiry. From 24-hour spots to meat eater destinations, boiling tofu stews and a hookah lounge, we've got the county covered. Our selections are open until at least 1 a.m. on any given day (unless they actually take a day off). So without further ado *yawn*, let's get started in no particular order a sort of north-to-south county order– because we felt like it.
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10. Harbor House Cafe
Beach bum beacon
We begin our list with a duo of eateries along the coastline. Helming
the north in Sunset Beach and the south in Dana Point, Harbor House has
been feeding hungry masses with their around-the-clock service. Dorm
room chic poster-covered walls and street parking await those in Sunset.
A perfectly casual vibe, with thick milkshakes and huge brekkie plates
whenever you want. Count us in. Open 24/7. 16341 Pacific Coast Hwy, Sunset Beach, (562) 592-5404 and 34157 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, (949) 496-9270; www.harborhousecafe.com.
9. Stubrik's
Dessert haven
Yes, this steakhouse can fulfill your meat & potato needs beyond the 23rd hour. But our editor-in-chief thinks you should go bananas for the sweet stuff. In his own words:
“This is a Foster of bite, of a sharp rum, sweet and smooth. The cinnamon
fought its brown-sugar cousin to a tie; both clumped together under the
rum and crystallized into concentrated niblets. The banana slices,
meanwhile, were flambéed past the point of caramelization–how many
different notes of dark sweetness is it so far? And the vanilla ice
cream, while . . . well, vanilla, maintained its integrity despite the
heat, leading to a dessert in which all of its angles remained true and
not overwhelming one another.“
Open until 2 a.m. 118 E Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, (714) 871-1290; www.stubriks.com.
8. Nubia Cafe
Hookah hookup
Hookah lounges are attracted to Anaheim (there were at least 10 to choose from when I searched) like I am to bacon. Looking for one with good grub is best done with a co-hort whose been there, done that. Our recommendation is this Little Arabia gem for smoking and feasting. If waterpipes aren't your fancy, grab one of their board/card games and inhale the aromas until your friends are done. Starters should include hummus (with meat), but don't forget an order of the chicken cave– fried chicken breast stuffed with mozzarella. Whaat? Open til 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 1785 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, (714) 999-1199; www.nubiacafe.net.
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7. Tsuruhashi
Meat you there. . . .
This hot treat sizzles with marbled kobe beef and kimchi fried rice that sells out. Known for their quality proteins, it's easy to spend more than you planned. And if you are familiar with Japanese (or Korean) yakiniku, prepare to wait in this nondescript strip mall. Open until 1 a.m. daily. 18798 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, (714) 593-8393; www.tsuruhashibbq.com.
6. Dos Chinos
Lingering luxe lonchera
Known for their stops at Proof Bar and Avec Nightclub, Hop and crew put out luxe lonchera cuisine that our team adores until 2 a.m.. Gustavo approves of the Bolsa roast pork, Dave and Edwin are on a united front over their cotija cheese-covered fries. Of course, my precious is the DC breakfast: a burrito filled with chorizo fried rice, rib eye asada and a custom over easy egg. When the yolk breaks, the sauce coats from the inside out, making for an ideal bite. Check out their menu and schedule at www.doschinos.com.
5. The Crosby
Setting the bar
If holding our first OC Weekly/KCRW happy hour event at this watering hole doesn't show how much we approve of the Crosby, I don't know what does. Calling it a gastropub almost seems like an insult, as it serves up some of the better drinks and eats in the area. Your best bet is one of their sandwiches, grilled cheese or otherwise, with a side of sweet potato fries. Open until 2 a.m. every day; closed on Sundays. 400 N Broadway, Santa Ana, (714) 543-3543; www.thisisthecrosby.com.
4. Banh Mi Che Cali
Savory sandwich shop
Our next up-all-nite joint is also the best bang for your buck. Three delectable baguettes for only $5! That's one for every meal. Filled with the best Vietnamese goodness around, give a little love to the thit nuong (bbq pork). Need a pick-me-up? Their cafe sua da is a great deal at under two bucks. Just remember cash is king. Open 24/7. 15551 Brookhurst St, Westminster, (714) 839-8185.
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3. BCD Tofu
What's happening, hot stuff!
The UCI crowd flocks to Diamond Jamboree for a veritable food court of Asian cuisine. However, many of them end up here for the always available Korean soon tofu soup. Between this and the bottomless banchan, it's the filler one needs for that all-nighter. Open 24/7. 2700 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, (949) 553-6465; www.bcdtofu.com.
2. Corky's Kitchen & Bakery
Bad ass brekkie
When the streets roll up at night in roundabout country, options are next to none. Per our fellow Forker Niyaz, he loves this South County roadhouse because, “….they have 5-egg omelettes and huge fucking pancakes.” Need we say more? How about beware of inconsistent waitstaff late at night. Open 24/7. 27522 Antonio Pkwy, Ladera Ranch, (949) 364-4439; www.corkyskitchenandbakery.com.
1. Albatros
My burrito hero
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.