The Midnight DinersThe Midnight Diners

The Midnight Diners is a regular collaboration between KQED food editor Luke Tsai and artist Thien Pham. Follow them each week as they explore the hot pot restaurants, taco carts and 24-hour casino buffets that make up the Bay Area’s after-hours dining scene.

Illustration: Two men devour several plates of soul food: gumbo, a fried seafood platter, smothered pork chops.

This Soul Food Spot in San Leandro Serves Some of the Tastiest Gumbo in the Bay

Illustration: Three middle-aged men singing their hearts out at karaoke while a woman placidly eats a plate of spaghetti.

In South San Francisco, Noodles and Karaoke Are the Perfect Late-Night Combo

Illustration: A man devouring a Chinese meal with chopsticks.

Taishan Cuisine Is Keeping Chinatown’s Late-Night Food Scene Alive

Illustration: Two men eating ice cream outside an ice cream shop at night.

In San Francisco, Mitchell’s Ice Cream Is the People’s Choice

Illustration: Two men seated at a bar devour a spread of hot dogs.

’Tinis and Weenies Are a Winning Late-Night Combination

Illustration: a spread of wagyu beef and other hot pot items at a shabu shabu restaurant.

This Hot Pot Restaurant Serves All-You-Can-Eat Wagyu Beef

Illustration: Two men eating tacos and tortas inside a dimly lit restaurant.

Richmond’s New Late-Night Taqueria Goes Big

Illustration: red and purple front facade of a restaurant at nighttime. The sign reads, "Emmy's" in cursive.

San Francisco’s Favorite Spaghetti Shack Has a New Late-Night Menu

Illustration: Two men look starry-eyed with happiness as they devour plates of crab, shimp and other seafood.

This All-You-Can-Eat Cajun Crab Buffet Is for Serious Eaters Only

Sponsored