People call New York the city that never sleeps, but when you’re not sleeping, you’re usually getting hungry. Where do you go to fill your stomach at 4AM?
Growing up in Asia, I’m used to many restaurants being open around the clock. Chinese people actually have a name for the 4th meal of the day, and crowds gather at late night feeding spots as the clock nears midnight. Swing by Korean Town near 34th street, and you’ll see first hand how Asians don’t like to sleep.
Perhaps the American solution to around the clock dining is the diner. In suburban America, and every college town on the map, it’s what keeps the students going on an all-nighter frenzy to finish a paper. In New York, however, it just doesn’t feel the same when you don’t drive up to a diner, with a big parking lot. Looking for parking at 3am is the last thing on most people’s minds for a quick fix on diner food. Pizza spots that are open are not too easy to find, and are usually serving dry, boring looking pizza.
So most young New Yorkers have gone through this scenario: You spend the evening partying it up in the lower west side of Manhattan, and decide to head out of the club around 2AM. A few people in your group complain that they’re hungry, everyone wants to get food, but food is nowhere in sight. K-Town seems to be your only option, but you’d smell like Korean BBQ when you get home. Dejected, everyone parts ways and head home.
When hunger strikes at 3AM, and you’re not ready to end the party? Head over to Cafeteria.
Expect a line, and a lot of taxis
I’ve been to this place at different times of the day, and it’s always busy. While the morning brunch has its quiet charm, and the afternoon snack is relaxing, the late night hours are truly the essence of this place.
Here’s a quick checklist of why this is the perfect place to continue your night out.
- Location, 7th and 17th Street. Not too far from many of the hottest nightlife spots.
- Dark decor unlike brightly lit diners. Nobody’s ready to look into the light just yet.
- Full bar, amazing cocktails.
- More pretty people to look at.
- Oh, and the food, it’s great.
(pictures are from my daytime visit)
So my late night adventure began on a boring night, when everyone pretty much bailed out on me. Then around 2AM my phone rang. Some friends just got out of a club, and want food. I feel quite depressed nobody was available earlier in the evening and could use a drink. So I hopped right into the car and made my way to Manhattan.
Try finding this bar at a diner.
We arrived at Cafeteria at 3AM, and judging by the number of taxis outside, it’s going to be interesting. We were quite surprised that a table for 2 at 3AM is a 30 minute wait, but that in itself is quite unexpected, and I suppose exciting when you’re slightly under the influence.
As we waited by the bar, and sampled a few of the signature cocktails, I looked around at the crowd. Some friends said this is the spot to people watch, and maybe spot a few celebs. Everyone was so good looking that I really couldn’t tell even if a few celebs or models were in the place. As we chatted and sipped on a delicious Passion Fruit Caipirinha, minutes were flying by. Soon we were seated, and handed our menus.
The menu, upon first glance, looks like simple diner food. Look closer and you’ll see the New York influence. Ingredients are labeled clearly, and sound absolutely delicious. We picked a few appetizers and entrees.
Wildberry Mojito, yum~
As we waited for the food to arrive, I ordered a Berry Mojito and looked around. (I tried to order a lot of the same during the day, so the images match) The crowd kept getting bigger, and a line soon formed outside the door. The music was a constant stream of top40 hits, and people cheered whenever Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift came on.
Massive bowel of mussels.
Back to the food. My appetizer was a massive bowl of mussels, and a delicious tomato soup. My friend had the seared tuna. To be honest, I wasn’t even that hungry, but devoured everything. This is not your everyday diner food, this is gourmet disguised in a casual hangout.
Lightly seared tuna.
For the entree, I got the Cafeteria Burger, which came with some great fries. The burger itself was good, but I was getting a bit full and could not fully enjoy it. The Mac-Attack, and triple serving of Mac and Cheese with different toppings was just the right fix after a whole night of dancing.
Cafeteria Burger and Fries
Mac Attack!
At this point, Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance started playing in the restaurant, and the people all started singing together. “Ra Ra Ra Ah Ah, Roma Roma Ma, Ga Ga Oh La La……..”
My friend said to me “I love this restaurant, it’s so much fun”. I could not agree more.
Next time you go club/bar hopping in NYC, put this place on your list. Who said the party has to stop when you leave the nightclub?
CS
Curved for its purpose and existence.
Rating: 
Cafeteria (Make a Reservation)
119 7th Ave
24/7, always open.
