Best Hangout Spots After Bar Close in Washington, D.C.

When the bars close, some people head home, but many people are looking for another fun spot to check out. Here is a list of five foodie venues where you can go to dine late night so that you can go home full and happy. Plus, the food will soak up some of that alcohol you indulged in at the bars! Be sure to check the websites for hours as most of these spots are open after the bars close, but not all night.

Ben’s Chili Bowl 
1213 U St N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-0909
www.benschilibowl.com

This Washington, D.C. institution serves up great food all day long and well into the night. In fact, it’s most lively late night after the bars have closed. Head over for a late night snack and indulge in cheese fries, milkshakes and veggie chili. The old school music and friendly staff will keep the party going. Just be prepared to wait in line! This where everyone goes to hang out after the bars close.

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe
1517 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 387-1400
www.kramers.com/cafe

This cafe and indie bookstore stays open well after the bars close, which means you can head over for one of their wonderful desserts with a friend. Their ice cream sandwich is fantastic and their chocolate cake is something every DC resident should try. Other favorites include cheesecake, apple pie and peach cobbler. Nothing is better than a great all-American dessert! Beer and wine are also available, are savory dishes like nachos and mac ‘n’ cheese. If you are up to it, you can feel free to peruse the bookstore.

Amsterdam Falafel
Adams Morgan
2425 18th St NW
Washington DC 20009
(202) 234-1969
www.falafelshop.com

This place makes the best falafel in town, and it is open super late night so you stuff your face and keep hanging out with your friends after a night of drinking and dancing. Be sure to get an order of their fries because they are epic. Served with curried ketchup, these fries are legendary in DC, especially among late-night diners. Amsterdam falafel has more than one location in the city, so see their website to figure out which one is closest to where you are.

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The Diner
2453 18th St. N.W.
Washington D.C. 20009
(202) 232-8800
www.dinerdc.com

The Diner has what everyone is looking for after the bars close: breakfast food. Treat yourself to eggs, pancakes, benedicts and tater tots. They even offer Bloody Marys all night long! This spot is one of the few places in DC that stays open all night long, so if you can’t find anywhere else to go, you can always go to The Diner. Remember to get one of their awesome milkshakes! The s’mores flavor is a local favorite. If breakfast is not your jam they have other items like sandwiches and salads, and snacks like pretzel bites and onion rings. All of their dishes are perfect for late night dining!

Dangerously Delicious Pies
1339 H St. N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 398-7437
www.dinerdc.com

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a slice of pie, whether it be sweet or savory. When the drinking is over, make a beeline for Dangerouly Delcious Pies. They stay open late so that they can feed the night owls! Savory pie options include a potato pie, a ratatouille pie, and a curry tofu pie. Sweet offerings range from lemon cheese to apple to berry to chocolate. There is a piece of pie for everyone at Dangerously Delicious Pies! Vegan are also accommodated.

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Priya Konings is a freelance writer and restaurant critic in Washington D.C. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.