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: The exterior of a Nation's fast food burger restaurant, lit up in neon at night.

This 24-Hour Burger Chain Is a Late-Night Landmark in the Bay

Illustration: Two men devour tacos and burritos while pouring hot sauce from squeeze bottles directly into their mouths.

Taquerias Come and Go, but La Vic’s Orange Sauce Is Forever

Man devouring a steak while sitting at the counter at a restaurant.

Original Joe’s Westlake Is a Time Warp to Red Sauce Heaven

Illustration: Two men eat noodles and Thai desserts with an animalistic fervor.

This Cozy Thai Cafe Serves Eye-Popping Desserts Until Midnight

Illustration: a man shovels scallops into his mouth while sitting at an elegant bar. On the counter are tidy lobster sandwiches and fizzy cocktails in highball glasses.

Sunnyvale’s Secret Japanese Whisky Bar Serves Killer Late-Night Karaage

Illustration of three men devouring halo-halo and other Filipino food at a diner counter.

The Bay Area’s Great American Diner Is a 24-Hour Filipino Casino Restaurant

Two men devouring a bowl of soup noodles and a plate of fried tofu, with chopsticks in their hands.

This Sleek Taiwanese Street Food Lounge Serves Beef Noodle Soup Until 2:30 a.m.

A spread of Indian food on an outdoor table, including a rice combination tray, two samosas, a mango lassi and a plate of dahi puri. A man puts one of the dahi puri in his mouth.

Sunnyvale’s Hottest Late-Night Food Spot Is the 24-Hour Indian Grocery Store

Two men devour a Turkish cheese bread, pulling the stretchy cheese away from their mouths with grotesque expressions on their face.

This Turkish Kebab Spot Is a Late-Night Oasis in the Outer East Bay Suburbs

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