Being hungry and awake past midnight is something we’ve all been through. There are times when a quick rummage through the fridge or a fast food run can fix it—but there are other times when you just need a little extra something.
Manila is one of the country’s food meccas (don’t quote me on that), and one of the main reasons is because you can find good food at all hours of the day. That includes Tuesdays at 1 a.m. when you can’t sleep because the state of the world is keeping you up at night.
While yes, eating in the wee hours of the night is bad for you, sometimes the food isn’t for your stomach. It’s for your soul. So whether you’re at home and craving a meal you can’t have delivered or you’re hungry after a night out, here are some places open during the witching hour.
Tiabuela
5805 Jacobo cor. Doña Carmen St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City
Open Monday to Sunday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Cuisine: Spanish
Tiabuela is one of the newest Spanish restaurants in the Poblacion area. Its menu consists mainly of tapas, but for friends who want to share, the paella is definitely good for more than one. The restaurant also hosts DJs on the weekends, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for some music to accompany your meal.
Alegria Cantina
Molito Lifestyle Center, Madrigal Ave., Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Open Monday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Cuisine: Latin and Latin-inspired dishes
If your budget (and potentially the restaurant’s distance) isn’t a concern, Alegria Cantina is the new kid on the block at Molito. The menu is made up of Latin-inspired dishes that have all been touched by fire. The cantina also has a drink menu you shouldn’t miss out on.
Nihonbashitei
1030 Arnaiz Ave., Makati City
Open Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Cuisine: Japanese
Honestly, Nihonbashitei is a restaurant that needs no introduction. The venerable Japanese spot has been sitting in place since most of us can remember, and the quality of the food hasn’t budged much either. Something special about it, though, is that it’s quiet. If you’re in the mood for a more than decent Japanese meal during the odd hours of the night, Nihon (as many regulars call it) is a more than worthy option.
Yugi
8459 Kalayaan Ave., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City
Open Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Cuisine: Japanese
If you’re craving some warm miso soup after a crazy night in Poblacion (like you should), Yugi is one of the places you should run to. Something interesting about this restaurant is that nobody that runs it is Japanese. Nevertheless, the food’s still good. If you’re wondering if my drunk palate made this decision, I’d like to assure you that it didn’t. I made sure to come back sober to check.
Hummus Elijah
5059 P. Burgos St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City
Open Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 24 hours; Sunday, 12 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Craving falafel and hummus at an ungodly hour doesn’t happen to everyone, but it does happen. Luckily, Hummus Elijah is open 24/7 on weekends to help satisfy that craving. Aside from the expected Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, it also serves desserts like baklava and knafeh as a sweet end to your meal.
Filling Station
5012 P. Burgos St., Brgy. Poblacion Makati City
Open Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Cuisine: American
There was a period of time from 2016 to 2018 where you’d see at least three pictures of someone eating at Filling Station on your Instagram feed on any given day. Many people like to say that the food is too expensive for its quality. Okay, but where else are you going to find quality milkshakes at 2 a.m.? Also, make sure to order the breakfast sausage the next time you’re there. Trust me, it’s worth it.
El Chupacabra
Ground Floor JVR Building, 5782 Felipe Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City
Open Sunday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Cuisine: Mexican
El Chupacabra is another famous late-night spot that requires very little introduction. The restaurant serves authentic Mexican tacos as well as other beloved Mexican street food at a budget-friendly price. Just make sure to bring a fan when you eat here cause it can get a little hot.
OnlyPans
5663 Don Pedro St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City
Open Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Cuisine: Mexican
OnlyPans is a quarantine business venture turned brick-and-mortar restaurant. Aside from its very witty and potentially NSFW name, the taco shop is known for its take on the famous birria taco. If you’re partying in Poblacion, this is a good place to end your night or take a break. If you’re going to OnlyPans from your house because you’re craving tacos at midnight, make sure you brace yourself for the party-going crowd.