Late-Night Eats in Midtown: Where to Find the Best Comfort Food
In Midtown Manhattan, the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world, the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life doesn’t end at sundown. In addition to being a thriving business center, Midtown’s world-famous tourist attractions like the Empire State Building and Times Square draw tourists from all corners of the world. For both tourists and locals of the metropolis, a delicious, comforting meal is a must after a busy day or night out.
Luckily, Manhattan is home to a great number of restaurants, so many that you could eat at a different restaurant every day for twelve years and not run out of options. When you’re tired and hungry late at night, sinking your teeth into a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying can make you feel like a brand-new person.
For a late-night bite that’s both affordable and packed with flavor, Empanada Mama is a must-visit. Open 24/7, we offer 40 varieties of empanada flavors—both savory and sweet—perfect for refueling after a night out or grabbing a quick bite on the go. Whether you're craving something cheesy, spicy, or indulgently sweet, Midtown has you covered.
The Appeal of Comfort Food at Night
While you may opt for green salads and fresh fruits during the day, once night falls, comfort food is where the heart seeks solace. When you’re tired and hungry, nothing brings more satisfaction than a hearty, filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
Comfort food is about more than just taste—it’s about nostalgia and warmth. Comfort food, for many, means a hot, rich meal that reminds them of home.
After a long day, indulging in feel-good food can be the perfect way to unwind and recharge. Midtown offers a variety of comforting bites, from cheesy pizzas and creamy mac and cheese to international favorites like empanadas. Whether you’re craving something crispy, gooey, or packed with flavor, there's no shortage of delicious options to satisfy your late-night hunger.
Empanada Mama’s Times Square branch is open 24/7, making it a must-go destination for night owls in Midtown. We do have other outlets in New York City including LES, Hell's Kitchen, East Village, and UES. We got you covered!
Empanada Mama: Late-Night Comfort Food Pairings
It is a Friday night and you are just out of the movies. You are longing for warm comforting food in Midtown. That search will take you to Empanada Mama. You can try out some of our classic combinations according to your taste palate. Here are some of the most sought-after empanada and drink pairings:
Buffalo Chicken + Watermelon Lemonade
For the ultimate late-night pick-me-up, try pairing a hot, savory Buffalo Chicken empanada with a cool refreshing glass of watermelon lemonade. The contrast between the lemonade and the hot empanada complement one another smoothly, making it a classic combination for a late-night bite.
Romeo & Juliet + Mango shake
The Romeo & Juliet empanada—a delightful blend of sweet guava and creamy mozzarella—is the perfect balance of fruity and savory. Pair it with a refreshing mango shake, and you get a tropical twist that’s both rich and refreshing. The smooth, creamy mango complements the tangy-sweet empanada, making for an irresistible late-night treat.
Classic Empanada + Coffee
Suitable for both brunch and a 2 AM snack, a classic empanada, stuffed with chicken or beef, with a cup of coffee is both simple and satisfying. You can’t go wrong with this combination.
Veggie Yucca + Sweet Iced Tea
The Veggie Yucca—stuffed with black beans, pico de gallo, and avocado sauce—delivers a satisfying bite with its crispy texture and hearty, plant-based filling. A sweet iced tea is the perfect companion, cutting through the savory flavors with a smooth, refreshing finish.
Pollo a La Plancha + Iced Coffee
A grilled chicken breast served with rice, beans, and chimichurri makes for a wholesome, protein-packed meal. Pair it with iced coffee for a bold contrast—the rich, roasted notes of the coffee enhance the smoky flavors of the grilled chicken, making it a perfect pick-me-up meal.
Late-night cravings can range from savory to sweet. And we got it all. From churros to chicken soup, we got you!
Why Empanada Mama is the Best Late-Night Food Spot in Midtown
Empanada Mama is regarded as the best empanada spot in New York City, and its late-hour timings make it a treasure trove for late-night travelers. Whether you’re craving something savory or your sweet tooth is aching for a sweet treat, Empanada Mama’s wide range of flavors is bound to have something to your liking.
For those looking to spice things up, the Spicy Chicken Empanada delivers a perfect combination of heat and meat, cooked in Picante sauce. Our dessert empanadas are a must for anyone craving something with a sweet and cheesy kick.
You can choose from unique combinations such as the Caramel and Cheese Empanada, a combination of warm caramel and mozzarella, or the Romeo and Juliet, guava and mozzarella stuffed empanada, or try their U.S.A, a twist on the classic apple-cinnamon combination. No matter what time you swing by, Empanada Mama’s vibrant vibe makes it the perfect location to enjoy a warm meal.
The Convenience of 24-Hour Diner NYC Options
New York City is commonly referred to as the city that doesn’t sleep. In a city that doesn’t sleep, countless people are looking for hot, delicious meals well after most restaurants close their doors for the night. This is why 24-hour diners and late-night takeout is a necessity for such people.
Late-night food options don’t have to be limited in selection either. The wide range of cuisines in 24-hour diners means that night owls get varied options and don’t have to settle for whatever is open. If you’re up late and looking to order a quick bite, many Midtown eateries offer quick, convenient, and delicious takeout options such as pizza, tacos, and sandwiches.
Picking up takeout or ordering in is a lifesaver for late nights when you’re famished and too tired to cook a warm, comforting meal yourself.
Late Night Carvings?
In the late-night dining scene of Midtown, Empanada Mama is uniquely versatile in its dining options. Besides offering a cozy in-restaurant dining experience, they also offer delivery services, so you don’t have to step out of your house to experience the goodness of our unique creations.
Our takeout option means that you can swing by and grab an empanada to eat on the go, instead of waiting to reach home to eat or spending too much time dining in. If you’re tired of ordering NYC pizza or tacos every night, consider browsing Empanada Mama’s vast menu of 40+ empanada styles. Our items are also wallet-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank to satisfy your late-night cravings.
Midtown Manhattan is home to a wide range of restaurants and a vibrant dining scene, even at night. Out of the restaurants that operate late into the night, Empanada Mama is one restaurant that you won’t want to miss out on. You can satisfy your usual late-night food cravings with their classic empanadas or try out something new in the dining method convenient for you.
Whether you want to dine in, order online, or simply grab takeout from the location closest to you, if you’re looking for affordable, tasty comfort food that hits the spot then Empanada Mama will have what you’re looking for.