Food & Drink: Grab a midnight snack

Sacramento summers can go on forever, bypassing normal seasonal cues and stretching out for months on end, hot and languid. And while the days themselves are filled with endless sunlight, the nights are seemingly eternal. This can make for great late-night dining, but if you’ve lived in Sacramento for any length of time, you know that too often, area restaurant hours don’t match our appetite for adventure.

Though the choices aren’t numerous, there’s a select group of eateries that understands the need for a post-dinner, pre-breakfast noshing session—something to snack on after the party ends. (Something that doesn’t involve Cheerios and milk past the expiration date.) Read on for our late-night dining tips.

Willie’s Hamburgers and Chiliburgers

If you’re the lucky type that never suffers from indigestion, a late-night pit stop to Willie’s Hamburgers and Chiliburgers is a must. Nothin’ fancy about this iconic Sactown joint—just classic burgers, chili-cheese fries and some legendary onion rings. You know, everything you need to stave off that hangover.

Open until midnight Sunday through Tuesday, 1 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 2415 16th Street, (916) 444-2006; www.williesburgers.com.

Luigi’s Slice

You could stick a frozen Freschetta in the oven, or you could pop into Luigi’s Slice for huge piece of pesto, pepperoni or cheese. There’s also beer on tap and, if you’re lucky, live music in the adjoining room. You know—to keep the party going.

Open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, midnight Thursday, and 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 1050 20th Street, (916) 447-1255.

Inks Eats & Drinks

Ink doesn’t just stay open late, it boasts a special after-hours menu. The small plates and sandwich options are extensive and impressively highbrow: buttermilk-crusted chicken strips, housemade meatloaf, and pita chips served with spinach-and-artichoke dip. There’s even a veggie burger. Definitely a step up from Del Taco.

Open until 1 a.m. Sunday through Tuesday, 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, 3 a.m. Thursday, and 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 2730 N Street, (916) 456-2800, www.inkeats.com.

Ma Jong’s Asian Diner

Honey-walnut-glazed tofu over brown rice? Vietnamese salad or a stir-fry bowl with seasonal veggies and your choice of chicken, beef or tofu? The yum factor doesn’t get much better—at least not at this price—than with Ma Jong’s Asian Diner, located next to The Park Ultra Lounge. Just hobble over in your high heels and enjoy some grub that’s not just tasty, but easy on the wallet and waistline as well.

Open until 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 1116 15th Street, (916) 442-7555, www.theparkdowntown.com.

Marie’s Donuts

You’re coming home from the nightclub where you probably spent most of your cash on Pabst Blue Ribbon and the jukebox. Don’t despair—or go hungry. If it’s a Saturday night and you’ve got a few bucks left in your pocket, then make a beeline to Marie’s Donuts which, famously, opens up right around the time your favorite band gets done playing. A few bucks will score you some warm and sugary donut treats, fresh from the oven.

Opens at 1 a.m. every day. 2950 Freeport Boulevard, (916) 444-5245.