As beloved Denny’s Diner closes its doors, many students are left without a place to go to satisfy their late night cravings, due to the lack of restaurants that are open 24 hours. The Redwood Bark searched Marin for alternative options to fill the hole in our hearts that was once occupied by Denny’s. While we weren’t able to find any other 24 hour options, we did find several enticing choices to consider the next time you’re hit by a nighttime case of the munchies.
In-N-Out (4 stars)
ice when you want inexpensive, yet satisfying food. Perfect for those late nights, In-N-Out is open until 1:30 a.m. and their famous burgers and cheeseburgers are all under five dollars, making it a perfect choice for high school students with limited funds. Besides the cheap, but delicious food, In-N-Out’s casual, energetic atmosphere is perfect for late weekend food runs. The red and white interior gives it a retro feel that makes it a fun place to go on a Friday or Saturday night, and its location in the Strawberry Shopping Center makes it a convenient stop for Redwood students. While there’s always a long line, the food comes fast, and when you’re hungry at one in the morning there’s few things that are more satisfying than a cheeseburger with a side of fries and a strawberry shake.
The West End Café (3 stars)
The West End Cafe, open until 2 a.m. seven days a week and located at 1131 4th Street, San Rafael, is a classic deli. It’s on the small side, although there is an outdoor patio seating area, which gives it a cute curbside appeal. Inside, it has a quiet, casual, old school deli ambience that matches the cheap prices and large portions. Everything on the menu is under $10, and the portions are generous, which instantly makes it a great choice for high school students looking for a good place to grab a quick bite. Besides their variety of classic deli sandwiches, West End also offers hearty breakfast choices like various types of eggs benedict, omelets, and pancakes, which are the perfect thing for those late night/early morning cravings.
Sol Food (5 stars)
Sol Food, located on 4th Street in San Rafael, is everyone’s favorite place to go when they want a big plate of flavorful, satisfying, hearty food. Since it’s open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, it’s a great place to go after a long night, when you want some, well, soul food. It has a loud, bustling atmosphere that makes it a fun place to end the night, and its family style dining makes for a relaxed yet lively dining experience. However, the best part of Sol Food is without a doubt the food. While it is on the more expensive side, it’s worth it, as is proved by the constant line out the door. The portions are large, and the food has a satisfying home cooked taste. The sandwiches are always a good choice, as they are delicious and all very large and filling. A choice that won’t disappoint is the Pollo Sandwich, which features chicken and ham on delicious sauteed vegetables. The whole Sol Food experience is enjoyable, from the delicious food to the fast, friendly service, to the bright, colorful interior of the restaurant.
Marin Brewing Company (3 stars)
Marin Brewing Company is an ideal late night choice for many reasons. Firstly, it’s open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is enjoyable. Secondly, its location in Larkspur Landingmakes it very convenient for most Redwood students. Thirdly, the food is hearty, the portions are large, and the choices are endless. What more can you ask for? The menu boasts an impressive variety of foods, from wood fired pizzas, to pasta, to clam chowder, to sandwiches, to salads, to a variety of burgers, and it goes on to include a variety of sides as well. The prices are a little high on some of the items. However, the portions are large, and the food itself is delicious and very filling. It also has a laid-back traditional pub style atmosphere that is both fun and comfortable at the same time. While the restaurant isn’t a typical choice for most high schoolers, it definitely should not be overlooked the next time you’re trying to decide where to eat your late night meal.
