Best Late Night Restaurants in Pico Union
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
El Taurino
Open till 3 AM with iconic salsas and carne options.
Notable Picks
#1
El Taurino
8.9
An LA late-night legend since 1991, El Taurino excels at bold, richly flavored tacos and burritos, particularly their pork-heavy specialties. The mural-adorned dining room stays bustling well past midnight, making it a staple for both locals and night-shift workers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Carnitas Burrito, Red Salsa Tacos
What Makes it Special: Open till 3 AM with iconic salsas and carne options.
#2
Ramen Akira
8.4
Ramen Akira stands out for its signature garlic tonkotsu ramen, expertly crafted noodles, and deeply flavorful broths. Locals return for the house-made curry alongside a generous ramen roster, appreciating both late-night hours and efficient, warm service. The casual, energetic ambiance and steady review volume underscore Akira’s staying power in the heart of Koreatown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Curry Rice, Spicy Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Noodle texture and garlic-forward tonkotsu broth.
#3
Thaister
8.3
Thaister is a late-night Thai noodle and curry shop geared toward delivery and takeout, running deep into the early-morning hours. Bold flavors and solid execution on classics make it a go-to when most other kitchens are dark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Green Curry, Mango Sticky Rice
What Makes it Special: A delivery-first Thai kitchen serving full-flavored noodles and curries until the early morning.
Worthy Picks
#4
Coffee MCO
7.8
A spacious Koreatown-border cafe built around a signature drink program—the Iced Mason Latte anchors a menu that stretches into brunch territory with items like a brisket breakfast burrito. The layout rewards long stays with room to spread out, free parking, and live event programming, though the loud hip-hop soundtrack means noise-cancelling headphones are non-negotiable for focused work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Iced Mason Latte, Matcha Latte, Avocado Toast
What Makes it Special: Spacious DTLA-Koreatown border cafe with a signature drink program, free parking, and a layout built for long stays and live events.
#5
Pho Lala
7.7
A Korean-Vietnamese crossover built around customizable pho — the self-serve garnish bar lets you steer each bowl toward your own heat and herb balance, which keeps regulars coming back with a routine. The menu leans into fusion comfort (curry donkatsu, short rib pho) rather than strict tradition, and the late-night hours make it a reliable post-10pm landing spot along the Vermont corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Rib Pho, Deep Fried Egg Rolls, Curry Donkatsu
What Makes it Special: Korean-Vietnamese fusion spot with a self-serve garnish bar so you build every bowl exactly how you want it
7.7
Flavors of Thai is a long-running neighborhood spot with an old-school menu of curries, stir-fries, and noodle plates in hearty portions. It’s more about satisfying, familiar flavors and late-night convenience than polish or trendiness.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Pork with Steamed Rice, Tom Yum Soup, Classic Pad Thai
What Makes it Special: A broad, old-school Thai menu with generous portions and reliably late hours.