Best Late Night Restaurants in Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
J.G. Melon
A no-frills UES burger institution built on griddle simplicity and repeatable execution.
Notable Picks
#1
J.G. Melon
8.4
A classic Upper East Side burger pub that stays in its lane: griddled burgers, simple fixes, and a late-night rhythm that keeps the room moving. It’s best when you treat it like a one-thing order—burger medium-rare, fries on the side, no menu wandering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, Cottage Fries, Chili
What Makes it Special: A no-frills UES burger institution built on griddle simplicity and repeatable execution.
8.3
The Alvin Public House is a cozy Lenox Hill pub where the burger program sits alongside Irish-influenced comfort dishes, Guinness, and cocktails. Regulars talk about the Alvin Burger and Smash Burger as serious neighborhood contenders, served in a dimly lit room with booths, a back dining area, and some outdoor seating that works for both casual dates and small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alvin Burger (50/50 short rib–brisket blend with bacon, pepper jack, onion ring, garlic-herb aioli), Pub Burger on brioche with fries or salad, Smash Burger with optional double patty and cheese
What Makes it Special: Irish-leaning neighborhood pub where the signature Alvin Burger anchors a strong burger lineup.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Uncle Vinny’s is a newer mom-and-pop shop on First Avenue that has quickly become a go-to for grandma slices, late-night pies, and a broader menu of pastas and wings. With hours that regularly run past midnight and later on weekends, it fills the gap between old-line slice joints and newer comfort-focused spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Pizza Slice, Grandma Pesto Pizza, Thin-Crust Neapolitan Pie
What Makes it Special: Mom-and-pop late-night shop built around strong grandma slices.