Late-night snacking is something almost every college student is guilty of. Whether it be due to studying late or just hanging out with friends, a late-night snack always hits the spot. But some people don’t know where to go to get the food that’ll get them through the night. Which is why we’ve created this list of our favorite spots to curb midnight munchies, factoring costs, nutritional value, distance from campus, and of course, taste.
In-N-Out: Fueling Midnight Feasts
Distance from Campus: 6 minutes
Closing Time: 1:30 a.m.
Price Range: $2-$10
Image via la.eater.com
In-N-Out is known for being one of the freshest and most affordable options for a meal. Their double-double is a popular and filling option for people who eat beef. For people who don’t eat beef, their options are very limited, with the animal fries and animal-style grilled cheese being the best you can get. Although the animal-style grilled cheese is great with their signature animal sauce, the fries can sometimes be dry if not eaten fresh at the restaurant. The shakes are also popular but can be seen as a little too thick, like ice cream in a cup. Other than that, the protein count is great, with a cheeseburger having 20g of protein while being 430 calories.
Taco Bell: The Classic Late-Night Fix
Distance from Campus: 9 minutes
Closing Time: Midnight or 1 a.m.
Price Range: $1-$15
Image via today.com/food
Taco Bell is a staple when it comes to late-night snacking because of its affordability and variety. Taco Bell even offers a 10% student discount at participating locations. But being cheap has its downsides, like also being unhealthy. Taco Bell is known for causing digestion issues due to all the unhealthy ingredients. For example, the popular Crunchwrap Supreme has a whopping 540 calories and 21 grams of fat, with only 16 grams of protein. But at the end of the day, a meal from Taco Bell is filling and a good price, which is something college students care about.
Los Cuates: A Local Chain Hidden-Gem
Distance from Campus: 7 minutes
Closing Time: 4:30 a.m.
Price Range: $5-$15
Image via postmates.com
Los Cuates is a small Mexican food joint with only a few locations in the US. It serves genuine Mexican flavors, giving customers an authentic dining experience that is hard to beat. While their burritos may be delicious, they aren’t the cheapest. Being around $8 for a burrito isn’t the most budget-friendly for students, but the large portion size does justify the costs. The website doesn’t specify calorie counts, but it can be assumed that indulging in a large burrito smothered in cheese and sour cream may not be the healthiest option on the list. But they also sell an amazing horchata for only $1.75. This drink is perfect to wash down a delicious burrito or plate of tacos.
Denny’s: A 24-Hour Haven
Distance from Campus: 5 minutes
Closing Time: Never
Price Range: $15-$25
Image via Yelp
Denny’s is a place almost every student knows. Whether it be to satisfy late-night cravings with friends or an end to a fun night out, Denny’s is a staple due to its 24-hour service time. While Denny’s offers convenience and variety, it comes at a cost. Compared to other late-night options, Denny’s tends to be pricier. There also aren’t many healthy options, with their pancake slams being around 1090-1790 calories. They do offer salads which are around 620 calories, but they aren’t as popular, which could be based off their taste. But the menu at Denny’s offers something for everyone, whether you’re craving breakfast for dinner or a hearty burger to silence your hunger. Its variety and convenience still make it a great option for a late-night snack.
Raising Canes: A Chicken Lover’s Paradise
Distance from Campus: 15 minutes
Closing Time: 2 a.m.
Price Range: $10-$20
Image via bizjournals.com
Raising Cane’s is known for its simple menu, focused on chicken fingers. It’s also very well known for its special secret Cane’s sauce. This is what makes it so popular as it elevates the flavor of the chicken tenders, fries, and even Texas toast. But Cane’s is not a great option for vegetarians or vegans due to its limited menu. There are little to no varieties so people with special diets might have to choose somewhere else to go. The distance is a bit larger than the other options on this list, with the closest location to campus being 15 minutes away. Besides this, Cane’s uses high-quality chicken tenders that taste fresh compared to other places. Caniacs can taste the difference in quality between a combo from Cane’s versus another fast-food joint.
Late-night snacking is an essential part of student life, offering a much-needed break from studying or a rewarding treat after a long night. While each of these establishments has its own unique appeal, it’s essential to consider factors like nutrition, cost, and taste when making your decision. So, the next time hunger strikes at midnight, you’ll know exactly where to go for the ultimate late-night feast.
Where do you go when late-night hunger hits? Let us know your experience on our social media and keep up to date on more upcoming events @ASICPP on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok!
