Mmmmm ...donuts

For a city so full of students, Boston's late-night scene is decidedly lame. The subway stops running at 12:45. There is a severe lack of all-night diners. And, worst of all, the Davis Square Store 24 closes at midnight! What's a night owl to do?

Luckily, in spite of the city's puritanical tendencies, there are a few options for nocturnal noshing when you find yourself up past the rest of the city's bedtime.



White Hen Pantry -- 1864 Mass Ave, Porter Square, Cambridge

Located in Porter Square, this glorified convenience store also features a deli, a salad bar, and a bunch of tables perfect for after-hours study breaks. With such variety, it can be a healthy alternative to many of the other late night options.

The hungry insomniac should try White Hen Pantry's miscellaneous meat sandwich, made with random cold cuts. It's like a pi¬ata for a carnivore: you never know exactly which meats you'll get, but they are guaranteed to be delicious.



24 Hour CVS -- 36 White St, Cambridge

Directly across the street from the White Hen is the 24 hour CVS. It's not a restaurant, exactly, but if your inner hypoglycemic is lusting for some sugar and Jumbo Express has been closed for hours, this drug store just might hit the spot. If you're in a pinch, CVS also sells school supplies -- if what you're craving is a little more academic.



Dunkin' Donuts -- 364 Broadway, Somerville

Donuts and coffee all the live long night. Enough said.



Krispy Kreme Doughnuts -- 35 Paul Revere Parkway, Medford

Krispy Kreme, the little southern corporate donut store that could, opens at 5 am every morning and closes at 2 a.m. during the week, 3 a.m. on weekends. The drive-through, however, is open 24 hours. Sure, there are two to three hours per day where you can't actually go into the store to fulfill all your donut related needs, but don't underestimate the appeal of delayed gratification. There is nothing sweeter than walking into the store at 5 a.m., being handed a free, freshly (baked? fried?) pastry, and realizing that yes, life is good.



Chau Chow City -- 83 Essex Street, Chinatown

For food and adventure long after the T stops running, hitch a taxi to Chinatown. There are a handful of restaurants that serve food late, but the best and most popular is Chau Chow City. Here, they serve dim sum until 1 a.m. nightly, and the restaurant is open until 4 a.m. on weekends. Try the clams with black bean sauce. Mmm ... cockle.



IHOP -- 1850 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton

Many sleepless foodies rave about this International House of Pancakes. It's open all night long, and you can't go wrong with a Belgian waffle, no matter what time it is.



South Street Diner -- 178 Kneeland St, Boston

Some say the only real way to eat late is to eat at a diner. The South Street Diner is Boston's solution. Believe or not, the name doesn't lie. It is located right by South Station. You can get all your diner basics: from greasy western omelets to greasy french fries to milk shakes that are thick enough to satisfy all night long. Of course, your standard cup of coffee or piece of pie is also available. South Street Diner isn't as sketchy as your hometown favorite, but in this city of early-risers, this 24 hour diner will do the trick.