Late night bites

Whether it’s a late-night cram session before a final exam, a trip with friends to grab a bite to eat in the wee hours of the morning or chatting with friends over a cup of tasty coffee, college students love to roam the city while most are resting at home, fast asleep.

But even these nocturnal students need some direction for their late-night adventures, so here’s a look at Portland’s late-night hot spots.

Original Hotcake and Steak House $$
1002 S.E. Powell Blvd.
503-236-7402
Seven days a week: 24 hours

A jukebox, fluffy hotcakes and a festive atmosphere make up the Original Hotcake and Steak House, a place filled with an array of unhealthy but delicious food. Renowned for its hotcakes, this Portland favorite also offers crispy hash browns, excellent omelets, eggs and sausage to round out its breakfast food. The service is speedy, but at times the staffers can be a bit aloof.     

La Casita $
607 S.E. Morrison St.
503-234-8894
Mon. to Wed.: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Thurs. to Sat.: 11 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Sun.: 11 a.m. to midnight

Customers definitely get their money’s worth at La Casita, as this Mexican restaurant serves enormous portions at a small cost. Specializing in a variety of flavorful tacos and burritos, La Casita offers basket after basket of free chips to complement the meal. Happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., provides cheap dinners and fine drinks.

The Roxy $
1121 S.W. Stark St.
503-223-9160
Tues. to Sun.: 24 hours
Closed Mon.: Starting at 3 a.m.

From dimly lit seating to the jukebox’s blaring music to décor that includes flowers growing inside toasters, this quaint little diner screams Portland. The menu is saturated with typical American eats, such as burgers, cheese fries and hotcakes. While the food is better than average, the service is not, and many complain of scary staff members that are outwardly rude.

Muchas Gracias $
1307 N.E. 102nd Ave.
503-255-0222
Seven days a week: 24 hours

The food is simply authentic Mexican cuisine, which means it’s simply delicious. Tacos, burritos—especially the carne asada steak—and nachos are all sensational choices at Muchas Gracias. Many rave about the traditional tacos and burritos that are overflowing with meat. And the best news may be that all these tasty meals are offered at an inexpensive price.

The Nob Hill Old Pharmacy Café $
2100 N.W. Glisan St.
503-548-4049
Seven days a week: 24 hours

It’s not this old pharmacy’s food that draws college students from universities and colleges in Portland’s vicinity. Instead, it’s the convenience. Open all day, every day, Nob Hill Old Pharmacy Café is the perfect place for laptop-totting students who would like to snack on a bagel or sip a cup of coffee while surfing the net with free Wi-Fi or studying away. Of course, the menu offers a wider variety of delectable eats and drinks, with classic deli sandwiches, pastries, cake, salads and espresso.

Voodoo Doughnut $
22 S.W. Third Ave.
503-241-4704
Seven days a week: 24 hours

Unique is the best word to describe Voodoo Doughnut. Customers can choose from an array of exotic doughnuts, including one sprinkled with fruit loops, a maple doughnut with bacon layered across the top, a glazed treat with Oreo toppings and even the aptly named Cock-n-Balls. For a true taste of Portland, everyone should stop by to enjoy Voodoo Doughnut’s unmatched brilliance at least once.

Pita Pit $
421 S.W. 10th Ave.
503-222-6551
Mon. to Wed.: 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Thurs. to Sat.: 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Sun.: Noon to 2 a.m.

Pita Pit is the nongreasy option among Portland’s late-night food. Tons of fresh vegetables coupled with meat grilled directly in front of the customer makes for a filling meal that will not extend your waistline. Delivery is also available to downtown residents until approximately 30 minutes before closing each night. The customer service is quick, although employees often seem disgruntled.