Open 24 hours, seven days a week, Cafeteria has been a much-hyped celeb haunt since it open in 1998 and continues to offer the best in free New York entertainment: people watching. The owners’ goal is simple enough: to provide guests with a “feel-good” dining experience: gourmet comfort food served in a sophisticated atmosphere, available ‘round the clock. Whether you visit at brunch, lunch, dinner or after a night out, you can relax at a table outside, or cozy up by candlelight indoors.

The Menu: Boasting upscale American comfort cuisine, Cafeteria serves everything from eggs to sandwiches to salads. Hearty entrées like meatloaf and fish and chips are balanced out by lighter continental favorites like grilled chicken paillard or atlantic salmon. Classic American desserts with indulgent extras are impossible to resist, such as deep fried oreos or the waffle banana split. Cocktails include the passion fruit caipirinha, the blackberry cardamom margarita and our favorite, the Inferno Bloody Mary, made with jalapeno vodka that’s sure to “cure” a hangover.

The Must-Have: After an epic night out, the only thing standing between you and your bed should be a plate of fried chicken and waffles. You’d be silly not to order the Mac Attack (a tasting of three different mac n cheeses), and while you’re at it, a side of truffle parmesan fries. After all, it’s been a long night.