It’s 12 a.m. and you and your friends have just left the dizzying lights of Ziing’s in search of a late-night bite. Who knows what you could encounter in your night owl activities? You may see a roach crawl next to you after eating your tacos, or even notice a racist statue right after you finish ordering. But you might also find your new go-to spot for midnight munchies. Inside Fullerton visited five spots that are open after 11 p.m. on the quest to find the best grub—and the least regrettable—after hours in Fullerton.

1) What’s Up Men—512 N. State College Blvd.

Nothing hits the spot better than a good bowl of ramen after a study session or shift at work. If your cup of noodles isn’t cutting it, check out hole-in-the-wall restaurant, What’s Up, Men.

“We try to keep it as authentic as possible. We take pride in that,” says store manager Kanta Urabe. Their most popular dish, the Aka Ramen, starts with a spicy miso base and features bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, green onions and three slices of tender pork, topped with a dash of garlic oil. The menu also includes traditional Japanese rice dishes, donburi and small bites like handmade gyoza. Located seven minutes from Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton, it’s a go-to spot for hungry students late at night as they close at 1 a.m. every day.

2) Taqueria de Anda—308 W. Valencia Dr.

It doesn’t have to be Tuesday to enjoy some tacos—in fact, it doesn’t have to be daytime at all. Inside Fullerton went to one of the 15 locations of Taqueria de Anda spread across Southern California to grab three of their most popular tacos: asada, carnitas and al pastor.
Despite noticing a roach shortly after eating, we thought the tacos were decent, maybe tastier if eaten at 4 a.m. The restaurant’s Fullerton location is open 24 hours a day, so if you find yourself craving tacos late at night, get your order to-go to avoid seeing any unpleasant pests.

3) B&B Donuts—925 S. Harbor Blvd.

If you are craving a sweet treat past midnight, look no further than B&B Donuts, located only five minutes from Fullerton College. While the indoor seating area closes at 11 p.m., the drive-thru remains open all night, making B&B Donuts the perfect place for late-night cravings. Son of the owners, Cok Chao, says that people come to B&B throughout the day for their fresh and cheap donuts, which are still stocked well into the night.

The shop also bakes seasonal treats with creative designs. Whether it be a ghost for fall or a snowman for winter, you can bite into adorable pastries all year long. And if you’re looking for a savory option, try one of their 8-inch made-to-order subs for $10.

4) Roscoe’s Deli—116 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Right down the street from Fullerton College sits a community favorite for sandwiches, beer and televised sports. This pub-like deli, known as Roscoe’s Deli, closes at midnight from Sunday to Thursday and closes at 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The interior is starkly American and welcoming, full of big TVs and a fridge which displays an array of meats and cheeses.

However, upon entering the man-cave-turned-restaurant, we noticed a less homey piece of decor: a 4-foot statue of a Native American man wearing a headdress. The owners may not have known the significance of the item which depicts a harmful stereotype that minimizes the cultural significance of headdresses which are sacred to certain indigenous groups.

If the statue doesn’t deter you from trying out their meat-packed sandwiches, Ryan Jaquez, employee of three years, recommends the Fender sandwich which includes bacon, turkey, butter lettuce and chipotle mayo—all stuffed between toasted sourdough bread. Paired with their iconic potato salad and a pickle, you can get a classic American meal for a total of $20 before gratuity.

5) Seoul Eats—600 S. Harbor Blvd.

Looking for a fast meal past midnight? Seoul Eats could be the spot to satisfy your cravings. Just down the street from Fullerton College, it’s great for those leaving a late class as they close at midnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday. However, on Sundays they close at 10 p.m., and Mondays they’re closed all day.

If their operating hours do not confuse you, their Korean-fusion menu that spans from the popular Korean street food, tteokbokki, to bulgogi tacos is worth the try. Their bulgogi sliders contain marinated beef, shredded cheese and lettuce tucked between buttery buns. Customer Camille Ramos says the menu is just like comfort food—quick and easy. In the spacious dining area, you can enjoy a meal with friends while listening to K-pop music which plays all night.

Taken from the Winter 2024 print issue of Inside Fullerton. Read it here.