Late night dining may be a hallmark of summer, when there are more night-time concerts and events going on so people are out later. And when those events end, sometimes an end of the night meal is in order.
With the opening of a new restaurant, Empire Dim Sum, 2624 N Classen Blvd., fans of the traditional brunch time Chinese fare no longer have to limit themselves to such set hours.
Instead, the restaurant offers up the convenience of dim sum until 2 a.m. daily in the heart of OKC's Asian District — and the menu is filled with tasty options.
The taro puffs offered a savory bite complete with a crispy outer texture that gave way to a smooth interior and a delicious filling, while the steamed BBQ pork buns were perfectly pillowy soft and filled with a sweet, meaty pork filling.
Meanwhile, entrees such as Mongolian beef and cashew chicken came with a side of rice which was cooked to perfection and were large enough to split or take home for leftovers if enjoying by yourself.
Ordering at Empire is done through your phone, but the attentive staff is nearby and ready to answer any questions you may have about the menu. You can choose to order as a group for the table — the restaurant can split the check accordingly at the end — or each person can order individually.
I visited Empire on a Sunday night with two friends, when it was fairly quiet. Our food came out quickly and was hot and fresh. I look forward to going back again to try more of the available options now that I know the restaurant exists.
But when the night falls and hunger pangs kick in, where else can you turn for some late night noshing in and around the Oklahoma City metro area? Here are 10 more restaurants serving food after 9 p.m. or later.
1. Formosa Street Food & Bar, 427 NW 23 Street
Another option for Asian fare, Formosa offers its menu until midnight Monday through Saturday and until 10 p.m on Sunday. Stop in for an order of soup or shrimp dumplings, a noodle dish, various fried options and more that you can share with friends or savor all by yourself.
2. La Frontera, 2008 N MacArthur Blvd.
Open until midnight Monday through Thursday, and until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, La Frontera offers up authentic Mexican food from tacos to sopes and beyond with your choice of meat or vegetarian fillings, including asada, barbacoa, lengua, chile relleno and more.
3. Boom! Chicken, 121 NE 2 Street
This walk-up fried chicken concept from the chef-owner of Bar Cichetti is an easy come and go option for nights out in the Deep Deuce neighborhood. Serving the spot's signature chicken, fries and cinnamon toast until 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
4. Seoul Pocha, 1520 NW 23 Street
Late night Korean street food and karaoke options? That's what you'll find on the menu at Seoul Pocha, which stays open until 2 a.m. Choose from items like kimchi pancakes, cheese corn, various soups, chicken, bulgogi and more.
More:Seoul Pocha: OKC's Korean restaurant, karaoke combination hits the right notes
5. Guyutes, 730 NW 23 Street
Serving until 1:30 a.m. daily, Phish-themed restaurant Guyutes offers up menu items ranging from appetizers to pizzas, including vegan and vegetarian friendly options.
6. Hopscotch, 10909 N May Ave.
If you're looking for pub grub taken up a level crossed with comforting New American fare, Hopscotch has you covered. With options like beer cheese dip and French onion soup alongside chicken pot pie and fried deviled eggs, there's a variety of fun things to try on the menu and the restaurant kitchen is open until at least 11:30 p.m. daily.
7. Hurts Donuts, 601 NW 23 Street
While donuts may not be the perfect choice every time you want a late night snack, they can come in clutch when a sweet snack attack ensues. Having the ability to get them on-demand any time, day or night means Hurts is definitely on to something with their policy of being open "25/8."
8. Perry’s Restaurant, 7432 S May Ave.
Perry's Restaurant offers a menu of American comfort classics ranging from breakfast to dinner 24-hours a day. Choose an omelet, burger, popcorn shrimp or one of the many other options on the menu.
9. Beverly’s Pancake House, 3315 Northwest Expressway
Don't be confused by the name, the original home of "Chicken in the Rough" is serving up far more than just pancakes 24-hours a day. Opt for the best of both worlds and go for chicken and waffles or stick with solely sweet or savory choices to suit your mood ranging from French toast to steaks and pork chops.
More:Locally developed delicacy, Chicken in the Rough, once sold at restaurants nationwide
10. Mama Lou’s Restaurant, 1427 SE 30 Street
From catfish and meatloaf to breakfast and burgers, you can get it all at Mama Lou's. With an extensive menu served 24-hours a day, you're sure to find something to enjoy.
