A night of drinking elicits several kinds of alter-egos, hidden emotions and random scenarios, but nothing comes to the rescue in these trying times like a delicious meal. While Berkeley hasn’t quite earned itself the moniker of “the city that never sleeps” (since most restaurants close around 9 p.m.), there are still a bunch of affordable and satisfying options available to relieve your drunken desire for food, especially on Durant Avenue. Whether you’re craving some greasy goodness or something more sweet and savory, Durant Avenue has it all. 

Artichoke Basille’s Pizza

While there are several pizza shops around town, Artichoke’s knows how to hit the spot like no other with its overwhelmingly cheesy slices. With portions so big they can hardly fit on your plate, one slice (or maybe two) is all it takes to steer you on the path to sobriety. The warm, gooey cheese combined with the crispy, thin crust will surely be the savior of your night. Open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, Artichoke’s is the eatery you can always count on when making your journey back from frat row.

Taco Bell Cantina

If you’re determined to wait in the line that lingers out the door and onto Durant Avenue, Taco Bell will reward you with its variety of unfathomable combinations that only your drunken state of mind could put together. Tacos, burritos, chips, slushies, desserts. … Taco Bell has it all. When it seems like everywhere you’ve tried to go to is closed, spare yourself the mini panic attack because Taco Bell stays open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. With several dollar menu options and popular picks served across the nation, Taco Bell gives you a reliable fast food-quality meal without putting a dent in your bank account.

Boba Ninja

After a long night of drinks, it’s time to wrap things up with one more that will actually serve in hydrating your body — the all-too-familiar boba drink. The boba epidemic among UC Berkeley students is evident as soon as you enter within a mile radius of campus. It’s hard to walk a street without seeing some sort of boba establishment cross your path. Thankfully, Boba Ninja, located in Durant Square (more popularly known as Asian Ghetto), is your one-stop boba shop that closes at 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to satisfy your nighttime cravings. While you’re there, you can even order popcorn chicken or french fries to accompany you safely on your way back home.

King Pin Donuts

Right across from Boba Ninja, you’ll find the late-night haven where all sweet tooths gather. King Pin Donuts serves a wide selection of donuts and cakes until 3 a.m. every day of the week. If you’re lucky, you’ll arrive at just the right moment (typically around midnight), when its donut holes come straight out of the fryer and ready for you to devour in all their wonderful warmth and fluffiness. Two words: fresh donuts. Need there be more convincing as to why King Pin makes the perfect spot to hit up after your night out? I think its tasty, sugary delectables will speak for themselves.

Seniore’s Pizza

Although pizza is a part of its name, implying that it might be all this place serves, Seniore’s offers a wide assortment of options for whatever you may find yourself wanting when your midnight hunger strikes. From deep-fried ravioli to fish ‘n’ chips, there’s a little bit of something for every dietary preference. There are even Caesar and Greek salads if you’re feeling a bit healthy. Located right next to Tap Haus and open until 3:45 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, Seniore’s is a quick and easy spot to hit up anytime during the week. And for those moments where you just don’t feel like leaving your comfy abode, Seniore’s will come to you with its delivery services.

Everyone loves a good snack now and then to get you through the day, but when you’re drunk, food truly becomes your best friend with its amplified tastiness and ability to guide you back to soberness. Luckily, Berkeley presents a number of eateries open into the early hours of the morning to appease your rumbling stomachs from a night’s worth of back-to-back shots and slapping wine bags. While drinking may provide an instantaneous fun when consumed in safe proportions, hot food straight out of the fryer paired with a nice, refreshing beverage brings an incredible moment of satisfaction like no other.