Midnight Snack

Even in nonstop New York, late-night dining often boils down to a wilted slice of pizza. But in less than a year, The Redhead has grown from a Thursdays-only restaurant in the back of an East Village bar into one of the city's most buzz-worthy new restaurants. And now it's the neighborhood's hottest spot for late-night dining, a favorite among exhausted chefs and hungry night owls.

Every night (except Sunday) from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., chef Meg Grace serves a truncated version of her Southern-inspired dinner menu. For a quick midnight snack, order a jar of her now-famous bacon peanut brittle ($5), packed full of spicy heat that can be tamed with a pint of Allagash White Ale. The crunchy waffle chips ($5), accompanied by a creamy, oniony dip, are also best consumed with beer.

Satisfy bigger cravings with the substantial Redhead burger (pictured; $13 with the works), a juicy patty oozing with blue cheese and topped with applewood-smoked bacon, or the sausage & pretzel ($8), a warm house-made pretzel served alongside a grilled sausage from Kreuz Market, the legendary Texas barbecue joint.

And if your night's just getting started, grab an extra jar of peanut brittle for the road.

The Redhead, 349 E. 13th St. (between First and Second aves.); 212-533-6212 or theredheadnyc.com