It’s a familiar story – you work late or want to grab a late supper after clubbing, only to be told that kitchen is closed however the bar is very much open. Clearly not helpful!
Even Jumia food delivery service wraps up early on most days leaving folks struggling to find a place in Abuja for a late bite. It is equally surprising that suya spots close early. Suya is the perfect late night snack. Think about it. No carbs, just good old spicy protein with diced onions.
Unlike Lagos, we have come to accept that the restaurant scene in Abuja shuts down by 10pm. By midnight, food trucks outside clubs or shawarma joints are often the only places still open. Keep in mind that if the night flow is slow, restaurants will close earlier. Also the probability of finding somewhere is exponentially higher on Friday vs. Monday.
Here are 10 places worth checking out for late night bites in Abuja.
Street Cafe
41 Adetokunbo Ademola street, Opp H Medix, Wuse 2
As a general rule in Abuja, the area around Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent (opposite H-Medix) is a hub for late-night food trucks if in doubt. Street Cafe actually makes really good burgers with reasonable prices. They are open 24hrs on most days.
Country Place
23 Colorado Street, Ministers Hill, Maitama, Abuja
A rooftop lounge in its own right, the newly opened Country Place in Maitama will gladly serve you Afang Soup with frozen margaritas until you call it quits. There is also free wifi in case you need to upload your beautiful after-party pics to Instagram. Just remember to use our hashtags #ofadaa #askofadaa
Oceans11 Seafood
135 Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja
There are not a lot of specialized seafood restaurants in Abuja and it is even more impressive that this one is open 24/7. The menu is centred on grilled and peppered seafood. If you are craving prawns, catfish or snails made with an African twist, there is no other place to be.
Munch On Wheels
Federal Secretariat / Opp H-Medix , Wuse 2, Abuja
Let’s be real: At 2am in the morning after a long night of drinking, you’re not exactly looking for Michelin star experience. A juicy burger with fries from Munch on Wheels will be always a hit. The menu at Munch also covers shawarma, ribs and chicken wings, fries and hotdogs. All perfect for a hangover. The Munch truck is often parked opposite H-Medix in Wuse 2 from 6pm till around 4am every day except on Sunday.
WingStop
5 Sarkono Street, Wuse 2
WingStop is actually open 24 hours and is strategically located close to your favourite Abuja clubs in Wuse 2 which is good. The chicken wings are nice but portions are small. Need to get a double portion or get a side of rice to get any real mileage to full tank. Make sure you factor this in.
November Cubes
Various Locations
November Cubes is not the first name that comes to mind when thinking about 24 hour restaurants in Abuja. However with 7 locations across the city and full menu – shawarma, BBQ chicken, rice and swallow dishes – it is a real gem for the after dark folks.
Shirley’s Express
Heroes Plaza, Plot 1245 Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse 2
Although the flagship location is in Gwarinpa, the Wuse 2 outpost of Shirley’s Confectionery is often the busiest given it is right in the heart of the clubbing hub in Abuja. If you’re looking for a little more than just shawarma, Shirley’s Express has broader menu selection including bread, pastries, pizza and of course ice cream. More importantly, there is outdoor seating in case you want to watch the sunrise.
Maman Kato Suya & Shawarma / Drumstix
32 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja
The main restaurant at Drumstix is not open 24 hours. However Maman Kato Suya & Shawarma, a sister restaurant just outside is. As the name implies, they are focused on suya and shawarma. Maman Kato Suya & Shawarma has branches dotted around the city and is always a safe bet for late night dining
Dominos Pizza
52 Kumasi Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja
The Domino’s Pizza in Wuse 2 is open till midnight and what’s more, the pizzas are actually good. Looking for inspiration, get the half ‘n’ half deal with suya and BBQ chicken pizza.
Franks Prime Hotdog
1023 Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja
Franks Prime Hotdog is nothing fancy and closes around midnight depending on amount of orders coming in. Granted hotdogs are not exactly the go-to-meal after a heavy night of drinking. However, the hotdog here is simply delicious. Pro Tip: Order two hot dogs and you should be good till morning.
