24/7 in Austin

221 W North Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78751 (map)

There are no greasy platters to be had at Epoch, but this 24-hour North Loop cornerstone can offer sustenance to those not ready to go home yet with serious coffee, a range of pastries from Upper Crust Bakery, and killer slices of East Side Pie pizza ($3.50). Epoch keeps things casual with overstuffed couches, but there is one edge of unexpected sophistication some patrons might appreciate: Dunhill, Sherman Lights and American Spirit Organic cigarettes are available for sale behind the counter.

3101 N IH 35, Austin, TX 78722 (map)

This totally adorable East Austin diner has a reputation for bristly service, so perhaps steel yourself for the less-than-warm experience, put on your thickest skin and dive into Star Seeds Rock Star Queso, loaded with ground beef and topped with guacamole and sour cream. With plenty of vegetarian options, free Wi-Fi and breakfast served anytime, we find Star Seeds to be more than accommodating, even if it something of a hug-free zone.

1920 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (map)

With a prime SoCo location (many Continental Club headliners come straight to Magnolia after loading out) and killer queso (we love the Mag Mug, studded with black beans avocado and pico de gallo), we're hard-pressed to find a better diner experience for both award-winning people watching and food. Diners can opt for economical meals, like two eggs any style with your choice of toast, home fries, fruit or black beans for $4.25, but dinner specials rarely top $13, so a splurge at Magnolia is never that wallet-busting--just waistband-bursting. We are especially fond of the tuna melt, which seems to be almost a foot long on an impossibly huge slice of rye, and the blackened fish tacos with voodoo spices.

618 W Sixth St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

It's true: Austin has a real Jewish deli which never closes. Since 1979, Katz's has been slinging latkes, bagels and all kinds of huge, meaty sandwiches with great success. While the urge to eat the most authentically New York-y deli items like Rubens and pickles and knishes (oh my!) may seem overwhelming, do try the sacreligious-sounding Kosher-style tacos: flour tortillas filled with egg, Kosher-style salami, fire dog and potato pancake. You will never eat a taco like this in Mexico, and you will never see this item in an East coast diner; call it an Austin thing. The cheesecake shake has an entire slice of cheesecake blended into a creamy milkshake, and comes with a disclaimer that one should not operate heavy machinery following its consumption. We suggest assigning a designated driver, too, as the double whammy of cheesecake and ice cream could mean a faster trip to slumberland than two Ambien.

2606 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 (map)

With four locations throughout Austin, all open 24-7, it is never too early nor too late to enjoy Kirbey Lane's award-winning food, particularly the pancakes. All locations also sell packaged pancake mix to give as gifts, or for home use. We recommend sending as gifts to distant relatives as going to Kirbey Lane for pancakes is far more pleasant than dirtying up your own dishes. One especially indulgent dish is the Eggs Francisco, an english muffin piled with scrambled eggs, bacon, tomato, avocado and smothered in queso ($7.95). In your face, eggs benedict.

1924 S First St, Austin, TX 78704 (map)

This richly stocked spot is a sensory overload of dazzling sights and smells. Fresh baked breads, cookies, cakes and amazing tortillas, are prepared daily. A teeny restaurant inside allows for in-house snacking if waiting is not an option. The breakfast tacos are excellent and a bargain, too.

2820 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 (map)

While kolaches are usually the non-donut item that throws Austin tourists for a loop, here, it will be the samosas and chutney (available in sweet or hot) that will dazzle the formerly donuts-only set. This low-key bakery on UT's campus cranks out a wide variety of tasty donuts, but naturally due to their expectedness, the samosas are standouts. Donuts are not expensive; bring cash, as no cards are accepted here. There is an ATM kiosk located inside for the temporarily cash-poor.

3300 Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX 78746 (map)

Find plenty of copying, printing and shipping services for everything from business proposals to school projects. Burnet location is also 24 hours.

3601 William Cannon Dr, AUStin, TX 78749 (map)

Pharmacy chain open 24 hours a day for late-night shopping needs.