Midnight Munchin’

Looking for great late-night bites in COMO? Here’s your menu of locations.

The curtains close on a spectacular theater performance, a few workers clock out from their late-night shifts, and the last call echoes through the once-energetic bar. But the night is not over. Crowds fill the streets while the aroma of a freshly cooked meal pulls them every which way. Comforting, like a nice warm blanket at the end of the jam-packed evening. A line forms in front of a bustling food truck while others seek refuge in restaurants with their lights shiny and bright; beacons for the tastebuds. Columbia’s late-night culinary scene is a vibrant nocturnal landscape, if you know where to look for it. 

Night Owl Eatery

Right up the block from Blue Note, on the corner of Ninth and Locust, you’ll find “COMO’S Best Street Meat.” 

Owned and co-operated by Rikki Stone alongside her girlfriend Morgan Houser, Night Owl Eatery has been feeding the night scene for the past four years. Originally starting as a modest hot dog cart, Night Owl Eatery quickly gained popularity with its delicious bites, refusing to comprise quality for the late hour. The past year, Night Owl Eatery came into its own with the upgrade to an enclosed trailer, allowing an expanded menu and catering to a larger crowd.

Night Owl Eatery has become a pillar of comfort and delectable eats for the city’s night owls. The truck caters to chefs and bartenders seeking a post-shift meal just as well as hungry revelers craving a savory snack.

Drawing inspiration from vibrant street food scenes such as Louisiana, southern Texas, and Chicago, Night Owl Eatery’s menu boasts a tantalizing array of options. Snap a picture of the late-hour ambiance with the “prettiest Chicago style West of the Mississippi,” as Stone boasts. The patty melt is also incredibly popular — think Texas toast bun, double the cheese, topped with caramelized onions. Or opt for the pepper jack white cheddar mac and cheese. Either way, you’re leaving with a warm belly and a smile.

Beyond the food, Night Owl Eatery is more than just a place to grab a bite — it’s a gathering spot for the community. It’s a welcoming atmosphere and Morgan Hauser is smiling to greet you, striking up a conversation. It is a spot that creates memories despite thinking the night might’ve been over.

Whether you’re a regular patron or a first-time visitor, Night Owl Eatery invites you to join in the nocturnal adventure and discover why it’s become a beloved fixture in Columbia’s food scene.

Night Owl Eatery is open 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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Gumby’s Pizza

Take a short walk from Ragtag Cinema or Playhouse Theatre Company, and you’ll find yourself craving the enticing, garlicky scent surrounding you. For more than twenty years, Gumby’s Pizza has been a beloved late-night destination in Columbia, serving up pizzas, wings, and the iconic Pokey Sticks to hungry patrons long after the sun sets.

Nestled on the east edge of the bustling street of Broadway, the hotspot has risen into a culinary cornerstone, thanks to Gumby’s commitment to fresh ingredients, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a spot for anyone and everyone, as long as they are hungry.

When Gumby’s was newly established as “the college student hangout” in Columbia, Noah Schmidt joined the team. His contributions helped top off the brand with new flavors. Online ordering and revamping the menu with fresher, more creative options has drawn many people in while still maintaining the qualities loyal customers know and love. Schmidt’s vision aligned seamlessly with Gumby’s ethos of providing quality food with a side of fun.

At the heart of Gumby’s success lies its menu — a smorgasbord of pizza creations and a collection of tasty, tender wings that please any late-night cravings. 

“The key to new menu items lies in inspiration and experimentation,” Schmidt says.

If you’re looking for something quintessential to the Gumby brand, try the Stoner Pie. Topped with pepperoni, bacon, mozzarella sticks, french fries, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese, it embodies the eclectic environment the spot is known for. Another favorite — with alfredo sauce, chicken, bacon, and pepper jack cheese —  the Uncle Jesse is an easy crowd-pleaser. Pizzas are all crafted with care and creativity, offering customers a taste they won’t find anywhere else. 

But be sure to never leave without an order of Pokey Sticks — a garlic cheese bread that melts in your mouth. The cheesy indulgence has become synonymous with late-night satisfaction.

Beyond the food, Gumby’s Pizza has a bright, relaxed atmosphere paired with a welcoming “hello.” Whether you’re a college student looking for a post-party slice or a local resident craving a square box of comfort, Gumby’s delivers on its promise of delicious pizza and a good time, leaving customers satisfied and eager to return for more. Come to play a game of pool, choose a song from the jukebox, hang out with friends or make new ones over a drink, and enjoy a fresh slice of melty-cheesy goodness.

Gumby’s Pizza is open 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m Friday through Saturday, and noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday.

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After Bite

If you’d prefer to venture outside the downtown scene After Bite is refining late-night dining at its location on Trimble Road. Josiah Williams and Leanne Geiss are Columbia natives and proud owners, and the creative force behind the new late-night diner.

Williams has a heritage deeply rooted in the culinary industry. He learned the ropes from his father, developing a profound appreciation for the art of flavor and technique. Geiss has an extensive background in event planning and professional sales. She aims to provide a seamless operation and an unforgettable experience for each person who finds their way in the door.

With everything from sandwiches to donuts to piled-high nachos, it can be difficult to choose what to order. Williams is always reaching for the wings — his personal pick when midnight rolls around. The owners also recommend the beef Philly sandwich for a mouthwatering bite. Or if you’re craving more breakfast for (late) dinner, choose the open-faced chicken and waffle. 

Grateful for the unwavering support from their community, Williams and Geiss look forward to becoming a staple in Columbia’s culinary scene. The two are constantly sustained by the passion and dedication that define After Bite.

“We’ve wanted to build a company that caters to its community in multiple ways,” Josiah explains. “Whether it’s catering a wedding or serving school lunches through our catering company, Eclipse, or serving grab-and-go sandwiches and salads through After Bite, we do just about everything.”

After Bite is open from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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2 Odd Dawgs

2 Odd Dawgs is a family-owned food truck that’s been in operation since 2017. The company was born out of a desire to preserve family recipes and create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Raised in the heart of Columbia, amidst the savory aromas of his grandmother’s kitchen and the wholesome meals crafted by his mother, Marvin Stemmons, the founder of 2 Odd Dawgs discovered his culinary calling at a young age. He was heavily inspired by the creativity and love infused into every dish his family made. He’s aimed to use his business in pursuit of culinary exploration and innovation.

Fueled by a desire to defy convention and celebrate culinary eccentricity, 2 Odd Dawgs earned its name as a testament to the uniqueness of every dish that sets the truck apart.

Stemmons says, “My inspiration for cooking really comes from within. I would imagine something that I would want to cook and that would spark up inspiration for dishes. That’s why we’re called 2 Odd Dawgs — every dish is unique and has its own spin on it.”

Be sure to try the daily special — ranging from wings to catfish — or go for the namesake “dawg.”

Recognizing the universal need for quality food at any hour, 2 Odd Dawgs ventured into late-night dining, ensuring that a good meal has no curfew. Starting from humble beginnings and a dream, the business has continually expanded, including a growing presence online — such as recently introducing ordering through DoorDash — and beyond.

At the heart of 2 Odd Dawgs’ menu lies a tantalizing array of late-night delights, from crispy fried chicken and succulent fish to mouthwatering burgers and customizable combo specials. With each bite, patrons are treated to a symphony of flavors that defy replication, leaving taste buds craving more.

2 Odd Dawgs hopes to leave a lasting impression on the community it serves. With aspirations to expand into a brick-and-mortar establishment and become a cherished location in Columbia for generations to come, 2 Odd Dawgs is more than just a food truck — it feeds not just bodies, but souls. The truck has something for everyone, so take their advice next time you stop by: “Tell a friend, bring a friend.”

2 Odd Dawgs is open 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Watch their socials to find up-to-date specials and today’s location.

As the hustle and bustle of the night begins to wind down, Columbia’s late-night culinary scene comes alive. The sizzle of street food from bustling food trucks or the inviting glow of restaurants form a vibrant tapestry of flavors and experiences against the city backdrop. Follow the delightfully promising aroma of freshly cooked meals and discover the hidden gems of Columbia.