Late Night and Brunch

At Hotel Charlotte's Bloody Mary bar, owner Steve Black, gives his customers a pint glass filled with ice and vodka and directs them to a bar stocked with Bloody Mary trimmings, including V8, horseradish, pickled okra, pickled green beans, and kalamata olives. Drink up.

Sometimes the last stop is the best part of the night -- even if you're going there the next morning.

Amelie's French Bakery

The best time to go to this cozy NoDa bakery just may be in the middle of the night. It's open twenty-four hours a day—convenient when you're craving the famous salted caramel brownies at 3 a.m. Grab a tartine and settle in to one of the overstuffed chairs. While the pastry case stuffed with indulgences may be what draws in the crowds, they stay for the buzzy atmosphere. 2424 N. Davidson St., 704-376-1781

The Penguin

The key to avoiding the late-night crowds at this famed 1950s-style diner is arriving before 11 p.m. Of course, that might infringe on your nightlife activities, but it does ensure you the chance to chow down on fried pickles, hot dogs, cheap beer, and burgers in its funky booths before the rest of Charlotte leaves the bars. 1921 Commonwealth Ave., 704-375-6959

Pewter Rose

If it's mimosas, quiche, and elegant tableware you crave the next morning, then this charming South End eatery has the perfect spot for you on its breezy second-story patio. Enjoy warm butterscotch scones before your brunch, which offers dishes such as bananas Foster French toast ($9) and wild mushroom frittata ($9). 1820 South Blvd., 704-332-8149

Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop

For heaping plates of Southern breakfast staples like biscuits-and-gravy and grits, the Sunday brunch buffet ($14) at Pike's delivers. The breakfast buffet starts early, and around 10 a.m. lunch options, including broccoli casserole, roast beef, and potatoes, come out. 1930 Camden Rd., 704-372-0092

Photo: At Hotel Charlotte's Bloody Mary bar, owner Steve Black, gives his customers a pint glass filled with ice and vodka and directs them to a bar stocked with Bloody Mary trimmings, including V8, horseradish, pickled okra, pickled green beans, and kalamata olives. Drink up.