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If your midnight cravings have ever led you on a desperate search for something actually good to eat after hours, you’re not alone. And according to Eater’s newly published roundup of “The Best Late-Night Food in New York City,” one of the best places to find it is right here on the Upper West Side—where the kitchen stays open well past when most others have shut off the fryers and flipped the chairs.
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The roundup, which highlights establishments across all five boroughs, gives a nod to a humble neighborhood spot that’s been serving up spicy, saucy, roti-wrapped comfort since 2005: Roti Roll Bombay Frankie.
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Located at the corner of 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, the compact eatery specializes in frankies—Indian-style wraps filled with everything from creamy chicken malai to pickled paneer to fenugreek shrimp. As Eater puts it, “Kathi rolls, roti wrapped around fillings like egg, chickpeas, and marinated lamb, are the specialty of this late-night shop on the Upper West Side,” with most offerings clocking in under $10.
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The restaurant’s hours are tailored to its audience of night owls, with closing times that range from 2 a.m. on Sundays and Mondays to 4 a.m. from Thursday through Saturday. It’s a favorite of Columbia students, hospital workers from nearby Mount Sinai, and anyone who finds themselves hungry long after dinner hours have come and gone.
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An opinion piece published last year by the Columbia Spectator paints a vivid picture of the Roti Roll experience: “You’re suddenly greeted by an aroma of spices, grilled chicken, and fresh flatbread. For a second, you think you’ve reached heaven, or as close as you can get. But no—you’ve arrived at Roti Roll.”
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The article also spoke with co-founder Ivan Chandra, who helped open the spot in 2004 alongside Suite, the karaoke bar next door. The combination has turned into something of a ritual for Upper West Siders who want to grab a satisfying bite and maybe belt out a tune or two before heading home. And if you’re planning a party or late-night gathering, both catering and private events at Suite are part of the mix.Roti Roll’s menu caters to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, with standout items including chana masala, chicken makhani, palak paneer, and samosa chaat—all wrapped in the eatery’s signature homemade flatbread. A mango lassi is the go-to pairing, whether you’re fueling up between classes or winding down after a night out.
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