Late Night Longings

It’s 10pm. Since Yale dining forces you to eat dinner before the sun even sets, you’ve got no choice but to seek out a late-night snack. Now whether or not you’re actually hungry again, I know you’re looking for any excuse to shut your computer and get a sweet treat. Unfortunately, the local legends like Ashley’s, Claire’s, and Elena’s have already called it a night. Don’t fret; here are my go-to late night spots that will satisfy that sweet tooth, cure your boredom, and perfectly justify packing up your backpack and leaving the library.

Milkcraft - Closes at 11pm

Nestled at the corner of Crown and High Street near some of the favorite local restaurants, Milkcraft is an adventurous late night haven. With an intricate flavor menu, Milkcraft houses creative combinations of flavors, toppings, and other sweet sensations.

When browsing their menu, they present a myriad of amusing options: warm glazed donuts stuffed and sealed with icecream, bubble waffle cones (which sound almost too good to be true), and some truly unique flavor combinations. 

A personal favorite of mine is a single scoop of Mexican chocolate churro flavored ice cream topped with condensed milk. A good chocolate cinnamon mix enhanced with the sweetness of condensed milk is a total staple for when I want a little more than just a scoop of chocolate. 

Arwa - Closes between 11 pm and 12 am

Having just recently opened, Arwa Yemeni Coffee is already drawing crowds, making it a soon-to-be campus staple. The vibe here is truly unmatched: ambient lighting with gorgeous decor, plenty of work space, and the comfiest chairs to lounge. Making the walk to Orange Street for this gem is truly worth it.

Arwa serves traditional Yemeni drinks (Jubani coffee, Adeni tea, and Qishr to name a few) and also houses the classics–lattes, teas, hot chocolates, refreshers, etc. Their pastry case is stacked with the best sweet and savory picks. Cheesecakes, chocolate covered dates, pistachio accented treats are just a few of the sweet options, and for savory, they have traditional Yemeni-style spinach pies, hot dogs, and chicken wraps. Whatever you might be in the mood for on a given night, Arwa is a mandatory stop.

My personal pick is a slice of the chocolate cheesecake or their Yemeni-style honeycomb bread, but you honestly can’t go wrong with anything from their menu. 

Ben and Jerry’s - Closes between 12 am and 2am

That pint of Ben and Jerry’s you bought last week was taken down in 24 hours by none other than yourself, but don’t worry, neither Ben nor Jerry would ever let you down. You walk in and the sweet smell already has you deciding whether to go ice cream, sundae, milkshake, or cookie. But I mean, you’re already there, so you mind as well go all out. With plenty of tables open, and their hours open even later, you’ll be sure to satisfy a sweet tooth here.

With several suggested flavor combos posted on the boards in store, you can stick to two scoops of your personal favorite, or opt for the custom-made sundaes and milkshakes. Stocked with fan-favorite flavors, Ben and Jerry’s is a consistently reliable spot.

My personal recommendation is a small cup of Phish Food (don’t let the name scare you away–think gooey marshmallow, caramel swirls, and fish-shaped chocolate fudge), but certainly don’t sleep on one of their warm chocolate chip cookies–those always hit during the freezing winter months. 

Insomnia - Closes between 1am and 3am 

When all else fails, Insomnia will always have your back. It’s the ultimate late-night crossroad where you truly never know who you’ll run into. With a surprisingly deep menu, you and your friends can grab a 4-pack of classic or deluxe cookies, or mix and match them. Don’t forget to grab a cup of ice cream to have on the side AND make sure you take advantage of the free cookie offer with your Yale ID. To have this late-night icon be so close to campus is truly a luxury–make the best of it.

At the end of the day, the dining halls may have an early bedtime, but you surely don’t. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous treat or a simple staple, New Haven has no shortage of spots to satisfy the late-night longings.