Some people compare San Diego to Death Valley when it comes to hunting for late-night grub. Unless you live in a city that never sleeps – and this isn’t one of them – it takes a little footwork for ferreting out those hot ovens and bubbling deep fryers after an evening of hardy partying.

Fortunately, there are a few alternatives to the Denny’s and fast-food chains sprinkled around town. Below are a few after-midnight picks that aren’t far off the beaten track.

2900 El Cajon Blvd.

(619) 282-8423

Who says you can’t eat pork chops at 2:00 in the morning? This 24/7 diner, which opened in 1949, features fishbowl windows, outdated pink countertops and lots of stainless steel. The menu offers all the usual breakfast fare, not to mention steaks, chops, roasts and a famous chicken-and-dumplings plate that will send you to bed with a distended stomach.

3035 El Cajon Blvd.

(619) 282-3636

You’ll be hard pressed to find a place in town that offers a cushy restaurant experience until 2:00 a.m. on weekdays and 3:00 a.m. on weekends. Just don’t come knocking for eggs and toast because the kitchen serves only a full range of Italian specialties that include everything from Caprese salads and cheesy garlic bread to hearty pasta dishes and pizza. Or if you’re spilling out of a Hillcrest bar in the wee-hours of the night, Vesuvio’s sister restaurant, Taste of Italy (1013 University Ave.), offers similar food and hours.

1451 Washington St.

(619) 296-8268

A favorite “last stop” among GLBT foodies, the restaurant’s bear-size portions and lively late-night atmosphere will leave you thinking the sun just set. Burgers, omelets, pancakes and every diner-style dish in between are yours for the taking 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays (until 10:00 p.m. on weekdays).

3980 Third Ave. at Washington Street

(619) 295-8982

A tiny square portal in the painted-glass storefront serves as the service counter for good and raunchy Mexican food 24 hours a day. Several dirty sidewalk tables, strewn with errant bits of guacamole, rope in the inebriated. Chicken burritos and bean-and-cheesers are the big sellers here. And the hot sauce is fierce and sobering.

2028 Hancock St. at Club Montage

(619) 688-0078

It’s the only place in town where you’ll find tantalizing sushi, salads and meat skewers until 4:00 a.m. (on Fridays and Saturdays). Perched on the roof of the popular GLBT nightclub, visitors can eat under the stars before descending two levels below to a high-energy dance floor.

329 Market St.

(619) 696-8747

Long after the nearby restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter yank the linens off their tables, the Bayou continues serving drinks and Cajun munchies until 2:00 a.m. Once a speakeasy, night crawlers rolling in today will find live entertainment and some terrific gulf shrimp dishes and pecan bread pudding.

847 Orange Ave.

Coronado

(619) 435-9776

The name says it all. The café never closes. And hungry customers will find a full slate of breakfast, lunch and dinner fare served anytime. Among the more popular breakfast items is something called “the garbage omelet” which features four eggs, ham, chili, veggies and cheese. Also recommended are the grilled Reubens and meatloaf sandwiches.