Fashionably Late

> Bully's, Mission Valley and Del Mar
Here's the beef -- succulent prime rib, filet mignon, top sirloin and one of the best burgers in town. Seafood, chicken, sandwiches and appetizers are also served at these clubby hangouts where the drinks are strong, the customers are mostly regulars, and dinner's served nightly until midnight. (A La Jolla branch serves until 10 p.m., 11 on weekends.)

> Emerald Chinese Seafood, Kearny Mesa
Widely regarded as one of the city's best Chinese restaurants, Emerald serves weeknights until midnight and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Best known for its selection of live fish, crabs and lobster cooked to order, Emerald also offers chicken, beef and pork dishes. Expensive but authentic and well worth a visit.

> House of Blues, downtown
Although it's mainly known as a music venue, the local House of Blues also offers an ambitious food and beverage program that's earning good reviews. Dinner is served nightly until 1 a.m., with Cajun, Asian and Mediterranean flavors on the lengthy menu that offers appetizers, salads and entrees, plus bread pudding or Key Lime pie for dessert. Walking distance from the Convention Center.
www.hob.com/SANDIEGO

> Nick's at the Beach, Pacific Beach
Just a block from the boardwalk, this lively neighborhood bar and restaurant offers a full menu of fresh seafood, pastas, sandwiches and more until 1 a.m. each night. The spacious main dining room and small bar are downstairs; upstairs, a 21-and-over crowd enjoys pool tables, jukeboxes, TVs and dining on the oceanview patio.

> Mister Tiki, downtown
Pass the Mai Tais, please: This fun homage to tiki culture and Pacific Island cuisine is strictly 21 and over after 9 p.m. Grownups can dine on pupus (generous appetizers like crab cakes, barbecued ribs and calamari) until about 11 p.m. during the week, until 1 a.m. on weekends. (Hours can vary; call ahead.) Walking distance from the Convention Center.