UPDATED: October 16, 2022

We've all been there before. You're out of milk, it's 2 a.m., and you don't know what to do. Or maybe you're on a road trip and realize you need some energy drinks to make it through the night.

In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon to find yourself in need of a store that's open 24 hours. There are plenty of reasons you might need to visit a store that never closes its doors.

So maybe you're wondering: “Are there stores open 24 hours near me?” The answer is yes! Thankfully, there are many different kinds of stores that are open 24/7.

We've done the research to come up with a comprehensive list, so you can make sure you're never left stranded without what you need.

At the end of this article, you'll have some ideas on what to look for when you need a store that's open 24 hours. And trust us, there are plenty of options out there to choose from!

So without further ado, let's get started!

11 Types of Stores Open 24 Hours Near Me 

When you think of a 24/7 store near you, you're probably thinking of convenience stores and gas stations. While we'll also have these types of stores on our list, we'll include other types of stores open 24 hours.

Here are the different types of stores open 24/7:

#1 Convenience Stores Open 24 Hours Near Me

There's a reason they're called convenience stores. Whether you need snacks, drinks, or even some over-the-counter medication, chances are there's a convenience store close by that can help you out. 

Many convenience stores are open 24 hours making them the first go-to option for those late-night cravings or emergency needs.

What's great about convenience stores is that they carry a mix of essential and non-essential items, so you can always find what you need, even if it's the middle of the night. You can find food, household, and personal care items at your local convenience store.

Just keep in mind that the prices at convenience stores tend to be a bit higher than other types of stores because of the added convenience factor.

24/7 Convenience Stores Near Me:

7-Eleven

Operating over 13,000 stores in North America, 7-Eleven is one of the most popular convenience stores that are open 24 hours a day.

Circle K

As of 2022, there are around 6,000 Circle K convenience stores across the United States, making it a reliable go-to store even late at night. 

E-Z Mart 

With over 300 stores in four states (Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma), you can find an E-Z Mart open near you when you’re in a bind. 

#2 Gas Stations Open 24 Hours Near Me

Never get stranded on the side of the road without gas again. If you're looking for a place to fill up your gas tank or buy some snacks and drinks for the road, gas stations are usually open 24 hours. 

This can be especially helpful if you're taking a long road trip and you need to stop for gas in the middle of the night.

Many gas stations also offer other 24/7 services like air pumps and ATMs, and some even have attached gift shops and fast food chains. Gas stations are usually a good option if you're looking for a one-stop shop.

24/7 Gas Stations Near Me:

BP 

You can find over 7,000 BP-owned gas stations where you can refuel 24 hours a day. 

Exxon Mobil 

With 12,000 locations, finding an Exxon Mobil near you is a good bet when you need gas. 

Marathon Oil

There are over 10,000 Marathon Oil locations across America, which also have food stores for you to check out. 

#3 Pharmacies Open 24 Hours Near Me

Pharmacies are typically open 24 hours. This can be helpful if you're sick and you need to pick up some medication or if you need to buy some over-the-counter medicine.

Aside from medications, many pharmacies also offer personal care items and household items. Some bigger pharmacies may even offer food products, drinks, and other snacks.

So if you're ever in need of these items in the middle of the night, chances are there's a pharmacy close by that can help you out.

24/7 Pharmacies Near Me:

Rite Aid 

You’ll find around 2,400 Rite Aid pharmacies in 19 states, making it a good option for 24/7 emergencies. 

CVS

Most of CVS’s over 10,000 pharmacies are open 24/7 so chances that you’ll find one open near you is high.

Walgreens 

Over 70% of Walgreens’ locations are open 24 hours a day so it’s a popular choice for many people looking for 24/7 stores that are open.  

#4 Grocery Stores Open 24 Hours Near Me

Many grocery stores, especially those in larger cities, are open 24 hours. A 24-hour grocery store can be a lifesaver if you need a quick snack or you forgot to pick up an important ingredient for dinner.

While bigger grocery stores may not be open 24 hours, there will be medium and small grocery outlets that usually have longer operating hours. These stores may not offer the same variety as a bigger store, but they'll still have the essentials you need.

24/7 Grocery Stores Near Me:

WinCo Foods 

Branches open 24/7 are located in California, Oklahoma, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Texas, Nevada, and Pacific Northwest.

Giant Eagle 

Giant Eagle has over 200 grocery stores in Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with many open 24//7. 

Safeway 

With over 1,300 stores across the United States, finding a Safeway grocery open 24 hours is a good option for late-night grocery needs. 

#5 Travel Centers Open 24 Hours Near Me

Many travel centers serve as full-service stops for travelers. They typically offer a gas station, a fast food restaurant, and a convenience store all in one location. This can be helpful if you're ever on a road trip and you need to make a pit stop.

Just like gas stations and convenience stores, you might find that the prices at travel centers are a bit higher than average. But these places can be a lifesaver if you're in a bind.

24/7 Travel Centers Near Me:

TravelCenters of America 

There are over 270 locations in 41 states that offer various services 24/7. These are perfect for travelers going across the country

Flying J Travel Center

This is a popular truck stop located in 44 states where you can find gas, food, WiFi, overnight parking, and even shower, 

#6 Fast Food Places and Restaurants Open 24 Hours Near Me

Fast-food and casual restaurants are another popular options for those in need of food outside of normal eating times. While not all fast food chains are open 24 hours, many of them are, so this can be a great option if you're looking for something quick and easy to eat. 

The good news is that many online food delivery services operate 24/7. You can use these apps to order food from your favorite restaurants and have it delivered right to your doorstep. So if you're ever feeling hungry in the middle of the night, there's no need to worry. You can always find something to eat.

24/7 Fast Food Places and Restaurants Near Me:

McDonald’s 

As one of the most popular fast food chains in the world, McDonald’s has many of its branches open 24 hours a day. 

IHOP 

If you want breakfast all day, you can check out one of IHOP’s 1,650+ locations to get your pancake fix any time of the day. 

Denny’s 

Denny’s is another popular casual dining restaurant where you can sit down and have a meal in one of its 1,450+ branches at whatever time you want. 

#7 Coffee Shops Open 24 Hours Near Me

Coffee shops are not only open in the mornings. There are also some coffee shops that operate 24 hours. This can be helpful if you need a caffeine fix or if you're looking for a place to work on some projects.

Some coffee shops also offer pastries and other food items, so you can have a bite in one place. Going to 24-hour coffee shops is also a great option if you need to pass the time, connect to free Wi-Fi, and people-watch.

24/7 Coffee Shops Near Me:

Dunkin Donuts 

If you need coffee and breakfast, look for one of Dunkin Donuts’ 8,500 locations near you. Some of its branches are open 24/7, so it’s worth a check. 

Starbucks

There are many states where Starbucks locations are open 24/7, including  California, New York, Washington DC, Florida, Nevada, Georgia, New Jersey, Maryland, and Arizona. 

#8 Liquor Stores Open 24 Hours Near Me

Liquor stores are another type of store that is typically open 24 hours. This can be helpful if you're hosting a party and you need to pick up some last-minute supplies or if you want to buy a bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner.

Bigger liquor stores may also offer a variety of snacks like crackers and candy, so if you need some food in your stomach, you might be able to find it at your local liquor store.

#9 Airport Stores Open 24 Hours Near Me

Airports and other travel hubs are other places where you can find stores that are open 24 hours. This can be helpful if you're traveling and you need to buy some last-minute supplies or snacks for your trip.

Just keep in mind that the prices at airport stores tend to be a bit higher than other types of stores because of the added convenience factor.

If you live near the airport, you may find some nearby stores that are open 24 hours as well. This can be helpful if you need to buy something for your flight, but you don't want to go all the way to the airport.

#10 Hospital Cafeterias Open 24 Hours Near Me

Another place where you can find stores open 24 hours is at hospitals. If you're starving and you need to buy some food but nowhere else is open, check if there is a nearby hospital.

Hospitals will often have a cafeteria or at the very least, a vending machine area where you can buy some snacks and drinks. Do note that not all hospitals allow non-patients to enter, so be sure to check with the hospital before you go in.

#11 Hotel Cafes and Restaurants Open 24 Hours Near Me

Need to have a bite to eat but don't want to venture out too far? If you're staying at a hotel or inn, chances are they have a restaurant or cafe on-site that is open 24 hours. This can be a great option if you need some food, but you don't want to go out exploring in the middle of the night.

Most hotel restaurants are open to the public even if you're not staying at the hotel. You can call ahead to check the hours before you go, but typically, you'll be able to find something to eat in a hotel no matter what time it is.

Tips for Choosing The Right 24-Hour Store

How do you choose the right 24/7 store when there are so many options available? Where do you go first? A lot of times, choosing the best 24/7 store comes down to personal preferences. But here are a few tips that can help you narrow down your options:

Tip #1 Consider the Location

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a 24-hour store is the location. You want to make sure that the store is conveniently located so that you can get to it easily. If the store is too far out of the way, you may not want to bother with it. 

Tip #2 Consider the Hours

Of course, you want to make sure that the store is actually open 24 hours. Some stores claim to be open 24 hours, but they are only open until midnight or 2 AM. This may not be late enough for some people. Make sure that you check the hours before you choose a store. 

Tip #3 Consider the Selection

Another important thing to consider is the selection that the store offers. You want to make sure that they have everything that you need. If you are looking for a specific item, call ahead and make sure that they have it in stock. 

Tip #4 Check for Delivery Options

If you don't want to leave your house or you can't get to the store, you may want to check if they offer delivery options. Some stores will deliver items to your home or office so that you don't have to go out of your way to get them. 

Tip #5 Compare Prices

When in an emergency, you might not have time to compare prices. However, if you can, it's always a good idea to compare the prices of different stores before you make a purchase. You may be able to find a better deal at another store. 

Top Reasons Stores Stay Open 24 Hours

Have you ever wondered why some stores are open 24 hours? There are valid reasons why stores stay open 24 hours. Here are the top reasons.

1. To cater to travelers 

If you've ever been on a road trip or a flight, you know that planning can only take you so far. There will always be those times when you're driving late at night and need to stop for gas or snacks. It's convenient to know that there are stores open 24 hours to cater to travelers.

2. To cater to emergencies 

We've all had that moment where we realize we're out of something important, like toothpaste or diapers. It's frustrating to have to wait until morning to buy it. That's why it's nice to know that there are stores open 24 hours in case of emergencies.

3. To cater to people working late shifts or night shifts 

There are many people who work late shifts or night shifts, like in medical facilities, customer service, etc. It can be difficult for them to find time to shop during regular store hours. That's why it's convenient for them to know that there are stores open 24 hours.

4. To provide an essential service 

Another reason store owners keep their business open 24 hours is because they feel it is their duty to provide a service to their community. They believe that by staying open all day and night, they are making life easier for people who need access to supplies at any time of day. Some examples are pharmacies, airport stores, and gas stations.

5. To make money 

Of course, one of the main reasons stores stay open 24 hours is because it is profitable. Some store owners find that they make more money by staying open longer because there are people who are willing to pay a premium for items they need at odd hours of the day. 

6. To compete with other businesses 

In some cases, store owners feel pressure from their competitors to stay open 24 hours. If all the stores in a certain area are open all day and night, then the owner of a store that closes early will lose business to those that remain open. 

7. To keep up with customer demand

In our increasingly connected world, it's becoming more and more common for stores to offer 24-hour access, either online or in person. This is especially true for stores that sell items that can be ordered and delivered online, like groceries. By staying open all day and night, these stores can keep up with customer demand.

Find a 24-hour Store Open Near You

Whether you're a traveler, working a late shift, or just need something in the middle of the night, it's nice to know that there are stores open 24 hours. This convenience is possible because stores recognize that there is a demand for it.

Next time you find yourself needing something in the middle of the night, don't forget that there are many stores open 24 hours to cater to your needs.