Rodrigo Albarran is making the most of his star turn. Chef Rod, a Mexico City native whose original outpost is adjacent to an Elkridge gas station and was showcased on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, recently opened his third R&R Taqueria. Unlike the first two strip-mall shops, Albarran’s newest incarnation—a colorful multi-level space at the corner of Charles and Lombard that features original murals, custom-crafted tabletops, and a hodgepodge of modern, eye-catching seating—aspires to transcend Fieri’s triple-D designation. That’s not to say that it hides its high-profile pedigree.

On the front window, there’s a giant red Food Network logo that makes you think the place is actually named after cable’s culinary colossus (until you notice the inconspicuous R&R emblem beside it). Scattered throughout the extensive menu are miniature versions of the logo, strategically positioned next to offerings that co-starred with Albarran on the small screen.

But don’t let the preoccupation with fame fool you—notorious or not, chef Rod’s creations generally hit their mark.

For starters, the house-made guacamole was a perfect blend of creamy and chunky and came with warm tortilla chips that couldn’t have been more than minutes old. (Having lived in Mexico and L.A., guac is my go-to litmus test.)

We paired that with elote (grilled corn) that was tender and well-seasoned. Both that and the sopa de tortilla bursting with pulled chicken were tastefully presented on black ceramic dishes that featured an intricate vine pattern and helped give our Mexican street fare an upscale feel. The expertly mixed margarita didn’t hurt, either.

This being a taqueria, I didn’t overthink the main course. Although the two mainstream tacos that we sampled (steak and shrimp) were solid, it was their specialty siblings that stood out: The al pastor with diced pork and pineapple had just enough kick to make my nose run, while the chicharrón en salsa verde, with its crispy/tangy combo, somehow made me feel good about ingesting fried pork rinds.

My wife went all gringo and ordered the fajitas (instead of, say, a huarache), but as she typically does whenever we dine out, she nailed it—the sizzling cast-iron skillet was filled with ample amounts of zesty chicken, sautéed onions, and multicolored peppers that made for a winning sensory experience.

The churros we shared for dessert disappointed (the burnt finish overshadowed the unique apple filling), but at least they arrived quickly, considering how dysfunctional the restaurant seemed on this particular Saturday night. From the sluggish service (27 minutes to get two waters) to the short staff (our server was actually the bartender, pressed into double-duty) to the broken baño (the men’s room was out of order), it was clear that after seven months in business, chef Rod’s newest joint still has some kinks to work out.

But as far as TV dinners go, you could do a whole lot worse.

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›› R&R TAQUERIA 2 E. Lombard St., 410-244- 7260. Mon.-Fri. 8-9:30 p.m., Sat. 10-a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

At Baltimore magazine, we take our late nights seriously. In fact, we devoted an entire cover story to after-hours activities a few years ago. But we wanted to dig into dimly lit dining options (and go beyond RoFo fried chicken) even further.

Whether you’re a regular nighttime nosher, a chronic insomniac, or just looking for a bite instead of a nightcap, these after-hours pubs, diners, and restaurants will surely satiate your closing time cravings.

Insomniac Snacks

Taco Noche: Get you late-night taco fix at this new Rotunda hotspot, featuring a menu full of Northern Mexican-style tacos and snacks. The stand is open until 3 a.m., and local favorites include the flour tortillas stuffed with smoked beef brisket, the pork carnitas, and the jerk chicken. 711 W 40th St., 410-727-5430

Maria D’s Sub Shop: Placate your midnight appetite with Maria D’s famous super sized sandwiches, open from 10 a.m.-2:30 a.m. The decadent meat lovers stromboli and Maria D’s cheesesteak, complete with fried onions, hot peppers, cabbage lettuce, and green peppers, are just two of this shops greasiest creations. 1016 Light St., 410-727-5430

Stuggy’s: This Fells Point favorite is the perfect spot to hit after a night of bar-hopping or a long Orioles game. The family-owned stand is known for their crab mac-and-cheese dog, piled high with homemade macaroni, crab, Old Bay seasoning, and a twist of lemon. The stand is open until 3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. 809 S. Broadway, 410-327-0228

Hot Tomatoes: Open until 3 a.m., midnight munchers love to refuel with grab-and-go slices at this Fells Point joint. For a dish that’s sure to soak up some alcohol, split The Bad Mother Clucker—a white pizza topped with chicken, bacon, and a swirl of Ranch—with your inebriated gang. 717 S Broadway, 410-563-4453

The Bun Shop: If fried food isn’t your late night go-to, this Mt. Vernon cafe has tons of other options. Open until 3 a.m., this cafe serves up street style buns as well as Vietnamese coffee, empanadas, and an extensive pastry selection. 239 W Read St., 410-989-2033

Brick Oven Pizza: This after-hours pizza place is open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. With creative slices like the decadent lucky 7 Pizza, topped with seven types of cheese, or the meat lovers pizza, covered with strips of beef, bacon, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and salami, this isn’t your average nighttime nibble. 800 S. Broadway, 410-563-1600

Never on Sunday: This late-night eatery champions a menu with a dizzying array of decadent dishes. From Greek and Italian to classic diner options, you just might have trouble deciding. Try the Greek fries, loaded up with oregano, feta cheese, and tzatziki for the ultimate salty snack. 829 N Charles St., 410-727-7191

Drunk-Eat Diners

Towson Diner: Open since 1957, this family-owned restaurant is a Towson staple, offering classic renditions of American breakfast and lunch dishes. Try anything from late-night pancakes and omelettes to chicken parmigiana subs and fried onion rings. The best part? This diner is open 24/7, so there’s no need to worry about getting in before closing time. 718 York Rd., 410-321-0407

Broadway Diner: Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives, Guy Fieri endorsed this diner’s Hungarian goulash, potato crusted salmon, and shrimp creole as his must-order faves. And the diner’s neon, glowing sign, aqua colored booths, and juke boxes give off real retro vibes. Broadway Diner is open 24/7. 6501 Eastern Ave., 410-631-5666

Double T Diner: Full of old-school charm and with a menu stuffed with comfort food and homemade desserts, there’s no better place to end a night of debauchery than at Double T Diner. Open 24/7, this Catonsville classic serves breakfast all day as well as beloved diner dishes like char-grilled chicken sandwiches, hot pressed paninis, and 1/2-pound pure beef burgers. Various locations including 6300 Baltimore National Pike, 410.744.4151

Sip & Bite: Centrally located between Fells Point and Canton, this diner is open 24/7 and is regular gathering spot for post-party posses. Breakfast favorites, like the $6 french toast, are served all day, and you can’t go wrong with kitchen’s hearty gyro platters or the flaky spanakopita. And with famous customers like George Clooney and Michael Phelps, you never know who could run into. 2200 Boston St., 410-675-7077

Blue Moon Cafe: Check out this Baltimore favorite for cheap, delicious, breakfast food served with unpretentious charm. Get your moonlight munch on with the famous Captain Crunch french toast, the huevos rancheros, or the biscuits and gravy. The cafe is open 24/7 Friday-Sunday. 1621 Aliceanna St., 410-522-3940

Midnight Meals

Clavel: This family-run taqueria is the perfect pick for a late-night date night or night owl gathering. Open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, this Remington restaurant hosts a menu full of tacos, ceviches, as well as extensive mezcal offerings. 225 West 23rd St.,443-900-8983

Jong Kak: Open until 4 a.m. every night of the week, this Korean restaurant heats up after hours. Baltimoreans obsess over simmering bowls of bibimbap, platters of fried dumplings, and love to bring groups of friends to take part in the Korean tradition of cooking at the table. 18 W 20th St., 410-837-5231

Nam Kang: Whether you’re looking for a place to end a night of drinking or a spot to get your fill of comfort food after a long night at the office, this Korean barbecue hotspot is fun for everyone. Open until 4 a.m., customers love to chow down on bowls of octopus bibimbap and fish-roe jjigae, prepared in the kitchen instead of at your table. 101 West 22nd St., 410-685-6237

Loch Bar: Located in The Four Seasons Hotel, this seafood-centric restaurant features a 12-foot raw bar and is the classiest place to waste time in the wee hours. Open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, this 1920s-style space, with leather booths and marble surfaces, will transport you back in time. For a savory snack, try the oysters Rockefeller or the moules frites. 240 International Dr., 443-961-8949