To be frank, Boston's late-night scene needs to climb a couple of notches to reach pathetic, and Cambridge's wee-hour diversions are even skimpier. The only plus is that just about every cab driver out cruising knows how to reach the places that are still open.

Near the Theater District and Chinatown, the News, 150 Kneeland St. (tel. 617/426-6397), is open until 5am during the week and round the clock on weekends. Besides the entertaining patrons, diversions include abundant periodicals, flat-screen TVs, and Internet access. A number of Chinatown restaurants don't close until 3 or 4am. Asking for "cold tea" might -- might -- get you a teapot full of beer. The hottest scene is at Ginza Japanese Restaurant, 14 Hudson St. (tel. 617/338-2261). In the North End, Caffe Pompei, 280 Hanover St. (tel. 617/523-9438), draws European club-hoppers and neighborhood shift workers until 3:30am. And if you have a car, make like a college student and road-trip to the International House of Pancakes at 1850 Soldiers Field Rd. in Brighton (tel. 617/787-0533). It's open 24 hours daily.