Can I get to Insomnia Cookies easily if I'm visiting the Gaslamp Quarter?

Yes—it's right on Fifth Ave in the Gaslamp Quarter, so it's walkable and accessible whether you're coming from nearby restaurants, bars, or the waterfront. Parking in the neighborhood can be tight, especially on weekends, so consider using a lot or arriving on foot if possible.

Are the cookies actually good for people with dietary restrictions?

They take this seriously. They make legit gluten-free and dairy-free cookies that don't taste like punishment—reviewers specifically praise the texture staying soft even days later. They also have vegan options and ice cream flavors, so you're not just getting a token gesture.

What should I order if it's my first time?

Start with one of their signature warm cookies (the triple chocolate and confetti deluxe get consistent love) paired with their ice cream. The vegan cotton candy ice cream is a standout if that's your lane, but honestly you can't miss with the standard offerings either.

Is this a good spot before heading to a Padres game or show?

Absolutely—the location in the Gaslamp Quarter is perfect timing if you're heading to the stadium or catching something nearby. They do takeout, so you can grab warm cookies and go without worrying about sitting down.

Can I bring my kids here?

Yes, it's casual and straightforward—just cookies and ice cream. The staff is described as kind and cheerful, and there's nothing complicated about the experience, so it works fine for families.

Is this the kind of place where I can sit down or is it strictly takeout?

They offer takeout and delivery, so grab-and-go is the main move. If you're looking for a lingering dessert destination with seating, this isn't it—but the cookies travel well.

What time should I go to avoid a wait?

The late-night vibe tag suggests they stay open later than typical dessert spots, which is a win if you're craving something sweet after dinner or drinks in the Gaslamp Quarter. Early afternoons are probably quieter than evening rushes.

Insomnia Cookies — Ice Cream & Dessert in Gaslamp Quarter,…

“Insomnia Cookies runs late-night cookie delivery for drunk downtown wanderers, but you'll actually want to go during daylight for the gluten-free chocolate chip.”

While El Gordo feeds post-bar crowds with tacos at 2am and The Waves keeps things calm for sit-down meals, Insomnia exists in a different window entirely—that 10pm-to-3am stretch when everything else has closed and delivery is suddenly worth $8. It's a chain built for college towns and convention districts, which makes Gaslamp perfect territory. Most nights you'll see bleary-eyed Padres fans, theater-goers who stayed too late, and hotel guests who realized room service stops at 9pm.

But here's the move: go during normal hours. The late-night shtick is fine if you're desperate, but the cookies are objectively better when they haven't been sitting in a warming drawer for two hours. The gluten-free chocolate chip holds texture for days—genuinely soft, not the gritty freeze-dried thing most GF bakeries serve. Dairy-free options run deeper than most downtown spots, and the vegan cotton candy ice cream pairs better with warm cookies than it has any right to.

The counter setup is pure efficiency: grab cookies from the case, build an ice cream sandwich if you want, pay, leave. Staff runs friendly without the hustle—they'll wait while you stare at the menu like it's a complex decision, even though you're getting chocolate chip. The confetti deluxe and triple chocolate deluxe both deliver if you want sugar overload. Snickerdoodle exists but nobody raves about it.

Parking doesn't exist—you're walking here or ubering. Pre-show it makes sense if you're headed to the theater district. Post-game it's a solid cool-down stop. And yeah, late-night delivery works exactly like you'd expect: expensive, sometimes slow, absolutely worth it at 1am when the alternative is hotel vending machines.

Insomnia Cookies

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