The song gathered generally positive reviews from critics.
Rap-Up stated that "Drake pledges his allegiance to the house that Wayne built on 'Up All Night,' while Nicki reps the home team to the fullest." Simon Vozick-Levinson of
Entertainment Weekly called the song one of the best songs to download from the album. Glenn Gamboa of
Newsday gave Minaj a positive review of the song stating "Even in the dark "Up All Night," Drake gets upstaged by Nicki Minaj." Ryan Dombal of
Pitchfork Media stated, "Drake's fellow Young Money upstart Nicki Minaj adds to the gender ambiguities, out-manning her host on the diabolical 'Up All Night'". In a list of the "50 Best Songs of 2010" by
Rolling Stone, "Up All Night" came in a number thirty-six additionally stating that the song is "One of the year's great driving songs, with Minaj 'doing doughnuts in a six-speed'". Chris Richards of
The Washington Post gave Minaj a negative review on the song stating, "On 'Up All Night,' larger-than-life newcomer Nicki Minaj sounds drowsy." Paul Cantor of
XXL gave the song a positive review stating, "And if there’s any doubt the kid can flat out spit, there are the obligatory Young Money collabs 'Up All Night' (with Nicki Minaj) and “Miss Me” (with Lil Wayne)." ==Live performances==