Written by Carmen Vallejo, Keith Roberts, Carlos Zambrano
30/07/2025
Margen Cero, Pexels
Quito's bar and drinking scene offers a blend of options, ranging from historic venues with impressive city views to modern craft breweries and bohemian spots. While the La Mariscal area, particularly Plaza Foch, has been a traditional nightlife hub, recent trends suggest a more varied appeal across neighborhoods like the Historic Center and the artistic La Floresta.
Entertainment and Music:
Quito's entertainment landscape provides a blend of cultural immersion and vibrant live music offerings.
Exploring the local music scene reveals intimate settings like El Pobre Diablo and La Liebre, where jazz and blues notes fill the air. For a more eclectic atmosphere, Dirty Sanchez Cafe Bar Galería presents a variety of live music and DJ performances.
1. Bandido Brewing
Type: Craft Brewery
Nestled within an 1850s colonial building, this microbrewery offers a distinctive ambiance, including religious decor, providing a unique backdrop for enjoying creative craft beers. It is a welcoming space to spend an evening with friends, often with board games available.
Getting There: Located in the Historic Center near Iglesia de San Agustín, it is generally within walking distance for those exploring the old town. Taxis are readily available throughout the city, with fares typically starting around $3 USD for a short ride.
2. Vista Hermosa
Type: Rooftop Bar
This rooftop bar provides stunning panoramic views of Quito's historic skyline, particularly at dusk when the city lights begin to twinkle. The open-air terrace, situated in the heart of the Old Town, overlooks iconic monuments and Plaza Grande, offering a sophisticated setting for enjoying cocktails.
Getting There: Situated in the Historic Center, Vista Hermosa is accessible by walking if staying in the area. Taxis are a convenient option for getting there from other parts of the city, with an average 5km ride costing approximately $3-$9 USD.
3. Dirty Sanchez Cafe Bar Galería
Type: Bohemian Bar & Cultural Space
Found in the heart of Quito's new city, this laid-back, bohemian venue blends a cafe and bar with a gallery space. It frequently hosts art exhibitions, photography displays, live music performances, and urban music parties, creating a vibrant and diverse cultural experience.
Getting There: Located in the new city, it is easily reachable by taxi. Taxi fares for a standard trip typically range from $3-$9 USD for distances up to 5km.
4. Zinc Quito
Type: Cocktail Bar & Gastro-bar
Located in the chic La Floresta district, Zinc offers a modern, industrial-chic atmosphere with dark metal, treated wood, and exposed brick. It specializes in signature cocktails that incorporate seasonal fruits and local ingredients, and features a terrace with city skyline views.
Getting There: This venue is in the La Floresta neighborhood, which is best accessed by taxi. While walking within La Floresta is pleasant, public buses may not be ideal for this area at night. Taxi fares are generally affordable, with a 5km ride estimated between $3 and $9 USD.
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