Montañita
At the northern end of the beach, overlooking the sand, the only microbrewery on Ecuador's coast serves up Amazonian IPA, chocolate stout, blackberry,…
Must-see nightlife in Ecuador
Cuenca
Blessedly authentic Belgian beer, brewed in Cuenca and served alongside lovely bistro fare, is poured at this appealing plaza-side spot with patio seating…
Loja
In the El Valle neighborhood, this brewpub is as popular with locals as with Loja expats. The owner is Texan and clearly knows a thing or two about…
The Galápagos Islands
The highlight of Isabela's nightlife is this laid-back, dig-your-feet-in-the-sand beach bar next door to Caleta Iguana Hotel & Surf Camp. A youthful crowd…
Quito
The standard of artisan coffee has been on an upward trajectory in Quito and Isveglio is at the forefront of the movement. Cafe, coffee education center…
Puerto Ayora
What nightlife there is in Puerto Ayora centers mainly on this bar, a trendy 2nd-floor spot replete with flat-screen TVs, music and a lubricated mix of…
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
Iguana Rock draws a festive, dance-loving crowd on weekends, and remains a laid-back spot during the week. It has a pool table, salsa beats and even gets…
Guayaquil
A busy daytime spot with street-side tables, bar stools and a large variety of fruit drinks, fruit bowls, granola, and cream-topped fruity desserts.
Otavalo
This funky little brewpub, with a magic formula that relies on Ibarra's deep underground springs, is a breath of fresh air on the Otavalo scene. White…
Quito
These guys from Oregon produce their own creative brews such as La Gran Calabaza Imperial Pumpkin Ale (made with cinnamon, cloves and pumpkin spice) and…
Tena
Inside or out, the ambience at this hip spot is invitingly chill. The interior, brightened by huge picture windows, feels spacious and jungle-industrial,…
Baños
Tired of the bus bachata? Guitar-hungry gringos need look no further than this joint, where the owner's laptop always has a classic playlist cued up, from…
Quito
Discerning coffee drinkers and aspiring baristas should make their way to this friendly, upscale cafe housed in a cleverly designed industrial-chic space…
Quito
A popular nightspot among foreigners and locals alike, Bungalow 6 often features long lines on weekends and Wednesday ladies' night (gals drink for free…
Quito
This colorful cafe with its flower-filled terrace on a quiet street junction is La Floresta's most buzzing, so it must be doing something right. Attached…
Quito
Well worth the trip out here, Ananké is a stylish and warmly lit bar/pizzeria with small, colorfully decorated rooms spread out over an old two-story…
Quito
In a hipster haven of polished concrete and blond wood, this new bar has several beers from its own brewery as well as a selection of other local craft…
Quito
This chilled-out joint has rustic upcycled furniture, dim lighting, creative wall murals and its own San Blas craft beers on tap (the IPA gets rave…
Quito
Quito's craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, and family-run brewery Santa Rosa produces some of the city's best. This sleek bar with exposed…
Quito
Fashion types gather for midweek cocktails at this hip bar and restaurant, where the ceiling is decorated to resemble Amazonian vegetation ('Q' stands for…
Loja
The region's best caffeinated brews are served in this out-of-the-way little cafe, which also sells coffee by the bag. The owners are true experts on Loja…
Guayaquil
This surfer-themed eating and drinking spot serves up gourmet sandwiches, snacks and tasty tropical fruit juices and cocktails. It's a fun spot for a…
Tena
The most popular place for drinking and carousing is the raucous ‘spider,’ across the river at the end of the footbridge. The cocktail list is varied, it…
Isla San Cristóbal (Chatham)
El Barquero has an appealing, laid-back vibe with outdoor tables set on a small front patio. It has a pool table and American grooves. Order a cerveza…
Cuenca
This Austrian-owned place is wunderful if you want a classic bar with big wooden tables to sit around with friends. Food is served, and there’s a happy …
Guayaquil
This stylish Urdesa lounge is the hottest nightspot du jour, drawing a well-dressed dance-loving crowd with deep pockets. Minimum consumption is typically…
Cuenca
Cuenca’s first microbrewery is still one of the city's best. It caters to a young rocker crowd and offers up decent hand-crafted stouts, Irish reds and…
Guayaquil
This Polynesian-themed joint plays surf videos on a screen, has waiters clad in tie-dye and serves up good sandwiches, juices and tropically infused…
Central Highlands
This hole-in-the-wall pub has just five cozy tables but plenty of character. There's a well-stocked bar with a lengthy cocktail list and local cerveza…
Puerto Ayora
At the northern end of town, this outdoor lounge features festive fairy lights and recessed alcoves with couches. The kitchen serves up tapas and there's…
Guayaquil
After summiting Cerro Santa Ana, stop in for a breather at this faux pirate ship below the lighthouse. It has drinks and food, and live music on weekends,…
Guayaquil
La Paleta is a great little lounge to while away an evening, with cave-like nooks, a hipster crowd and good ambient grooves. Serves beers and high-end…
Quito
The cheekily named Dirty Sanchez is a small art-filled lounge with a bohemian vibe. Decent cocktails (and coffee), better music and a laid-back crowd make…
Loja
This rustic old watering hole is the perfect place for a relaxed beer and snacks in a friendly pub-like environment. Catch live music here on weekends.
Vilcabamba
Tasty juices and good healthy, light lunches too, right on the west side of the central plaza. Some of the profits go back to helping the community.
Baños
Java junkies can get a fix at this hole-in-the-wall coffee joint. The beans from Loja, Pichincha and Imbabura are roasted inside the small shop.
The Galápagos Islands
This is an atmospheric and fun place for a bite and sunset drinks. It's close to the main square, right on the málecon.
Quito
This Old Town branch of Isveglio brings sensational, organically-sourced Ecuadorian coffee to the Centro Histórico.
Quito
Some 30 of Ecuador's top microbrews are served at La Reserva, backed up by a range of sharing platters ($6 to $9)
