Quito
Everyone from students to professionals heads to this buzzing place looking down over Plaza Foch. Tropical cocktails (try the fruit-flavored mojitos and…
Must-see nightlife in Ecuador
Ruta Spondylus
Argie expat Damian's funky little bar wouldn't be out of place in his hometown of Buenos Aires. Floor cushions and low tables create a Moroccan-like vibe,…
South Coast
With a classic European-style feel (decorated with upholstered dining chairs, chandeliers, a picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a small model of a…
Quito
At the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, red-walled Cafe Democrático is an artsy hangout serving craft beer, cocktails, coffee and a menu of sandwiches and…
Riobamba
Defying expectations based on its name, Beer Garden is, in fact, an indoor bar, serving a range of local cerveza artesanales (craft beers), sandwiches and…
The Oriente
Five blocks north of the main square, this is where Macas folks come to chill with a couple of cold ones, including Ecuadorian microbrews, if you're into…
Quito
Proudly flying the green, white and gold, this Irish-owned bar attracts a mix of locals and foreigners who come for games of pool, table football, pub…
Guayaquil
This hip spot has a candlelit, lounge-like vibe that's just the right setting for a few drinks with friends. Well-mixed cocktails are on hand, plus there…
Baños
One of the hottest spots in town, this large complex (in Spanish pronunciation, lep-reh-chown) has a bonfire in the back patio, dancing in the middle and…
South Coast
Budget travelers should head here for breakfast or lunch. This little pink no-frills booth, next to Hotel Ecuatoriano, does fresh fruit smoothies and…
Guayaquil
Walking up the steps in Las Peñas, take the first lane off to the left (step 37, to be exact!) to reach this lively, bohemian drinking den. It has salsa…
Quito
With its warmly lit interior, graffiti-covered walls and outdoor seating, this is a great place for cocktails, Cuban food and fun. Live bands perform here…
Guayaquil
In this trendy new part of town, half Miami Beach, half Ecuador, the menu focuses on fried things (like pizza in plantain crust) but you'll come here for…
Quito
In a red two-story colonial house, Cherusker has earned a loyal following for its tasty artisanal microbrews, warm bohemian ambience and buzzing front…
Coca
Coca's first decent-looking bar, this palapa-style place has prime river views and good cocktails. There's sometimes a cover charge (about $5) for live…
Quito
It's mostly locals bumping and grinding at this open, somewhat industrial space, with video art playing on a large screen above the dance floor. DJs spin…
Quito
For a freshly squeezed serving of vitamins, this juice place is hard to beat. Try tomate de arbol (tamarillo), maracuya (passion fruit) or guanábana …
Guayaquil
Close to the malecón, this convenient modern cafe offers a proper caffeine fix (one of the few places that actually uses fresh beans), plus cakes and…
Central Highlands
In an arched-roof grotto setting, this microbrew pub and coffee shop has four homemade beers from nearby Baños (though some may be a bit challenging to…
Baños
This brewpub features artisanal offerings like light Llamas’ Breath Belgian and bold Stray Dog Stout. There's a small bar menu to balance out the bevvies …
Montañita
Lost Beach Club throws big electronic music parties (house, techno, progressive) opposite the beach. International DJs frequently play on Saturdays.
Quito
Quito's biggest gay party attracts a mixed crowd of locals and foreigners. DJs spin the tunes and keep the dance floor packed late into the night.
Guayaquil
An upscale sports bar near the start of the commercial strip on Estrada in Urdesa. Billiards, table football and cover bands on various nights.
Quito
At the northern end of Parque La Carolina, Kika is a haven for the hip. The disco gets going after midnight with pumping Latin pop tunes.
Guayaquil
At the foot of the hill, the atmospheric Diva Nicotina draws a festive young crowd who pack the house when there's live music.
Quito
Scottish-owned pub serving decent craft beer and pub grub. There's also table football, a pool table and occasional bands.
Riobamba
This buzzy new complex contains US-style sports bars and fast-food joints fashioned out of shipping containers.
Central Highlands
This cozy two-story bar is perfect for quietly conspiring in a corner. It’s one of our faves.
South Coast
This local joint is one of the few drinking spots in town. It has pumping music and a disco ball, dark wooden paneling and a handful of tables – big…
Guayaquil
In the heart of the Zona Rosa, this is one of Guayaquil's salsa spots, with mesmerizing dancers and brassy bands.
