Social Hub: Plaza Foch is one of the most vibrant nightlife areas in Quito. |
BY NICK ROSEN
At long last, Quito is shaking off its reputation as a button-downed place and having some fun. Ecuador’s capital city has the country’s most cosmopolitan nightlife, as well as some of its friendliest bars and hottest nightclubs. Even better, Quito’s drinking spots and nightclubs are mostly clustered within a few blocks of one another, making bar hopping fun and easy.
The city has thousands of watering holes, which range from local dives to chic spots. One of the hippest places is Naranjilla Mecánica (JL Tamayo 549) in the La Floresta neighborhood. Tables hang from the ceiling, the walls of one room are covered in fur, and clowns have been known to saunter in and chat up the patrons.
In addition to serving a long list of drinks ($3-7), the bar has periodic art exhibitions, movie screenings and DJ performances. For a more relaxed time, the Lennon Bar (Lizardo García E8-24, intersection with Diego de Almagro) in the Mariscal neighborhood is a cheap, friendly bar, popular with young Ecuadorians.
It’s a great place to come with friends and share an oversized pitcher (per person, $1-3). Homesick visitors have a number of bars that cater to them in the Mariscal.
The Boot (corner of Calama and Juan León Mera) captures the feel of an American college bar; there is even a beer pong table. Drinks range from $2-6. Finn McCool’s (intersection of Pinto and Diego de Almagro) is a rowdy Irish-themed bar with TVs and a projection screen for sporting events.
More subdued, and drawing an older crowd, the Reina Victoria Pub (Reina Victoria 530, intersection with Roca) is about as close as you’ll get to a English country pub in Ecuador.