Quito Nightlife: The Best Bars Where Locals Actually Drink

Quito doesn't do nightlife the way beach cities do. There are no mega-clubs on every corner or neon strips built for tourists. What Quito has instead is better: small bars with character, spread across neighborhoods that each have their own personality. A vinyl bar in a colonial neighborhood. A dark, countercultural spot in La Mariscal. A tiny cocktail bar in La Floresta that you'd walk past if you didn't know it was there.

These are the bars where Ernesto, a Quito chef and the founder of Bondabu, actually goes for a drink.

Key takeaways

• For live DJs and vinyl, go to Las Abejas in La Tola.
• For something dark, alternative and full of good music, go to Freak Show in La Mariscal.
• For intimate cocktails, find Síncopa in La Floresta.
• For a relaxed drink with great food, join the locals at Mr. and Ms. Ou near González Suárez.
• For the most creative drinks in the city, start your night at Plural in Las Casas.

The best bars in Quito

Las Abejas: vinyl, live DJs and cocktails in La Tola

La Tola is one of Quito's traditional neighborhoods, a short walk from the Historic Center and increasingly popular with visitors. Las Abejas is its best reason to stay out late: a vinyl bar with live DJs spinning records and a cocktail list that holds its own. It's the kind of place where a quick drink turns into a whole night.

Bondabu tip: come after dinner, when the DJ gets going and the room fills up.

Freak Show: Quito's countercultural bar in La Mariscal

Freak Show is one of the most unique bars in Quito. Dark, alternative and proudly countercultural, it's where the city's underground scene goes to drink. The music is the main event, and it's always good.

Bondabu tip: this isn't a place for a quiet conversation. Come for the music and the atmosphere.

Síncopa: an intimate cocktail bar in La Floresta

Small, dark and intimate, Síncopa is the kind of bar you want for the second half of a good evening. The cocktails are excellent, the room is tiny and the mood invites you to stay for one more. La Floresta is Quito's creative neighborhood, and Síncopa is one of its best-kept secrets.

Bondabu tip: it's small, so go with one or two people rather than a big group.

Mr. and Ms. Ou: the neighborhood bar of González Suárez

Every city needs a good neighborhood bar, and Mr. and Ms. Ou is one of Quito's best. Solid cocktails, tasty food and a relaxed crowd of locals from the González Suárez area who want a casual drink without the fuss. It's the most laid-back stop on this list.

Bondabu tip: order food. It's as good as the drinks, which makes this the perfect place to start a night.

Plural: the most creative drinks in Quito

Plural is technically a restaurant, but it belongs on any list of where to drink in Quito. The team takes an almost scientific approach to drinks, developing its own sodas and pét-nats (naturally sparkling wines). It's in Las Casas, a residential neighborhood that has become one of the city's most interesting places to eat and drink.

Bondabu tip: ask what they're fermenting right now, and pair it with dinner before heading out.

Quito nightlife by neighborhood

• La Floresta: the creative heart of the city, full of small bars, restaurants and street art. Home to Síncopa.
• La Mariscal: Quito's classic nightlife district, busier and louder, with alternative gems like Freak Show.
• La Tola: a traditional neighborhood next to the Historic Center, now home to spots like Las Abejas.
• González Suárez: residential and relaxed, for neighborhood bars like Mr. and Ms. Ou.
• Las Casas: for dinner and creative drinks before a night out, at Plural.

Tips for going out in Quito

• Use a taxi app at night. It's the easiest and safest way to move between neighborhoods.
• Take it easy on the first night. Quito sits at 2,850 meters, and many visitors find that alcohol hits harder at altitude.
• Bring a jacket. Even after a sunny day, Quito's nights are cold.
• Check opening days and hours before you go. Many small bars close early in the week and come alive from Thursday to Saturday.
• Eat well first. Our guide to the best restaurants in Quito has the places to start your night.

Experience Quito after dark with a local

The best way to discover Quito's nightlife is with someone who knows which door to knock on. Our After Dark experience takes you through the city's bars and neighborhoods in a small group, with a local guide who knows the bartenders by name. Before you go out, fuel up on our Quito food tour.

About the author

Ernesto is a chef based in Quito and the founder of Bondabu, where he designs food and culture experiences in Quito and Mexico City. These are the bars he goes to on his own nights out.

Frequently asked questions

Is Quito good for nightlife?

Yes, though it's different from beach cities. Quito's nightlife is built around small, characterful bars spread across neighborhoods like La Floresta, La Mariscal and La Tola, rather than big clubs.

What is the best neighborhood for nightlife in Quito?

La Floresta for small cocktail bars and a creative crowd, La Mariscal for a louder, busier night, and La Tola for vinyl and live DJs near the Historic Center.

What are the best bars in Quito?

Our picks are Las Abejas, Freak Show, Síncopa, Mr. and Ms. Ou and Plural, each with a very different atmosphere.

Is Quito safe at night?

Like any big city, it's best to stay aware. Use a taxi app to move between neighborhoods at night, stick to busy areas and keep an eye on your belongings.

Does alcohol affect you more in Quito?

Many visitors feel it more because of the altitude. Drink water, eat well and pace yourself, especially on your first nights in the city.