Bars, Clubs and Places to Stay

Siam Restaurant

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:41:04 +0100

If your looking for something a bit different from the Mariscal’s hamburgers, hotdogs and French fries selection of food you may want to try Siam – a Japanese and Thai restaurant which an authentic ambience.

Siam is on the first floor on the corner of Calama and Juan Leon Mera, the heart of the Mariscal action. The best tables are by the windows where diners can watch the bustling Quito nightlife go on below their feet while enjoying the delicious cuisine of Thailand and Japan.

Without being too pretentious the presentation of the plates make the rolls look sumptuous. With a choice of salmon, crab, octopus and eel the choices of the food are mouth wateringly good and taste does not disappoint. Readers of The Ecuador Reporter get a 2 for 1 deal on rolls, ranging from $5 - $12.

Other dishes range from a variety of choice including soup, rice, curry, cocanet fish.

Ultimately whole event is an experience and one can finish up the night with a cocktail or coffee before piling in to one of the plentiful nightclubs right on its doorstep.

Bungalow 6

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:13:11 +0100

Bungalow 6, always busy, with a vibrant mix of locals and foreigners is the place to be at night in Quito. Its central location just off the Mariscal on Calama is the perfect spot for those looking for a big night out after spending a relaxing evening eating and drinking in the Mariscal.

It was opened by two Americans, ex travellers with a love of Latino culture, who have created the atmosphere of a western club incorporating perfectly a dash of the local culture. The bar was lovingly developed section by section, decorated with a range of inspirational modern art. The ceilings are adorned with beautiful hand made lampshades and the walls with impressive paintings. Cosy couches are complemented by large dance floors and an extremely well stocked bar.
A lively mix of salsa music and pop ensures that everyone who comes here is up and dancing within seconds. Crowds of people fill the dance floors every night, meaning bungalow 6 is never a dull place to be.
The huge popularity of the Mariscal has resulted in increasing competition over the recent years, which has prompted Bungalow 6 to hold ladies night on Wednesdays. Between eight and ten, women get in for free and drink for free as well. After ten, the men flock in and the fun begins! The night had proved to be highly popular with both men and women, and a huge success for the club.
Anyone looking for a place to dance until the early hours should head down to Bungalow 6 where they can meet friendly people, make friends, drink copious amounts and, of course, dance to their hearts content. And, ladies, get yourselves down there on a Wednesday evening to take full advantage of the free bar!

Huauki Restaurant

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 19:15:07 +0200

Opened in November 2005, Hauaki has been dishing up fusion Japanese-Ecuadorian food to the people of Quito for some time now, so they should know what they’re doing. Located on Joaquin Pinto in a beautifully restored 1940’s casa, Hauaki also doubles up as a hostel, but it’s the restaurant that has been making a name for itself. Opened by big time sushi fan Oscar Ardualo Borja, the Japanese and Ecuadorian chefs take the best of both cuisines and mix it up to create tasty yet healthy food, a far cry from the rabbit food that other healthy eating establishments like to peddle to unassuming customers.

Leaving our shoes at the door (tradition, not just cuisine have been imported from Japan) we enter the dimly lit venue and are nearly decapitated by the low hanging drapes, all part of the effect we are to understand, to make one ‘chill out’ and ‘relax’. Taking it as a cue to sit down and get comfortable we perch cross legged on the cushion strewn floor and huddle around the table. The crimson hue and candlelit surroundings indeed make for tranquil surroundings and a great place to enjoy the company of close friends and while away the languorous wait for the food.

After getting tipsy on a few of Hauaki’s staple cocktail recipes, the food finally arrives. The menu is small and limited, but being so cheap it is easy to simply select a wide variety of dishes and get stuck in. Tuna or salmon rolls are no more than $3 per portion and it’s easy to forget how filling sushi can be, although this may just be my mind playing tricks on me as I forget about my stomach and focus all my efforts on the chopsticks, implements I doubt I will ever master. And go careful on the wasabi sauce, the mermaid of condiments which always seems to lure me inexplicably into its grasp, scarring my tongue for the rest of the evening.

Pinto y Reina Victoria

Uncle Ho’s Restaurant

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:40:06 +0200

Uncle Ho’s Restaurant

The People’s restaurant that is preferred by Quito’s Intelligentsia

A lushly wooded facade casts a willow shade over this friendly restaurant, where plumes of fire from the chef’s saucepans herald a taste of Southeast Asia at its finest. “Southeast Asian food is among the best in the world,” says Patrick Madden, whose business partner, Kevin Sheehy keeps a friendly atmosphere at the bar. The tables outside provide a great place to read, work or just watch the world go by over a cool drink provided by the friendly staff who speak Spanish, English and French.

With a fresh food menu ranging from spare ribs to summer rolls with dipping sauce (abound with steaming rice and organic vegetables), it is no surprise that Uncle Ho’s has become such a popular place to hangout. The opulence of the cuisine, meanwhile, is disguised beneath the Communist price tags. The bar, gleaming with the pastel colours of glass liquor bottles, clamours with lively conversation in the evenings and the 4 – 7pm daily happy hours (or all day on Saturday). The restaurant is particularly lively every Monday evening, when the kitchen breaks with tradition to provide steak and mash with gravy. The chefs have turned their skilled hands to this weekly commission with remarkable success. If Soviet scientists had followed Western technology as well as Uncle Ho’s chefs have managed to, Russia would surely have put men on the Moon by now. “I started cooking in restaurants when I left school aged 18” says Bladymir, the head chef, who ensures that food standards remain high.
Paper lampshades decorated with pressed grasses and leaves adorn the bar and outside eating area, while a wireless Internet connection and patio heater provide excuses to stay all day. The interior is garnished with the countenances of Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap and a massive dragon on the ceiling. The extensive drinks menu is abundant with names such as ‘Napalm in the Morning,’ and ‘Good Morning Vietnam.’

Located on Jose Calama & Diego De Almagro, Uncle Ho’s is open Mondays to Saturdays, 12:00 – 10:30pm. Price ranges from $3,00 for an appetizer to an average of $6 for a main course.

An Old Town Atmosphere

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 15:46:30 +0200

Cafes. An Old Town Atmosphere? With hundreds of restaurants in Quito, it is sometimes hard to decide what places to patronize when you want a setting that offers more than just a quick coffee or a bite to eat. Kathleen Prevost takes a photographic look of some of the better options in the center of the city.

Café Mosaico- Located just outside the Old Town boundaries, this café offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. A greek inspired menu and funky decorations also add to the appeal of the café. A covered balcony means plenty of outdoor seating but there is also space indoors. Vino olvido, a hot boiled vine spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and oranges is a good remedy for the chilly Quito nights. The address is Manuel Samaniego N8-95 y Antepara.

Hasta la vuelta Señor…- or “Until I come back Lord…” is one of several charming eateries located in a large courtyard in Plaza Grande. The name is inspired by a Quiteño legend; It was a young priest’s response to a statue of Christ he had to climb over for his nightly escapades. Hidden from the street, would-be diners have to walk through an unassuming corridor to reach the quit courtyard that was once part of a palace.

Café Mirador
360 degree views of beautifully lit churches and statues make this café a popular choice on weekend nights. There is live music Thurs- Sat evenings, musicians often perform Ecuadorian favorites while the enthused get up and dance. Owner Rodrigo Espinosa proudly notes the restaurant is also patronized by foreign diplomats, politicians, and sports stars. The café is also known as Vista Hermosa and is located at Mejía 453 y García Moreno.

Café Tianguez
Located literally underneath the famous Monastery of San Francisco, Tianguez is both a café and a free trade shop. The store is run by the same organization from the Mueso Mindale in New Town, and is full of well-crafted and organic products. There is also outdoor seating on the plaza under the shadow of the large bell towers. The café is hard to miss and can be found in Plaza San Francisco.

Cafetería Modelo

Gaining popularity over fifty years ago for its café pasado has been a family-run favorite ever since. Once patronized by artists and actors from the nearby Teatro Bolivar, now locals from all walks of life stop in for tasty sanduches de pernil and other Ecuadorian specialties. Modelo is a humble, busy café in a beautiful colonial building on the corner of Sucre and García Moreno.

Mulligan’s

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 15:18:27 +0200

Classic and with a familiar feel, Mulligan’s Irish-American Pub and Grill is an excellent choice if you want to combine a good meal with the latest sports game. Equipped with eight televisions, one can has a good view of the games from every seat in the house. Popular games are always shown live and often there are drinks specials to match.
If you are more interested in the “grill” side of Mulligan’s, few are disappointed. Tasty sandwiches, burgers, and steaks fill the menu, and there are options for salad and soup lovers as well. Indeed, full range of appetizers, desserts and breakfasts are available. The friendly waiters are happy to suggest their favorites if all the familiar cuisine is overwhelming. Prices are on the higher end of things, their signature burger sets you back $8, but the jump in quality is clearly there has well.
Mulligan’s is also notable for its large selection of imported beers. Although they’ll set you back more than a Pilsener, many travelers welcome the option of darker brews. Catering towards those who appreciate both a nice restaurant and a relaxed setting, Mulligan’s attracts a sports-loving, unpretentious crowd. The pub plans to add billiards in the coming weeks

Coffee Tree Orellana

Fri, 30 May 2008 14:45:52 +0200

The Coffee Tree franchise opened up its third chain last month when ‘Coffee Tree Orellana’ was launched. The latest café bar is situated beneath the historical museum Mundalae, which is also the location for the main tourist office.

The Mundalae building is one of the finest examples of modern architecture in Quito providing the café with aesthetic surroundings that will gratify any coffee drinkers. The tables sit on newly wooden decks that weave between the water features.

Izak Ben-Aharon, one of founders of the Coffee Tree franchise, said during his speech at the opening night, “We wanted to work with the people at Mundalae museum to teach tourists about this great country.”

Ben-Aharon wants to promote the area as an alternative to the popular Plaza Foch. “There are many businesses in the area including hotels, bars and restaurants,” says Ben-Aharon. “It has also become the entrance to the Mariscal and everyone has to pass this point so we want to be there too.”

Coffee Tree also plans to promote the museum by giving customers of Coffee Tree a chance to win a free admission into the museum. Ben-Aharon says, “If you manage to collect all the ‘facturas’ from our different Coffee Tree’s we’ll give you a free pass into the museum.”

Similar to the other chains the Coffee Tree Orellana will have live music, live sport and will be open 24 hours a day.

Ananké serves up style

Thu, 1 May 2008 01:41:25 +0200

More than just the yellow house on the street, Ananke has become a true landmark in Guapulo – where music, art, and food blend nicely.
Starting out five years ago, owners Andres Caicedo and Jose Barrera, looked at Guapulo and the space Ananke now calls home, as a real opportunity. Guapulo, a funky neighbourhood located behind Hotel Quito was in the midst of a renaissance allowing the two co-owners to realise a dream. “For me, Guapulo had this feeling, this energy and it seemed a good place to open up something different,” says Caicedo. “Add to that the incredible view, and we felt we had a real opportunity for success.”
That view is of the valley that includes the beautiful Sanctuary de Guapulo, all the way out to Cumbaya and Tumbaco. Huge windows in the stylish dining area and a covered terrace on the second floor take advantage of the stunning vista. Of course these spots fill up quickly, especially Wednesday through Saturday. Also upstairs is another covered terrace overlooking the always interesting Camino de Orellana and two funky rooms that are designed for chilling with friends and sharing some food.
And it is the food that has kept Ananke in business for over five years. The menu focuses on pizza making it an ideal spot for sharing with friends. It also boasts a nice array of appetizers – the stuffed mushrooms are a favourite – fresh salads, filling desserts and a large drink selection, including some of the best canelazo around.
It is the thin-crust pizza however that keeps people coming back, with a wonderful variety of vegetarian pizzas, some traditional selections, and some Ananke specialties. The large pizza – you can order half-and-half – along with a salad is ideal to share between two people, however at the end you will find yourself wanting more, often sticking around for a few more drinks just to try another selection – the Hawaiana and the Vegetarian Especial are recommended – and to take in the atmosphere.
On this night the atmosphere is fueled by an open mic night, featuring musicians from in and around Guapulo. On Wednesday’s it’s jam night, and on any other given night you may walk in to find anything from a reggae band to a local punk act. And if there is no live music, the sound system takes care, spinning out tunes that promote the positive, chilled vibe.
“We wanted it so when people walked in they knew they were coming to a special place,” says Caicedo. “With the view, the artwork, the music, and the energy of Guapulo, we wanted to create that unique vibe.”
They’ve done that. With style. And served up some damn fine pizza at the same time.

Prices at Ananke average about $7 for a large pizza, $3.50 for a calzone or half-pizza, $1.75 for beer or canelazo, $2.50 for a glass of wine, $3.50 for a cocktail, and $2.00 for dessert.
For information about open mic in May email john@ecuadorreporter.com
Ananke is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
Address – Camino de Orellana 781, Guapulo

Big Sur shows big change

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:48:21 +0100

The jazz scene in Quito has received a serious lift from the growth of Big Sur restaurant and hostel. Positioned quietly away from the neon lights and brash sounds of Plaza Foch, a new movement is building momentum on this unsuspecting street. Thursday nights at Big Sur, a main proponent of the jazz renaissance in Quito, greets customers in dulcet motion much like its ex-foreign diplomat owner and American ex-pat, Lars Klassen.

"I had no great expectations of starting a thing like this. Even the building was falling apart when we first found it. But I am a neophyte and have no grand pretensions," Klassen whispers as the walking bass line rolls through. In a room lit by soft glows and walls adorned with slow sunsets, the mood is matched by the jam session that also seems to be coming from the kitchen

The entire night is based on improvisation; a chance meeting of the band members in the bars of Quito and their desire to play a gig as close and warm as this. Uri Stav, an Israeli-American hailing from Glasgow says, "That´s the way jazz happens, just like the night."

The other band members fully understand. They let their respective music making explain; Jeff Eckels on bass, from the American Mid-west, a teacher at a local music school, Pepe German on the drums, a mellowed local and student since the age of 13 as well as member of Quito´s ´Pies en la Tierra´ Ecuadorean-influenced jazz band.

The room is striking in its intimacy, the band seemingly wining and dining the entranced customers, the music fused with the gentle lighting of a new idea. .

Plans for this restaurant are only getting stronger. The garden, once a "garbage dump" is now alive with green and centres around a behemoth of a palm tree. "When the weather clears up we´ll be moving the music outside. I feel it can really complement the mood without destroying the quiet ambience of the street,¨says Klassen. The key is that it is all down to improvisation and as even the doors swing, the band closes with a reluctant tranquillity, but the night beats on.

Juan Rodiriquez 228 y Reina Victoria

Krusaywa Restaurant

Sun, 2 Mar 2008 18:29:12 +0100

Krusaywa restaurant is introducing a new flavour in town, taking Andean food and bringing it to a new level by taking parts of Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile and combining them in one location.

The real secret behind this new, modern restaurant is the atmosphere. During the day, the place is similar to a Spanish villa with a laid-back and relaxing environment. The restaurant opens at 7am and serves a decent breakfast with real coffee and freshly squeezed juice. On a hot day it is a great place to sit because the wooden shutters deflect the sun’s rays. Krusaywa also boasts a plethora of art, giving the place that authentic feel.

Return to Krusaywa at night, and the vibe will be virtually unrecognizable. With the spark of live music, a full and experimental cocktail menu and a change in the lighting, the mood of the restaurant changes into that of a party.

The food is carefully prepared using the different techniques from the Andean area. Whether customers choose meat, chicken or seafood, every plate is made in a unique style that owner Exidia Silva invented.

This is the 25 year-old’s first restaurant, having learnt her trade in her early twenties.

“The whole thing is just a dream come true for me and I want to thank everyone that made it happen,” says Exidia. “We’ve had this idea for sometime now, and it’s great that it’s finally here.

Diego de Almagro N24-64 y Pinto • 255-5573

Cats Restaurant

Sun, 2 Mar 2008 17:32:15 +0100

From the alternative rock posters hanging on the walls to the multicolored candles rising from wine bottles, Cats Bar and Restaurant is a wonderfully eclectic haven for anyone seeking respite from the Mariscal nightlife. The restaurant, named after the musical “Cats,” opened in May 1990, before La Mariscal developed into the popular tourist center is has become today.
 “Cats has been here since the beginning, when there weren’t even lights on the street!” says owner Alvaro Hernández. For the first three years, Cats was a small plates bar where Hernández cooked and his wife, Michelle, served. Since then the restaurant has remodeled and grown, adding a charming downstairs dining room. Cats has developed into a lively, sophisticated restaurant with a full staff, where everything from crabmeat to lamb can be found on the menu.

Although the restaurant attracts more locals then backpackers, the friendly ambiance will make any traveler feel welcome.

“Many people say it’s like being in a home,” Hernández says. With the rustic woodwork and soft candlelight, customers can easily cozy up with a bottle of Argentinean wine and listen to the wide range of music playing in background.

In fact, the Cats’ music collection is quite impressive, and it’s impossible to miss the large assortment of original CDs stacked behind the bar. In the course of one evening, everything from classic rock like Led Zepplin to local Spanish bands can be heard over the restaurant’s loudspeakers.

The energetic vibe perfectly complements the delicious entrée and dessert selections. “Championones ostion,” a mushroom dish made with garlic, red peppers, white wine, olive oil and parsley and served with two croutons is a perfect starter, and a very popular vegetarian option. Don’t miss the amazing dessert, “leche nevana,” a milky, sugary meringue topped with cinnamon and served in a cocktail glass. Light and warm, it’s the perfect end to the meal.

Prices at Cats are on average $10 for a main course, while wine averages around $18/bottle and $3.50/glass.

Address: Lizardo Garcia 537 y Diego de Almagro
La Mariscal, Ecuador