Bandido Brewing
Bandido Brewing operates out of a two-story space a short walk from Plaza Foch, producing craft beer on site with visible brewing equipment behind the bar. The ground floor seats around 40 people at wooden tables, with the bar running along one wall and the brew tanks visible through glass panels. The upstairs area adds another 25 seats with a balcony overlooking the street. Founded by American expats in 2015, the brewery has become a gathering point for Quito's international community and craft beer enthusiasts. The tap list rotates but typically includes 8 to 10 house beers ranging from IPAs to stouts, plus seasonal experiments. Food is pub-style: burgers, wings, and loaded fries. The crowd on any given night splits between expats living in Quito, backpackers staying in La Mariscal hostels, and Ecuadorian beer nerds who appreciate the alternative to Pilsener and Club. Weekend evenings fill both floors by 9 PM.
Where to stay near Bandido Brewing
Hotels and rentals within walking distance.
What to Expect
You walk into a space that feels more Pacific Northwest than South American. Exposed brick, brewing tanks behind glass, wooden bar stools, and the smell of hops. The volume stays at conversation level on weekdays and rises on weekends when both floors fill. Groups gather around shared plates of wings and fries.
Relaxed, social, and beer-focused. More brewpub than bar, with conversation taking priority over music.
Indie rock, classic rock, and alternative playing at background volume. No DJ, no dance floor.
Casual. Jeans and a t-shirt are standard. The crowd is relaxed and nobody dresses up.
Craft beer fans, expats looking for a familiar drinking experience, and anyone wanting a mellow start to a La Mariscal night.
Cash and cards accepted. USD is the currency. No currency conversion needed.
Price Range
Craft pints $4-6, flights of 4 beers $8-10, burgers $7-10, wings $6-8
All prices in USD (Ecuador uses US dollars)
Hours
Mon-Thu 4 PM to midnight, Fri-Sat 2 PM to 1 AM, Sun 2 PM to 10 PM
Insider Tip
Try the beer flight first to sample the rotating taps before committing to a full pint. The upstairs balcony is the best seat on warm evenings. Go on a weekday to actually talk to the brewers about their process. The IPA and the porter are consistently the strongest options on the menu.
Full Review
Bandido Brewing fills a specific gap in La Mariscal's nightlife. While the surrounding blocks are dominated by reggaeton-blasting clubs and cheap beer joints, this place offers something quieter and more deliberate. The brewing operation is real, not decorative. The tanks behind the bar produce everything on tap, and the quality is genuinely good by Latin American craft beer standards.
The ground floor is where most of the action happens. The bar itself has about 10 stools, and tables fill the rest of the space. Service is friendly and unhurried. Bartenders know the beer list well and will steer you toward something you'll like if you describe your preferences. The food menu is limited but executed well. The burgers use good beef and the portions are generous.
Upstairs works better for groups. The tables are larger, the noise from the street is slightly muffled, and the balcony offers fresh air and people-watching. On Friday nights both floors reach capacity by 10 PM, and the atmosphere shifts from relaxed pub to lively social scene.
The crowd is noticeably different from other La Mariscal venues. Fewer party-mode backpackers, more long-term residents and Ecuadorians with disposable income. The age range skews 25 to 40. Conversations happen in English and Spanish equally. It functions as a community hub for Quito's international crowd.
As a starting point for a night out, Bandido works perfectly. Have a couple of craft pints and some food here, then walk the three blocks to Plaza Foch when you're ready for something louder. Or stay all night if loud isn't your thing.
The Neighborhood
Located on Olmedo street, a few blocks northwest of Plaza Foch. The surrounding streets have restaurants, hostels, and smaller bars. The area is well-lit and active during evening hours.
Getting There
A 5-minute walk from Plaza Foch heading northwest on Olmedo. Uber from most Quito hotels costs $3-8. If you're staying in La Mariscal, everything is walkable.
Other Venues in La Mariscal
Bungalow 6
The flagship club on Plaza Foch. Reggaeton and electronic music across multiple levels, drawing a young mix of locals and tourists on weekends.
Strawberry Fields
A La Mariscal institution. Rock and classic music, psychedelic decor, and cheap drinks make it a reliable stop any night of the week.
Cafe Libro
Long-running cultural bar with live music, poetry readings, and strong cocktails. Draws an intellectual crowd to its intimate space on Leonidas Plaza.
Diva Nicotina
Popular Quito nightclub with electronic and reggaeton nights. The sound system is solid and the dance floor packs out after midnight on Fridays.
La Juliana
One of Quito's best-known clubs, pulling a well-dressed local crowd with Latin and electronic music across a large dance floor.