Cafe Modelo: "the local cafe not to miss" Top 5 Page for this destination Quito Restaurant Tip by richiecdisc

I was a bit afraid that Café Modelo would be a tourist trap. Lonely Planet raved about it as a great local institution and it was very convenient to all tourist sights. It was indeed both of those things but though we went there many repeatedly during our stay in Quito we were the only gringos to be found. It was always packed and full of locals enjoying reasonably priced Quito specialties. It is very a small and bustling place so don’t go expecting a quiet getaway. But do expect to experience what locals have been for over 50 years: great food, quick service and a genuinely authentic Quito restaurant.

Favorite Dish: It's one of the few places in the city to get a decent coffee and certainly the best place for an authentic Quito breakfast. Huevos ala Copa (50 cents)are basically soft boiled eggs served in a little glass cup that locals seem to like with a grilled cheese sandwich. Go for the combo specials ( as they are better value from $1.10) and even though this is not the cheapest place for breakfast and by no means is it fancy, this place packs them in with their quality. Other options include humitas (a corn meal salty pastry wrapped in a corn husk for 65 cents), guimbolitos (a sweeter cousin to the humita for 65 cents), and empanadas. Their beer is well priced ($1.10 for a big bottle) but also look for punch (90 cents), an eggnog-like hot drink perfect for chilly nights as well as an assortment of freshly squeezed juices. The local Pilsner brand band is certainly serviceable enough and refreshing though it could use with a bit more hops considering its name.

Address: Sucre and Garcia Moreno
Comparison: about average
Directions: Nearly across from the "gold" church in the old town.
Price: less than US$10
Rating: 5
Theme: Local