Best Brewery In Baños Ecuador

The Mora Sabora, Blackberry Ale from La Cascada Brewpub in Banos Ecuador

Baños is known for hot springs and relaxed mountain living.  The Rio Pastaza cuts through the mountains and waterfalls plummet from high peaks to town’s edge.  Baños has a small town feel with streets lined with comedores and cafes. But what surprised us most is that Baños is home to one of the best brewpubs in the world.

The Neon Lights Of The Bar is a Great Start to a Friday Night in Banos

Perched on the corner of the clocktower park, La Cascada Brewery beckons beer connoisseurs with yellow neon lights.  Inside, the duplex space is simply decorated with dark wood accents, plants, and red lanterns.  Two on-site brewers craft a short selection of excellent beers: stout, IPA, pale ale, and the local favorite: Mora Sabora, blackberry beer.  Ecuador’s number one beer, Pilsener is also served.  All beers are drafts, an anomaly in Ecuador.  Each day, bartender Christian takes care of patrons with well-poured heady brews and a welcoming smile.

Locals and expats frequent the bar, lending a “Cheers-like” atmosphere to the gastropub every day except Tuesdays when its closed.

Stairs to the Upper Level Dining Room at La Cascada in Banos

Once Christian lays out the menu, believe what you see.  The American owners have set the bar high with classic pubfare like sandwiches and snacks, prepared with incredibly fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fried shrimp appetizers are jumbo sized.  Rolls are tender and toasted.  The pulled pork cooked over 24 hours is accompanied by homemade cole slaw.  Chicagoan Jason mans the kitchen, taking breaks for quick chin-ups, beer tastings, and friendly banter with the crowd.

Prices are among the most competitive in town.  Sandwiches and burgers with fries start at $4.  Appetizers run about $3.  A pint of craft beer will set you back around $2.50.  And the crisply poured Pilsener is $1.50.

The Line Up of Good Food is Unbelievable and Continues the Tradition of Great Cuisine in Banos

Neil and I have already been there twice.  And with our one-month apartment rental, we’re sure to be regulars.  Each time we expect the prices to jump.  But the staff seems completely content.  When we looked at our bill that listed two meals and 8 beers for just $25, we balked and realized that on top of everything else La Cascada continues the old tradition of bartender buybacks!

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