Quito's nightlife ranges from serious salsa to raves, from classy English style pubs to horrible karaoke beer troughs. In general, the bars close at 2 or 3 o'clock. Discos are another story. There are several discotecas that stay open until dawn.

Another point to address up front is the difference between the various entrance fees. Bars in Quito handle what you and I know as a "cover" in one of three ways:

1. Cover charge: the one that we know best. You pay a certain amount to get in the door and then you buy all your drinks, or none, it doesn't matter;
2. Consumo minimo: there is no cover charge persay, but you have to spend at least X number of dollars or you pay something when you leave; and
3. Entrada con derecha a una bebida: by far the most popular in Quito. You pay X number of dollars and they give you a ticket or token for a "free" drink.

Quito's Nighlife establishments continually close and new ones reopen, see Quito Restaurants by V!VA for up-to-date information.