Café Arte

Location:
Salinas 5-43
Ibarra, Ecuador

Restaurant Types:
Eclectic, Cafe / Coffee Shop, Mexican

By Michelle Hopey

An art-infused café, Cafe Arte lives up to its name with a dash of funk and good food to boot.

Probably the hippest restaurant and cultural café in all of Imbaburra province, the large barn-like structure is more of a restaurant cum music venue on weekend nights than simply a cafe.

While located on a darkened street on the east side of town, Café Arté is anything but gloomy inside. A variety of artwork--from modern paintings to photo exhibits--by local artists cover the walls, mosaic tiles cover the floor, dark and rustic wooden tables, (with matching wooden menus), along with candlelight make for a cool, retro, relaxing café. In the evenings, usually weekends, live music by a local folk or rock band echo throughout. On weekdays, you can catch locals performing poetry readings or dance exhibits.

While not as cheap as other eating or drinking establishments in town, you are really paying for an eclectic atmosphere and experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Ibarra.

An assortment of dishes decorate the menu from lavish salads to a western-style gourmet roast chicken dish. On the high-end you can induldge in Filet Mignon for $5.00 or try one of the medium priced entrees like the Mexican specialties, of which Café Arté is known for. A plate of tacos or a burrito will cost you around $3.00 and is likely to satisfy any Mexican craving. Although be warned: it isn’t likely that any Mexican dish you order in Ecuador will be truly hot n’ spicy. On the cheap end of the menu, go for a $1.80 hamburger, veggie burger or even a simple sandwich for $1.20.

With a full bar in house you can have a copa of wine for $1.50 or test out one of the delicious special art cocktails like the Monalisa, Van Gogh, or El Greco, which all cost between $2.50 to $3.00. Or of course, while you sit, listen and watch the live musical talent you can top the night off with an Irish Coffee for $2.50 or a simple cup of fresh brewed Joe for 80 cents.

Prices:
Lunch: Mid-Range
Dinner: Mid-Range

Credit cards accepted
MasterCard/Eurocard, Visa

Currencies accepted
US Dollar

Atmosphere: Entertainment / live music

Service Features:Large groups ok

Bar Features:Full bar, wine / beer

Regulations: Unknown

Dress Code: Casual

Reservation: Unknown

Park Options: Street parking

Seating Capacity: 50

Larget Group Size: 20

Traveler Reviews of Café Arte

Hope to buy art on next visit

Rating: 75%

It was like finding a treasure to enter the eclectic Café Arte! It is heavily decorated with art, many pieces were created by one of the owners, which were my favorites. You can buy post cards of his art, but next time I hope to buy an original. We listened to sort of an "Andean fusion" group and enjoyed a drink that could be best described as a Pisco Sour, though they called it something more creative. Great combination of inexpensive food (decent), ambiance and music.

By V!VA User from Pawleys Island, SC , Jul 27, 2006