San Joaquín is a neighborhood in Cuenca that has emerged as the place to eat “carne asada” (grilled meat). Lining the dirt roads are family-owned restaurants where the large Cuencano families come to devour savory lunches. This is one place in the city where you will be virtually the only foreigner. Many of the restaurants have playgrounds for children, can accommodate large groups, and have both indoor and outdoor seating.

San Joaquín is not ideal for vegetarians. Specializing in all types of grilled meat (pork, beef, chicken, and cuy), most plates come with mote, potatoes, and humitas / tamales. The most well-known restaurants are Las Palmeras, Las Cabañas de San Joaquin and El Tequila.

You can get to San Joaquín by taxi (shouldn’t cost more than $3), which takes about 15 minutes from the center, or take bus #19 ($0.25) from the corner of Presidente Cordova and Juan Montalvo or from the Feria Libre market.

Submitted by Allison Korn

Location:
San Joaquín district
Cuenca, Ecuador

Restaurant Types:
Ecuadorian

Currencies accepted
US dollar

Price Description: Most plates cost no more than $4 and come with heaping amounts of food. the restaurants also serve beer.

Atmosphere: Outdoor/patio dining

Bar Features:Full bar, wine / beer, bring your own beer, no alcohol served

Regulations: No

Dress Code: Casual

Reservation: Not necessary

Park Options: No

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