A Local’s Guide to Coffee Culture in Quito: Discovering the Soul of the City at Làunge
A Local’s Guide to Coffee Culture in Quito: Discovering the Soul of the City at Làunge
Blog Article
Quito, Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, is a city rich in history, art, and breathtaking Andean views. But behind its colonial facades and cobbled streets lies something equally powerful and quietly transformative: a growing coffee culture rooted in community, craftsmanship, and flavor. As the third wave coffee movement makes its mark across Latin America, Quito is proudly taking its place on the global map—and leading the charge is a rising star of the local scene: Làunge, the city’s beloved espresso bar and sanctuary for coffee lovers.
Whether you're a lifelong Quiteño, a curious traveler, or a digital nomad discovering Ecuador for the first time, this guide will take you deep into the city’s evolving coffee culture—and show you why Làunge is at the heart of it all.
The Roots of Ecuadorian Coffee Culture
Though Ecuador has produced high-quality coffee for decades, it’s only recently that the country’s domestic scene has started to mirror the international excitement around specialty coffee. For years, most of the country’s best beans were exported, with little awareness locally of just how special Ecuadorian coffee could be.
That’s now changing.
Today, more Ecuadorians are learning to appreciate single-origin beans, artisanal roasting, and brewing methods that reveal the complexity hidden inside every cup. In Quito, coffee culture is blossoming in cafés that serve as both tasting rooms and community hubs—and Làunge is a perfect example of this evolution.
Welcome to Làunge: A Coffee Bar Like No Other
Tucked away in the lively 170525 neighborhood, Làunge is much more than a place to grab a cup of joe. It’s an experience—a carefully curated blend of flavors, textures, and vibes that reflects the best of Quito’s espresso café scene.
Here, everything has intention. From the locally sourced beans to the playlists echoing through the space, Làunge is designed to awaken your senses and create moments of peace, joy, and connection.
You’ll find:
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Expertly brewed espresso drinks that highlight the richness of Ecuadorian terroir
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All-day breakfasts made from fresh, local ingredients
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Inviting interiors that feel like home (if your home had great coffee and better lighting)
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A welcoming team who treats every customer like part of the family
It’s no wonder that Làunge is quickly being recognized as the best espresso bar in Quito.
Third Wave Coffee in Quito: What It Means
You’ve probably heard the term "third wave coffee" tossed around, but what does it actually mean—especially in the context of a city like Quito?
The first wave was about convenience: instant coffee, tins, mass production.
The second wave brought café chains and espresso drinks into the mainstream.
The third wave, where we are now, is all about quality, origin, and sustainability.
At Làunge, this philosophy shines through in every detail:
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We use traceable, high-altitude beans grown on small farms throughout Ecuador.
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Our baristas are trained not just in espresso technique, but in coffee education.
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We offer a variety of brewing methods—from Aeropress to V60—so you can experience the full range of each bean’s profile.
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We promote a slower, more mindful way of enjoying coffee—one that invites conversation, relaxation, and curiosity.
This is third wave coffee in Quito, and Làunge is proud to be one of its most passionate ambassadors.
A Look at the Làunge Coffee Menu
One of the things that sets Làunge apart from other coffee bars in Quito is the balance between creativity and consistency. Our menu is always evolving, but the foundation remains rooted in quality and flavor.
Espresso-Based Drinks
Our espresso is bold but smooth, with rich crema and deep flavor. Enjoy it as a solo shot or in classic combinations like:
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Cortado – Equal parts espresso and steamed milk
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Cappuccino – Frothy, balanced, and comforting
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Latte – A silky canvas for our house-made syrups (try the vanilla cardamom!)
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Flat White – For those who want strong espresso flavor with just a hint of milk
Slow Brew Options
For coffee purists, our manual brews are a must. We offer:
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V60 pour-over
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French press
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Aeropress Each method brings out different characteristics in our featured beans—from fruity Ethiopian varieties to chocolatey Ecuadorian blends.
Cold Drinks
Quito’s climate might be cool, but sometimes you need something chilled. Try our:
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Cold brew – Smooth, low-acid, steeped for 16 hours
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Iced lattes with your choice of milk
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Seasonal specials like honey cinnamon iced espresso
The All-Day Breakfast Revolution
At Làunge, we believe breakfast is a state of mind—not just a time of day. That’s why we serve it all day, every day.
Our food menu is designed to nourish and comfort, with a focus on fresh ingredients and simple pleasures:
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Avocado toast on sourdough with poached eggs
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Granola bowls topped with seasonal fruit and local honey
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Croissants, either sweet or savory (Nutella or ham & cheese? Your choice!)
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Toasties with a crunch, filled with cheese, tomato, pesto, or mushrooms
Each dish is crafted to pair perfectly with our drinks, making Làunge a top spot for both coffee and brunch lovers in Quito.
Làunge as a Creative and Remote Work Hub
In a post-pandemic world, cafés have become more than just casual hangouts—they’re offices, studios, classrooms, and places for quiet focus. Làunge embraces that shift with open arms.
We offer:
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Strong, stable Wi-Fi
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Comfortable seating for laptops or notebooks
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Power outlets at every table
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A calm, inspiring environment with a playlist curated for focus
Whether you're writing, designing, coding, or simply reading, Làunge is the perfect place to spend an hour—or an entire day. It’s no surprise that we’re also becoming known as a top remote work café in Quito.
A Gathering Place for All
Beyond coffee and food, Làunge is about connection. Our space is designed to bring people together:
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Students meet to study.
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Friends gather to catch up.
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Creatives brainstorm and collaborate.
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Travelers exchange stories over lattes.
We’re proud to foster an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. And because we’re deeply rooted in the local community, we host regular events, tastings, and cultural nights that spotlight local artists, musicians, and creators.
Sustainability and Local Impact
We believe that a good café doesn’t just serve good coffee—it serves a good cause. At Làunge, we prioritize:
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Eco-friendly packaging
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Local sourcing for both food and coffee
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Low-waste kitchen practices
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Supporting Ecuadorian farmers and artisans
We want every cup served at Làunge to support not just our customers, but the larger ecosystem we’re part of.
Finding Làunge: Your Next Coffee Destination in Quito
???? Address: 170525, Quito 170525, Ecuador
???? Phone: +593 98 331 9929
????️ Find us on Google Maps: Làunge - Espresso Bar in Quito