Opened in 1950, Modelo is one of the city’s oldest cafes and a great spot to try traditional snacks such as empanadas de verde (empanadas made with plantain dough), quimbolitos (sweet, cake-like corn dumplings) and tamales. It's also a popular spot for ice cream. The fun, slightly kitsch Ecuador-of-yore trappings make the wait for the food interesting.
Nearby Cafetería Modelo II offers similar environs plus live music on Friday afternoons from 5pm to 7pm.