Manta, in Manabi is attractive to people who would prefer to be on the coast versus the mountains, but find Guayaquil to be too big and the other rural coastal town to be too small. Manta has a nice mix of first-world amenities, foreigners, and the stuff we gringos love about Ecuador: the laid-back feel, the friendly people, and of course, the beach!
In Manta, a popular spot for expats to hang out is the Cadillac Bar, located on Calle M-2 and Avenida 24 near Oro Verde. The place is decked out to be a 1950s American-themed bar. The bamboo walls are covered with American pop culture memorabilia, blending Ecuadorian 
and American culture.
There is outdoor seating, good music and a menu full of just about every drink you can imagine! There are a couple of pool tables, and even a foosball table! (Now if that isn’t a throwback to some basement in the States, I don’t know what is.) The Cadillac Bar is a great place to grab a drink and chill with friends.
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Worked as a bar-back and dish washer at the Cadillac Bar mostly for food and drink during my stay in Manta. Had heard it was later closed due to a shoot-out out-front in the street.