Panama City Nightlife
The Panamanian people love a party - a fact reflected in a wide variety of nightlife spots-bars, discos, pubs and casinos. It all takes place in three sectors of the city: the business district, Casco Viejo—the historic Spanish Colonial sector of the city, and the spectacular Amador Causeway connecting a string of Panama Bay islands with ocean and city views both day and night.
As in any big city, keep to the lighted main streets and have a great time. Taking a taxi from your hotel is a safe way to get to any of these places.
Business District
The Wine Bar: A place for wine lovers, the Wine Bar has more than 300 wine selections as well as cheeses, pizza, and an in house live music trio. Calle Eusebio A. Morales, Ground floor of the Hotel Suites Las Vegas, besides the Restaurant Café Pomodoro and close to the El Panama Hotel. Also on Flamingo Island Amador Cawseway, Panama City, Panama. Tel: 265 4701
El Pavo Real: This is a favorite, British style pub with good food (great fish and chips), two pool tables, darts and TVs for sports fans. It features a mixed crowd of natives and foreigners, but you'll hear a lot of English speakers. www.elpavoreal.net Located on Via Argentina and Calle Jose Marti. Tel: 394-6853
La Rana Dorada: A stylish Irish Brewpub named after the endangered Golden Frog species native to Panama. It offers a wide variety of beers, a terrace and tasty food. Located on Via Argentina and Calle Arturo Motta in El Cangrejo. Now also in Casco Viejo! Tel: 269-2989
Steinbock: A German pub with the best selection of German and European beers in town, as well as a variety of German culinary delights. Located on Via Cincuentenario, House #50, Coco del Mar. Tel: 270 2784. www.steinbockpanama.com
Istmo Brewpub: This is a relaxed English-style pub with a pool table and outdoor seating that caters to both natives and foreigners who crave a good craft brew. on Avenida Eusebio A. Morales and Via Veneto, in El Cangrejo. Now also in Casco Viejo. Tel: 265 5077 www.istmobrewpub.com
Sparkles Bar: Don't be fooled by the sappy name, Sparkles is an elegant bar with sweeping views of the city and bay skyline. Monday to Friday, happy hour with half price drinks from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Also, check out the Las Olas poolside bar at the same location for a cooler venue. Miramar Intercontinental, Miramar Plaza, on Balboa Avenue.
Decapolis Sushi Bar and Martini Lounge: Located at the hip Radisson, this chic lounge and bar has great city and bay views and a poolside bar that are considered the centerpiece of the hotel. Frequented by a sophisticated crowd this is a great place to start or end an evening. Located on the Lobby level of the Decapolis Radisson Hotel on Ave. Balboa.
RepubliK Bar: A small and relaxing bar that despite its political theme—pictures of past panamanian presidents adorn the wall—attracts a younger crowd. Features a pool table, outdoor seating, and appetizers. Near Federico Boyd and Calle 50. Tel: 265-6541 or 265-6540
'Stage' at the new Hard Rock Megapolis Hotel:Located on the second floor of the Megapolis, next to a direct entrance to the Multicentro Mall. Megapolis has several nightspots, but only this one has been finished. Enjoy comfortable lounge chairs, 2 bar areas, dining at the Ciao Tapas and Pizza restaurant on the side (can't order food at the bar), an elegant pool table, and of course the sound of musicians rocking out live on the weekends. Tel: 294-4000, SUN - WED:6:30 PM - 12:00 AM, THU - SAT: 6:30 PM - 3:00 AM, www.hrhpanamamegapolis.com/nightlife/stage.
El Apartamento: Literally a renovated apartment, this is now one of the bohemian hot spots of city—you'll fine indie band exhibitions and a rustic, artsy interior. Located on Federico Boyd. Reservations: 269-7877/269-7875 Events: 66173038/66636777 www.facebook.com/elapartamentopanama
Calle Uruguay
The Londoner: Low key, a place to drink your Chivas or hops in the atmosphere of an Englishman's den. In addition it offers deep fried foods and a pool table. One of the only places you'll find happening on a Monday or Tuesday. Located in the middle of Calle Uruguay. Tel: 214-4883.
Cielo, Manrey Rooftop Pool Bar and Lounge: New, upscale and unique, they frequently feature DJs and events—check it out for yourself. Calle 48 Este. Tel: 203-0000
Urbano Bar: This is stylish retro themed bar with mostly chilled out electronic and ambient music. Calle 48, above the Palms restaurant. Tel: 265-7256
Sahara: The full package a nightclub, disco, pool hall, outdoor patio and restaurant. Located on Calle 48, across from Gauchos Steakhouse. Tel: 214-8284
Mystik: A pretty popular club with a dark setting, small dance floor and couches to lounge on. Located on Calle 47 east of Calle Uruguay, Bella Vista. Tel: 380-0550
Moods: Popular nightclub recently renovated. Mostly reggae and Latin music with the occasional cover band. Located on Calle 48, Bella Vista. Tel: 2634923
S6IS: Pronounced "seis." Upstairs from Prive, this local plays mostly electronic music. Mostly standing room making it intimate and easy to meet people. www.bars6is.com Tel:264-5237
Prive: Chic, classy and quiet place for a more select 25-35 crowd. Tel: 264-7711
Casco Viejo
Scena Platea: Take a trip back in time at this cozy, 1920's decorated, charming entertainment joint. Live jazz shows Thursdays and a very popular salsa night with a live salsa band on Fridays. Tel: 228-4011 www.scenaplatea.com
Relic: One of the most interesting bars in Panama City because of it's location- inside a stone cellar attached with historic city walls that date back hundreds of years. They have indoor and outdoor seating and cater to a wide variety of musical tastes. 262-1540, Located on 9th st. www.relicbar.com
Las Bovedas: Set in a 300 year old ex-dungeon, it now features French cuisine and an art gallery. Live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights. Located in Plaza Francia. Tel: 228-8058.
Di Vino Enoteca: A trendy new Italian bar and restaurant that features a wide selection of wines. It's open late and is described as a "place to share culture, philosophy, tastes and passions." Located on Ave. A and 4th St. in Casco Viejo. Tel: 6489 0132 www.enotecadivino.com
Habana Panama: A large dance club with live music that brings Cuba from the 1950's to Panama. Located on Calle Eloy Alfaro and Calle 12 Este. Tel: 212-0152 www.habanapanama.com
Casablanca: An urban restaurant and bar with international cuisine, a good wine selection, outdoor seating and occasional live music. Located on Plaza Bolivar. Tel: 212-0040 www.restaurantecasablancapanama.com
Vieja Havana: Authentic Cuban Bar with Cuban food and drinks, including the largest selection of rum in Panama. Located on Ave. B and 5th St. Tel 212-3873
Mojitos Sin Mojitos: This restaurant-bar specializes in the three B's: Beer, BBQ and Burgers. Eat on the patio surrounded by stone walls hundreds of years old. On the Corner of Plaza Herrera (9th St. and Ave. A). www.mojitossinmojitos.com
La Casona de las Brujas: Live music on the weekends, fin art exhibitions and a patio, this is one of the more unique locations in the city.
Located in Plaza Herrera. Tel: 211-0740
Sitio del Casco A fun, relaxed atmosphere and best beer selection in the country—these guys import it themselves so you know its true. Tel: 6676-3181
Amador Causeway
Zona Viva: This refers to an area on Amador with a long strip of clubs and bars where there's a place for everyone to enjoy from karaoke to clubs and outdoor lounges.
Bamboo: A popular bar with an open-air area and indoor lounge. Near the Brisas del Amador shopping center. Tel: 314-3337
Pahya: A fairly new and popular dance club that plays a little of everything, reggaeton, latin, pop, rock and electronic music. Brisas del Amador shopping center. Tel: 314-3366.
Traffic island: An open-air venue with amazing views, good cocktails and salsa and meringue music. Isla Flamenco Shopping Plaza.
The Wine Bar: The place for wine lovers- sea breezes, and an in house music trio.
La Marina: Pool table, live music, food, dancing, and patio area. Tel: 314-3360.
Kayuko: A relaxed open-air bar/restaurant on the water, a great place to have a few drinks with a great view. Isla Flamenco. Tel: 314-1998
Nightlife in other parts of the city:
Lums A friendly bar-restaurant with pool tables, outdoor seating, and an old school jukebox. Live music and events on the weekends, and plenty of parking. Located in West Corozal, Diablo. Tel:317-6303
Gasthaus Bavaria: Arguably the best German Bar- Restaurant in Panama, with great German food and beers. Bella Vista, 50th Street (507) 265-6772.
Hard Rock Café: All the things that Hard Rock is known for, good food, rock environment and live music on the weekends. Multicentro Mall Tel: 208-2800.
Tapas y Vinos: Wine amateurs and aficionados will not be disappointed with the wide selection at this local favorite. Arguably the best sangria in town. Located on Calle 50 and Calle 71, Edificio Sitio Antiguo, San Francisco. Tel: 270-7402
Riviera: A 19th century house turned into a nightlife venue with live music on the weekend. Adjacent to the Texaco in Bella Vista.
Zoomba: A upscale club in that features a mix of musical tastes for the well-off.
Plaza Pacifica in Punta Pacifica.
Isabella An stylish mix of disco, bar and lounge and located high up on a terrace of the upscale Multiplaza Mall, and even offers valet parking. Tel: 391-6008 www.Isabella.com.pa
Li Bar A new upscale bar that caters to the young professional with 80's and 90's music and gourmet cuisine. www.li-bar.com 209-3512/3513 Calle 76 Este, San Francisco.
Casinos:
Crown Casino: Sheraton Hotel and Conventions Center
Royal Casino: Marriot Hotel
Fiesta Casino: El Panama Hotel
Majestic Casinos: Multicentro
Venetto Wyndham Hotel Casino: State of art casino similar to what you' ll find in Las Vegas.
Note If there is any place here that no longer exists, or somewhere you think we should add, please let us know here!