Page 84 - The Rough Guide to Panama (Travel Guide)

82 Panama City DRINKING AND NIGHTLIFE
1 in this dark, wood-panelled restaurant, from the rum (have rice noodles) and pho bo (broth with rice noodles and beef)
a mojito) to the cigars and even on the plasma screen. The accompanied by pleasingly fresh vegetables. A treat for the
handful of cosy tables are always packed with people palate and the wallet (mains from less than $10). Daily
tucking into Cuban classics ($12–14) featuring copious 11.30am–10pm.
black beans, accompanied by hot salsa tunes. Mon–Sat
11am–11pm. BALBOA, ANCON AND THE AMADOR
Siete Mares C Guatemala at Vía Argentina T264 0144; CAUSEWAY
map pp.62–63. This place generally delivers on its The Amador Causeway provides a cool, breezy setting with
reputation for the best seafood in Panama City. Mains fabulous views across the bay. The downside is that a taxi
(from around $17) include corvina with crab in Pernod, and there and back (there are few and infrequent buses) will
jumbo shrimps in passion-fruit sauce, and the ambience, add another $10–15 to your bill.
from the glass waterfall at the entrance to the piano-bar ★ Country Store C John F. Wallace 2361, Balboa
accompaniment (Mon–Sat from 8pm), is sophisticated. T203 5824, Wcountrystorepanama.webs.com; map
Daily 11.30am–11pm. p.69. In an unlikely location hidden behind a bank, this is
Las Tinajas C 51 at Av Federico Boyd T263 7890, a great, mellow place for fresh, mainly organic dishes,
Wtinajaspanama.com; map pp.62–63. This delightful featuring sautéed vegetables and delicate aromatic sauces
colonial Bella Vista mansion is a favourite with tour (mains from $12). Sit indoors or out on the plant-filled
groups, who flock here to experience authentic patio. The live band on Sat nights, playing blues, jazz or
Panamanian food and a traditional dance show involving rock, is a real plus. Tues–Thurs 11.30am–9.30pm, Fri &
swishing polleras and devil dances (see box, p.163). Grab a Sat 11.30am–10.30pm, Sun 10.30am–5pm.
table early to ensure a decent view of the tiny stage. The Woodhouse C La Boca, La Boca T314 1242; map
Shows Tues–Sat 9pm; $10, provided you spend at least p.69. Surprisingly tasty food and efficient, friendly service
$15 on food and drink. Try the surtido de mariscos, a in this unassuming open-sided sports bar/grill. Try the
platter of seafood appetizers. Mon–Sat 11.30am–11pm. camarones al ajillo with yuca chips. Mains $9–15. Daily
El Trapiche Vía Argentina between C Guatemala and noon–11pm.
Av 2B Norte T269 4353, Weltrapicherestaurante
.com; map pp.62–63. Frequently billed as the place for OTHER AREAS
tourists to try traditional food, such as mondongo (tripe Palacio Lung Fung Transístmica and C 62 Oeste,
and chorizo stew) and tamal de olla (local tamale without Los Ángeles T260 4011, Wfacebook.com/lungfung
the leaf wrapping), though it attracts Panamanians too. panama; map pp.62–63. It’s some way from the action,
Prices are moderate (mains $8–13) and there’s a lively but every taxi driver knows this vast Chinese-style palace,
atmosphere on the terrace, but the quality is variable. whose thousand-seater upstairs ballroom with its
Daily 7am–11pm. glittering chandeliers is packed at weekends with
Panamanians enjoying the dim sum breakfast (until
OBARRIO 11.30am). The food is average but the social experience
Athens Pizza C 57 Este at Vía España T223 1464, makes it well worthwhile. Daily 7am–11pm.
Wathenspizzapanama.com; map pp.62–63. Eat tasty Pita-Pan Kosher Bal Harbour, Punta Paitilla T264
filling meals from around $8, surrounded by images of 2786; map pp.62–63. An illuminated 3D mural of Jerusalem
Greece. Greek dishes, including salads, abound, and the welcomes you to this casual, slightly chaotic cafetería,
pizza provides great comfort food. Mon & Wed–Sun popular with Jewish families. They serve appetizing,
11am–11pm. moderately priced dishes, with lots of veggie options –
Restaurante SaborViet C 54 Este T388 9960, hummus, baba ghanoush and falafel – alongside the
Wfacebook.com/sabor.vietnamita; map pp.62–63. ubiquitous pasta and pizza and even kosher sushi. Mon–
Classic Vietnamese dishes such as bun cha (grilled pork and Thurs 7.30am–8pm, Fri 7.30am–5pm, Sun 9am–9pm.
DRinKinG anD niGHtLiFE
Panama City arguably has the best clubbing in Central America, although many places feel like imitations of Miami
nightspots. In addition, there are plenty of bars, plus live music venues putting on rock concerts. Casco Viejo is the
nightlife hub, attracting both the smart set and more bohemian revellers; in addition to the permanent places, the
odd derelict building or courtyard provide temporary venues during the high season (mid-Dec to April), offering
music and a spot to hang out, chat and drink cheap beer – nose around and follow the music. In addition to the
listings below, you could try the Zona de la Rumba, on the Amador Causeway, before Centro de Convenciones
Figali; this constantly revolving strip mall of discos, bars and restaurants to suit every mood is the kind of place you’ll
love or loathe (Tues–Sat 9pm–late).

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