Kayuco
Kayuco
Kayuco (Isla Flamenco, Calzada Amador, Panama City) – for those wanting a change of scenery from the office tower nightspots or the venues at Casco Viejo, this is certainly something different. Located on the marina at Isla Flamenco, patrons here can hang out at its open bar and view the city’s skyline from a distance. There’s also seafood and other munchies for those who get hungry.
Habana Panama
Habana Panama
Habana Panama (Eloy Alfaro y Calle 12 Este, Casco Viejo, Panama City) – for those wanting to immerse in traditional Latin music, especially Salsa, this is a popular venue. Both local and international Salsa bands & acts (like Andy Montañez, Willie Colón, and Cuban band “Los Van Van”) are booked here. Since Hollywood actor Ruben Bladés has also been a Salsa star for some years, it’s no surprise that he’s performed here as well! The club’s décor is a throwback to the 50s – red leather booths, low lighting and a fabulous wagon wheel chandelier hovering over the dance floor. Visit its website for details on upcoming events: www.habanapanama.com
DiVino Enoteca
DiVino Enoteca
DiVino Enoteca (Avenida A y Calle 4, Casco Viejo, Panama City) – this wine bar, by its very nature, attracts a sophisticated mature crowd, who appreciate both this enoteca, wine list, as well as the live jazz music every Friday evening. The décor itself is cozy and inviting, with wine racks and old wine cases hanging above the bar. Black and white movies are even played over one of the seating areas, for added atmosphere. Light meals are also served here. In addition, wine tastings and seminars are offered at least once a month.
Decapolis Martini Bar
Decapolis Martini Bar
Decapolis Martini Bar (Av. Balboa, next to Multicentro, Paitilla, Panama City) – in business for a number of years, this lounge offers a great view of the city skyline and the nearby ocean. Along with playing House music and some traditional Latin music, it’s also known for its sushi bar. Depending on the night, the crowd it draws tends to be more mature than the partygoers at Altabar and Cielo.
Cielo
Cielo Bar
Cielo (Calle Uruguay y Calle 48, Bella Vista, Panama City) – this is a pool bar located on top of the boutique Manrey Hotel, which has been a popular weekend nightspot. Much of the music played is DJ-driven House, Trance and Chillout lounge music (with live appearances by various international guest DJs, from Desyn Masiello, to Nic Fanciulli and Behrouz. Live music on Friday evenings, and special events occasionally held there. Cielo and Manrey Hotel have both received accolades from NBC “The Today Show”.
Bling Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megalopolis
Bling Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megalopolis
Bling / Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megalopolis (Av. Balboa, behind the Radisson Decapolis Hotel, Paitilla, Panama City) – located on the 11th floor of the Hard Rock Hotel, this trendy nightclub aims to bring elements of both Ibiza and Las Vegas to this venue. Like Cielo nightclub, it books local and international DJs for various Dance music events. The club also promotes its bottle service to some of the upscale guests staying at the Hard Rock.
Azul Bar & Grill
Azul Bar & Grill
Azul Bar & Grill (Calle Punta Colón, Paitilla, Panama City) – located on the 13th floor of the Trump Hotel, this is both a restaurant (serving lean cuisine options, along with burgers), and a poolside lounge that fills up during the weekends. It already scores points with local and international patrons because of its bright, minimalist décor. That, as well as an impressive view of the sea, and nearby office tower buildings.
Altabar
Altabar
Altabar (Calle 49 – half a block east of Calle Uruguay, Bella Vista, Panama City) – this open-air lounge, located on the second floor of a disco, plays House and Electronic music to a mostly 20-something year old local crowd. It holds an after-office happy hour every Tuesday (attracting its share of locals who work for the city’s flourishing banking sector). Bands are on hand to play live music on Saturday evenings, and occasional special events are held there as well.
Puerta de Tierra
Puerta de Tierra
Puerta de Tierra (Calle 9, Edificio Montefiore, Casco Viejo, Panama City) – launched by Venezuelan entrepreneurs in 2009, this steakhouse is housed within a historic structure that recalls Panama’s boom years from the early Canal period. This restaurant has a diverse menu – ranging from BBQ steak dishes, to seafood, soups, salads, as well as ice cream desserts. The restaurant’s bar is on the 2nd floor.
Mi Ranchito
Mi Ranchito
Mi Ranchito (Isla Naos, Calzada de Amador, Panama City) – diners here choose this restaurant for its view of the city across the bay. It is also a decent place to try local (Panamanian) cuisine. Dishes served are include orvina entera frita (a whole fried sea bass), rib-eye steak encebollado (smothered in onions), camarones a la criolla (shrimp in a tomato and onion sauce), crema de mariscos (seafood chowder), corvina al ajillo (sea bass in a garlic sauce). The restaurant’s bohio thatched rooftop adds a sense of Caribbean atmosphere.
