the cave bar at Relic is among Panama’s most unique

My buddy Charlie is often quoted as saying, “Sorry for partyin’!”  You see, Charles has what I like to call a penchant for fiestas. When it comes to the PTY nightlife scene, Charlie is the 6 foot 4, redheaded equivalent of Elvis.  It’s hard to find a bartender who doesn’t know him by name.  So, when I went looking for a list of Top Bars in Panama City, I knew nobody was more qualified than Sir Charles.  Here’s his list:

Top 10 Bars in Panama, by ChArnold

• Platea – Good bar with live music in Casco Viejo. The prices can be a little high, but the service and atmosphere are top notch. Great mix of locals, ex pats, and tourists.
• Cayuco’s – Located right on a Marina, this bar is set outdoors, and it’s great for watching the yachts come in. The prices are very reasonable, and the food is great as well.
• Relic – Great bar for young people looking to meet other travelers. The fact that it’s located beneath Panama City’s biggest and most popular hostel definitely helps keep the bar packed with people that are passing through. It’s also becoming a hot spot for local Panamanians.
• Superbook – A very comfortable sports bar. It’s also a sportsbook for anyone that feels like putting some money down. Any sporting event you could imagine can be watched here.
• Pavo Real – A traditional American-feeling sports bar. It’s a small sports bar located on Via Argentina, and it definitely feels like something borrowed from the U.S. Two pool tables and big TVs make it a great spot to catch a game.
• Steinbach – This German bar is famous in Panama City for its authentic German beers. It’s also a restaurant and offers some really great dishes as well, but most people just come here for the beer.
• The Londoner – This is a great English pub located right on Calle Uruguay.
• Tequila Bar – A great place in Casco to have a few drinks and a bite to eat before you go out for the evening. The bar is owned by three young Venezuelans that are extremely nice. Make sure to grab a seat outside.
• Veneto Casino – Most people don’t come here for the bar, but it’s a fun atmosphere. It’s the only Las Vegas-style casino in the country, and you are sure to meet many other travelers.
• Zona Viva – This is not a bar, but an area with several different bars and clubs. It’s a great place for people that like the “club” atmosphere. Things don’t really pick up here until around 11 p.m.

So there you have it, Charlie’s A-list.  If you haven’t been to all of these places, well…you just haven’t lived.

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Filed under: Country Guide, Food on April 29th, 2010