El Cangrejo is a walkable melting pot of artistic delight, coffee culture, a diverse smorgasbord of dining, and plenty of pubs to indulge in libations. Whatever your drink of choice, Panama has pubs for beer drinkers, wine zones, and cocktail spots for those who enjoy a great martini or divine margarita. Here are the best bars in El Cangrejo.
Eleven has a ground floor bar with an outdoor terrace as well as an upstairs and large balcony that overlooks the passersby walking on Via Argentina. Eleven offers a great cocktail menu, super cheap bucket of local Panamanian beer, and shareable appetizers, as well as a pretty generous food menu. The ambiance is always warm-spirited and chill – a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy.
It’s five o’clock somewhere, and at La Rana Dorada, no one is judging. The generous Happy Hour from noon to 6 p.m. offers half off on all craft beers. This is a must-visit for the craft beer-lover, as La Rana Dorada is one of Panama’s oldest craft brewers.
Live music can be found at the local pub, Pavo Real, which offers a taste of where locals hang out. Locals come to play pool and hang out, and the outside terrace offers a great place to people watch on the pub’s busy corner of Via Argentina.
Fit for the more artistic crowd, Armonica is part-art house, part-brew house, plus hamburgers. The ambiance is as hipster as one can imagine, though charmingly so, with a welcoming vibe that urges you to come on in, have a beer, and stay awhile.
If music is a must on the itinerary, Live Karaoke on Via Argentina is a go-to karaoke bar. This is a party place for the young and lively crowd, and it’s generally loud and rowdy.
This rooftop bar in El Cangrejo is just off the ever-popular Via Argentina, and if timed right, it is the perfect place to catch a view of the cityscape under the setting sun. Panama City offers a majestic sunset, and The Roof offers a most unobstructed view. The Roof is located at the top of the Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel.
Located on Via Veneto in El Cangrejo, this exclusive, intimate nightlife zone requires a password to enter from inside the totally unassuming taco joint, Mordida del Burro. While there, feast on delectable tacos wherever is most comfortable—the same menu is available in the restaurant and the speakeasy.
Craft beer at Ruzanuvol, Valencia | Courtesy of Ruzanuvol
This international brew house is a favorite in Panama. With a fantastically chill ambiance and generous assortment of beers to choose from, Istmo also offers pub grub and a delightful atmosphere to sit back, relax, and enjoy your beer either inside or outside on the terrace.
Another classic option for beer lovers is the BierGarten. Also on offer at this cozy, casual bar is a great list of cocktails for the not-so-into-beer drinker. This is a favorite hangout spot with chill vibes fit for a great night out with friends.
One final beer destination—Panama really likes beer. It is probably most popular among the libations on offer, and with good reason—it is almost always cheaper than water. Bros & Beers is a fun bar with games, a great ambiance, and also a cocktail list for those who aren’t as into beer as the rest of Panama.
