Top Bars in Panama City – Most Viewed (2025)

CasaCasco is a one-of-a-kind experience in Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo — a vertical playground rising five floors above Plaza Herrera. On the lower levels you’ll discover a trio of restaurants offering a mix of cuisines: Asian-fusion, global grill, sushi and Latin-Caribbean influenced plates that shine with fresh ingredients and creative execution. As you ascend, the energy shifts: by the fourth floor the vibe becomes electric, with a Club-Disco pulsing to DJs and nightlife beats. But the showpiece is the rooftop — a 360° terrace that crowns CasaCasco. With panoramic views over colonial rooftops, the modern skyline, the sea, and even distant Taboga Island, this is where golden-hour turns into night full of cocktails, music, and sociable energy. Think comfy lounge seating in white-toned décor, high-top tables, ambient lighting after sunset, and a cosmopolitan crowd sipping signature drinks while watching the city lights come alive. Whether you arrive for a stylish lunch, a sunset dinner, or late-night drinks and dancing — CasaCasco adapts. The rooftop serves small bites from the restaurants below, perfect for pairing with a champagne flute or a craft cocktail. On weekends, the vibe is elevated with DJs, glam outfits, and a smart-casual dress code. The atmosphere blends elegance and urban vibrancy, and there’s a sense of both exclusivity and carefree fun: it’s a great spot for a romantic evening, group outing, or a night out with friends. Because of its variety — from gourmet meals to rooftop cocktails, and from chill lounge to dance floor — CasaCasco appeals to both food lovers and nightlife seekers, locals and travelers alike.

Perched atop the Oasis Hotel in the heart of Casco Viejo, Sama Sky Lounge is a rooftop bar that delivers a head-turning panorama, artful cocktails and a laid-back-meets-luxe atmosphere. As you ascend by elevator, the anticipation builds — then you step onto a terrace where the old colonial charm of Casco Viejo meets modern city skyline and distant ocean views. The sight of rooftops, city lights and the sea is often the very first thing people rave about. Inside, Sama balances sophistication with approachability. The decor leans contemporary and stylish, the lighting soft, the seating a mix of lounge-style couches and high-tops, perfect whether you're lounging with a cocktail or gearing up for a night out. The vibe shifts naturally with the day: early afternoon calls for chilled drinks and relaxed chatter, sunset invites golden-hour cocktails with views, and after dark — especially on weekends — there’s a pulsating energy thanks to DJs, occasional live music or performances, and a social crowd looking to linger into late hours. The beverage game at Sama is no afterthought. Expert mixologists craft signature cocktails that draw on local and international inspiration, often with high-end spirits, creative presentation, and just the right balance of flair and taste. For many, the drinks — combined with the view — are worth the splurge. Food is available too — shareable tapas and light plates that pair well with drinks, ideal for a casual bite if you arrive early or want to keep things low-key rather than full dinner. Some guests specifically mention small dishes like ceviches or light bites as good companions to the cocktail selection. Sama Sky Lounge tends to attract a mix of locals and tourists, friends catching up, couples on date nights, or travelers wanting a memorable first or last night in Panama City. Because the rooftop is relatively intimate, arriving before 8 PM often means more relaxed seating; later in the evening — especially on weekends — it can get busy, and the vibe shifts more toward party mode. In short: Sama is where the skyline, good vibes, and cocktails meet — perfect for sunset drinks, mellow lounge nights, or a stylish kickoff to a bigger night out.

Tucked behind a beauty salon in the historic quarter of Casco Viejo, La Bárbara is a stylish speakeasy-style cocktail bar and sushi lounge that feels like a secret discovered rather than a destination found. From the moment you step in (yes — you walk through the “wrong” door to reach it), the atmosphere hits you: soft ambient lighting, carefully curated decor, and an intimate layout that invites conversation, connection, and a relaxed yet refined pace. La Bárbara offers a dual identity: on one hand a cocktail bar where expert mixologists shake and stir seasonal creations, on the other hand a sushi and Japanese-fusion kitchen serving thoughtful, quality bites. Their cocktail menu ranges from inventive signature drinks to re-imagined classics — think lychee martinis, mezcal-rum fusions with pineapple and chili, aperitivo-style blends, and elegant whiskey cocktails. For food, expect more than just bar snacks: small plates and sushi stand out, with dishes like smoked-shiitake gyozas, crispy-rice tuna, sushi pizza, vegan-friendly rolls, ramen, and more. It’s a place where cocktails and Japanese-fusion food meet seamlessly, and creativity shows up on every plate and in every drink. The vibe is perfect for a cozy date, a relaxed evening with friends, or a quiet dinner that turns into late-night drinks. As the night deepens, the mood can shift slightly — DJs and music bring in a low-key nightlife energy that still stays far from chaotic, preserving the lounge’s intimate feel while adding rhythm and social buzz. La Bárbara feels special — not because it shouts, but because it whispers. It’s for those who enjoy good cocktails, good food, and a sense of discovery.

La Rana Dorada is where Panama’s craft-beer scene got real — a welcoming brewpub in the old-town charm of Casco Viejo, mixing rustic pub ambience, freshly brewed beers, and casual bites in a setting that feels both local and lively. Since its founding in 2010, this brewpub has built a reputation for quality beer, community vibes, and a comfortable, no-frills atmosphere that draws beer lovers and casual drinkers alike. Step inside and you’ll find exposed brick walls, wooden bars and stools, and a laid-back interior that evokes a classic English-style pub — only with a Panamanian twist. There’s also an outdoor terrace — perfect for groups and friends who want to soak up Casco Viejo’s vibe under warm evenings. The real draw, of course, is the beer. La Rana Dorada brews its own beers — including pilsners, pale ales, porters, Belgian-style beers and seasonal specialties (some infused with local flavors like coffee, passion fruit or fruit notes) — offering a variety that stands out in Panama’s beer landscape. The beers are often praised as “some of the best in the city,” with a smooth taste, good variety and consistent quality. Food here is simple, satisfying and designed to complement the brews. Favorites include thin-crust pizzas (notably the “Rana Dorada” pizza), nachos, empanadas, burgers and classic bar snacks — ideal for sharing over a flight of beers or a pitcher. Many locals and travelers make it their go-to for a relaxed lunch or a casual evening out, thanks to reasonable prices, friendly service, and portions that pair well with pints. Depending on when you visit, the vibe can shift: from mellow afternoons with light music and conversations, to livelier nights with more guests, chatter, and a laid-back social atmosphere. The music is typically moderate, letting people talk easily — making it a great spot to start a night out rather than a full-on party destination. Whether you’re a craft-beer aficionado, a traveler looking for a local hangout, or someone who enjoys good food, friendly service, and a cozy pub ambiance — La Rana Dorada offers a reliably enjoyable experience that feels authentically Panamanian yet easy to enjoy no matter your background.

Tucked into the San Francisco neighbourhood of Panama City, Amano Bar is a cocktail-lover’s refuge — an artful blend of relaxed atmosphere, craft drinks, and tasty bar-food that easily earns its reputation as one of the city’s standout bars. From the moment you walk in (upstairs in a converted coffee-roastery), you’ll notice the vibe: informal but stylish, full of warmth, framed by tasteful decor, soft lighting, and a crowd that seems to evenly mix locals and travellers. Bartenders at Amano know their spirits: the cocktail list leans on creativity — with seasonal inspirations, local ingredients, and imported artisanal spirits. Drinks might surprise you with bold flavours or inventive twists, from fruity mezcal-based blends to classic cocktails reimagined. But Amano isn’t just about cocktails. The kitchen serves up satisfying bar-food: think sliders, ribs, fish tacos, burgers — dishes meant to complement drinks and share among friends. The food is consistently praised by guests, describing it as “very good,” perfect for a relaxed dinner or pre-party meal. Depending on when you visit, Amano delivers different vibes: a laid-back spot for after-work drinks or a more lively setting on weekends, sometimes with DJs, music, and an outdoor terrace perfect for mixing, mingling, or just chilling under Panama’s night sky. All in all: if you’re after a spot that combines thoughtful mixology, good eats, and a welcoming atmosphere — without pretense — Amano offers exactly that: a local-feel cocktail bar where you can start your night, wind down after a long day, or simply enjoy a well-made drink and good conversation.

La Pulpería is a lively, flavorful and welcoming bar-restaurant that strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and spirited socializing. Nestled in the historic district of Casco Antiguo (also with a branch in San Francisco), it stands out with its creative cocktails, shareable plates and a relaxed – yet upbeat – ambiance that draws both locals and travelers. From the moment you walk in, you sense the energy: décor that mixes rustic-chic and bar-pub warmth, ambient lighting, casual seating and often a good buzz — whether in the afternoon or late at night. The menu is generous and varied: seafood tapas, grilled dishes, comfort-food favourites (think ribs, burgers, fries, yuca, seafood), all designed for sharing and for pairing with drinks. The grilled octopus and empanadas come often recommended by regulars. For example: octopus a la plancha with potatoes and garlic-onion mayo; BBQ-smoked ribs with yuca; fried fish; shrimp dishes; quesadillas; and more. Drinks are at the core of the experience: La Pulpería offers cocktails (from classics to signature mixes), craft and local beers, and often deals such as happy-hour specials. Many guests highlight the cocktails as “delicious”, and the vibe of the bar — whether lively or relaxed — as a perfect backdrop for socialising. Because of this mix — good food, good drinks, and friendly, social atmosphere — La Pulpería works well at all times: brunch/lunch, afternoon tapas, early-evening drinks or late-night hangout. It’s especially popular among those who enjoy sharing plates, trying multiple dishes, and lingering over drinks as the night grows. Whether you’re coming solo, as a couple, or in a group, it feels comfortable — no pretense, just good vibes. On weekends it can get busy, which adds to the energy, but on quieter nights it’s perfect for laid-back conversation. Overall, La Pulpería delivers a quintessential Casco-Viejo bar experience: fun, flavorful and unpretentious.