American restaurants in Central America
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Parillada Jimmy
The long open porch with high ceilings and wrought-iron chandeliers lends a farmhouse feel to this Panama City institution. The grill flares in the corner giving an indication of the specialties served here, namely some serious cuts of beef, meaty chicken breasts and fresh country-style sausage.
Although it's located in the San Francisco district just east of the old Aeropuerto Paitilla, Parillada Jimmy still packs in lunchtime diners from the business district and it's always hopping with the after-work crowd.
reviewed
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Aeropuerto 79
Just south of Masaya on the main road, this fairly spectacular spot - colorful tilework, beautiful gardens, sculptures of large-breasted women - has well-prepared typical food, and specializes in exotic meat, such as armadillo, rabbit or deer. It was a Sandinista military depot during the revolution, and a nearby plane crash in 1979 inspired the peacetime name.
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A
Greenhouse
This stylish restaurant and lounge draws its name from its enclosed patio, which puts you in touch with tropical greenery - inside, stained-glass windows, an artfully displayed fish tank and an uber-relaxed vibe completes the setting. Pleasant but sedate waiters bring warm towels as refreshment, before you dine on a variety of salads and tasty bites from the grill (corvina, steak burgers) as well as wraps and quesadillas.
At night, the restaurant puts the electronic music up a notch as a young good-looking crowd holds court over round upon round of expertly mixed martinis.
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B
Restaurante Basilea
An upscale urban restaurant, Basilea is the place to head if you want a reliable, familiar meal. You can order such classics as coconut shrimp, Waldorf salad, or even a Philly steak sandwich. A pleasant outdoor eating area, complete with white wicker chairs and a koi pond, is a nice option on warm evenings.
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El Zaguán
The best restaurant in town does succulent fire-grilled meats, wonderfully prepared guapote (rainbow bass) from the lake or sea bass from the Pacific, all in a cozy dining room where dueling mariachi trios descend at sunset. Make reservations in the high season.
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Bar Restaurant Che-Gris
This popular spot has a selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian meals; a comida corriente (mixed plate of different foods typical of the region) is available. It's considered one of the best restaurants in town, which may be true, but don't get all excited.
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C
Doña Pilar
Get mouthwatering típico (regional) fare at this popular evening fritanga (sidewalk grill). Chicken or enchiladas are served with gallo pinto (rice and beans), chopped pickled cabbage and plantain chips.
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Melbar & Los Hijos del Maíz
Melba, the best-dressed woman in Granada, serves comida corriente (a mixed plate of different typical foods) and 13-córdoba cerveza (beer) in her five-star location, right around the corner from the cathedral.
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D
Cocina Doña Haydee
This spot does rustic right down to the traditional costumes and classic menu, from gallo pinto to guiso de chilote(cheese soup with baby corn) to steak with all the trimmings.
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Las Colinas del Sur
Out past the Mercado Municipal, it's best to take a taxi to this locally revered hole in the wall, with delicious guapote, at reasonable prices.
reviewed
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Chichería Paris
If you need a snack after climbing all those guard towers at La Fortaleza, stop here for vigarón and other traditional treats.
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Rosticería J3
Inside this mini mall, enjoy outdoor tables and excellent service over big plates of typical food; the chicken in salsa is great.
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Cafetín El Volcán
Get your quesillos and tiste (toasted corn beverage) at this cheapie.
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E
Brooklyn Cafe
Owned by a warm Panamanian woman who fondly recalls her time in the States, this NYC-style cafe is the perfect spot to linger over a frothy cappuccino and a buttery muffin. Of course, those with bigger appetites should stop by for the daily plato ejecutivo, a slightly more-upscale version of the traditional Panamanian lunch served in restaurants throughout the country.
Although it's only been around for a short while, the Brooklyn Cafe is fixing to become the neighborhood coffee shop and it's already won a mountain of praise from scores of devotees.
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