Entertainment in Panama
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Glam
In an industrial area north of downtown, Glam proudly stands as the biggest gay dance club in the country. Saturday is generally the best night to go, when a wild and celebratory crowd fills the dance floor until late in the morning, though talented DJs spin house, drum 'n' bass, soul and Latin classics here every night. This place is best reached by taxi - it's located in front of the Club de Montana.
reviewed
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Mondo Taitú Bar
You're guaranteed a good time at the Mondo Taitú Bar. On Tuesdays and Fridays, the party-loving owners entertain their guests with a variety of themed events, though the creative cocktail list and hookahs make Mondo a good choice any night. If you're feeling brave, order a tequila suicide - a snort of salt, a squeeze of lime in the eye and a shot of bad tequila (at least it's free!).
reviewed
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Restaurante-Bar Tinajas
A good place to see traditional Panamanian folk dancing is the Restaurante-Bar Tinajas. Sure, it's touristy, but nicely done just the same. Shows are staged here on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 21:00; there's a US$5 entertainment fee, as well as a US$6 minimum per person for drinks and food. It is highly recommended to make a reservation before dining.
reviewed
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Punto G
Sexed-up bare-chested bartenders in spandex and cowboy hats serve the crowd at this raucous establishment, and the occasional tranny show makes for a fine interlude between the serious dancing. This unmarked club is next to the restaurant Ginza Teppanyaki, though the interior is certainly more lavish that its nondescript exterior.
reviewed
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Barco Hundido
Most nights in Bocas end at the Barco Hundido, an open-air thatched-roof bar that's affectionately known as the 'Wreck Deck' - the name comes from the sunken banana boat that rests in the clear Caribbean waters in the front. A short boardwalk extends from the bar to an island seating-area that's perfect for stargazing.
reviewed
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E
Habibi's
The open patio is a scenic spot for Lebanese cuisine, while the upstairs is a colorful lounge resembling a sheik's tent where you can imbibe cuba libres (rum and cokes) after taking a few hits off the hookah. A belly dancer often appears on Friday and Saturday nights to add a splash of color to the scenery.
reviewed
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BLG
Located in the heart of Panama City's nightlife scene, this out and proud club serves an incredible diverse clientele. Owing to its trendy location and increasing popularity, BLG sees its share of top-notch DJs, though it's hard not to have a good time when there's a free open bar with cover charge (around US$25).
reviewed
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Traffic Island
Located on Isla Amador, Traffic Island has a stunning open-air location and boasts sweeping views across the water to the Panama City's soaring skyline. Salsa and meringue set the tone for a variety of tropical drinks, and if the music puts you in the mood, there's plenty of nearby places to dance in the complex.
reviewed
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Rock Café
One of three large clubs in the Plaza Florida, Rock Café packs in the crowds with its steady stream of everything from classic rock to modern riffs. Their all-you-can-drink nights for one low price is a great way to live it up for a night and cancel whatever it is you have planned for tomorrow.
reviewed
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Opah
The latest incarnation of this storied Bella Vista Club, Opah is a favored spot for the beautiful people and their hangers-on. The polished club is a good spot for dancing. Electronic music, '80s and salsa are the DJs' repertoire of choice, though you really never know what's in store for you here.
reviewed
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Platea
With exposed brick walls and a small, intimate stage, this jazz club wouldn't feel out of place in Greenwich Village, minus the Spanish of course. As the night wears on, a more mixed crowd is attracted to this swinging spot, making for some excellent people-watching over expertly crafted mojitos.
reviewed
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Player's
This British-style pub is outfitted with dark-wood furniture and gleaming fixtures, which lends a proper Anglo feel to this watering hole. The pool table here is hopping most weeknights, and the Friday-night rock performances draw in a good mix of Panamanians and expats from around the globe.
reviewed
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Mango's
Despite being a little far away from the action, this hidden bar-restaurant becomes a fairly popular gathering spot on weekends. Local DJs play a wide mix of sounds ranging from hip-hop and drum 'n' bass to electronica and reggaeton, sometimes packing the dance floor, sometimes clearing it.
reviewed
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The Spot
One of Panama City's best karaoke bars, this place attracts would-be divas and maestros who belt out Latin favorites to the often packed bar room. The Spot has a festive vibe and it's a good place to meet some new friends, especially if you don't mind embarrassing the hell out of yourself.
reviewed
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Wine Bar
This stylish Italian bistro showcases the fruit of the vine, with over 200 selections on offer from around the globe. Accompanying the wine list are appetizers like smoked salmon with toasted almonds and carpaccio with capers. Live jazz starts at 21:00 most nights of the week.
reviewed
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Bolero
This elegant, understated Cuban bar and restaurant hosts live salsa and merengue bands on Friday and Saturday, and a live DJ most other nights. Although there's no dance floor here, the young and fiesty crowd occasionally dance among the tables when the music starts to peak.
reviewed
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Bucaneros
Sure, the cowboy theme is a bit overdone at this popular dance spot at the end of the Causeway, but a good time is certainly had by all here. Plus, you can't beat the open-air location, the tropical cocktails and the stunning views of Panama City's illuminated skyline.
reviewed
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Zoomba
Located in the upscale district of Punta Pacifica, this stylish club attracts a mixed crowd, but everyone is certainly well-to-do. This club has a much warmer feel than other dance clubs, and features an eclectic mix of music including salsa, ambient and world beats.
reviewed
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S6is
Pronounced 'seis' (as in the number six), this intimate club plays a fine selection of electronic music to a laid-back mix of people. This is a good choice if you want to bypass the mega-club scene and just kick back with a good cocktail and soak up the loungy vibe.
reviewed
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Zanzibar
Nightlife in Boquete is about as common as a bad cup of coffee, though this low-key jazz bar has the cure for what ails ya'. Your best chance of hearing live music is on weekends, though most of nights of the week you'll find a friendly face sitting at the bar.
reviewed
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Hotel Caesar Park Casino
None of the casinos in Panama City are on the verge of stealing business away from the mega casinos of Las Vegas, but there are three attractive and popular houses of chance in the capital city. All are located inside top hotels, including Hotel Caesar Park.
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La Kava
The handsome La Kava attracts a young indie-rocker crowd and an eclectic mix of other laid-back types. Local rock bands perform on Thursday nights, and if old Nirvana covers don't cut it, you can always retreat to the mellow lounge space in the next room.
reviewed
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La Iguana
A great place to kick off your crazy Bocas night is this popular surfer bar that serves up cocktails. This is a great spot for a frothy piña colada, though you can't go wrong with an ice-cold Balboa lager. There's 2-for-1 cocktails from 18:30-19:30.
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Liquid
This sleek and ultra-modern electronic club is heavy on the polished metal and the tubular lighting. Rotating DJs spin even heavier beats from around the globe to a fairly well-dressed crowd that's not afraid to let their hair down and sweat it out.
reviewed
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Karnak
Around the corner from Bucaneros, this Egyptian-themed club is even more over-the-top than its cowboy brethren. Although arguably better suited to Las Vegas, there's a fun time to be had here and the energetic crowds certainly enjoy themselves.
reviewed