NEIGHBORHOOD
San Francisco in Panama City Is Coming into Its Own.
In a spread out city where walking is frowned upon, Calle 74 and its vicinity in Panama's San Francisco neighborhood is a bright spot. This area is quickly becoming one of the most liveable parts of Panama City for its convenient shops, restaurants and places to exercise.
Open everyday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30p.m. this is Panamá’s version of a Dean & Deluca meets Bar Jamón. If you don't have time to stay for a delicious lunch of pardina lentils with foie gras, grab a fresh baguette, some rillette de porc, manchego, and a
bottle of wine, and you’re ready for a picnic at nearby Parque Omar.
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| Good times at Bon Vivant on calle 74 (Courtesay of Bon Vivant Facebook page). |
Want to tune up your body with the latest moves drawn from yoga, free weights, pilates and boot camp? At Briga, you'll work off calories with a combination of cardio and strength training that's also a
blast of a workout. Working with the cross fit principle, this is the hardest
workout you ever enjoyed.
Carwash, facials, haircut a shave and a beer? It’s all
possible at this emporium that pampers the busy man.
Get your flight
crinks out at this vinyasa- and ashtanga-style yoga studio. Morning and evening classes
every day except Sunday.
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| Strike a pose at Yoga Element (Courtesy of Yoga Element). |
Power lunch with the city’s movers and shakers at this converted house specializing in Argentine-style grilled meats and fresh seafood.
Humo
The latest offer from chef Mario Castrellón has the town buzzing. If you can't get a table for dinner, lunchtime is just as good for enjoying lobster rolls, baby back ribs and specialty cocktails.
Miranda Bakery
Get your carb fix at this specialty pastry shop that makes the best pain au chocolat and éclairs in Panama.
Athanasiou
Watch expert bakers make bread in front of your eyes at the only branch of this greek bakery in Latin America, and feast on gourmet versions of spanakopita and four types of baklava.
Vanille
If you miss Magnolia Bakery, this is your answer in Panama City. The requisite red velvet and chai tea are on the menu, but also try the rum cake. It's out of this world.
Neptuno
Get your scuba diving certificate at half the cost of what you'd pay in the U.S. at this scuba instruction pool and pro shop.
El Tambor de Oro
The owners converted a home into a Peruvian comfort food restaurant. You might need a Peruvian Spanish dictionary to decipher Cau Cau, Chaufa and Tacu Tacu, but nothing gets lost in translation in mouth watering, fresh seafood and satisfying stews.
Parque Omar
Run a 3.5 km lap while taking stock of Panama's varied residential architecture at this former country club turned public park. Stop by one of two competing juice bars near the main entrance for a refreshing smoothie, or simply come check out one of many outdoor concerts at sundown throughout the year.
D'Tapas
Enjoy classics like tortilla española and chorizo, or go for the black paella, one of the best in the city while sipping the delicious and potent white sangria.
Humo
The latest offer from chef Mario Castrellón has the town buzzing. If you can't get a table for dinner, lunchtime is just as good for enjoying lobster rolls, baby back ribs and specialty cocktails.
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| The dining room at Humo, for a hip take on BBQ (Courtesy of Humo Restaurant). |
Miranda Bakery
Get your carb fix at this specialty pastry shop that makes the best pain au chocolat and éclairs in Panama.
Athanasiou
Watch expert bakers make bread in front of your eyes at the only branch of this greek bakery in Latin America, and feast on gourmet versions of spanakopita and four types of baklava.
 |
| Carb load at Athanasiou Bakery and Café (Courtesy of Athanasiou). |
Vanille
If you miss Magnolia Bakery, this is your answer in Panama City. The requisite red velvet and chai tea are on the menu, but also try the rum cake. It's out of this world.
Neptuno
Get your scuba diving certificate at half the cost of what you'd pay in the U.S. at this scuba instruction pool and pro shop.
El Tambor de Oro
The owners converted a home into a Peruvian comfort food restaurant. You might need a Peruvian Spanish dictionary to decipher Cau Cau, Chaufa and Tacu Tacu, but nothing gets lost in translation in mouth watering, fresh seafood and satisfying stews.
Parque Omar
Run a 3.5 km lap while taking stock of Panama's varied residential architecture at this former country club turned public park. Stop by one of two competing juice bars near the main entrance for a refreshing smoothie, or simply come check out one of many outdoor concerts at sundown throughout the year.
 |
| Visitors enjoying natural refreshments at Parque Omar. |
D'Tapas
Enjoy classics like tortilla española and chorizo, or go for the black paella, one of the best in the city while sipping the delicious and potent white sangria.
 |
| Tantalizing small plates at D'Tapas. (Courtesy of D'Tapas Facebook Page). |
LiBar
This outpost of the Caracas club keeps re-inventing itself. It draws the hip, the trendy, the bougie, the desperately seeking susans and the good time foggies that refuse to go gently into that good night. They play an international mix of pop, raï, latin and techno, and it reminds me of New York's defunct Au Bar in a good way.
Las Hadas at the Sheraton Panama Hotel
Anytime is a good time to have a snack, coffee, meal or drink at this 24 hour bakery/café. To top off a seco-fueled evening, order their famous sancocho, a traditional Panamanian soup that's a great way to combat an impending hangover.
This outpost of the Caracas club keeps re-inventing itself. It draws the hip, the trendy, the bougie, the desperately seeking susans and the good time foggies that refuse to go gently into that good night. They play an international mix of pop, raï, latin and techno, and it reminds me of New York's defunct Au Bar in a good way.
 |
| Dance the night away at LiBar (Courtesy of LiBar Facebook page). |
Las Hadas at the Sheraton Panama Hotel
Anytime is a good time to have a snack, coffee, meal or drink at this 24 hour bakery/café. To top off a seco-fueled evening, order their famous sancocho, a traditional Panamanian soup that's a great way to combat an impending hangover.
 |
| Temptation awaits 24 hours a day at Las Hadas Bakery at the Sheraton (Courtesy of Las Hadas). |
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