THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 126

Platea C 1 opposite Club de Clases y Tropas; map . Sophisticated, atmospheric bar in a re-
stored colonial property, where staff in Panama hats mix cocktails for an older clientele. Great
live music: Latin jazz on Thurs, salsa on Fri and classic rock on Sat. Mon-Sat 6pm-2am.
Relic Luna's Castle, C 9 Este between Av “B” & Av Alfaro relicbar.com ; map . Funky
plant-filled basement courtyard with subdued lighting and driftwood-hewn tables, accompan-
ied by a mix of indie, hip-hop and rock. Inevitably populated with travellers from the adjoin-
ing hostel but the inexpensive drinks and vibrant scene attract some Panamanians too. Occa-
sional live art events. Tues-Sat from 8pm.
Villa Agustina Av “A”, between Plaza Herrera & C 8 lavillaagustina.com ; map . Trendy
outdoor party venue set in a painted and plant-filled courtyard illuminated by pretty lights.
It's a hot spot in the dry summer months - less so in the rainy season - popular with back-
packers and locals, with cheap booze and occasional big-name DJ events blasting out música
varieda , heavily laced with electronica. Cover charge for events. Thurs-Sun 6pm until late.
BELLA VISTA, MARBELLA AND EL CANGREJO
AltaBar C 47 at C Uruguay 390 2582, altabarpanama.com ; map . Current hotspot just
off Calle Uruguay, which also has an upstairs terrace bar-restaurant with sports screens and
bar. The dancefloor (Wed-Sat), bar and stage are downstairs surrounded by fluorescent white
seating, all behind ornate black-and-gold doors. Live acts occasionally perform, though big-
name DJs tend to hold sway. Tuesday is often men's gaming night, Thursday's Ladies' Night.
Entry $10-15. Tues-Sat 5pm until late.
BITS Hard Rock Hotel, Av Balboa by Multicentro 380 1111, hrhpanamamegapol-
is.com ; map . The Bar in the Sky (BITS) is just that: Latin America's highest rooftop bar on
the 62nd floor, with indoor and outdoor seating offering 360-degree views of the glittering
city lights from behind a glass surround. Mon & Tues 7pm-2am, Wed-Sun 7pm-4am.
Bling Hard Rock Hotel, Av Balboa by Multicentro 380 1111, hrhpanamamegapol-
is.com ; map . A Vegas-style laser-light disco with VIP tables, hot DJs and dancers. The usual
features apply: 2-for-1 drinks, ladies' nights (women usually have free entry before 11pm),
and cover charges (from $10) for DJs or live music. Mon & Tues 7pm-2am, Wed-Sun
7pm-4am.
Hotel Veneto Casino Vía Veneto at C Eusebio A. Morales 340 8686, veneto-
panama.com ; map . Dull by day, but a festive atmosphere by night, especially at weekends,
drawing a mixed crowd of casual and smart dressers who come to socialize, eat, listen to live
music and watch sports on the myriad screens as much as to gamble. Daily 24hr.
Istmo Brew Pub C Eusebio A. Morales at Vía Veneto; map . If you're craving something
other than the standard cerveza try this half open-air, half dungeon-like bar - all the beer is
brewed on site (from $4) in beautiful copper kegs. The pool table and football matches on
TV also bring in the punters. Daily 4.30pm-late.