THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 338

Restaurante Chitré C 3, between Av “C” & “D”; map . Probably the best hot sauce and fried
chicken in town: tuck into traditional staples for under $4 and watch the world go by from
one of the patio tables. Mon-Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 10am-9pm.
Restaurante Guari-Guari 2km from town centre along the isthmus, near the petrol sta-
tion 6627 1825, bocasdeltoro.travel/guari-guari ; map . Gourmet prix-fixe, five-course
meal ($23) and some of the most innovative dishes in Panama, exquisitely prepared by a
Spanish chef. Served in intimate open-air surroundings, this is the place for a special night
out. Reservations essential. Cash only. Daily 6-10pm.
El Último Refugio Av Sur, between C 4 & C 5 6726 9851, ultimorefugio.com ; map .
West-facing waterfront venue affording the best sunset views in Bocas and an interesting,
daily changing menu (mains $11-13) and fine cocktails. Mon-Fri 6-10pm.
REST OF THE ISLAND
Paki Point Playa Paunch 6948 6562; map . Ideally situated to capture weary cyclists and
tired surfers, this unashamedly touristy open-air bar-restaurant satisfies all. With decent com-
fort food - burgers (the jalapeño one is a favourite), ceviche and fresh fish - great music,
vibrant artwork and a vast wooden deck strewn with sun loungers that spill onto the sand,
you can watch the surfers, soak up the rays, or slide into oblivion with a cocktail. Live DJs
on “Siesta Saturdays”. Daily 11am-6.30pm.
Yarisnori On the beach, Boca del Drago 6615 5580; map . This mellow open-air restaurant
plum on the beach is the longest established of the casual seafood places along this stretch
of coastline. Enjoy succulent snapper, mahi-mahi or grouper in garlic or creole sauce from
around $10 up to $25 plus for lobster. Daily 9am-6pm.
DRINKING AND NIGHTLIFE
There are plenty of bars on the waterfront in Bocas, where you can relax with a chilled Bal-
boa or cocktail and several places to dance at weekends. For more seafront partying, you can
head across to Isla Carenero's Aqua Lodge .
El Barco Hundido C 1, beside Cable & Wireless; map . Fondly known as the “Wreck Deck”
both for the illuminated shipwreck by the dancefloor and the late-night state of its clientele,
this legendary hangout has DJs most nights, playing everything from Latin through reggae to
pop and rock. In high season the “Barco Loco” heads out for the sunset booze cruise round
5pm. 7pm-late (gets lively after 10pm); closed Wed.
La Iguana Surf Club C 1, at Av “D” 757 9812; map . Refurbished and back in action,
this popular nightspot is a mellow hangout with heavy doses of reggae (but salsa and rock
too); also with live bands and DJs at weekends plus great cocktails to linger over on the wa-
terside deck. 9pm-4am; closed Wed & Sat.