Visited this restaurant because it is listed as one of the places to visit while in Panama. While I agree it is worth the visit for the historical and local context of the place, I would not plan to have a meal there. I would just have a snack. We ordered a cubano sandwich and it was bland (the pork had no taste as the fries). Maybe there are other good items in the menu.
Amazing old school place, I loved it! Cheap and good food!
Stopped here to grab a coffee during a tour of the inner city. Realised a half hour later I left my wallet in the cafe. Came back it was untouched. Also the coffee was affordable and delcious.
If you are looking for a consistent cheap meal in Casco, you cannot do much better than this. I ended up eating here 5 times in one month. It is right in the heart of all the bars and action. However they do not serve Balboa's so they get a 4 from me.
A large variety of authentic Panamanian meals could be found on the menu, ranging from the traditional Sancocho to fried chicken and grilled seafood. The cafe was filled with locals and there was a good ambience although this was somewhat hindered by the cold and unwelcoming neon lights. The Fried chicken I ordered was delicious and one of the best i've had all while being quite cheap. The service was good and the food arrived relatively quickly. My chicken arrived hot and crispy and my rice and lentills were warm. Unfortunately, the mashed potatoes were lukewarm at best. All in all this was a cheap and delicious meal and an authentic experience. I would recommend.
P.s. Che Guevara was here so do what you want with that information.
Bright, fluorescent-lighted Formica tables with sturdy food served slowly without fanfare. No alcohol, but they don't mind (even suggested!) that you could bring your own.
Where do the locals eat? I'm always asking that question, when traveling around the world. We are always searching for these hidden gems. Imagine finding an old school diner located in Old Town Panama City that has been serving up traditional meals since 1875. Some of the famous diners include Teddy Roosevelt to Fidel Castro to Julio Iglesias. All of them and more have all dined here at the Cafe Coca-Cola.
I ordered the Ropa Vieja. This is one of my favorite dishes. It came with a side of hearty rice & beans and plantains all for just $5.50. Now that's a total deal.
The little one couldn't decide what to order, so I went simple and ordered the grilled cheese. It was only $2.50. It had 3 pieces of toasted bread with fantastic gooey white cheese. I had a bite and it was really amazing. I believe the sandwich was made with Cuban bread too. I even added on French fries for $1. Yeah this place is very affordable. My wife wanted a grilled chicken breast like we find in Miami. I thought I ordered correctly but she ended up with the grilled chicken leg quarter on the bone with rice & beans, plantains and salad for $5.75. She wasn't that mad at me because it tasted great. We were also given a giant squeeze bottle of mayo for her salad. I thought it was a joke at first. The authentic food rocks here.
Our waitress was very helpful, sweet and patient with us as we attempted to order our lunch. This is where the locals will eat. You'll get an affordable meal that's authentic and tastes delicious. So don't miss this true local gem located in old town Panama City. This place has been serving up fantastic authentic meals for the last 143 years. Here's to another 143 years!
Catchy name's cafe restaurant where a lot of local people gather. There is information in lonely planet but when we went there, there aren't many tourists. Each plates have plenty of amount that satisfies your stomach. If you are not too hungry you may want to order one and share it with someone else. You need to ask staffs when you want to use the bathroom. Otherwise it is usually locked.
Loved this place for cheap, decent food - you know it's good when the place is filled with locals (and cops too!)
It's a historical place, have good food but it's not so pretty
The service is slow, the food sometimes questionable. But no trip to Casco Viejo is complete with out a stop at the local greasy spoon diner.
Good local food, reasonable prices and big portions. Definitely recommended.
Tradicional restaurant with good prices and food.
'Strange' concept but the best food in area and CHEAP! And friendly staff.
Historic cafe. Remarkable.
*****
Old-school Panamanian diner. Would highly recommend the beef steak.
Good food at a good price. If you're vegetarian or vegan it is lacking options. I would recommend Johns Restaurant if you'd like something cheaper and easier as a vegetarian.
Local food served and its good not expensive. I ordered the beef steak and it was ok. You get what you pay for I should of maybe tried a more local dish.
Great local diner. Great prices. Locals eat here.
Complete with two tables of old men arguing politics and sports, this diner was awesome. Fed four for $32.
Not a cheesy Coke-themed place.
Place was full at lunch but we had great service and found a table fast. We weren't in a hurry, but if you were you could eat at the counter or get take out.
I recommend the plantains with chopped beef.