BarBQ Panama
BarBQ Panama is an American-style BBQ restaurant and bar on Calle Uruguay at Calle 48 that transforms from a casual dining spot into a party venue as the night progresses. The daytime and early evening operation is straightforward: ribs, brisket, burgers, wings, and craft beer in a rustic, wood-heavy setting. After 10 PM on weekends, live bands or DJs take over, the tables get pushed back, and the crowd shifts from diners to party-goers. The mix of food and nightlife makes it one of the more versatile spots on the strip. A full meal runs USD 15-25. Beers cost USD 4-6, cocktails USD 8-12. No cover charge on most nights.
What to Expect
Early evening is a relaxed restaurant. By 10 PM on weekends, the energy shifts to party mode. The crowd is a friendly mix of expats, tourists, and Panamanians who came for food and stayed for the music. It's casual, loud once the music starts, and easy to talk to strangers.
Loud, social, and unpretentious. Feels like a sports bar that discovered live music. The sawdust-floor, wood-table vibe carries through from dinner to dancing.
Live bands covering rock, Latin pop, and classic hits on weekends. DJ sets on some nights. Background music during dinner hours.
Casual. This is a BBQ joint that turns into a bar. Jeans and a t-shirt are the standard. No dress code enforced.
Groups wanting to combine dinner and nightlife without venue-hopping. Solo travelers who want a low-pressure entry point to the Calle Uruguay scene. Expats looking for familiar comfort food.
Credit cards and cash (USD) accepted
Price Range
Meals USD 15-25, beers USD 4-6, cocktails USD 8-12
All prices in USD (Panama's currency)
Hours
Tue-Sun 12 PM to 2 AM. Kitchen closes around 11 PM. Weekend nights run later with live music or DJs.
Insider Tip
Come for dinner around 7-8 PM to get a table before the crowd builds. The ribs and the brisket are the strongest items on the menu. Craft beer selection rotates; ask what's new. On live music nights, the band usually starts around 10 PM.
Full Review
BarBQ's corner location on Calle Uruguay gives it good visibility and an easy entrance from the sidewalk. The interior is split between a dining area with wooden tables and a bar area that expands as the night progresses and tables get cleared. An outdoor terrace section faces the street and catches the flow of people walking the strip.
The food is solid American BBQ adapted for a tropical market. Ribs come with a decent smoky bark. The brisket varies from good to great depending on the day. Wings are reliable. The craft beer selection is better than most places on the strip, with a mix of local Panamanian brews and imported options.
The transition from restaurant to party venue happens naturally. By 10 PM on a Saturday, the band is playing and people are standing with beers rather than sitting with plates. The crowd skews toward the expat and tourist end of the spectrum more than the Panamanian professional end, which gives it a different feel from the lounges and clubs nearby.
Service is efficient during dinner hours and gets stretched once the party starts. Ordering at the bar is faster than flagging a server after 10 PM. The bathroom situation is adequate but not generous for the crowd size.
BarBQ works best as a starting point for the evening. Eat, drink, assess the strip's energy from the terrace, and then decide where to go next. Alternatively, it's a perfectly good place to spend the entire evening if you're not looking for a high-energy club experience.
The Neighborhood
BarBQ anchors the western end of the main Calle Uruguay nightlife strip. Habanos Social Club is next door or across the street. The full strip of bars and clubs extends east from this point. Late-night food vendors set up nearby after midnight for the post-club crowd.
Getting There
The corner of Calle Uruguay and Calle 48 is the landmark. Uber from anywhere in Panama City drops you directly at the door. Walking from the banking district hotels takes 5-10 minutes. The venue's street-level location makes it impossible to miss.
Address
Calle Uruguay at Calle 48
Other Venues in Calle Uruguay
Habanos Social Club
Upscale cigar lounge and cocktail bar on Calle Uruguay with leather seating, a walk-in humidor, and an extensive rum and whiskey menu. Draws a well-dressed professional crowd.
Envy Rooftop
Open-air rooftop club on top of the Sortis Hotel with city skyline views, a pool-deck setup, and DJs spinning electronic and reggaeton. One of Panama City's premier bottle-service venues.
Sahara Lounge
Two-level nightclub with a ground-floor lounge and an upstairs dance floor. Latin music dominates, with reggaeton, salsa, and merengue nights drawing a young Panamanian crowd.
Blu Lounge and Bar
Sleek cocktail lounge with a modern interior, craft cocktails, and a crowd that skews toward young professionals. Quieter early in the evening, with DJ sets picking up after midnight.
LaBrava Bar
Latin-themed bar with live music several nights a week, strong rum drinks, and a dance-friendly layout. Salsa and bachata nights draw a mixed crowd of locals and visitors.
Calle Uruguay Open Bar
Open-air bar and gathering point at the heart of the strip. No walls, plastic chairs, cheap beer, and a crowd that spills onto the sidewalk. The most casual and affordable spot on the block.