Blu Lounge and Bar
Blu Lounge and Bar occupies a sleek, modern space on Calle Uruguay at Calle 49 with minimalist decor, blue-tinted lighting, and a cocktail menu that takes itself seriously. The venue draws young professionals who want well-made drinks in an environment that's polished but not pretentious. Early evening is quiet, with the cocktail-lounge atmosphere dominating. After midnight on weekends, a DJ takes over and the volume rises, shifting the venue from lounge to low-key club. Cocktails cost USD 10-14. The whiskey and gin selections are above average for the strip. No cover charge on regular nights, with occasional exceptions for special DJ events.
What to Expect
A smooth, modern lounge that evolves through the evening. Early hours are calm and cocktail-focused. Late hours bring DJ music and a more social, standing-room energy. The crowd is well-dressed, professional, and in the 25-38 age range.
Cool and controlled. Blue lighting, clean lines, and a crowd that's put-together without being flashy.
Deep house and lounge music early, transitioning to house and Latin beats later. The DJ reads the room.
Smart casual to upscale casual. Clean, modern clothing. No shorts, sandals, or sportswear.
Couples on a date who want cocktails before the clubs open. Small groups of professionals. Anyone who prefers a polished bar to a full nightclub.
Credit cards and cash (USD) accepted
Price Range
Cocktails USD 10-14, beers USD 5-7, whiskey pours USD 10-18
All prices in USD (Panama's currency)
Hours
Wed-Sat 7 PM to 2 AM. Later on Fri-Sat when the DJ is good.
Insider Tip
Go early (7-9 PM) for the best cocktail-lounge experience. The bartender has more time for you and the music is at conversation volume. After midnight the vibe shifts. If you want both experiences, arrive at 9 PM and watch the transition.
Full Review
Blu's interior stands out on a strip where many venues lean into either tropical or industrial aesthetics. The blue-tinted lighting is subtle, not garish, and the minimalist furniture gives the space a clean, contemporary feel. The bar is the centerpiece, with good sightlines from most seating.
The cocktail program is better than the venue's reputation might suggest. The bartenders know their classics and execute them well. The gin menu deserves attention, with several options you won't find elsewhere on Calle Uruguay. An aviation or a gin basil smash here is properly made. Whiskey drinkers have a decent selection of bourbons and a few Scotch options.
The transition from lounge to late-night venue is gradual and well-managed. The DJ starts low and builds. By midnight on a Saturday, the lounge chairs have been moved aside and the space functions more like a bar-club hybrid. It never reaches the intensity of Sahara or Envy, which is exactly the point.
Service is consistent throughout the evening. The staff are professional and attentive. The bathroom is clean, which sounds unremarkable but matters on a strip where that's not guaranteed after midnight.
Blu works best as a bridge between dinner and dancing. It's too calm for committed clubbers and too loud (after midnight) for those who want to sit and talk all night. For the middle ground, it hits the mark.
The Neighborhood
Blu is positioned in the center of the Calle Uruguay strip, making it a natural stop between venues. Habanos is a one-minute walk for a cigar and nightcap. Sahara is next door for dancing. BarBQ is around the corner for food.
Getting There
On the main Calle Uruguay strip at Calle 49. Uber drops you directly. Walking from any hotel in the banking district takes 5-10 minutes. The blue-tinted facade makes it easy to identify.
Address
Calle Uruguay at Calle 49
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.
BarBQ Panama
Casual American-style BBQ restaurant and bar that transitions into a party venue on weekends. Live music, DJ sets, and a laid-back crowd that mixes expats and locals.
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.
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.