Habanos Social Club
Habanos Social Club is an upscale cigar lounge and cocktail bar on Calle Uruguay between Calle 48 and Calle 49. The interior features leather armchairs, dark wood paneling, and a walk-in humidor stocked with Cuban, Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Panamanian cigars. The bar specializes in aged rum and single-malt whiskey, with a menu that pairs specific cigars with recommended spirits. A premium cigar costs USD 15-40 depending on origin and size. Cocktails run USD 10-15, and aged rum pours start at USD 12. The atmosphere is decidedly grown-up, attracting business professionals, diplomats, and visitors who want a slower-paced alternative to the clubs next door. The staff can guide you through cigar selection even if you're not a regular smoker.
What to Expect
A quiet, refined space where the pace is slow and the focus is on enjoying what you're smoking and drinking. No loud music, no crowds pushing against you, no rush. The leather chairs are comfortable enough that two hours pass quickly. The crowd is mostly men aged 35-55, though women are welcome and present.
Clubby in the old-fashioned sense. Leather, smoke, dark wood, and quiet conversation. It feels like a private members' club that happens to be open to the public.
Low jazz and lounge music. Volume set for conversation, not entertainment.
Business casual to smart casual. The clientele tends to arrive from offices or hotels. Shorts and t-shirts are out of place.
Cigar enthusiasts and whiskey drinkers looking for a calm, sophisticated evening. Works well as a first stop before heading to livelier venues on the strip.
Credit cards and cash (USD) accepted
Price Range
Cigars USD 15-40, cocktails USD 10-15, rum/whiskey pours USD 12-25
All prices in USD (Panama's currency)
Hours
Mon-Sat 5 PM to midnight. Closed Sundays.
Insider Tip
If you don't know cigars, tell the staff your preferences for strength and flavor, and let them choose. The Panamanian cigars are worth trying for the novelty. Pair a medium-bodied cigar with their Ron Abuelo 12-year for a solid local combination.
Full Review
The entrance off Calle Uruguay leads into a space that feels deliberately removed from the energy of the strip outside. Air conditioning keeps the temperature comfortable despite the smoke. The humidor, visible through glass, is well-organized and the selection covers the major cigar-producing countries.
The staff are the difference between this and a generic cigar bar. They know their inventory and can match a cigar to your taste and experience level. First-time smokers get genuine guidance rather than a hard upsell. The pairing suggestions between cigars and spirits are thought through, not random.
The rum selection emphasizes Panamanian and Caribbean producers, with Ron Abuelo's aged line well-represented. Whiskey options include a decent range of Scotch single malts and American bourbons. Cocktails are competently made but secondary to the spirits menu.
Seating is divided between the main lounge area with leather chairs and a smaller back section. The main lounge is more social. The back section suits those who want privacy. On weekday evenings, the bar is quiet enough to hear your thoughts. Weekend nights fill up by 8 PM, but the atmosphere stays controlled.
The main limitation is that it closes at midnight, before the Calle Uruguay strip peaks. Think of it as a pre-game for the club scene or a standalone destination for those who don't need a dance floor.
The Neighborhood
Habanos sits in the middle of the Calle Uruguay strip, within a one-minute walk of BarBQ Panama, Sahara Lounge, and Blu Lounge. The Sortis Hotel and Envy Rooftop are a five-minute walk east. Restaurants along Calle 50 offer dinner options before a visit.
Getting There
Uber from Casco Viejo takes 10-15 minutes and costs USD 4-7. From hotels in the banking district, the walk is 5-10 minutes. The Calle Uruguay strip is well-known to all taxi and Uber drivers.
Address
Calle Uruguay, between Calle 48 and Calle 49
Other Venues in Calle Uruguay
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.
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.