Cafe Coca Cola — Restaurant in San Felipe

During my visit to Panama, I had the pleasure of dining at Café Coca Colá, a charming eatery that effortlessly blends history and delicious cuisine. Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, this iconic café is a testament to Panama’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene.

Stepping into Café Coca Colá is like taking a step back in time. The vintage decor, with its classic wooden furniture and historical photographs adorning the walls, creates a nostalgic ambiance that instantly makes you feel at home. The café has been serving patrons since 1875, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.

The menu at Café Coca Colá is a delightful mix of traditional Panamanian dishes and international favorites, all prepared with a touch of homestyle cooking. I started with their famous sancocho, a hearty chicken soup that was rich in flavor and perfectly seasoned. It was the ultimate comfort food and a great introduction to Panamanian cuisine.

For the main course, I opted for the ropa vieja, a tender and flavorful shredded beef dish served with rice and beans. The beef was cooked to perfection, and the accompanying sides were the perfect complement, making for a satisfying and well-rounded meal. The café also offers a variety of breakfast options, sandwiches, and pastries, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

One of the highlights of my visit was the exceptional service. The staff at Café Coca Colá are warm, welcoming, and attentive, providing a level of hospitality that makes you feel like a cherished guest. They are more than happy to share the history of the café and recommend dishes based on your preferences.

The café’s location in Casco Viejo is another plus. After enjoying a delicious meal, you can take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of this historic district, taking in the beautiful colonial architecture and lively atmosphere.

In summary, Café Coca Colá is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Panamanian cuisine in a setting steeped in history. The combination of delicious food, nostalgic ambiance, and outstanding service makes it a standout destination in Panama City. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a meal at Café Coca Colá is an experience you won’t...

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...

Travelers and ex pats beware! The blogs lied.

I don't get it. The hype I mean. I don't get this place at all.

The building has a coca cola sign on it. That's about as cool as the 'vibe' gets. I've seen more interesting diners in new jersey. And that's what this is, a diner.

Salads, Italian food, sandwiches, eggs. That's the kind of thing they have.

Sorry to say the food was awful.

The bathrooms were gross and there was no hand soap (really? In today's times???).

The STAFF are LOVELY and this is not a personal attack.

I am just sick of bloggers exalting places like this just because they are old.

I've eaten in the OLDEST pub in England and the food is outstanding. Old building doesn't mean good food, you can't rest on the laurels of your name forever.

Look, I didn't feel a sense of history. The food was awful. The condiments were a cheap, awful hot sauce, WHITE pepper and cheap table salt. Read: no flavor to anything.

Also they butchered the Cuban sandwich. I thought we all agreed what went into a Cuban? Not chewy pork chop meat (mostly gristle) and half melted American cheese. No pickle. No mustard.

The only theme I see in other reviews is that it is cheap. I agree, it's cheap as hell. We ordered a bunch of different stuff for 25 bucks (2 people!) But who cares?

Who cares about spending an extra 10 or 20 bucks if you could get edible flavorful food and don't end up on the toilet wishing you'd never...