McDonald s drive-in autorapidos are everywhere. But two of the best places to fill up on sancocho, the rich chicken soup that s the national dish of Panama, also offer delightful folk dancing. After dinner, there s a program of the tamborito and other traditional dances, featuring women wearing the ruffled pollera dresses and men in montuno shirts. All in all, it s a delightful evening, and easy walking distance from The Bristol hotel and only a few blocks from El Panama Hotel. Another option is to visit Mi Pueblito, on Ancon Hill, a picturesque re-creation of a rural village of the 1940s, featuring a mayor s office with vintage telephones, and a family cooking at a fireplace.
Typical food is served in the restaurant where second-floor tables overlook the village square.
Without doubt the cheapest, most popular restauant in Panama City is La Cascada across from the ocean on Avenida Balboa. It s a Disneyesque outdoor garden, where water cascades down a fake waterfall, carp swim in canals and painted animal statues are everywhere. All Rights Reserved.