I need booze, but where do I go?

So where are the best places to buy booze in Panama? It depends of course on what you like and what your circumstances are.

The Winner is…

Lets say you are stocking up for a party (or you need 3 half gallon bottles of something to get you through the week), the best place with out a doubt is Bodega Mi Amiga, which is a Panama City landmark. They have the best overall selection of beer and hard stuff. With an excellent wine selection as well. Best of all they also tend to have some of the best prices around. While you’re there pick up a Ceviche de Corvina and some cigars. Their ceviche is rated as number 1. by most Panamanians. All taxi drivers will know where this is, but if you’re driving it’s on Via Porras at the same intersection as Casa de la Carne.

Red, red wine

For wine walk (nah, pay your taxi driver extra to take the sidewalk) to Felipe Motta. I’ve been in many wine stores through the world and this is without a doubt one of the best. The Motta’s are one of the major importers of wine here and their love for it shows.

Other good bets for wine allthough not quite as extensive are Bodega Mi Amiga (see above), Casa Brostella (on Avenida Samuel Lewis opposite Cable and Wireless Movil), Riba Smith in Bella Vista and the tiny but excellent store on the 3rd floor of Multi Centro (the owner is very cool and knowledgable).

Late night Booze

Lets say you finished your half gallon of seco at 3 in the morning and you need more. Then your only real bet is Rey. They are ok during the day as well if you’re doing food shopping and haven’t got time to go elsewhere. But their selection is not that good and they are fairly expensive.

Most gas stations can help you out, but of course with a slight premium price and a tiny selection. But in a pinch they’ll do for beers and national liquors.

Snack recommendations

While you’re stocking up on beer and other booze items you obviously need some snacks as well. As mentioned before the Ceviche at Bodega Mi Amiga is outstanding. I don’t like fish and I like this. Ceviche is made for cold beer.

Secondly if you want to try something different than your regular Lays and Doritos. Try the various brands of locally made plantain chips. Also in the chips section there is a Colombian corn chip called Arepas. Seriously, this beats Doritos and friends any day.

This entry was posted in the following Categories: Drinks , Shopping

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