You may or may not know that Panama City is a big foodie hot spot. There are many different cuisines to enjoy from Mexican, Peruvian, to Italian. But, one of our favorite things to enjoy are BURGERS in Panama. Panama even hosts a ‘Burger Week‘ that actually lasts a full 20 days. During this time burger joints across the city offer special deals on their most creative burgers!
So since we love burgers so much we decided to highlight where to find the best burgers in Panama City. So you too can enjoy them! Bookmark this list, and you’ll be able to indulge in a delicious hamburger or cheeseburger all year round.
Let the mouthwatering begin!
BEAT Burger Joint
© BEAT Burger Joint
Located in Marbella, Beat Burger Joint serves up some of the best burgers in Panama. The ingredients are fresh, the meat is flavorful, and the buns are perfect to hold it all together. You can go classic with nothing but a bit of ketchup and mustard. Or get creative with toppings like pico de gallo or a fried egg. Don’t skip the perfectly crispy french fries.
Beauty and the Butcher
© Beauty and the Butcher
Are you a lifelong fan of In-N-Out or Shake Shack and haven’t found your hamburger fix in Panama? Then it’s worth mentioning that these burgers in Panama have been compared to both.
Beauty and the Butcher is a charming burger spot on in Casco Viejo.
The adorable interior might make you think you’re at a cupcake shop, with lots of pink offset with black and white. Don’t be fooled by the cute Instagram worthy decor though as these burgers mean business. With soft buns, tender meat, and an unbeatable special sauce, burger enthusiasts are sure to be pleased. So pull up a chair in their outdoor courtyard, get an extra order of curly seasoned fries to share, and enjoy!
El Republicano
© El Republicano
El Republicano does two things well: burgers and beer. If your ideal evening involves a giant burger and a cold pint, then this is the perfect place for you. You won’t regret getting a classic cheeseburger here. So let the quality of the meat and the freshness of the ingredients shine through.
If you want to try some of the creative toppings available like bacon, fried shallots, or even kimchi. In addition, vegetarians are quick to swoon over their veggie burger. Go with a group, order fries to share (or poutine if you’re really feeling indulgent), and be prepared to enjoy a great burger with your choice of beer. If you walk away thinking that these are the best burgers in Panama City, you certainly won’t be alone.
Hamburguesía Panamá
© Hamburguesía Panamá
Here’s a fun option for burger enthusiasts with creative palettes. Hamburgesía Panamá not only serves up high-quality burgers in a fun environment but they allow you to customize your burger however you like. This build-your-own-burger joint allows diners to choose every aspect of their burger from the type of bun to the selection of meat. (Beef, turkey, salmon, and veggie are all options).
From there, you choose how you’d like your meat cooked and what toppings you want to add. Brie? Caramelized onions? Bacon? Why not get all three? If the thought of so many decisions stresses you out, you can also choose one of their tasty suggested combinations.
No matter what you order, you’ll love the high-quality ingredients and the cool, casual setting. You can also get any burger served on a salad if you are gluten intolerant or if you prefer to avoid carbs. While you’re indulging, don’t skip on one of their creative cocktails as well.
Esa Flaca Rica
© Esa Flaca Rica
Esa Flaca Rica takes advantage of a restaurant set up that has become increasingly popular. Esa Flaca Rica is a parked food truck that serves up delicious burgers with outdoor seating to enjoy. Their creative burgers aren’t the cheapest in town (most are around $12) but many would argue that they are worth it.
With fun names like “Flaca Sexy,” “Oh Cheeses,” “La Gringa,” and “La Putin,” there’s sure to be something for everyone. Don’t wait until you’re starving to show up, though, as there is often a line and you may need to wait.
Anti Burger
© Anti Burger
Anti Burger is another fave burger joint that makes use of the food truck and outdoor patio combination. This is also another spot whose burgers have been compared to those of Shake Shack or In-n-Out. Need we say more? Get a double Anti Burger with cheese and be prepared to be impressed. Also, check out their curly fries with bacon special sauce or their buffalo chicken sandwich.
Miranda’s Bakery and Café
© Miranda Bakery
Miranda’s Bakery and Café is such a treat for so many reasons. The most pertinent to this list is that they dish up a totally delectable burger despite what you might expect from a bakery. Located in the heart of San Francisco, this is the perfect lunch spot if you crave a cheeseburger but not everyone in your party is in the same mood.
Go simple with bibb lettuce, tomato, and red onion, or dress things up with bacon, homemade pickles, and a fried egg. Either way, definitely add the sweet potato fries. For those not in the mood for burgers, there are plenty of other sandwiches and lunch options that are just as good. If you happen to save room for dessert, trust us when we say that all of their pastries and sweets are out of this world as well.
Slabon Café
© Slabon Cafe
Great beer, great service, and great burgers. What more could you ask for? At Slabon Cafe be prepared to enjoy some of the juiciest and most flavorful burger meat in the city. If animal protein isn’t your thing, they also have a number of vegetarian options including a delicious Veggie Magic Burger that is made out of eggplant and a lentil burger as well. Whatever you order, ask for extra sauce and dig in! With several locations across the city, you’re never too far from Slabon Café.
Pretelt
© PreteIt
Here’s one that you might not expect. Pretelt is, first and foremost, a small local meat market. You can come here to buy raw cuts of steaks as well as sausages, seafood, and a handful of grocery staples. While you’re shopping, you’ll be handsomely rewarded for sitting down and having lunch at the adjoining restaurant that serves up some seriously mouthwatering burgers.
The quality of the meat at Pretelt is second to none. That shouldn’t stop you, though, from topping your burger with onion rings, cheese, or sautéed veggies if you’re in the mood for something different. Paired with fried-to-perfection wedge-shaped fries (or a salad if that’s your preference), Pretelt serves up a burger that will keep you coming back for more.
Tio Navaja
© Tio Navaja
Tio Navaja is probably one of the only restaurants in the city that would make the cut for a fancy date-night dinner yet also serves up delectable burgers. Tucked away in the charming Casco Viejo, Tío Navaja is the perfect spot for a special meal, even if what you’re really craving is a double cheeseburger. Smothered with cheese and served on a glistening sesame seed bun with a side of thin-cut fries, this is burger perfection. And if your date is craving something different, there is plenty else on the menu to enjoy. That said, once you order the burger, you’ll never want to get anything else here.
Casco Burger
© Casco Burger
We’ll wrap up our tour of burgers in Panama City with Casco Burger. This casual burger joint in Casco Viejo is a great spot for fantastic burgers and good beers. The patties are tender and a bit crispy at the edges, the toppings are fresh, and the fries are hot. There are a handful of other sides to share (don’t miss the cheese balls) as well as a number of other sandwiches including a few vegetarian options if you aren’t in the mood for a burger. Wash it all down with one of their numerous craft beer offerings and you have yourself the perfect lunch.
