It’s no secret that El Cangrejo is a popular neighborhood in Panama City. While there’s much to love about the neighborhood, today the focus will be on the excellent café scene. There are 15 or so café’s in the neighborhood and no matter where you live, there’s bound to be a great option within walking distance. Each café offers its own experience and fortunately, we’re here to guide coffee lovers and café hoppers alike. Here are five of the best cafe’s in El Cangrejo.

Mentiritas Blancas Cafe 

Mentiritas Blancas Cafe is a quaint little cafe featuring delicious food, coffee, and speciality drinks. The inside feels intimate yet there are plenty of tables creating a lively atmosphere most of the time. The draw here is definitely the quality of the food and drinks. Just about anything at Mentiritas Blancas is simply delicious. For sweet tooths try the mochaccino, a cappuccino with chocolate added. The outside of the cup will be coated in a powdery chocolate coating and it is delicious! For food, you can’t go wrong. Try El criminal, a  flaky crescent topped with smoked salmon, avocado, egg, and sesame seeds. Mentiritas Cafe is more of a place to socialize than to work, but there is always somebody with a laptop here.

PH Demar, Local 2B, Calle Gaspar O. Hernández,

Vía Argentina, El Cangrejo, Panamá

Café Unido Via Argentina

The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Café Unido – a popular chain of cafes in Panama City. The El Cangrejo location is large with plenty of places to work, relax, or catch up with friends. It’s situated on the “main drag”, Vía Argentina in El Cangrejo. Inside is also a sushi bar, a barber, and a dance studio! The menu is quite sophisticated featuring unique breakfast options like Pumpkin Pancakes as well as classical options like avocado toast and omelets. There are also burgers, sandwiches, salads, soup, and wraps. The inside is definitely a place suited well for working. Never too loud and never too quiet. Always many laptops and readers here!

Edificio Alejandra, Planta Baja

Vía Argentina, El Cangrejo, Panamá

Armonicas Cafe

Armonica is another cafe on Via Argentina and probably the trendiest on the list. The term café may be a stretch as the beer is just as popular as the coffee. By day it’s a quiet place to grab a bite to eat and by night it turns into a lively gathering place for Panamanian locals. Art is a major theme of this café but don’t be fooled, there is plenty more to offer than great views. Their food is top-notch and it’s a great place to grab some boneless wings. A café by day and a bar by night, that is Armonicas.

Via Argentina, PH Zahav local B 

El Cangrejo, Panamá

Arte Del Pan Panadería

Arte Del Pan made the list for its wide variety of delicious Colombian pastries, food, and bread. While there are places to sit, Arte Del Pan might be better suited for a grab-and-go lunch or breakfast café, though they are open until 9 pm. Advertised as also a “Dulcería”, meaning a store for sweets, here is a great place to find a tasty Colombian dessert.  But they also have excellent specials every day of the week for dinner. It’s also worth mentioning that this is one of the most affordable cafés you’ll find. Simple, affordable, and delicious.

XFMF+V23

El Cangrejo, Panamá

Artisana 1984 

If you’re not a local, Artisana may be the closest thing to a hidden gem on the list. Tucked away in a location amidst condos, apartments, and businesses, it’s a little bit harder to find. But when you find it, you will want to return again and again. The inside is a food-lovers heaven as their homemade decadents, ready-made to-go meals, and snacks are on full display. The word that comes to mind with Artisana is quality. From the coffee to the food, everything is simply well done. Seating here is extremely limited but most of the space is dedicated to more food and drink options for their guests, not a bad tradeoff. Upon entrance, you are always greeted by one of Artisana’s excellent chefs. The place feels warm and welcoming.

Casa #46, José Isaac Fábrega

El Cangrejo, Panamá

Now the term “best” is subjective so it is encouraged to try some of the other cafes in El Cangrejo but these five are definitely worth checking out. Each offers its own unique experience and each has a different feel. The commonality in all of them, however, is the quality of the food and drinks. Otherwise, they wouldn’t deserve to be on the list!