Istmo is known in Panama City, Panama because it brews its own beers! These beers are named after some of the Provinces of Panama: Coclé, Chiriquí, Colón and Veraguas. These beers are very tasty and with different alcohol percentage from 4.5% to 6% so you have a wide variety to choose from, though I noticed they don’t serve any other national beers.

When we first walked in I wanted to check out the interior; it is very cozy and relaxed. Then my friends and I chose to sit outside while we waited for a waiter come help us. One of my friends – who have been there before – told the waiter we were knew there and then he brought us complimentary samples of the beers. He placed them on top of an explanatory sheet which describes the kind of beer and then he mentioned the percentage of alcohol in each beer.

We ended up choosing Coclé beer which has been modified and now – according to the waiter – has been improved and has more alcohol than the other beers; we also liked Chiriqui beer but Cocle has a better taste, like an Irish beer taste so we went for it! Istmo menu also includes a variety of entrées, appetizers and sandwiches, some of which are also named after the Provinces of Panama.

Istmo is located at Ave. Eusebio A. Morales and Via Veneto in El Cangrejo, Panama City, Panama. In general, Istmo is a nice way to get away from the usual pickup scene! Their prices are very accessible and their service is good!