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Cafe Coca Cola

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Step into history at Cafe Coca Cola, Panama's oldest diner since 1875, famous for being the first to sell Coke outside the US.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
View from my table

Cafe Coca Cola

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into history at Cafe Coca Cola, Panama's oldest diner since 1875, famous for being the first to sell Coke outside the US.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Great spot for cheap food with amazing local flavors and a charming retro atmosphere!"

TIP

Embrace Local Dishes

Opt for local fish specialties over sandwiches for a truly unique and authentic culinary experience.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds and ensure a smoother dining experience, consider visiting outside of busy meal times.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10:30PM

Cuisine

Panamanian, Diner

Price

$

Phone

+507 228-7687

Address

XF36+9JQ, Av. Central España, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

A Taste of History: Panama's Oldest Diner

A Taste of History: Panama's Oldest Diner

Dine at the very first restaurant outside the US to sell Coca-Cola, operating since 1875. Experience a slice of history with iconic decor.

TikTok36 Hours in Panama City, Panama: Things to Do and See12 BEST Restaurants in Panama City for 2025+1
Local Flavors and Hearty Meals

Local Flavors and Hearty Meals

Enjoy delicious, generously portioned local fish dishes like grilled/fried fish and shrimp with rice. A true taste of Panama.

Google Review+1
Nostalgic Ambiance & Iconic Drinks

Nostalgic Ambiance & Iconic Drinks

Savor the vintage diner atmosphere and try classic soft drinks, including a unique Coca-Cola milkshake. A step back in time.

TikTokGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The only Cafe Coca Cola in the world and they’re legally allowed to use the name because they called it that before the iconic drink was ever invented! #cocacola #cola #cafecocacola #panama #panamacity #panamacitypanama #visitpanama #cascoviejopanama
@authentic_traveling
5.5K likes • 98.6K views

Embrace Local Dishes

Opt for local fish specialties over sandwiches for a truly unique and authentic culinary experience.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds and ensure a smoother dining experience, consider visiting outside of busy meal times.

Pulled up to Café Coca Cola with a real Panamanian OG. No tourist menus, no small talk — just good food, real convo, and a slice of history in the heart of Panamá City. Would you link with a local or roll solo? #CafeCocaCola #PanamaCity #VisitPanama #PanamaTravel #EatLikeALocal #TravelForFood #LocalFlavors
@supersportjus
39 likes • 792 views
Come with me to have lunch at Cafe’ Coca -Cola in Panama City 🇵🇦 #vlog #cocacola #cafe #viral #traveltiktok
@quincee_not_quincy
41 likes • 689 views

Soak in the History

Appreciate the cafe's historical significance as the first location outside the U.S. to sell Coca-Cola.

Try the Coca-Cola Float

A unique treat combining Coke with ice cream, highly recommended by some patrons.

only place in the world allowed to be named Coca Cola #cafecocacola #panama #thingstodo #cocacola
@taytayrjh
23 likes • 721 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Embrace Local Dishes

Opt for local fish specialties over sandwiches for a truly unique and authentic culinary experience.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds and ensure a smoother dining experience, consider visiting outside of busy meal times.

Soak in the History

Appreciate the cafe's historical significance as the first location outside the U.S. to sell Coca-Cola.

Try the Coca-Cola Float

A unique treat combining Coke with ice cream, highly recommended by some patrons.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cafe Coca Cola is a historic gem offering a nostalgic dining experience with generous portions and affordable prices. While many praise the charming retro atmosphere and friendly service, some reviews mention occasional slow service and a few dishes being just 'regular' in flavor. Despite minor critiques, its unique history and local vibe make it a must-visit spot.

"Stopped there for a coffee, apparently this place was the first to sell Coca Cola in the country so it has a bit of history behind, the bar is quite nice following upper Spanish architecture. It was very hot outside to the air conditioning here felt quite nice, in top of that the coffee was delicious and the service fast.

No complains"

Marcos O. Diogo

"Came here twice during my stay in Panama. Staff are so super friendly. Delicious cheap eats and the place is called Coca Cola which apparently they had the name before the beverage was even created which is super neat.

The soups were amazing here. I loved the Coca Cola milkshake, it was refreshing and they have good coffee here too."

Anthony Plaxen

"Loved the vibe and good price to quality ratio. Fairly large menu. Service can be a little slow at times. Service was very friendly. This place can get busy though!"

Eric Wong

What People Like

Historic ambiance
Affordable prices
Generous portions

What People Dislike

Service can be slow at times

Frequently Asked Questions

This cafe was named before copyright laws were established and has a historical claim to the name, predating the beverage's widespread distribution.

TikTok+2

Yes, the cafe is known for serving traditional Panamanian dishes, including local fish specialties, rice, and beans.

The Best Traditional Panamanian Restaurants To VisitPanama Food Guide: Embracing the diverse local cuisineGoogle Review

To avoid crowds, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours, as the cafe can get busy.

Google Review

Yes, patrons often recommend trying the Coca-Cola milkshake or a Coca-Cola float with ice cream.

Google Review

While some describe the neighborhood as 'sketchy,' visitors have walked around unharmed and enjoyed the local experience.

Panama City: Where to Eat (Panamá)Google Review

The cafe has hosted numerous notable guests, including revolutionaries, dictators, Hollywood actors, poets, and figures like Che Guevara.

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Mentioned in

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Fuel your night out with a Coke or a cafe con leche at the Café Coca Cola on Plaza Santa Ana, which — according to its creation myth — has been serving revolutionaries, dictators, Hollywood actors and celebrated poets since the late 19th century. On the edge of Casco, this historic diner and its beautiful neighboring plaza offers a taste of what the Old Town used to be. Walk two blocks to the Selina hostel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, Tacos La Neta, which turns into a party scene at night, when D.J.s play cumbia or remixes of the Cuban-American singer Celia Cruz until 2 a.m.

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Originally opened in 1906, Café Coca-Cola is the oldest diner still operating in Panama. It’s located on the border of Casco Viejo and Santa Ana, and is a great spot to go for an affordable, local-style breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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One of the most popular restaurants in Panama City, Cafe Coca-Cola is a nice, casual restaurant that first opened its doors in 1875, making it the city’s oldest restaurant and the only one endorsed by the Coca-Cola company. Cafe Coca-Cola was the first location outside of the United States to sell the iconic soft drink, making it a must-see restaurant for any traveler passing through Panama City. Cafe Coca-Cola’s food is very affordable, with meals starting at around $10.

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In the heart of Casco Viejo, very close to Santa Ana Park, there is a legendary Cafe Coca Cola, the oldest opened restaurant in Panama. Among its guests were such famous and legendary figures like Che Guevara, Evita Peron, and even Teddy Roosevelt himself. Cafe Coca Cola serves meals and coffee since 19th century and it silently witnessed the evolution of Casco Vieja, from the most important part of the town, through its fall into ruin and spectacular rebirth.

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Café Coca Cola is an iconic restaurant located on Plaza Santa Ana which is also mentioned in the 36 Hours in Panama City, Panama article. It suggests drinking a coke or a cafe con leche to fuel your night out. This place opens quite late and has had many famous visitors including dictators, revolutionaries, poets and Hollywood actors since the late 19th century.

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The Coca-Cola cafe is an old-school diner serving up hearty platefuls of rice, beans and the featured meat of the day. It has been the oldest cafe in Panama City (Est. 1875) and you have fed famous visitors like Che Guevara. Give it to try if you're feeling The cafeteria is full of stories.

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Panama Food Guide: Embracing the diverse local cuisine

Panama’s oldest, and best-known restaurant is one called Cafe Coca-Cola. This small, humble eatery nearby Panama’s old city has been serving up some of Panama’s most traditional food dishes for over 100 years. If you want a taste of Panama’s gastronomic roots, this is the place to go.

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Café Coca Cola is not just the oldest restaurant in Panama City, but also reputedly one of the places that Che Guevera liked to eat. It’s a traditional Panamanian café serving simple meals with ample portions. Patrons are likely to be placing chess and talking about soccer.

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Cafe Coca Cola ($): Originally opened in 1906, this is the oldest still operating diner in Panama. It’s located on the border of Casco Viejo and Santa Ana and is a great spot to go for an affordable local-style breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Open daily from 7 am to 11 pm.

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This gritty diner, complete with sassy waitresses, has been a local favorite since 1875, making it the oldest café in Panama City. It’s located in a bit of a rough area but worth a visit to get a real authentic local experience. You can get a very cheap meal there.

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Of course, we passed by the Café Coca Cola (1875), probably known by most city dwellers, what perhaps, almost nobody knows is that it is the only place in the world that has permission to use the word Coca Cola in its name, some of the guys came in to buy a Coke.

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Cafe Coca Cola: If you want to step back in time, this diner is the oldest in Panama. Opened in 1906, it’s a favorite among locals for its unpretentious, hearty meals. Order a traditional breakfast or a simple cup of Panamanian coffee and soak in the atmosphere.

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Coca Cola Cafe is a little restaurant only a few minutes walking from Las Clementinas and is knows as the oldest restaurant in Panama!. The interior is super retro, with old Coca Cola signs and diner-style bar stools.

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RESTAURANTS & CAFES

Cafe Coca Cola - Old-school diner and oldest cafe in Panama City with famous visitors like Che Guevara | Avenida Central & Plaza Santa Ana, Casco Viejo, Panama

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We will meet at the oldest café in all of Panama, which is located on 12th Street known as; Café Coca Cola exactly on the outside of the establishment.

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Café Coca Cola: One of the oldest cafes in Panama, frequented by locals who come for its traditional Panamanian breakfast and hearty meals.

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