Welcome to Panama 66
Founded in the heart of Balboa Park, Panama 66 is a vibrant dining destination offering a diverse menu of New American cuisine, cocktails, and sandwiches. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, this women-owned establishment provides vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Customers rave about the friendly staff, quick service, and flavorful dishes, like the popular Brussels sprouts and crispy fries. The relaxed outdoor setting, live music, and unique drinks selection make it a perfect spot for gatherings and casual dining. Panama 66's commitment to quality and community sets it apart as a must-visit destination in San Diego.
- 1450 El Prado Balboa Park San Diego, CA 92101 Hotline: (619) 696-1966
Welcome to the vibrant and eclectic world of Panama 66, a charming restaurant nestled in the heart of Balboa Park, San Diego. This New American establishment not only offers a delectable menu of sandwiches and cocktails but also provides a plethora of dining utilities to cater to every guest's needs.
From taking reservations and offering delivery and takeout options to providing vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices, Panama 66 ensures a delightful dining experience for all. The restaurant boasts a wheelchair-accessible entrance, along with amenities like accepting Android Pay and Apple Pay, making transactions a breeze.
With its casual atmosphere, moderate noise level, and welcoming ambiance, Panama 66 is perfect for gatherings with friends, family, or even a solo brunch escapade. Enjoy the live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights while sipping on crafted cocktails from the full bar, all in the company of friendly and attentive staff.
Recent patrons have raved about the diverse menu offerings, with standouts like the Brussels sprouts and flavorful grilled cheese. The attention to detail in each dish, combined with the stunning outdoor seating overlooking the sculpture garden, creates a dining experience that is both memorable and enjoyable.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Panama 66's commitment to quality ingredients and exceptional customer service shines through in every aspect of the dining experience. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in San Diego's culinary scene!

Always such nice and helpful employees when we come here. The hostess was so accommodating and was able to get us adjoining tables to our daughter and her friends. Ordering is quick and easy, food came out fast and everything was delicious. Heat lamps were on for this very cold night and the live music was an added bonus.

We ordered at the counter and found a table. The food was brought to us quickly. They have great tasting, healthy food. We enjoyed the outdoor dining area and atmosphere. I would recommend going there if you enjoy eating outdoors!

I love the menu that has vegan, gf and vegetarian clearly marked and available. I ordered the Brussels sprouts and a grilled cheese with an ice tea to top it off, this cost me (with tax and tip) about $25.00, Service was solid. I had no less than three staffers come and check on me during the course of my meal. I loved sitting outside and watching the plaza and all of the people watching!! This is in proximity of the sculpture garden. The seating near the sculpture garden are all 4 seater high-top tables, the seating that overlooks the plaza tend to be 4-6 tops, and all lower standard height tables. While I did not have any cocktails... I could see that they had an amazing selction. So bring a DD and have a beve.. they look so good!!! For the food, the winner was the brussels sprouts! Appeared to be air-fried, with small plantains added on top, with a perfect small about of honey butter in the bottom of the serving, so a nice swish and the flavor was easily incorporated. I would sadly, not recommend the Grilled Cheese to a friend. The ratio of cheese to bread was marginal, and the grilled onion, well they could have been more abundant also. If this sandwich had more cheese and more onions, it would be a winner!!! The fries, let me tell you, they were good!! Some of the best fries I have had. I would totally recommend this spot to a friend. And If you are going to the museum of art, remind the cashier, you will get 10% off of your bill... maybe enough for that lovely beverage.

We had a table for 6 had to wait around 10 minutes to find a table. They had heaters and it was pretty cold today. The food was really good unfortunately the Mac and cheese for kids cheese was not very good (flavor and cheese selection wise) but, they were very accommodating! My daughter had to get a grilled cheese sandwich instead the waitress was extremely kind and brought it out FAST! Did not get her name - but, whoever you are thank you for the extra oranges as well. The Bloody Mary was delicious and tasted very spicy (best part of the drink). Plenty of places to sit and area to walk around. The flavors were vibrant and fresh, showcasing quality ingredients in every bite. The staff are quick with customer service once you order and if you ask they will bring out whatever you ask for.

This was a fun spot to find for lunch. It is an outdoor eater/sculpture garden. Two in one. My kinda place. Line is to order before you sit. They also serve alcohol which you can order with your food or go to a separate line for that. They provide a number and bring the food to you when ready. I had the hummus which came with colorful fun carrots. Something I never seen. The burger was a veggie burger but still pretty good with a side of side. After your done you can sit by the sculptures in the grass and just enjoy the day. It's a small garden but nice still. You can probably eat your meal in the grass if you have a blanket. Pet friendly as well.

Almost all the restaurants in Balboa Park are cafes, but at least there was plenty of shade to be found and a breeze. They had quite a large menu to choose from, plus all sorts of craft beers and fancy cocktails. Smart, efficient service too. You got a menu at the hostess stand, went to the bar and ordered when ready. Food was out quickly, too! A view on either side, nature or the courtyard. My pulled pork sandwich was good to the last bite and the side salad had a dressing I loved. I usually don't like a vinaigrette, but this one was very tasty.

I've been here a few times. I like to stop here for lunch when I visit Balboa Park. They only have outdoor seating and there is a beautiful grass area with art. You order before picking a table and they bring you your food. This last time we went, we went with a large party where one person wanted to pay for everyone. They accommodated us by having a server come to our table to take our order so we didn't all have to wait in line to place our individual orders. I was very happy with the service we received. I like their Rosé Sangria, Chicken Banh Mi and Hummus Board. I get the Hummus Board every time. It comes with hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, olives, seasonal veggies, pita, and coconut tzatziki. I tried the meat & cheese board and it was good but not as good as the hummus board. I was not a fan of the meats it came with. I look forward to trying more dishes here!

We've been here a few times and it's a great spot to stop for a drink when visiting Balboa Park! We always order at the bar and then head to the sculpture garden, where the vibe is super calm and zen. Great music! We ordered the peach sangria, which has passionfruit and strawberries--super refreshing! They give you a nice pour too. Love bringing friends here when they're visiting San Diego! The bartenders are always fun too! :)