I made a Saturday evening 8:00 pm reservation for Calle Dragones over 10 days in advance, confirmed by both email and a follow-up phone call. This night out with my wife was meant to be a special treat, even without a specific occasion to celebrate. My wife looked stunning in a sexy dress, and I did my best to match her elegance.
Upon arrival, we were led upstairs to the club and directed to a tiny table less than a meter from the bar, where the high-power blender created an unbearable amount of noise. This table was also as far from the stage as possible. I politely rejected that table, and after some reluctance from the hostess, we were taken to another table that was acceptable.
We were given QR codes for the menus and quickly decided on our orders. The cocktails and the first appetizer arrived promptly, followed almost immediately by the second appetizer. The table was so small that the cocktails, water glasses, and appetizers could barely fit, making it difficult to enjoy both the food and the cabaret show.
Before we had finished the appetizers, our main dishes arrived, all within less than 20 minutes of our initial order. We felt rushed, with no space for the main dishes as we still had the appetizers on the table. The servers managed to fit everything after we hurriedly finished the appetizers. While the short ribs and fish were good, the rushed service left us disappointed and frustrated.
The service, initially attentive, deteriorated significantly when the Mayor of Panama City arrived with his entourage. For two and a half hours, we were completely ignored. Despite enjoying the singing, dancing, and band on stage, we were not approached for additional drinks, desserts, or any further service. The staff focused all their attention on the mayor and his group.
After two hours of this neglect, I informed the manager about the lack of service, but by then it was too late to salvage the evening. The food was good, and the entertainment was enjoyable, but the service was poor, especially for non-celebrity patrons. If you're not a VIP, Calle Dragones might not be the best choice for a memorable night out.
