Why the Canoso Sports Bar Restaurant in Chitre, Panama Gets a One-Star Review

Last evening, Jackie and I decided to try the Canoso Sports Bar Restaurant that sits right at the entrance to our subdivision. We had passed it several times during our walks to the grocery store and thought it looked like a hoppin’ place to eat. We researched online and located the menu, reviews, and photos. It looked like a lively sports bar with great reviews. We scanned the menu and decided what we were going to order. So, out the door we go for a five-minute stroll to Canoso’s.

The scanned menu from the table doesn’t match the menu that they display on their Facebook page, which is shown above.

We arrived at the restaurant, which appeared to be closed at first glance. The patio lights were off, but the big-screen TV was blaring, and music was playing. There weren’t any people sitting at the tables. I wondered if they were open. I wanted to glance at my phone to check it out. Then suddenly, a young man approached, and Jackie asked him if they were open. He said they were open and proceeded to turn on the lights. He told us to have a seat. That’s nice, I thought. We’re the first ones here. Maybe we beat the Saturday night crowd.

We found a table in the center of the patio where we could feel the breeze and have a good view of the big-screen TV. They had some lively Latin music playing and a video to accompany it. An older gentleman approached our table and greeted us. I thought his broken English matched our broken Spanish, so we’ll get along just fine. Jackie told him that we lived in the neighborhood and that we had passed this place several times and wanted to try it. I said that we had already seen the menu online and that we basically knew what to order. His face changed from a smile to a slight frown. “Uh, we only have about seven items on the menu this evening.” As he proceeded to tell us what the items were, Jackie interrupted and asked if he had the Papas Locas (Crazy Potatoes) available as an appetizer. He hesitated and said that he could make those for us. We then asked if they had burgers or fish sandwiches available. He said he would check to see if they had the stuff in the kitchen. I ordered a beer and Jackie a glass of red wine because they didn’t have white available. So, off he went with our order.

The younger man who greeted us on our arrival brought out our drinks. The red wine was very sweet, and the Balboa beer that I wanted was replaced by a Panama (no problem). We enjoyed the atmosphere while listening to Latin music and watching sports clips on the big-screen TV that wasn’t working properly all the time. About 15 minutes later, the same young man brings out our Crazy Potatoes. It turned out to be a pile of very thin french fries covered in a sweet cheese sauce. It tasted fine at first, but it’s not something I would order again. Check that off my list of appetizers at Canoso’s.

We were hungry, so after eating at least half of our appetizer, we wondered how our meal was going in the kitchen. After a while longer, we were wondering if he was working on our meals. There was no sign of this guy. He never came out to let us know if he had stuff in the kitchen to prepare for us. We waited and waited. I ordered another beer. We enjoyed our talk and loved being with each other. We listened to the music and watched more sports clips. 

After an hour and a half, we decided that he wasn’t coming back. I’m not the kind of person who gets upset and throws a fit at things like this, especially when I can’t speak Spanish very well. It was probably a miscommunication and maybe he thought we were happy enough with the appetizer. But, it would have been nice if he had gotten back to us.

I waved at the young man to bring our check. And we walked home, disappointed that all we got were some fries with a sweet cheese sauce and two drinks that weren’t our first choice. Only one other couple came in with their daughter about 20 minutes after us. We were disappointed that a local restaurant that advertised such a wonderful menu couldn’t give us the service or food we so minimally require. I’ll give the place a ONE STAR only because of the young man who waited at our table so kindly and spoke to us through our Google translator app. Thanks, buddy!

Has anyone been to Canoso Sports Bar Restaurante in Chitré, Panama? If so, please give us your experience and rating. For now, I cannot recommend Canoso Sports Bar. I’ll give it a one-star ⭐ rating only for the young man who helped us. Our total bill came to $16.05 for an appetizer, 2 beers, and a wine spritzer (wasn’t red wine).

See them on Facebook. Phone: +507 6827-0507.