Black Lion - Santiago de Veraguas

Super!

My wife and I are currently traveling in the Santiago area of Panama and decided to try out the Black Lion restaurant. I ordered the carne mixta, while my wife chose the spaghetti with marinara. However, when our food arrived, my wife's order was incorrect as she received spaghetti with shrimp and seafood in a white sauce instead of the marinara sauce she had requested. Despite informing the waitress of the mistake, she insisted that the order was correct. My wife, who does not enjoy seafood in her spaghetti, took a few bites before deciding not to eat it. When I tasted it myself, I found it to be fishy and unpleasant. Despite using Google Translator to clarify the sauce options with the waitress, she still insisted that the order was correct. In the end, we were charged for the incorrect dish and had to pay the full bill. Although it was only $10, it was disappointing to receive something we did not order. We felt that as foreigners in a different country, we were at the mercy of the merchants. Ultimately, I wanted to share our experience as a warning to others that while my dish was average, my wife's was inedible.

I had a fantastic Filet Cordon Bleu at this restaurant. The price was very reasonable and the dish melted in my mouth. The waitress was charming and Captain Bob, the host, was very entertaining. We will definitely stop here again on our way back.

The restaurant is located slightly east of Santiago and past the hospital, making it a bit out of the way. However, the meals are good and decent, and the atmosphere is quiet. Dinner is likely the best time to visit.

Shortly after leaving Santiago to Panama this restaurant is on the Interamericana highway with a large sign to show the location. I stopped on Halloween evening and was the only person in the restaurant. Several people were outdoors but I wanted to eat with the a/c room. The menu is typical Panamanian fare. The bar has a huge selection of liquors and wines. May dinner with a beer was a little over ten dollars. My friend suggested the filet or prime rib but I could not find them on the menu. I asked the waitress after my dinner and she said the filet cordon bleu was the filet carne. Oh well!, next time I will try this.