This casual American eatery situated within Balboa Park serves up hot & cold sandwiches plus beer.
Aparna MVL
Great restaurant with an amazing view. Vibe was on! String lights on! Live music was setting a beautiful mood. The balboa California tower was doing its magic under the night lights. It’s a whole feel. Definitely recommended. Food was good. We had fries and tofu sandwich. Brussel sprouts were good. Reasonably priced. Quantity was on the lighter side but just enough. The whole vibe compensates for this.
… morevib u
We tried most of the dishes they had, to be honest it the bland versions of everything. Like Mediterranean is pretty bland, pulled pork burger had some vinegar seasoning I believe which didn’t degraded the burger taste.
The tacos were pretty good.
I found too much of veggies on everything for no reason. Even the desserts were not actually great.
The ambience was wonderful with the historic buildings around. It’s a self service and u might have to order everything at once, or else u have to stand back in the line which is terrible, this is something I kind of hate when it’s tagged as a restaurant.
… moreMegan Hobratschk
A great place to stop for lunch in Balboa Park. Portions were generous for the price and everyone enjoyed what they ordered. The Park Burger seemed to be a very popular order, as we saw many being delivered to other tables.
As others have mentioned, this is a counter service restaurant where you order at a counter, pick a table to sit at, and then your food is brought to you. The outdoor seating was nice and great for people watching. This place is dog friendly.
… moreMatt Simpson
You’re paying for the location and ambience here, which I will say is top-notch. There’s something that just feels decidedly nice about sitting here on a sunny afternoon with a burger and a sangria. I love the back tables by the water and the sculpture garden (sadly closed when I was last here in January). The food feels a bit pricey for what it is and trends more toward the “ok” end of the scale IMHO, but again, love this location. If I want a finer dining experience in the park, I go to Artifact. If I want more affordable but delicious food in a less scenic atmosphere, I go to Craft Taco at the Nat.
The host and the cashier are great, as are the drinks.
No reservations, counter/bar service only, large groups may be difficult to seat during peak times.
… moreKlint Johnson
Great jazz place good food.
Food is delicious, well prepared and great service. We had the truffle fries which were very crispy and hot. The meat and cheese charcuterie board was massive with diverse options.
Music was top notch- really great quality live music.
The furnishings are not good, old and flimsy. The place needs a refresh.
… moreJulie S
P66 turned out to be a great place for lunch. The employees were very accommodating and prompt. It was a chilly day and we wanted to sit under heater but it wasn’t working, one of the runners checked it out and brought a new propane tank to get it working.
The prices are reasonable and the burgers & fries were delicious.
It is strictly outdoor dining so it wasn’t loud at all which was a plus.
… moreGlen Adamski
Panama 66 is one of those rare spots that nails the vibe for everyone—kids, adults, locals, and visitors wandering through Balboa Park. The location alone is unbeatable, tucked right into the San Diego Museum of Art courtyard with gorgeous open‑air seating and plenty of space for families to spread out. It’s genuinely kid‑friendly, with room for little ones to move around and a relaxed atmosphere that never feels stuffy.
The live music is a huge bonus. Whether it’s a mellow afternoon set or a lively evening performance, it adds just the right energy without overpowering conversation. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy great food while soaking in the park’s atmosphere and still keep an eye on the kids exploring nearby.
Their beer and wine selection is excellent—thoughtfully curated, with local craft options and interesting wines that pair perfectly with their menu. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a day in Balboa Park or to kick off a casual night out.
Panama 66 is one of those places that makes San Diego feel special: easygoing, artsy, family‑friendly, and full of good food, good drinks, and good music.
… moreB D
Great atmosphere with an amazing band, Sandpiper Ensemble, performing. The food and service were great too. The margarita was delicious and well balanced, with no unnecessary sugar.
… moreNate Ulsh
Came for an early lunch and was impressed with the space. It is tucked away in a great corner of the plaza between two unique buildings with a zenful garden space. Ambiance is nice, plenty of seating and good menu of items to pick from. The pulled pork sandwich was good, meat was moist. Staff was very amicable. You order at the cashier and find a seat. Quick service.
… moreWandering in Paradise
Enjoyed eating in the large and shaded outdoor patio at Panama 66 in Balboa Park. Great vibe, connected to a statue garden that is beautiful. We enjoyed the miso glazed salmon and pollo adobado tostadas. The wine was great too, we had the Sauvignon blanc and Albariño. Nice that it is dog friendly. Great place to stop when it’s too hot. Friendly and quick service. Recommend!
… more