Passersby drawn in by El Weirdo’s bright murals would be forgiven for thinking they’ve stumbled upon an art gallery, as every surface is covered with the works of local artists—including a full wall of pieces for sale. But although the artwork is worth a visit in its own right, it’s the tacos and house-brewed beer that keep locals coming back to the brewpub in Historic Downtown Panama City.
El Weirdo got its start as a taco truck in the lot behind another local brewery, History Class Brewing Company, which is owned and operated by the same team. But in 2022, that team started scouting out potential locations for turning El Weirdo into a standalone location. They decided to turn the space into a celebration of the local art scene, with the help of more than a dozen artists.
The building exterior was painted by Morgan Elyce Summers, whose murals adorn a number of buildings throughout Panama City. In the taproom’s main seating area, patrons are flanked by a serpent-like giraffe emerging from a sneaker on one side and a smattering of cryptids on the other—the work of Christon Anderson and JD Justice, respectively. And a Lego sculpture of El Weirdo’s alien luchador mascot overlooks the service counter, courtesy of artist Alfredo Leon, who built the installation at age 12.
All told, the artists involved in the project spent eight months painting murals and building mixed-media installations, working side by side with the restaurant’s construction crew. The result is a building where a wall without artwork is a surefire sign you’ve wandered somewhere patrons aren’t supposed to be.
El Weirdo’s food offerings are still prepared in the original truck, and its eclectic fusion menu includes a wide variety of tacos as well as miso brussels sprouts, loaded nachos, and build-your-own quesadillas. Crowd favorites include chicken and steak tacos as well as “Wizard Fries,” which were invented when a hungry employee on break topped curly fries with chorizo and basically every taco ingredient within reach.
On tap you’ll find beers ranging from the experimental—like a milkshake IPA with notes of peach, mango, and vanilla, or an amber altbier with a flavor profile reminiscent of Mexican lager—to craft beer staples like a galaxy hop hazy IPA and a Mexican lager of a more traditional variety. El Weirdo also serves cocktails including margaritas and mojitos, as well as sangrias.
And before you leave, be sure to visit the bathrooms—even if you don’t have to go—as each one features a different immersive psychedelic theme.
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