A lively, no-frills tapas bar near Las Canteras beach serving cheap, cheerful Spanish and Canarian bites. Very popular with locals for an after-work beer and tapas.
Sidrería El Tío Bernabé is a lively, unpretentious tapas bar near the Las Canteras beach neighbourhood in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands' largest city. The name references a traditional sidrería — a cider bar — though the bar's focus is firmly on Canarian and Spanish tapas rather than cider specifically. Located on Calle Fernando Guanarteme, it serves the mixed residential and beach crowd of the Las Canteras area: locals returning from the beach, office workers finishing a shift, and tourists staying in the neighbourhood hotels. The food is straightforward and very cheap: tortilla española, croquetas in various fillings, papas alioli, and morcilla are the anchors of the menu. The croquetas are particularly popular — made in-house and available in several rotating flavours including bacalao (salt cod), jamón serrano, and mushroom. Papas alioli — potatoes with garlic mayonnaise — is one of the most-ordered items and a good benchmark of a tapas bar's kitchen standards. The beer is cold and cheap; draught options include Spanish lagers alongside the occasional Canarian local brew. The atmosphere is determinedly informal, noisy at peak times, and animated by conversation rather than music. Service is fast and the turnover is high. Prices are among the lowest near Las Canteras beach: a full evening of tapas and drinks per person rarely exceeds €14. It opens from 11:00 and operates without closing until midnight.
Good to know
- Hours
- 11:00–00:00 daily
- Reservations
- Not required
Location
Calle Fernando Guanarteme 40, 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
28.1316, -15.4374 View on map
Highlights
- In-house croquetas in rotating flavours including bacalao, jamón, and mushroom
- One of the cheapest tapas bars near Las Canteras beach — full evening under €14
- Classic tortilla española and papas alioli as reliable daily staples
- No-frills atmosphere favoured by local workers and beach-neighbourhood residents
- Open from 11:00 to midnight daily without a break
Tips for visiting
- The mid-afternoon lull between 16:00 and 19:00 is the quietest time — ideal for a relaxed tapa
- The croquetas sell out on busy evenings; arrive before 20:00 for the widest selection
- Pay by round rather than per item — the bar staff keep a tally on a paper tab
- Walk five minutes to Las Canteras beach after eating for the full Las Palmas evening experience
Accessibility
The bar is at street level on Calle Fernando Guanarteme with no entrance steps. The interior is narrow and can be congested during busy evening periods. Bar seating is counter-height; some lower tables are available at the rear. No adapted restroom facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Is El Tío Bernabé a traditional Spanish cider bar?
Despite the sidrería name, cider is not the focus. The bar operates as a standard tapas bar serving Canarian and Spanish small plates alongside beer and wine. The name is a traditional reference rather than a functional description.
Is the food made fresh on site?
The kitchen prepares the core tapas — croquetas, tortilla, papas — fresh each day. The croquetas in particular are made in-house and are considered the bar's standout offering.
Is it suitable for a full dinner or just snacks?
El Tío Bernabé works best as a tapas stop — four to six plates between two people — rather than a structured three-course dinner. The portions are small and intended for sharing and grazing.
How close is it to Las Canteras beach?
The bar is on Calle Fernando Guanarteme, one street back from the Las Canteras promenade. The beach is approximately a 5-minute walk.