Black & White Piano Bar
This family-run bar has been keeping the live music flowing in Puerto Rico since 1984. Its location on the first-floor of an open-air shopping centre may not be the most obvious party venue but that’s part of its charm: it’s a bolthole for music lovers of all varieties. International pianists make nightly appearances at the bar’s lipstick-red grand piano; visitors can expect dancing and sing-a-longs into the wee hours, with the balcony doors flung wide open.
CCC Puerto Rico , Puerto Rico
facebook.com/BlackWhite-Piano-Bar
Paddy’s Beach Bar
Eyeing the surf from an Irish classic
No Spanish bar round-up would be complete without a Paddy’s. This one has all the requisite Guinness paraphernalia and nostalgic Ireland travel posters, but also a prime spot right on the sands of Maspalomas. It’s the kind of basic set-up where drinkers can happily stick their toes in the sand, legs still encrusted in sea salt from a paddle. Live sport is often on the TV and there’s also weekly live music.
cc Oasis Local 24, Maspalomas
paddysbeachbar.com
Olivia Lounge
Pick your delicious botanical poison at this classy joint
Close enough to Puerto de Mogán’s pretty quayside to hear the boat masts clinking in the breeze, Olivia Lounge is a posh cocktail bar in the southwest of Gran Canaria that prides itself on stocking a vast array of gins and whiskies. Fine spirits are just the tip of the iceberg here, and staff delight in dressing the elaborate drinks so that they’re Instagram-worthy.
Local 383/384, Puerto de Mogán, Mogán
olivia-lounge.com
Atelier Cocktail Bar
Atelier might be the bougiest bar on GC
Not all hotel bars are created equal, and this one in Playa del Inglés feels a cut above. It’s on the rooftop of the five-star Bohemia Suites & Spa design hotel, giving a unique vantage point to gawp at Maspalomas’ broad sand dunes during the day. Resident DJs play chill-out house and as an adults-only space it’s popular with couples, particularly when the sun goes down and the lights of the town start to twinkle like a blanket of stars. The cocktails here are a serious business, too.
Avenida Estados Unidos, 28, Playa del Inglés
ateliercocktailbar.com
The Paper Club
Down a few before you get down at Triana's premier music bar
In the fashionable downtown Triana area of Las Palmas, many a good night has kicked off under the low collonaded roof of the Paper Club. This neon-lit restaurant-terrace venue has carved out a niche as a home for live music in the capital. The line-up is guaranteed to be eclectic, ranging from international DJs to rock tribute bands, drumming quartets and even stand-up comedy.
Calle Remedios, 10, Las Palmas
facebook.com/thepaperclubcanarias
Crazy Horse Bar
This good-time saloon bar has amassed a loyal following thanks to its friendly service, fun atmosphere and bargain happy hours (check its Facebook page for times). Sitting high above Puerto Rico bay, it’s also one of the best lookout spots in town. There’s a huddle of outdoor terrace tables, but the best views are inside, where tables beneath billowing country flags sit beside huge windows with views down to the coast.
Calle Tasartico, 11, Puerto Rico
facebook.com/Crazy-Horse-Saloon-Bar