If you are looking for a more budget-end Ibiza lunch, or a cheeky cocktail while waiting for your boat to come in, you could do a lot worse than pop into Palapa on the bustling San Antonio quayside and watch the world go by. Part of the spanking new portside, it’s a cheerful little spot with a cheery, beach hut vibe. A quick hop and skip from the free parking areas and right slam-bang next to the famous San Antonio Egg. Could not be a more central place to meet, right in the crook of the elbow of the bay.
Street food with sea views
Tacos, nachos, burgers and surfboards. It’s a pretty simple idea and done well. It’s clean and basic. They’ve been following the ‘Street Food’ trends and have vamped up the burger van idea into a sit-down chiringuito. They’ve even reconditioned school furniture that is all the rage with East London’s beards. The bathrooms are brand new, comfortably accommodating wheelchair users and have baby change shelves too. The bar is well stocked and the cocktail list good. The beer is cold and the welcome is warm. Wallop. Job well done.
Simple & affordable
Sangria was ordered for daytime vibes – made from concentrate but still a refreshing beverage done with cava. Palapa is in my good books because it is not trying to be anything fancy. It’s a simple beach hut with a simple menu, and best of all, affordable when the old ‘la cuenta’ comes in. Plenty here for vegetable heads as well as burger bears. The nachos and tacos all come in veggie options too.
Jolly & friendly
Turn your face into the sun and there could not be a better spot if, like me, you like a nice boat and a working port. All the San Antonio watersports have kiosks along this part of the promenade, so Palapa is a great spot for your gang to gather while you decide which watery death you want to go out in a blaze of glory with. If that is too gothic for you just kick back in your chair, cos the main quayside drag is right there in front of your table. It’s a beach hut with no beach. A quayside surf-spot with no surfers. But jolly and friendly as a local boozer.
Sports screens are there so you won’t miss anything. When night falls the music is turned up and the freaks come out. Good spot to sit and take it all in before you make your choice of weapons for the long shift into the dark.
Sunshine vibes in a simple, cheap and friendly spot. Simples innit guv.
Fast Facts
Location: The Port of San Antonio, right by the EGG
Open for: Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day all summer
Veggie options: Yes
Family-friendly: Absolutely.
Disabled access: Excellent
Price range: Budget. Expect to pay around €8-15 for some tasty street food & a cool drink
Parking: Free car-park opposite Ibiza Rocks bar is closest
Contact: Call 615 03 68 19
Bookings: Not necessary
Top tip: Amazing spot for people watching and gazing dreamily upon that gorgeous Balearic Sea. Check out the smoothies!
Words | Tim Sheridan Images | Palapa, San Antonio, Ibiza
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