Riga is a Baltic delight; original and, thankfully, still fairly unadulterated. The people of Riga are also delightfully positive – tourists feel welcome. Latvia’s long history as a beer country ensures that the tourist will not go thirsty.
Taprooms, pubs and beer restaurants from small breweries can be found all over Riga. Although prices have risen considerably in recent years – they are still affordable for a Finn. Beer tourists should not just stick to the tourist-populated Old Town, but dive deeper into this cheerful Baltic capital. Welcome to the best bars in Riga.
Bars in the Old Town of Riga
Riga’s stunning old town is a compact size – easy to walk around. It’s also a picturesque representation of the old Hanseatic city. The best bars in Riga are found here by many tourists, so there are plenty of tourists all year round, especially in summer.
Two More Beers
Kalēju iela 9-11, Riga, Latvia LV-1050
The interior of the large complex, which has been renovated to a modern look, is full of different types of lounges and dining rooms. The food in this beer restaurant is of an excellent standard. In addition to the traditional pub fare, the ambition extends to game dishes and mussels. The beer list is impressive; all over the world we go. Special emphasis on Estonian and Latvian microbreweries. In summer, the stunning courtyard terrace invites thirst-quenchers.
Folkklubs ALA Pargrabs
On the western side of the Old Town, in a forgotten side street, you descend the stairs into a dark basement and another world opens up. At 6pm on Monday, the big vaults began to fill with customers. And it wasn’t even band night! So it’s worth coming early or booking a table – whatever the day. Pure home cooking and a wide selection of farmhouse beers to go with it. The place is a legend, and for good reason.
Ms&Mr Beer
Mazā Miesnieku iela 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
The uniquely decorated bar serves up a Steam Punk catalogue. Old motorbike, car racks and antique compasses. Brass and solid wood. The eight taps feature some pretty big brands, but the bottle section has more marginal production from the likes of Latvian Malduguns. If you feel like singing, rock karaoke will make a relief.
KAĶIS MAISĀ
Torņa iela 4, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
This basement bar is not dusky, but the walls gleam with new white plaster. There are small and large vaulted rooms and a sunny terrace on the cobbled street in summer. This bar focuses on local microbreweries and you can sample them in small portions by the tasting menu. The available tap selection can be previewed on the bar’s website.
Bon-Vivant the Belgian Beer Cafe
Mārstaļu iela 8, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
Riga offers a wealth of Belgian beer halls. Bon-Vivant is certainly the most legendary example. Inside, it’s just as stunning as you might expect. Wood panelling, lounges and waiters in white shirts and aprons. The service is top notch. In addition to a wide selection of Belgian beers, the food is excellent. If you can’t get a reservation here, Bon-Vivant has a sister restaurant with the exact same concept and menu on the other side of the Old Town, called Gastro Pub Duvel’s.
Riga Centrs – the modern city centre
The “Centrs” outside Riga’s Old Town is a wider area. Typically square-shaped and representing newer architecture, it is not very inviting in appearance. However, the busy centre does offer a few rest stops worth mentioning for the beer drinker.
Stargorod Riga
Republikas Laukums 1, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
Just north of the Old Town, this Czech-style brewery-restaurant on the riverbank is huge. The restaurant’s Czech brewmaster has 35 years’ experience from breweries such as Budvar, Staropramen and Holesovice. There aren’t many beer options on the list, but they’re brought to the taps very fresh straight from the cellar, from the brewery’s own pils. The food is as you might expect; snappy, tasty and filling. Weekend evenings are packed with activity and entertainment. Stargorod also has a smaller bar in the old town.
Beer Museum
Dzirnavu iela 34a, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
A stylish creation. A couple of dozen taps greet you at the counter, mostly from the Belgian section. The range of glassware is accordingly varied. The bar’s own signature beers are also available. An impressive selection of whisky and rum too. This is a justifiable stop in the Art Neuveau districts.
Alus Celle
Baznīcas iela 35, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
A nice basement bar/bottle shop where the energetic owner is happy to tell you about Latvian and Riga beer trends. Beers from all over the world are available, with a few on tap. How about some of the trendiest and rarest products from Latvian microbreweries – at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Finland for example. Excellent musical taste as a bonus.
Sveiks, Švejk! -Gastropub
Stabu iela 23, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011, Latvia
It’s the Czech Republic – the wall says it all. The two-level beer restaurant serves pretty reasonable food and, of course, Czech beers. The warm atmosphere of a wooden bar and a glass of cold Pilsner Urquell. A guaranteed package deal.
Valmiermuiza Beer Embassy
Aristida Briāna iela 9a, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1001, Latvia
Taproom and bottle shop of the excellent Valmiermuiža brewery. 20 taps, 5 fresh Valmiermuiža and other Latvian crafties. More than 200 bottles! This is a great place to discover the production of the country’s microbreweries. You can taste the tap products in a cheap tasting set and of course the bottles are also available at the bar. A special mention for the world-class Valmiermuiža Baltic Porter.
Alus Krogs / 2 brothers
For an ultra-local bar experience, without the fear of tourist crowds, head to Alus Krogs. A pretty cool and rather large sports pub, it’s a gem of its kind. In taps, Brälis country-style fresh beers. If the diacetyl (butter/popcorn flavour) in the beer aromas don’t say anything, after these will. Truly delicious traditional dishes. At the very least, try the beans and bacon. Especially at lunch, the prices are really reasonable.
Outside the Riga city centre
Riga is a surprisingly big city. It is not limited to the Old Town or the central districts. Great beer spots are dotted all over the city, even further away from the centre.
Alus Rūme Trofeja
Avotu iela 74, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1009, Latvia
Now creativity is at its peak! Dill saison and peppermint beer. Trofeja’s brewery and its adjoining taproom shows Reinheitsgebot the finger. In summer, the stunning courtyard terrace is popular with locals. Friendly service, very reasonable prices too.
Nurme Brewery & Taproom
Vagonu iela 21, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1009, Latvia
In the heart of the deepest blocks of a factory district that has seen its best days, you’ll find a modernised bright spot; the Nurme brewery and adjoining taproom. Nurme’s beer style is clearly of the more conservative variety. Apart from a couple of excesses, the brewery makes a clean, low-key finish and beers that everyone can enjoy. There are many delicious Yankee-style beers and a rather interesting take on Baltic Porter with walnuts. A great place to visit for craft beer lovers.
1983
Vagonu iela 21 Riga, Latvia-LV-1009
The bar looks as if it has been dropped here straight from the trendy districts of Berlin. Urban decadence and recycled chairs. Music nights and a great atmosphere on the summer terrace. The location is in the backyard of the Nurmi House, so it’s worth combining the two visits. The strong beer list is excellent. Top German lagers from Mahrs and monastery breweries. Pilsner Urquell on tap. And the prices are reasonable.
Last Updated on February 3, 2025 by Flavorado
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