Local pubs
We start our guide to the best local bars with places most beloved by locals: simple, authentic and 100% delicious.
Auss
/ A small bar with a novus game /
Auss is a small bar which is adored by the locals. Located in the city centre, the bar always has good music from Latvian DJs. The national game novus is also here. If these three arguments did not assure you to visit Auss, we promise you that beer here is also beyond praise.
Address: Ģertrūdes iela, 59
1983
/ Bar in an abandoned building /
1983 is a very unique bar which is set in an abandoned building. Bare walls, minimalistic interior and simple furniture give this place the atmosphere of a secret club. If you want to have a beer and stay in an informal atmosphere, make sure you visit this place.
Address: Vagonu iela, 21
Ala Pagrabs
/ Hemp-honey beer and cheese plate /
Ala Pagrabs is based in a cosy basement with brick walls and vintage posters. The most outstanding and at the same time the most delicious beer here is hemp-honey beer. You can try it with delicious Latvian cheeses, which are served here as a snack.
Address: Peldu iela, 19
Nurme bar
/ Craft beer, blue walls /
Nurme bar is run by a local gypsy brewer named Nurme. Here, you can order five local beers for just 7 euros – or choose one of dozens of other local bottled brews.
Address: Avotu iela, 53
Čē
/ Bar of creative intelligentsia /
Čē is a gathering spot for intellectuals and artists. This pub has reasonable prices and a cosy patio, which is ideal for spending time in the summer.
Address: Dzirnavu iela, 82
Alus Rūme Trofeja
/ Light beer with unusual flavours /
Alus Roon Trophy is a microbrewery with excellent craft beer. At the same time it functions as a shop and tavern. The beer that the owner of this place prepares is very light and pleasant. Here, you can taste beer and cider with lemon, cranberry and even passion fruit flavours.
Address: Avotu iela, 74
Lauvas Alus
/ The best beer store in the city /
Lauvas Alus sells more than 200 beers from 30 Latvian craft breweries, as well as glasses and souvenirs. A very nice bonus – here you can try everything right on the spot. So it will be much easier to decide on your purchase later on.
Address: Tallinas iela, 30
Labietis
Labietis is a remarkable Latvian bar which can be found in three places in Riga.
Taproom Labietis
/ The place where it all began /
The bar has an atmosphere of the tavern and easy informal style of communication. You can watch how the local delicious (and very high-quality) beer is brewed with your own eyes: as one of the walls separating the bar and the brewery is transparent.
Address: Aristida Briana iela, 9A-2
Centralmarket Branch
/ The shrine of beer in the Riga church of gastronomy /
If you consider yourself a real food and drink connoisseur, the Riga Central Market is a must-see place for you. Another Labietis can be found here, this time as both – a tavern and a store.
Miezis un Kompānija
/ Modern place in the historical district of Riga /
The third part of the ‘heart’ of Labietis beats in the Old Town. Here you can taste both classics and avant–garde beer trends: 10 beers are reserved for craft breweries in Latvia, and 10 for the beer from all around the world.
Address: 13. Janvāra iela, 21
Tourist bars
In this top we have collected beer bars which are especially popular among tourists. The atmosphere in these places is more familiar but the beer is no less delicious.
Kwakinn Riga
/ The best cherry beer in the city /
If you happen to be near the Riga Cathedral, go to Kwakinn. They claim that the bar has the best Belgian cherry beer in the whole city. Belgian dishes from the menu are worth to try: mussels, waffles, frites, salads and soups of Wallonia and Flanders.
Address: Gleznotāju iela, 2
Jauniela, 13
Alus Celle
/ The Beer Gourmet’s Mecca /
This atmospheric shop offers a large variety of beer from around the world. You can sample the range that interests you right there. Even if you are accompanied by a large group of people, the owner of Alus Celle will always make time to advise you and suggest craft beer based on your preferences.
Address: Baznīcas iela, 35
Beer house № 1
/ Three in one: beer, food, entertainment /
There are more than 60 different beers to choose from! The bar is housed in a beautiful old building and the interior is as stylish as it is at the best European breweries. The bar also offers a wide range of fish and meat dishes, salads and snacks. If you want something authentic while in Riga, this place will satisfy all your needs. Meanwhile the staff will make you feel comfortable and cared for. The bar regularly broadcasts sporting events and film quizzes, so all fans of such entertainment will enjoy themselves here.
Address: Kaļķu iela, 11
Armoury Bar
/ Atmospheric place above the roofs of the Old Town /
One of the most popular and recognizable bars in Riga is Armoury Bar. It looks more like an arsenal than a classic beer bar. However, craft beer is highly praised here and people line up for it nearly every day. Also, if after a beer you want to switch to something stronger, you can indulge in it as a large menu with alcoholic beverages is there for you.
Address: Vecpilsētas iela, 11
Brooklyn pub and whiskey room
/ Bar in American Style /
If you want to see how Latvians interpret the atmosphere of American classic bars, you should go to Brooklyn Pub and Whiskey Room. You can always watch hockey games and enjoy juicy beef meals here (try to cope with the huge portions that are served here). This pub is located in a basement in a quiet part of town, which is a pleasant bonus if you want to have a drink and think about life.
Address: Lāčplēša iela, 35
Paddy Whelan`s
/ The best Irish pub in Riga /
It’s no secret that the Irish are beer culture ambassadors. As a result, a list of the best beer bars would be incomplete without mentioning the Irish pub. This bar is located right in the middle of Old Town. Folks come here for the delicious beer, the atmosphere, and the broadcast of football or hockey games.
Address: Grēcinieku iela, 4
The Backpackers Pub
/ A piece of Australia in the centre of Riga /
The Backpackers Pub is located on the ground floor of a small student hostel. It belongs to Australians who, having missed their homeland, recreated the atmosphere of their hometown right in the centre of Latvia. There are always parties with live music, which gather beer lovers from all over the world.
Address: Valnu Iela, 43
Stargorod
/ Czech Brewery /
Stargorod is a bar with a huge selection of different beers and its own restaurant in the best traditions of Czech cuisine. This bar is located in an old building that has been preserved since the Northern War. You can also watch the brewing process here. Beer is brewed here exclusively according to traditional Czech technologies.
Address: Republikas laukums, 1
