riga pubs: the best bars in riga
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Welcome to the Drink in the Sights Guide to the best pubs in Riga. Riga has been a staple destination for stag and hen parties for years. And it's easy to see why with its cluster of high quality pubs in the beautiful Riga Old Town, and relatively low prices. The craft beer scene has been brewing along nicely here, and there's certainly more than enough places to enjoy a pint. A couple of the bars in particular are truly unique, and in one you can even play with a bazooka. But that's not where we're going to start our guide to the best bars in Riga.
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Riga Pubs
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Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs
This absolutely massive, and genuinely wonderful Restaurant/pub is everything you could want from a bar. In the cult film Donnie Darko they claim the most beautiful phrase in the English language is cellar door. I think we can do better by saying the most beautiful phrase in the English language is cellar bar.
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I've always had a thing for underground bars, and this one is the best I've ever been to. They have dozens of local beers, and both dark ones are excellent, while the food is by far the best in Riga. The prices are below average, and the setting is stunning. If you're planning to eat either arrive early or book a table, as every local and tourist wants a piece of this bar. They also have live bands on some nights, and the ones we saw certainly only added to the experience. The staff are friendly and helpful, despite the constantly busy nature of the bar, and the whole place just has a great feel to it. This is an absolute must while in Riga. It's not only one of the best pubs in Riga, but one of the best pubs in Europe.
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The Armoury
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Have you ever thought you know what would make a great combination... guns and beer? No, well think again. This bar is the perfect combination of two of mankind's most dangerous creations. I feel I should point out that all the guns have been rendered inoperable, so there's no actual danger of a mass shoot out, but still it all feels pretty cool.
I'm not even a gun person, I've never felt the need to know what it feels like to hold one, but when I saw the bazooka lying on the floor I couldn't resist picking it up. Behind the bullet filled bar are 10 beers to choose from and a few bottles, so you wont go thirsty. The barman is excellent, knows his stuff and will let you play with his weaponry. That's not a euphemism. A truly unique drinking experience and beyond any doubt one of the best bars in Riga. |
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Distillers Republic
Back under ground we go to this wonderful cellar bar. With more beers available than most people would be able to get through, a bearded barman that looks like he belongs in a London hipster pub, and a great atmosphere. What's not to like? Well I guess the fact that it's mainly bottles, but we can live with that. This truly is one of the best pubs in Riga.
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Alkimikis
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This really is where to drink beer in Riga and an absolute must for craft beer enthusiasts, this wonderful microbrewery has beers for all tastes in a lovely setting. Their stout is full bodied, and as black as they come, while the Porter Pasaules Galins is also a good choice for the dark beer drinker. Don't worry I asked my friends and have been reliably informed the IPA is also high quality. The bar also doubles as a restaurant, all the food looked good, and the people eating it seemed happy, although with these beers to wash it down with who wouldn't be? The interior is really nice and modern, and having the brewing equipment on show is always a nice touch. Truly one of the best bars in Riga.
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Riga Bars
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Labietis
This is another microbrewery in Riga with a few locations dotted around. The main bar is a 30 minutes walk from the center, and while nice, it's not really worth the trek given that you can sit and have the same beer in an old aircraft hanger which has been converted into a market in the old town. All the usual craft beer tastes are catered for, with the exception of gluten free, which doesn't really seem to be a thing in Riga. Although most bars will have an import or cider. The beers are all pleasant enough, but if you're not going out to the main bar keep in mind that the smaller central one is only open during the day. Labietis bars are among the best bars in Riga.
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Kwakinn
If Belgium beer is your tipple of choice you'll have everything your heart can desire in the Kwakinn. It's a lovely bar with good staff, and it's also where I discovered the joy of Kronenbourg Blanc for the first time. Where has this been all my life? As with any Belgium bar keep in mind the percentages tend to be high, despite most the beers tasting of dessert. This is a great Riga pub. If you like Belgium beer this is where to drink in Riga.
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Skyline Bar
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Lets be honest the beer selection here is pretty woeful, so you have the simple choice of lager or lager, so why's it on the list? This bar has the best views in Riga. Forget going up church towers or science academy buildings, at 6 euros a person. Come here, spend the money on a pint, and drink in the sights. The views are so good even the urinals have a window next to them. Even though it's not got many beers it's still one of the best bars in Riga.
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A few other Riga pubs of note are Trompete, a pretty cool Jazz bar with a nice beer garden, and a pretty solid 8-10 beers on tap at any time. I actually think it's one of the best pubs in Riga but I forgot to take any photos of it which is disappointing.
Easy Beer, which is one of a few bars popping up around Europe where you prepay on entry, and then use the card to pour your own drinks. This allows you to try as many as you like. There were 20 beers on tap, and if you don't mind paying a little extra than you normally would, it's a great way to sample a large selection.
Finally Beerhouse number 1 has a pretty solid selection of both Latvian and Belgium beers making it one of the best bars in Riga
Easy Beer, which is one of a few bars popping up around Europe where you prepay on entry, and then use the card to pour your own drinks. This allows you to try as many as you like. There were 20 beers on tap, and if you don't mind paying a little extra than you normally would, it's a great way to sample a large selection.
Finally Beerhouse number 1 has a pretty solid selection of both Latvian and Belgium beers making it one of the best bars in Riga
I hope you found my guide to the best pubs in Riga useful. Now you know where to drink beer in the city it's down to you to go visit them all.
Please also check out my guide to all the best Riga Sights and if you're visiting more Baltic states why not check out the top Vilnius Attractions and these Vilnius Pubs.