Riga, Latvia’s capital, is set on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava. It's considered a cultural center and is home to many museums and concert halls. The city is also known for its wooden buildings, art nouveau architecture and medieval Old Town. The pedestrian-only Old Town has many shops and restaurants and is home to busy Livu Square, with bars and nightclubs.
Riga has three methods of public transportation – tram, trolleybus and bus.
Public transport operates between 5:30 and 23:30. Timetables, fares and purchase information are available in Latvian and English at www.rigassatiksme.lv (due to frequent cyber-attacks, the website is currently not accessible from foreign servers).
Bus route No 22 , which travels on the route "Riga" airport to the city center, is the only route where the ticket can also be bought from the transport vehicle driver. Payment for the ticket is with a bank payment card only, ticket price - 2€.
On bus route No. 22, it is also possible to use the other types of tickets which can be bought in advance at kiosks or ticket machines.
It is possible to purchase the following types of tickets:
A 90-minute ticket
It can be used for 90 minutes, with the option to travel on any tram, trolleybus or bus route (a ticket must be registered each time another public transport vehicle (tram, trolleybus, bus) is entered). Registration of the last ticket can be made in the 89th minute from the first registration and is valid up to the final stop.
a 24-hour ticket EUR 5,00,
a three-day ticket EUR 8,00,
a five-day ticket EUR 10,00,
one-month ticket EUR 30,00.
All tickets must be registered each time another public transport vehicle (tram, trolleybus, bus) is entered! Passengers without a valid ticket are subject to penalty fare of 15 to 30 euros.
So Riga has 12 Brewpubs as of April 2024, so we will start with these and then a few of the best bars to visit, so lets grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and let the adventure begin;
Alus Darbnīca Labietis, Aristida Briāna iela 9a, Centra rajons
Open; Mon - Thurs 15.00 - 00.00 Fri - Sun 13.00 - 02.00
An industrial designed brewpub set inside a compound with other cool cafes and bars, a short walk from the town centre. An interesting selection of craft beers, friendly and knowledgeable staff and overall the place has a nice relaxed vibe. The bar itself is the usual industrial hipster chic that we've all come to expect from craft beer bars! Nice interior, good patio with bit odd but charming seating. Good prices. Essential because Labietis makes wonderful, tasty unique beers and they are fresh here, good selection here, one off experimental. They also have two (2) other sites in Riga;
Labietis Centrāltirgus Atzars, Centrāltirgus iela 1, Sakņu paviljons
Open: Daily 10.00 - 18.00
If you like craft beers visit this stall at the central market. It's a sales point for the brewery which can also be found in Riga (^above^) and also worth a trip. Located on a corner of one of the middle halls of this very impressive market. Super friendly and great value for the beer! Closes around 5/6pm, so get their early! Day drinking, yea! 🙌🏼 One star knocked off as you have to pay 50c to use the WC! (Beware "Bog Trolls").
Sidrērija, Peldu iela 24, Centra rajons
Open: Wed - Fri 17.00 - 00.00 Sat 14.00 02.00 Sun 12. 23.00
A cutesy, relaxed cider bar on the edge of the old town, with a chilled atmosphere and good service from the barman. Mostly ciders but they did have three Latvian craft beers on. Flights of 4 ciders with 8 taps on the menu. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Old style interior with a cosy atmosphere with a summer terrace. Menu Pizza & BBQ Also a live music venue.
FTD Pizza, Tērbatas iela 20, Centra rajons
Open: Daily 12.00 - 22.00
A hipster craft pizza place near the Old Town. They have 9 taps with Arpus craft beer on draft, flights available, but only for 6 first beers (no custom flight), but they have mostly rotating taps. Flight is 9.5€ and comes with some olives. Table service only. When it comes to Pizza, they all have favourites. You can split the pizza into two toppings!
Alus darbnīca TEIKA, Brīvības iela 348, Vidzemes priekšpilsēta
Open: Mon - Thurs 16.00 - 22.00 Fri - Sun 14.00 - 22.00
For the small size of the establishment, they provide 10 different beers, which can most likely fulfil your expectancies. The bartender will not only offer you to try all of the beers, but will tell you about each and every one in detail, and will assist with finding the appropriate match. Located away from the Center take a tram from center it takes about 20 minutes + 10 minutes walking.
Nurme Brewery & Taproom, Vagonu Iela 21
Open: Tues - Sun 17.00 00.00
A modern craft bar, located somewhat away from the center, but not far from Trofeja tap room. No sign outside, but the only lively place in area? It will take some time to find. To go from the street to the courtyard located in an old warehouse complex. An interesting place with 12 available kinds of craft beer, as well as food truck with good food and another bar, where non beer lovers can have their choice of drinks. Friendly service, 6x flight is 12€, so not too bad. Ok to visit when in the area.
Alus Rūme Trofeja, Avotu iela 74, Latgales priekšpilsēta
Open: Daily 17.00 - till late!
A dive bar / brewery, (thats actually the smallest nano brewery in Latvia) that is a really cosy and friendly local's bar with a nice choice of ciders and beers. Cool rock music playing and friendly staff behind the bar. About 7 taps, no flights but you can get free samples. A great vibe to this place, less crafty than most other new places in Riga. Plus great Pizza
Brūzis Manufaktūra, krogs, Brīvības iela 401c, Vidzemes priekšpilsēta
Open: Tues - Fri 16.00 - 22.00 Sat - Sun 11 - 22.00
A modern big hispetry beer bar quite far away from the center. You can take a tram from city center and easy get to Brūzis Manufaktūra. From the outside it is industrial building which has been renovated. It's a nice cosy local brewey offering all the standard types of beers. The building is restored from the abandoned dead, the skeleton has been renovated and the atmosphere is sort of friendly urban vibes, really nice place. Service is great, menu is huge, many foods to choose from. Otto says; If you’re hungry take the Donner plate. The APA beer is light and goes good with it. Definitely we recommend a visit to this place.
Stargorod Riga - Czech brewery, Republikas Laukums 1, Centra rajons
Open; Tues - Thurs 14.00 - 00.00 Fri - Sun 12.00 - 00.00
A very touristy place quite a long walk from the old town. A massive size, Russian chain style brewpub! Made up to look like Oktoberfest. Their beers are available in a flight. It is delicious fresh grainy lager, even the weakest and palest 3.5% one was tasty and characterful. Great German style food and friendly staff.
LIDO, Krasta iela 76, Latgales priekšpilsēta
Open: Daily 11.00 - 21.00
A large place with multiple outdoor recreation things intended for tourists. Lido Leisure Centre is renowned for offering a wide range of Latvian and international dishes. Often specializes in traditional Latvian cuisine, allowing both locals and tourists to experience authentic flavors. The ambiance is often casual and welcoming. The brewery is downstairs. They have their core beers here available. The LIDO brewery, crafts fresh beer according to the recipes of the LIDO brewers. A Light, Special, Festive, Full Moon and Mead. Visitors to the LIDO Beer Cellar can watch the process of brewing. LIDO beer is available at LIDO restaurants and shops. So not really worth coming 'cause you can get them in city as well? Service was friendly enough and prices reasonable. Not a beer destination, but when in the area, it's worth having a pint there?
Rozengrāls (Vinarium civitatis rigensis), Rozena iela, Centra rajons
Open: Daily 12.00 - 23.00
You will be transported back in time! This medieval restaurant is an immersive experience in every sense. From the decor to the serving style, it truly feels like stepping into history. Located in the centre of Old Riga. These premises were mentioned in the scripts in 1293 as the most ancient wine-vault and festival place of the Riga City! In the largest room of the restaurant with a 4-meter high arches is still the only well in Riga and medieval fragment of the first defensive wall, built in 1201! It has five beer cavens, the ambiance of its flickering torches and period music creates an enchanting atmosphere. The food, served in traditional fashion, is delicious and authentic.They offer four of their own beers. Such a cool place to have dinner! It was a bit more expensive than the rest of the places in Riga however it was definitely worth it.
Colonel Brew Pub & Kitchen, Meistaru iela 23, Centra rajons
Open: Daily 12.00 - 23.00 or later?
A delightful dining experience is waiting for you at the restaurant "Colonel." Well situated in the Old Town. The atmosphere is nice, great chandeliers made out of former windows. Interesting walls with money from all over the world stuck all over. Lots of cosy nooks to sit in plus a huge terrace for outside drinking. Plus a fuss ball table opposite the bar. Very good food, decent prices. The friendliness of the staff is second to none! They do two beers a light and a dark.
Brūveris (Alus Tirdzniecibas Grupa), Podraga iela 1a Riga
A large commercial brewery
Ilgezeem Valdeku, Valdeķu Iela 62a
Open: Daily 12.00 - 20.00
An excellent opportunity to buy various types of kvass, including concentrate. The store is located on the territory of the plant on the side of the street on the road to Bolderaja. There is no queue, the kvass is sold without a discount, but the taste of the product is closer to the real taste. Also has other outlets in the city.
BEERA Bar, Ģertrūdes iela 39, Centra rajons
Open: Mon - Thurs 17.00 - 00.00 Fri 16.00 - 02.00 Sat-Sun 14.00 - 23.00
One of the best craft beer bars in Riga. A very nice local bar in the middle of Riga craft beer district, just a short walk or a couple of stops with the tram, outside old town. Nice to sit outside a warm afternoon listen to cool music and just browse through the tap list. Flights are available and its not difficult to pick five different new ones from the tap menu. Also fits into the Nurme-Labietis run quite conveniently, and makes the crawl way harder, as there will be ticks every time I'm sure. Friendly and expert customer service. Certainly a must do visit!
Alus Muiža, Ģertrūdes iela 45, Centra rajons
Open: Daily 16.00 till late
Just north of the Old Town, this was a great first stop in town. 10 beers on tap, all Latvian; 0.3 and 0.5L pours served. A smallish place but it has recently expanded, so no space issues, stylish, local and quite place. Cool music. Good beer friendly staff and customers. No food but you can bring your own from nearby take away.
Ala Pagrabs, Peldu iela 19, Centra rajons
Open: Mon - Fri 16.00 - Late! Sat - Sun 14.00 - Later!
A hip, subterranean hangout with Latvian pub fare, lots of beer and Folk musician playing regulaly in this ancient bar/restaurant that has a bit of a medieval vibe? A cavernous feeling as you enter down the stairs, and it stays that way, vaulted ceilings, a very big place. Decoration is stunning, it transfers you Back in time. Food is very good, plus some interesting local beers on tap from their 2 bars. Fast service, will for sure revisit.
Craft Beer Station, Lubānas iela 113C, Latgales priekšpilsēta
Open: Mon - Fri 16.00 - 23.00 Sat - Sun 14.00 - late
An excellent place ! In a interesting area? Take bus #3 and go visit. They have 12 taps rotating with Latvian, Polish and other regional brews. Around 90 beers in bottle and can as well. Possible to buy growlers as well. A nice design inside. Inside its literally made like train station. Please take in account that this place doesn't have a kitchen (yet?), but you can bring food or order it from any delivery service directly to your table.
Salons MyBeer, Alksnāja iela 10/12, Centra rajons
Open: Daily 16.00 - 23.00
This place is a bit off the beaten path but has good vibes and a pretty extensive selection of local beers from the Baltic regions. It is Family run and they organize beer tastings and thematic events. Live music evenings. Brain Games and a Joke Club. The owner is more than happy to help you find beers to your liking. Otto Says; Great selection of beer and a cosy place. Go there😊
Valmiermuižas alus vēstniecība Aristida Briāna ielā, Aristida Briāna iela 9a, Centra rajons
Open: Sun - Thurs 12.00 - 21.00 Fri-Sat 11.00 - 00.00
Located in a parking lot behind Labietis. A modern place, quite an upper-scale restaurant feel to the place. Also a large brewery with a bottle shop attached, friendly professional service. Selection is almost entirely Valmiermuiža obviously, they have some interesting traditional beer and the tap quality was great so definitely worth checking out in my opinion. A great place to try Valmiermuiža beers in prime quality. A half-dozen taps, plus some more bottles. They do flights, but it's 4 x 0.2L plus snacks for €12.90, so not cost effective. Staff are happy to give free samples. You can book a brewey tour around 14 Euro lasts around 2 hours a few beers included.
Valmiermuižas alus vēstniecība Āgenskalna tirgū, Nometņu iela 64, Zemgales priekšpilsēta
Open:Daily 10.00 to 17.00 later weekend?
The second Valmiermuizas beer embassy is located on the first floor of Agenkala market. There you can buy and taste craft beer and other beverages from various Latvia breweries. Good place to visit and taste some Latvia craft beer.
Vest, Bāriņu iela 29, Zemgales priekšpilsēta
Open:Daily 10.00 - 23.00
A market bar, with a good choice of local beers and coffees, small menu. Staff do their job? Great value and might as well have a look in if visiting the above bar^^
Banshee, Skārņu iela 11, Centra rajons
Open: Wed - Thurs 17.00 - 00.00 Fri - Sun 16.00 - 02.00
The Banshee. Named after the amazing show from Cinemax. A very cool place to sit with friends and explore a wide selection of on tap beers (untapped integration). Don't like beer? No problem, this place has the best Latvian gin and Latvian rum. They have also tasty cider choices. 😊 On the second floor you can go play Novus [Latvian pool] or Foosball. The bartenders are amazing, attentive, with a lot of knowledge and the possibility to taste before ordering. Excellent music too. Strongly recommended.
KAĶIS MAISĀ, Torņa iela 4, Centra rajons
Open: Mon - Thurs 16.00 - 22.00 Fri - Sun 14.00 - 00.00
A cosy craft beer bar in the Riga Old Town. With a big variety of tap beers and also bottled beers. A great place for Latvian craft beer. All beers are on a TV screen and the bar is also linked to the Untappd beer tasting app. Service is friendly and nice vibes. Reasonable prices. Recommend the tasting flight.
Ms&Mr Beer, Mazā Miesnieku iela 1, Centra rajons
Open: Thurs - Fri 17.00 - 23.00 Sat - Sun 15.00 - 21.00
A cool local spot to stop by with a few friends. There are a lot of unique decor items in this small bar, such as the old car turned into high tables with stools, plus some cool old motorcycles. Even the toilets have some decor you would never expect hahaha! There are a few beer snacks. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Otto says; A great beer selection in a fantastically quirky but brilliant interior.
Walters & Grapa, Miera iela 41, Centra rajons
Open: Daily 18.00 - 01.00
An amazing pub in Riga. A great selection of beers and awesomely weird music! They have several backgammon sets for the customers to play. A nice peaceful place where you can hang out with your friends. It's quite a small place, but nice and cosy.
lofts, Matīsa iela 8, Centra rajons
Open: Mon - Sat 17.00 - 23.00
This place is a bit of a hidden gem? It is located on the 2nd floor of an old manufacturing building. You don't notice it from the street and have to go into the courtyard. Yet it's very nice place for craft beer lovers. Very chill and cosy rooftop terrace with a great atmosphere and tasteful interior. Great service and affordable local bear. Well worth a visit for sure.
Lucky Beer House, restorāns, Grēcinieku iela 13, Centra rajons
Open: Daily 10.00 - 21.00 or later?
Located near the church in the Old town. A nice atmosphere inside the bar-restaurant. The jolly staff doing their best to go beyond the gimmicky 'casino' costumes and interior. Great cuisine, at resnable prices plus 18 types of beer will make your day/evening even better!
Tallinas Kvartāla Angārs, Tallinas iela 10, Centra rajons
Open: Mon - Fri 14.00 - 23.00 Sat - Sun 11.00 - 04.00
Located in a street full of bars, clubs and restaurants were all the walls are painted in art and graffiti, often attracting a great deal of students and tourists. It gives you a very chill vibe, and the music is loud, so if you're fond of quiet places this isn't the one. But if you're looking to hangout over the weekends, this is the place to be. It also has a silent disco bar, super cool. There is a variety of different street food and beers. Surely a place to visit, especially in evening.
I hope you found my guide to the brewpubs and bars in Riga useful?
Now you just need to get yourself out there and start the beer adventure for yourself!
Go grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and support your local brewers!
