Craft Beer Riga: 8 Riga Bars Serving Local Beer

We believe there are few better ways to get a taste of homegrown flavor than to sample the local brew. It just so happens that some of the best bars in Riga, Latvia are serving up just that!

We’re not talking about the country’s mass-produced lagers that are guzzled in Riga pubs. We were much more interested in the unique tastes of the craft beer Riga scene – and we found 8 Riga bars serving up excellent and locally produced microbrews!

 

Craft Beer Riga Tips

Before you set off on your Riga Ale Trail, let’s lay out some basic information and important tips! Short on time in Riga? Maximize your craft beer consumption by creating your own Riga bar crawl. Visit the craft beer bars in the Old Town or the three bars to the north for a fun evening of Riga bar hopping!

 

Riga Craft Beer Bar Locations

Our recommended places to visit in Riga for craft beer are located throughout the city. Five are Riga Old Town bars and three are to the northeast of the city center, but well-worth the effort to get to!

Find your way to the craft beer bars in Riga, Latvia this Google Map. Note: This is not a walking route. Rearrange the list to your liking to create a walkable route that suits you!

 

Riga Craft Beer Prices

Riga is well-known as a budget-drinking destination, however, that doesn’t hold true with Riga craft beers. While still relatively inexpensive as compared to craft beer in other countries, expect to pay a couple euros more for a pint of craft beer than mass-produced options. 

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8 Best Bars in Riga, Latvia Serving Craft Beer

Alright, let’s get started, shall we? Our list of Riga bars is in no particular order, so feel free to adjust to plan your ideal Craft Beer Riga Crawl!

 

#1 Alus Muiza

Inconspicuously located on a quiet residential street north of the Old Town, Alus Muiza has a cozy, wooden interior and 10 Latvian craft beers on tap. Want Riga beer to-go? They have growlers for sale, so you can take the tasty suds with you!

 

#2 Beer House No. 1

Beer-lovers may be a little overwhelmed by the number of choices at Beer House No. 1. Their extensive list of brews includes international specialties, as well as a lengthy selection of Latvian craft beers. The bar features several televisions, making it one of the best bars in Riga Old Town for watching sporting events.

 

#3 Easy Beer Riga

Easy Beer is somewhat of a novelty bar where patrons get to pour their own beers. It’s a pretty simple concept (thus the name, Easy Beer). Get a card from the waitress, grab a glass, tap your card to activate the tap and fill your glass with a local beer of your choice. Pour a little or pour a lot – it’s fun to be your own bartender! Update: Permanently Closed. Try Tiki Bar Riga next door!

 

#4 Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs

We rank Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs as one of the best pubs in Riga for craft beer. The cavernous cellar has a long bar and a long list of local microbrews to match – boasting 28 Latvian draught beers. While the Old Town bar (and restaurant) mostly caters to tourists, we enjoyed the jovial atmosphere…and even spotted a few locals as the night progressed!

 

#5 Labietis Brewery 

For craft beer straight from the source, go to Labietis Alus Darbnica. The Riga brewery and pub is located 1.5 miles northeast of the Old Town, and – in our opinion – serves the best beer in Riga. Labietis has 16 beers on tap – all of which are produced in the tanks sitting behind the glass wall next to the bar. Labietis also has a location and the Riga Central Market if you’re not up for the trip to the suburbs.

 

#6 TAKA

TAKA bar has a low-key, artistic vibe with knowledgeable staff and solid craft beer selection sure to impress craft beer enthusiasts. The neighborhood spot feels more like a café than a bar, but it’s a Riga beer bar not to be missed!

 

#7 The Armoury Bar

It’s not often that guns and alcohol mingle well together, but it works at The Armoury Bar in Old Town Riga. Firearms and ammunition decorate the dimly lit space and a few taps are reserved for local craft beer (in addition to brews from around the world).  

 

#8 KAĶIS MAISĀ by TEIKA

This Riga Tap House is the creation of the local brewers at Teika. Their brewery is a bit far for some, but this bar is right in Old Town Riga. Featuring some of the best Latvian craft beer on 15 taps and loads more in bottles and cans, Kakis Maisa (Cat in a Bag) is a must visit for hop-heads and craft beer lovers!

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More Riga Bars

Although our palates veer towards craft beer, we aren’t averse to visiting bars that haven’t yet embraced the revolution. In fact, we stumbled into a few Riga bars that we liked enough to give mention!

 

Radisson Blu Skyline Bar

We don’t generally hang out in craft-less hotel bars, unless said bar happens to have a view…and Skyline Bar – located on the 26^th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel – has a stellar one. While the drinks list is spendy and lacking any craft beer, the vibe and view are what you’re here for!

 

CARTEL Bar

A fun Riga bar for all, Cartel has super cocktails, a great happy hour and good grub if you’re feeling peckish. Not convinced? The staff also receives high marks as does the soundtrack. Now, off you go!

 

Secret Event Riga

Not just a hook, an actual place! If dwelling in a cozy cellar bar while sipping craft cocktails is what you’re looking for, sign right up for a visit to Secret Event! The atmosphere will draw you in and the tasty drinks and excellent prices will keep you there.

 

Riga Nightlife

Riga by night differs drastically from the quaint city during daylight hours. Craft beer bars are ideal for beer aficionados, but not necessarily for those who really want to party in Riga.

Riga nightclubs stay open into the wee hours of the morning, attracting Riga stag weekend-goers and the like. If you are searching for night life in Riga where you chug rather than savor, the Pub Crawl Riga or Riga Beer Bike might fit the bill. More info on the pub crawl and beer bike.

 

Find More Riga Things To Do!

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Top Tips For Your Trip to Riga, Latvia

As you plan your visit to Latvia, we have a few more suggestions for your trip to Riga!

 

Where To Stay in Riga, Latvia

During our visit to Riga, we stayed in an amazing Airbnb Apartment. We have found that staying in apartments is often less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and, usually, more space. 

However, for those who prefer staying in traditional accommodations, there are many Riga Hotels to choose from in the city center. Check out these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip to Latvia: Relais Le Chevalier, Neiburgs Hotel and Grand Palace Hotel. Budget travelers can search for popular Riga Hostels – like Tree House and Green Cat Hostel. 

 

Getting To Riga, Latvia

Depending on your location, Riga can be reached by plane, train, bus, boat or car. Riga Airport (RIX) is served by mostly low-cost carriers Air Baltic and Ryanair.

As our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying, we start our search for the best deals on airline tickets on Skyscanner. Tip: You can book your transfer from the Riga Airport to the city in advance. 

There are several regional train lines that are great for Riga Day Trips, but only a few international train connections. Numerous bus routes connect Riga internationally. We used Eurolines to get from Riga to Tallinn.

 

Before You Go To Riga

• Riga is a walkable city if you have the right travel shoes. Don’t forget lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia and Reef. Kris prefers wearing Merrell and Sanuk.
• We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of pictures during your Trip to Europe. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual travel camera. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera).
• Make sure to have a good guidebook before arriving in Riga and a great day pack to organize all your travel essentials!
• If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

Start planning your trip to Latvia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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