Riga might be famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and cobbled streets but there is another reason to visit this beautiful city. The craft beer scene.
I’ve been coming to Riga fairly regularly since my first visit in 2016 and I’ve loved seeing how the beer scene has changed and evolved here. Over the years I’ve been on the search for the best craft beer spots across the city. From rustic taprooms to quirky bottle shops, here are the places you need to check out if you are looking for local craft beer in Riga.
Whether you are after a fresh pint just metres away from where it’s brewed or fancy discovering some hidden cellar bars pouring hoppy goodness, there is something here for every beer lover.
Taprooms & Breweries in Riga
Labietis
Labietis is a must visit if you want to experience beer the Latvian way. This place is part brewery, part storytelling hub. The beers are brewed on site and many include ingredients like herbs, berries and even flowers. Think less textbook brewing and more creative potions with Baltic flair.
The taproom has a cosy but lively vibe, with plenty of wooden tables and big copper tanks gleaming in the background. It is the kind of place where you order a taster flight and end up staying for hours, chatting to locals and discovering beers you never knew you needed in your life. If you love trying beers with a bit of personality and myth, Labietis is where the magic happens.
Alus Rume Trofeja
Alus Rume Trofeja may be tiny but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. It is a proper microbrewery tucked into a casual bar setting. You can see the brewing kit just behind the counter which makes the whole experience feel even more personal. The beers here change often and are brewed in small batches, so there is always something new to try. The vibe is very relaxed, like you have popped round a mate’s house for a pint of something freshly brewed. It is a great spot if you want to keep things low key but still sample something genuinely local.
Nurme Brewery & Taproom
Nurme has been quietly building a loyal fan base thanks to their creative brewing style and friendly taproom. Located just outside the centre, it is worth the short walk for the quality alone. The space is bright and cheerful with wooden benches, smiling staff and a rotating selection of beers that range from pine infused IPAs to bold stouts. Nurme is not afraid to experiment but always keeps things well balanced. Their taproom is the perfect spot to chill out for a couple of hours and enjoy some bold Latvian flavours in a laid back setting. A real hidden gem for craft beer lovers in Riga.
Craft Beer Bars & Pubs in Riga
Alus Muiza
Alus Muiza, or Beer Manor, is a warm and welcoming bar that focuses on traditional Latvian styles done well. Think smooth lagers, rich dark ales and clean finishes. The space has a slightly rustic feel with wooden touches and a calm, comfortable atmosphere. It is the kind of place where locals come for their regular pint and visitors can get a proper taste of the local beer scene without any fuss. If you are looking for a quiet corner to enjoy a beautifully brewed beer, Alus Muiza is your answer.
Ms&Mr Beer
Ms and Mr Beer is an inviting little bar that leans into both local and international flavours. The decor is simple but stylish and the beer selection is impressive without being overwhelming. They often have unique or small-batch brews that you would struggle to find anywhere else in Riga. It is a great place to bring someone who wants to dip their toe into craft beer without feeling lost in a sea of options. Friendly staff and a relaxed setting make it a reliable stop for an easygoing pint or two.
Alus Celle
Alus Celle is a sweet little basement bar that doubles as a bottle shop. It is one of those spots where you immediately feel at home. The staff are friendly and more than happy to talk you through the beer list, which includes a mix of taps and fridges full of bottles and cans from across Europe. It is ideal if you want to try a few different things or pick up a few beers to take home. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious, making it a lovely place to wind down with a well chosen pint.
Kakis Maisa
Kakis Maisa is a little cellar bar that feels like a secret you are glad to know about. It is cosy and welcoming, with exposed brick walls and flickering candles setting the mood. The beer list is thoughtfully chosen and changes regularly, featuring brews from across Latvia and beyond. The team behind the bar clearly knows their stuff and are always happy to make a recommendation. It is the kind of place where you go for a quick drink and end up staying for a second round because the atmosphere is just too nice to leave.
Vinilbars
Vinilbars is what happens when someone decides to successfully mix a love of craft beer with a love of vinyl. This quirky little bar has stacks of records, great acoustics and a chilled out vibe that is perfect for winding down. The beer list is short but well chosen, with local favourites and a few international surprises. It is more about quality than quantity here, and the music adds a lovely nostalgic touch. If you like sipping your beer with a side of classic rock or smooth jazz, this is your spot.
Peter’s Brewhouse
Located in the heart of Old Town, Peter’s Brewhouse is a lovely place for a relaxed pint and some classic European pub food. They brew their own lagers on site and while the menu is small, it is well executed. The blond lager is especially refreshing after a long day of sightseeing.
It has a slightly more polished feel than some of the other beer bars in Riga, which makes it a good choice if you are after a quieter vibe or looking for a place to bring someone who is new to craft beer. Sometimes simplicity really is the best.
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs
If you are after a good atmosphere then look no further than Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs. Tucked away in a cavernous underground space, this lively pub has dozens of Latvian beers on tap and a menu full of hearty local dishes. Live folk music and dancing often kick off in the evenings and the whole place comes alive with clinking glasses and laughter. It feels both traditional and full of energy. A night here is a bit of a rite of passage for any beer lover visiting Riga. Bring your appetite, your curiosity and don’t be surprised if you spent longer than planned here!
Two More Beers
The name says it all really. Two More Beers is a cheerful, colourful bar that does not take itself too seriously but definitely takes its beer seriously. With an ever changing list of local and international brews, you are pretty much guaranteed to find something you have never tried before. The staff are chatty and the atmosphere is warm and casual. It is a great place to come and enjoy sports on the screens or enjoy the beautiful weather in the beer garden. Expect variety, good tunes and the very real temptation to stay for, well, two more beers.
Beer Museum
Despite the name, the Beer Museum is not just for learning, it is very much for drinking too. Located in the city centre, this multi-level bar features a large selection of local and imported beers, many of which are available on tap. The interior has a mix of old-world charm and modern comfort and there are plenty of cosy corners to settle into. It is a good choice for groups or anyone looking to sample a broad range of styles in one place. And if you do feel like brushing up on your beer history, there are some fun exhibits to browse between drinks.
KwakInn
Located in the heart of the old town, KwakInn is for those who love Belgian beer or want to try something a bit different in Riga. This bar has a huge selection of Belgian brews including the famous Kwak served in its iconic round-bottomed glass. The atmosphere is lively and cheerful, with a cosy pub feel and friendly service. While it is not a Latvian craft beer spot, it is still worth visiting for the variety alone. If you have a sweet spot for Trappist ales or just fancy something out of the ordinary, this place delivers.
Craft Beer Shops in Riga
Valmiermuiza Beer Embassy
This elegant little shop in Riga celebrates the iconic Valmiermuiza brewery with pride. You will find a lovely selection of their core range as well as limited editions and regional specials. It is a great place to learn more about one of Latvia’s most respected breweries and take a few beers home as souvenirs. There is a touch of class to the presentation and the staff are always happy to share a bit of background about the beers. Ideal if you are interested in the story behind what your drink.
Lauvas Alus
Lauvas Alus is a proper craft beer shop for the curious drinker. It might look small from the outside but the selection inside is impressive. Bottles and cans are arranged with care and there is a clear focus on Latvian producers, making it an excellent place to discover some local Latvian beers. Prices are reasonable and the staff are usually more than happy to chat about what is new or popular. If you are hunting for a few beers to take home or looking to gift something unique, this little gem is worth the stop.
Beera Bar & Shop
Beera is part bottle shop, part tasting bar that is fully committed to the art of craft beer. The selection is fantastic with a mix of local favourites and global gems, all carefully displayed for maximum temptation. You can try something on tap and then pick up a few bottles or cans for later, or ask the friendly staff for recommendations based on your preferences. It is bright, welcoming and perfect for anyone looking to stock up or simply discover something new.
Riga is fast becoming one of the most exciting craft beer destinations in the Baltics. Whether you are into hoppy IPAs, dark stouts, crisp lagers or experimental flavours, you will find something to love here. From lively beer halls to quiet cellar bars and bottle shops to microbreweries, the variety and creativity is impressive. So next time you are in Riga, skip the supermarket lager and dive into the local craft scene. You will not regret it.
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