Top Bars in Riga – Most Viewed (2025)

Located in the heart of Riga's historic Old Town, Black Magic Bar transports visitors to a bygone era with its 18th-century apothecary-themed interior. The establishment is renowned for its unique ambiance, featuring antique furnishings, dim lighting, and staff dressed in period costumes, creating an immersive experience reminiscent of a medieval laboratory. At the core of Black Magic Bar's offerings is the traditional Latvian herbal liqueur, Riga Black Balsam. Guests can indulge in a variety of cocktails and desserts infused with this iconic spirit, including the popular Black Mojito and the rich hot chocolate served with a stick of chocolate to melt into warm milk. Beyond beverages, the bar boasts a selection of handmade chocolates and truffles, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. These confections are displayed in vintage apothecary jars, adding to the establishment's old-world charm. For those seeking a deeper dive into Latvian traditions, Black Magic Bar offers tasting experiences where patrons can sample various flavors of Riga Black Balsam, such as blackcurrant and chocolate-mint, paired with artisanal truffles and flavored coffee. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cocktail aficionado, or simply in search of a unique venue, Black Magic Bar provides a memorable journey into Latvia's rich cultural tapestry.

Located in the heart of Riga’s city centre at Baznīcas iela 37, Gimlet Nordic Cocktail Bar is a standout destination for anyone curious about what the region’s cocktail culture can offer. From the moment you step into the intimate basement-setting lounge, you’ll notice that the concept here is more than just mixing spirits and mixers — the bar focuses on Nordic and Baltic ingredients: think quince, sea buckthorn, beetroot, wild cherry, pine and even seaweed infusions. The menu highlights how classic forms are re-imagined. For instance: “Cydonia Gimlet” (quince-infused gin + cordial) “Rhubarb Gimlet” (rhubarb-infused Beefeater gin + cordial) “SEA” (Talisker single malt + soda + honey + seaweed + smoked sea salt) Bartenders here are described as friendly, knowledgeable and willing to guide you through their seasonal list of inventive cocktails. The interior is styled as “Nordic boudoir” according to local nightlife guides — minimal yet warm, with a focus on craft and ambience. Opening hours (approx.): Tue–Thu from 18:00–00:00; Fri–Sat 18:00–02:00; closed Sun–Mon. Prices are reasonable for craft cocktails in Riga: around €7–10 per drink. This bar is perfect if you’re looking for a more sophisticated, relaxed cocktail outing rather than a loud club night. Arrive earlier on weekends to secure a seat in what tends to be a compact space. The combination of local flavour innovation, cozy surroundings and dedicated bartenders makes Gimlet Nordic Cocktail Bar a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts visiting Riga.