Cuba Cafe
Cuba Cafe has been a fixture on Jauniela 15 in Old Town since the early 2000s, surviving the waves of tourist bars that have opened and closed around it. The Latin-themed interior features dark wood, tropical colors, and enough rum bottles behind the bar to stock a small distillery. The cocktail menu leans heavily on mojitos, daiquiris, and rum-based drinks, and the bartenders make them competently if not spectacularly. Weekend nights bring salsa and Latin dance events that draw a mixed crowd of locals who actually know the steps and tourists who want to try. The dancefloor is small, which creates a packed, energetic atmosphere during events. Regular nights without events function as a straightforward bar with reliable drinks and a friendly crowd. The location on Jauniela puts it on one of Old Town's prettiest streets, right near the building that doubled as Baker Street in the Soviet-era Sherlock Holmes films.
What to Expect
A warm, colorful interior that contrasts with the medieval stone outside. Latin music plays constantly. On event nights, the small dancefloor fills with couples doing salsa and bachata. The bar area stays lively even when the dancing is the main event.
Festive, warm, and welcoming. The Latin theme isn't just decoration; it shapes the energy of the place.
Salsa, bachata, reggaeton, and Latin pop. DJ sets on event nights.
Casual to smart casual. Anything goes, but dancers tend to dress up slightly.
Latin dance enthusiasts, groups looking for a fun and accessible bar, and couples who want to try salsa in a low-pressure setting.
Cards and cash accepted. EUR only.
Price Range
Cocktails 7-11 EUR, beer 4-5 EUR, shots 3-4 EUR, food 7-12 EUR
Cocktails ~$8-12, beer ~$4-5, shots ~$3-4
Hours
Daily 12:00-02:00, salsa nights typically Fri-Sat from 21:00
Insider Tip
Come on a salsa night for the best atmosphere. The mojitos are the reliable order. Grab a table on the upper level for a view of the dancefloor. The kitchen serves decent Cuban-inspired food if you need a meal before drinking.
Full Review
Cuba Cafe occupies a sweet spot in Old Town nightlife. It's touristy enough to be welcoming to visitors but genuine enough in its Latin programming to attract local salsa dancers. The interior across two levels wraps around a small dancefloor, with the bar running the length of one wall and tables filling the rest of the space.
The cocktails are competent. The mojitos use fresh mint and aren't pre-mixed, which puts them above the standard for Old Town tourist bars. The rum selection is the deepest in Riga, with bottles from Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic lining the back bar. Prices are reasonable for the location, sitting at the lower end of Vecriga's range.
Salsa nights are when Cuba Cafe earns its reputation. Local dance schools bring students, experienced dancers come for practice, and tourists who've never tried salsa get pulled onto the floor by friendly regulars. The small dancefloor means you're in close proximity to everyone, which either appeals to you or doesn't. The DJ knows the dance crowd and builds the energy through the evening, starting with accessible rhythms and progressing to faster tempos.
On regular nights without events, Cuba Cafe functions as a pleasant Old Town bar with better music than most. The staff are friendly, the location on Jauniela is photogenic, and the vibe is relaxed without being dead. It won't blow your mind, but it consistently delivers a good evening.
The Neighborhood
Jauniela is one of Old Town's most picturesque streets, narrow and cobblestoned with colorful facades. Cuba Cafe sits near the famous 'Baker Street' building. The street connects to Livu laukums and the main bar strip on Valnu iela, making Cuba Cafe easy to incorporate into an Old Town bar crawl.
Getting There
Jauniela 15, central Vecriga. A 2-minute walk from Livu laukums, 5 minutes from Riga Cathedral. The entrance is at street level with prominent signage.
Other Venues in Vecriga (Old Riga)
Coyote Fly
Riga's largest nightclub with multiple rooms, international DJs, and a regular weekend crowd. Located on Valnu iela in the heart of Old Town.
One One
Underground electronic music club focused on techno and house. Draws a serious clubbing crowd to its dark, warehouse-style space.
Pulkvedim Neviens Neraksta
Quirky cocktail bar with a Soviet-themed interior and creative drink menu. The name translates to 'Nobody Writes to the Colonel.'
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs
Massive cellar venue beneath Old Town serving Latvian beer and hosting live folk, rock, and blues acts. A Riga institution since 2001.
Labietis
Craft brewery and taproom with dozens of experimental Latvian beers on tap. Industrial decor and a young, local crowd.
Ala Wine Bar
Wine-focused lounge in a restored medieval cellar. Curated European wine list with Latvian cheese pairings.