The Balsambar is located in the Jacob’s Barracks just in front of the Swedish Gate.
It was first opened in summer 1998 under the name Balzambārs. Despite changing its original name in the course of time, the bar still preserves its distinctive ambience. When you enter the comfortable bar premises built down in the basement, an unintentional thought will probably cross your mind: “Yes, there is indeed a fragrance of real balsam here!” It has impregnated the bar’s interior designed in dark brown colors, where the contemporary trends perfectly coexist with the last century wooden chairs, original ceramic balsam bottles, old photographs and lyrics on the walls exciting your imagination.

Our first cocktails have been made here and, among other drinks, the leading role
has been given to Riga Black balsam. We mixed so much of this black beverage, that
it has become our favorite. Some of the balsam cocktails - „Mitrevica fizu”,
„Nevainīgo balzamu” (Virgin balsam) „Vēso balzamu” (Balsam Freshness) – have become
historically famous, but with many others they continue to be popular and often asked-for.
As our regular customers already know, there is always the pleasant and hearty ambience
in the bar, well maintained and cared for by our friendly staff. In our bar, you can
quite often come across the people popular in Latvia, including some politicians and
creative intellectuals.

On the weekends the stage is usually given to DJ Garlic – maybe the most musically
gifted member of our friendly family-team, who always makes our customers happy by
playing well-known and favorite tunes of today and the past.

In summer diners usually stay on the bar’s terrace, charmed by the harmonious duet
of the sun and a gentle wind, accompanied by voices of passerby and sound of their
steps on the cobblestone pavements of the Old Riga.