Where Should You Go in Vilnius for an Aperitif?
Vilnius can definitely be considered one of the trendiest capitals in Europe. This is evidenced by the city’s fabulous nightlife, where the variety of bars and nightclubs often exceeds expectations. Vilnius is proud of its high quality bars and winery culture – bartenders from this capital city compete in world championships, while wine and beer sommelier win awards at international competitions. Some bartenders are so immersed in their craft that they create their own syrups for cocktails and in their leisure time collect the herbs to season them.
Sanatorija
Cocktail bars
Mililitrai
This is a very cosy bar for conversations and meetings. Here the interior is kept rather dark, aiming to create a very intimate vibe. Creating the interior received no less attention than the cocktail menu, which is truly expansive and will please any cocktail gourmand. Also, Mililitrai is home to probably the longest bar in Vilnius.
Location: Vilniaus 33
facebook.com/mililitrai
Distilerija
This is one of the most popular bars among the capital’s trendy youth. However, it is not just a popular stop on the way to a nightclub or some other party. Events are also organised here. Distilerija has a food menu as well.
Location: Vilniaus 28
facebook.com/distilerija2
Apoteka
At first glance, Apoteka is reminiscent of a vintage New York apothecary. This is another place where you can taste very high quality and carefully mixed cocktails. The refined interior and experienced bartender championship winners invite you to stay here for as long as you like.
Location: Visų Šventųjų 5
facebook.com/apotekabar
Love Bar
Not far from Apoteka is another quality cocktail spot. Love Bar does not have an obvious signboard outside, so visitors are invited to discover this place when the right time comes. One hint – a bright pink light will lead you towards Love Bar. Not just cocktails, but delicious snacks can be ordered here as well.
Location: Pylimo 59
facebook.com/LoveBarVilnius
For the real gourmands
Sanatorija
This is a place for gin connoisseurs. At Sanatorija you can taste the most sophisticated variations of this noble drink, as well as all sorts of cocktails. Not to mention the interior – crystal chandeliers and decorative trees in the centre of the bar give this place a special cosiness.
Location: Vilniaus 22
facebook.com/sanatorijabar
Spiritus
This is another top-level specialised bar. Here you will find a huge collection of mescals and tequila, and the cocktails will probably be mixed for you by one of the bar hosts. This should likely leave an impression on you and have you coming back again and again.
Location: Aušros Vartų 4
facebook.com/spiritusbaras
Rhum Room
Rhum Room is famed for being the embassy for rum lovers. This bar offers more than 100 types of rum for 20 countries around the world. The extensive drinks menu is complemented by the Caribbean foods on offer.
Location: Vilniaus 39
facebook.com/rhumroom
Neringa Lobby bar
Located on the ground floor of the Neringa Hotel, the uniquely designed Lobby Bar is a modern precursor of the legendary restaurant next door.
Enjoy a glass of exclusive vintage champagne or try our expertly crafted classic cocktails. Neringa Lobby bar offers desserts made fresh daily by Neringa confectioners – to enjoy along with your drink or ordered to go.
Location: Gedimino pr. 23
facebook.com/neringalobbybar
Wineries
Somm
Somm looks forward meeting those who care about what wine they are tasting and want to learn more about it. Six wine sommeliers work here, who will not only recommend you wines but also offer the accompanying snacks. Somm winery has a collection of nearly 500 types of wine.
Location: Pylimo 21
facebook.com/somm.lt
Burbulio vyninė
Burbulio vyninė is appreciated by the people of Vilnius and guests alike, for its “at home” vibe and extensive wine collection. In addition, here you can buy wine to take home, from a selection of nearly 100 types.
Location: Rūdninkų 18
facebook.com/burbuliovynine
Atelier
Those looking for a more luxurious place are advised to visit Atelier – a wine boutique and tasting bar, which is located in the Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius. Here you can choose from as many as 280 wines.
Queensberry
At this restaurant you will find the largest collection of Lithuanian wines. Queensberry is proud of having amassed a collection of 60 types of Lithuanian wines, each of which is unique in its own way. The extensive menu of Lithuanian wines is complemented by a variety of modern interpretations of authentic Lithuanian dishes.
Beerhouses
Špunka
The first Špunka was opened in the city’s most bohemian neighbourhood – Užupis. So it is no surprise that the most loyal patrons of Špunka are the people of Užupis. Špunka not only offers a wide variety of beers, but also a food menu, where you can find all sorts of Lithuanian dishes as well as less expected offerings, like a perfect onion soup à la française.
Location: Užupio 9 ir Savičiaus 9
facebook.com/saviciaus9spunka
Beerhouse
This place is popular not only for its extensive beer menu, but also the beer inspired food menu. Beerhouse offers goat cheese matured in beer, or mackerel tartar with beer malt, or traditional Lithuanian dishes.
Location: Vokiečių 24
facebook.com/BeerHouse.lt
Gringo pub
This is a bar where you won’t miss a single sports match. Gringo is always “in action”, and in the warm summer season people gather both inside and outside of this pub. It also offers a wide variety of exceptionally delicious food.
Location: Vilniaus 31
facebook.com/gringopub
