What once used to be Chomsky bar in Riga now has cut the name down to simply Ch (Čē). Chomsky bar obviously was named after Noam Chomsky, an American libertarian socialist and a key figure in U.S. left politics, who never bothered to show up in this gloomy, rough spot — unfortunately.

What unites me, Noam and Chomsky bar is the belief that cheap booze is a basic human right. Even though Chomsky bar has moved to another location and re-named itself Čē, this rule still applies.

I enjoy the Berlin-like vibe, stylish interior where the doors are used as tables, the different music events and the fun loving, laid-back bartenders. Quite often, you can find me there, sitting at the bar with other strange loners giving Night therapy or discussing other interesting topics.

It’s always been a place for intellectuals and artists to meet. The prices attract students and heavy drinkers alike. Even if Čē was trying to become a gay bar, as they admit themselves, and which they failed at, it’s still the good old liberal spot with great atmosphere and the best-priced drinks, a place to lose the sense of time and maybe something more than that.