De Waag
De Waag occupies one of the Waterkant's most attractive colonial buildings, a restored structure that dates to the Dutch colonial period. The name references the old public weighing house that once stood on this spot. The renovation preserved the building's character, with original wooden beams, shuttered windows, and a terrace that catches the river breeze. The bar program is a step above most Waterkant offerings, with properly mixed cocktails and a small but decent wine list. The food menu tilts international with local touches. The crowd during early evening tends toward couples and small groups having dinner. As the night progresses, the terrace becomes more of a drinking and socializing space. Capacity is about 50 inside and 30 on the terrace.
What to Expect
A beautifully restored colonial building that manages to feel both historic and comfortable. The terrace has river views through the trees, and the interior is warm and well-lit. The crowd is relaxed and the music stays in the background. This is a place for conversation and good drinks.
Refined but relaxed. The architecture does the heavy lifting, creating an atmosphere that most bars have to manufacture.
Background lounge music, jazz, and soul. Never loud enough to interfere with conversation.
Smart casual. The building's atmosphere encourages dressing up slightly, but it's not enforced.
Evening drinks in a beautiful setting. Good for groups who want cocktails without the terrace-bar casualness.
Cash (SRD) preferred. Cards accepted but occasionally the machine is down.
Price Range
Cocktails SRD 90-140, beer SRD 35-50, wine SRD 70-100/glass, mains SRD 100-200
Cocktails ~$9-14/~8-13 EUR, beer ~$3.50-5/~3-4.50 EUR
Hours
Tue-Sat 17:00-midnight, closed Sun-Mon
Insider Tip
The terrace fills up fast on weekend evenings. Arrive by 7 PM for dinner and stay for drinks. The rum cocktails with local ingredients are better than the classic cocktails here.
Full Review
De Waag benefits enormously from its building. Walking in through the restored colonial entrance, you're immediately aware that this is a cut above the standard Waterkant bar. The wooden beams are original, the shuttered windows open onto river views, and the lighting has been designed rather than just installed. It's one of the better-looking bars in the Caribbean, and it didn't need a massive budget to achieve that, just good taste in restoration.
The cocktail menu takes its cues from the setting: considered but not overthought. Local rum features prominently, mixed with tropical fruits and presented properly. A rum sour made with fresh lime and Borgoe aged rum is the kind of drink that makes you reconsider your usual order. The wine list is small but the selections work. Beer is the same Parbo and imports available everywhere on the strip.
The crowd evolves through the evening. Early on, it's couples and small groups having dinner. The food is solid, leaning toward European-style preparations with Surinamese ingredients. As dinner wraps up around 9-10 PM, the terrace transitions to a drinking spot, and the energy picks up without becoming rowdy.
De Waag occupies the middle ground between Cafe 't Vat's casual warmth and Zus & Zo's upscale ambitions. It's less stuffy than Zus & Zo but more polished than 't Vat. For a single evening on the Waterkant, this is arguably the best all-around choice.
The Neighborhood
Centrally positioned on the Waterkant strip between Cafe 't Vat and Zus & Zo. The historic colonial buildings surrounding De Waag are part of Paramaribo's UNESCO-listed inner city. Fort Zeelandia and the central market are within a 10-minute walk.
Getting There
A SRD 20-30 taxi from central Paramaribo hotels. The Waterkant is a short walk from Independence Square but use taxis after dark.
Other Venues in Waterkant
Cafe 't Vat
Long-running waterfront bar with a terrace overlooking the Suriname River. Popular with locals and expats for after-work drinks and weekend socializing. Parbo beer on tap and simple bar food.
Zus & Zo
Upscale lounge and restaurant on the Waterkant with cocktails, wine, and a menu that mixes Surinamese and international dishes. The best-dressed crowd on the waterfront. Live music on some weekends.
Club Touche
Paramaribo's best-known nightclub near the Waterkant area. Two floors with dancehall, soca, and Latin music rotating through the night. Gets packed after midnight on Saturdays.
Rhythm Beach Bar
Casual open-air bar with a sand floor area near the riverfront. Reggae and kaseko music, cold beer, and a laid-back vibe. The closest thing to a beach bar that Paramaribo offers.