Zus & Zo
Zus & Zo occupies a restored colonial building on the Waterkant and positions itself as Paramaribo's upscale waterfront option. The name means 'this and that' in Dutch, and the menu follows suit, mixing Surinamese, Indonesian, and international influences with more care than most Waterkant spots. The cocktail program is the best on the strip, using fresh tropical fruits and decent spirits. The interior has been renovated with exposed brick, warm lighting, and artwork from local artists. The terrace out front seats about 40 and overlooks the river. Weekend evenings occasionally feature live jazz or bossa nova, adding atmosphere without overwhelming conversation. The crowd skews slightly older and better-dressed than neighboring bars.
What to Expect
A step up from the typical Waterkant bar. The lighting is low and flattering, the music is tasteful, and the cocktails arrive in proper glassware. You'll feel like you dressed down slightly, even if you're in clean casual clothes. The terrace has the view; the interior has the vibe.
Intimate, warm, and slightly sophisticated without being stuffy.
Jazz, bossa nova, and soul at low volume. Live music on select weekends.
Smart casual. You won't be turned away in shorts, but most patrons dress a notch above the strip's average.
Date nights, cocktail enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a more refined Waterkant experience.
Cash (SRD) and cards accepted. One of the few Waterkant venues where cards work reliably.
Price Range
Cocktails SRD 100-150, wine SRD 80-120/glass, mains SRD 120-250, appetizers SRD 60-100
Cocktails ~$10-15/~9-14 EUR, mains ~$12-25/~11-23 EUR
Hours
Tue-Sat 17:00-midnight, closed Sun-Mon
Insider Tip
Make a reservation for Friday or Saturday dinner. The passion fruit cocktail is the house specialty and worth ordering. Sit inside for the best atmosphere during rainy season.
Full Review
Zus & Zo stands out on the Waterkant by actually trying. Where most neighboring bars rely on cheap beer and a river view, this place puts effort into its cocktails, its food, and its atmosphere. The renovation of the colonial building preserved the character while adding modern touches: exposed brick walls, pendant lighting, and a bar backed by a respectable selection of spirits.
The cocktail menu rotates seasonally and uses tropical fruits that are genuinely fresh. The passion fruit number is the signature and earned its reputation. The wine list is limited but curated, which is saying something in a country where wine selection is generally an afterthought. Food is a proper meal here, not bar snacks. The Javanese-influenced dishes are the strongest, reflecting Suriname's culinary diversity.
The crowd is noticeably different from Cafe 't Vat next door. More couples, more professionals, fewer flip-flops. Live music nights, when they happen, feature local jazz musicians who play with genuine skill. The volume stays low enough for conversation, which is the point.
Compared to anything else on the Waterkant, Zus & Zo is the clear choice for a date or a special evening. Prices are higher than the strip's average but reasonable by international standards. Service is attentive without hovering. The only downside is the limited hours; closing at midnight means it's not a late-night option.
The Neighborhood
Zus & Zo is centrally located on the Waterkant strip, between Cafe 't Vat and De Waag. The surrounding area is the historic core of Paramaribo with colonial architecture. Several restaurants and cafes are within a two-minute walk.
Getting There
Central Waterkant location, reachable by a SRD 20-30 taxi from most Paramaribo hotels. Walking distance from the Torarica and Residence Inn hotels.
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.
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.
De Waag
Historic bar and restaurant housed in a renovated colonial building on the waterfront. Good craft cocktails, a relaxed terrace, and a crowd that ranges from backpackers to business travelers.
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.