Beni's Slijterij
A neighborhood bottle shop where Paramaribo stocks up before the party starts.
Why Go
'Slijterij' is Dutch for liquor store, and Beni's is exactly that - a low-key off-licence tucked onto Nieuw Weergevondenweg, more supply run than sit-down destination. If you're renting a place in Suriname and want to grab a bottle of Borgoe rum, a crate of Parbo, or a mixer before heading to the river or a friend's yard, this is the sort of stop locals make on their way home.
The Experience
Don't come expecting a bar, tasting room, or curated wine cellar - Surinamese slijterijen are typically compact counter-service shops with shelves of spirits, cases of local beer, soft drinks and often snacks. You point, you pay, you go. Transactions are in SRD, quick and unfussy, and the vibe is neighborly rather than touristy. The Nieuw Weergevondenweg area sits on the western fringe of Paramaribo, so it's most useful as a pit stop if you're staying nearby, driving out toward Lelydorp or Wanica, or heading to a self-catered lodge where the fridge needs filling.
What to Try
Stock up on the essentials that make a Suriname evening: a bottle of Borgoe 8 or Black Cat rum (both distilled locally by SAB), Parbo Bier in the iconic djogo (1-litre) bottle for maximum authenticity, and a bag of ice if they have it. Ask for Rodenberg or another Dutch-style jenever if you want something old-school, and grab a bottle of Fernandes soft drink (green apple or ginger beer) as a mixer - it's the Surinamese pairing.
Insider Tip
Cash in SRD is king at neighborhood slijterijen - card machines are hit-or-miss and dollar/euro acceptance is inconsistent, so hit an ATM in central Paramaribo before you drive out. Also worth knowing: Suriname's alcohol shops tend to shutter earlier than you'd expect, especially on Sundays, so treat any bottle-shop run as a daytime errand rather than a late-night rescue mission.
The Practical Stuff
Located on Nieuw Weergevondenweg on the western side of Paramaribo - a taxi from the city centre takes roughly 15-20 minutes depending on traffic, and there's no meaningful public transport pass-through, so a car or ride-share is easiest. Hours aren't published online, but neighborhood slijterijen typically open mid-morning and close by early evening; call ahead or ask your host before making a special trip. Bring a cool bag if it's hot - which, in Suriname, it always is.
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — If you're basing yourself at this nearby hotel, Beni's is the natural five-minute detour to stock the mini-fridge with Parbo and Borgoe before dinner.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Grab cold beers and mixers here on the way back from a muddy ATV day so you can toast the ride without paying resort bar prices.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — River days call for a cooler - Beni's is the logical pre-outing stop to load up on Parbo djogos and Fernandes for the drive to the water.