Big Tex BBQ Suriname
Texas-sized smoke, brisket, and burgers on the edge of Paramaribo
Why Go
Two-time winner of the Asruf Burger Battle and home to a 17-hour smoked brisket, Big Tex is where Suriname's carnivores go when they want low-and-slow barbecue done with genuine Lone Star patience.
The Experience
Tucked away on Verlengde Anamoestraat, a short ride outside the historic center of Paramaribo, Big Tex trades the tropical-cafe vibe most visitors expect for something warmer and more American roadhouse: exposed wood, low lighting, the smell of oak and hickory drifting from the smoker out back. It's an evenings-only spot, and it fills up fast with locals, expats and in-the-know travelers who have heard whispers about the brisket. Service is casual but attentive, portions are unapologetically Texan, and the kitchen isn't shy with the spice rubs. Come hungry, plan to linger, and consider splitting a couple of mains family-style so you can taste across the smoker board.
What to Try
Order the 17-hour smoked brisket if it's on the board that night - it's the dish that put them on the map. The 'Juicy Texan' burger is the two-time award winner and worth the hype, especially paired with a cold local Parbo. Buffalo wings, baby back ribs and the grilled steaks are all solid, and if you're feeling flush, the grilled lobster is a surprise on a BBQ menu that Big Tex actually pulls off.
Insider Tip
Big Tex only opens in the evenings and the brisket often sells out - call ahead on +597 815 7161 to reserve a portion, or arrive early in the service window. It's not walkable from the colonial center, so line up a taxi or rental car for the round trip; the neighborhood is quiet and rideshares can be thin on the way home.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Verlengde Anamoestraat 81, Paramaribo, Suriname. Phone: +597 815 7161. Dinner service only - typically opens in the early evening; confirm hours by phone or Instagram (@big_tex_sr) before heading over. Cash (SRD) and card generally accepted; bring cash as backup. About a 10-15 minute drive from the historic Paramaribo waterfront - easiest reached by taxi or rental car. Expect mid-range pricing for Suriname, higher than a warung but fair for the portions.
Pair It With
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Spend the day tearing through the interior on an ATV, then reward the muddy boots with brisket and a cold Parbo at Big Tex.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — A sun-soaked afternoon on the water builds exactly the kind of appetite Big Tex's smoker is built for.
- 101 Suites Guide — Comfortable Paramaribo base that's an easy taxi ride from Verlengde Anamoestraat, so you can roll home stuffed without a long commute.