Labar Drinks & More
Paramaribo's after-dark playground on Jozef Israelstraat
Why Go
When the humid Paramaribo night settles in and the rest of the city winds down, Labar cranks up ΓÇö a Blauwgrond nightspot where cocktails, DJ sets, and a wall-to-wall mix of locals and travelers keep the energy running well past midnight.
The Experience
Tucked into the Blauwgrond side of Paramaribo just off Jozef Israelstraat, Labar Drinks & More trades the sleepy colonial hush of the historic centre for something louder and glossier. The room is modern and comfortable ΓÇö think low lighting, plush seating, and a bar built for showing off ΓÇö but the real draw is the crowd. On any given weekend you'll find Surinamese regulars catching up over shared bottles, expats decompressing, and a steady trickle of visitors who wandered in on a local's recommendation. The music leans on a rotating cast of DJs weaving Caribbean, Latin, Afrobeats, and international hits; themed nights (check their socials before you go) tip the room into full-blown club mode. Service is genuinely warm ΓÇö bartenders remember faces, and if you're new they'll happily steer you toward the right pour.
What to Try
Start with a signature cocktail ΓÇö the bar staff take real pride in what they mix, and the fruit-forward, rum-based creations lean into Suriname's Caribbean side. A cold Parbo beer never misses if you'd rather keep it classic and local. If you're pacing yourself for a long night, ask what the bartender is drinking that week; the off-menu experiments are often the best call.
Insider Tip
Weekends fill fast once the DJ kicks in around 11pm, so arrive by 10 to snag seating and settle in before the room turns into a dance floor. Follow their Facebook page a day or two ahead ΓÇö themed nights and guest DJs aren't always announced elsewhere, and the difference between a good night and a great one at Labar often comes down to which set is playing.
The Practical Stuff
Address: VV53+895, Jozef Israelstraat, Paramaribo (Blauwgrond side), Suriname. It's a short taxi ride from the centre ΓÇö cheap and easy, and strongly recommended over walking back late. Cash (SRD) is your safest bet, though larger tabs may go on card; confirm with staff. Dress is smart-casual ΓÇö locals put effort in on weekends. Peak hours run Friday and Saturday from about 10pm until late.
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — A comfortable Paramaribo stay within easy taxi range ΓÇö ideal if you'd rather crash nearby than trek across town after a late Labar night.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Burn off the night before with a jungle-edge ATV run ΓÇö a high-energy daytime counterpoint to Labar's after-dark scene.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — Spend the day on the water, then reward the sunburn with cold cocktails at Labar ΓÇö the classic Suriname day-to-night combo.
- 88 Car Rental Suriname Guide — Handy for exploring Paramaribo and beyond by day; just leave the car parked and grab a taxi to Labar so nobody has to skip the cocktails.