Special thanks to Area 51 for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Area 51 is a peculiar building along Burmah Road (Jalan Burma). Surrounded by chain link fence with barb wire on top, the place looks like a restricted military installation. Its ominous appearance is more prominent after sunset, during which red strobe lights warn off potential “intruders”.
To all personnel with the proper security clearance (or with a license to drink), feel free to enter Area 51. The interior looks like a top secret military research center. This is obviously a parody of the actual Area 51, a highly classified air force base in Nevada, United States.
Area 51 is staffed by “research scientists” in white lab coats. Even the drinks bar is equipped with beakers and test tubes, the types that you normally find in a chemistry lab. This is probably where a deranged scientist seeks the elixir of immortality.
In case you do not understand sarcasm, none of the above is true. For the record, Area 51 is an alien-themed drinking establishment. At its center is a small stage where a 2-piece live band (Sunday to Thursday) or disc jockey (Friday to Saturday) keeps the place lively throughout the night. The main crowd usually arrives around 11:00pm.
Pit your skills (and luck) against your buddies with a round of Fly Pong (2 players) or Faith Roulette (8 players). Just order a jug of booze and see who gets the last laugh. And if you have top secret plans to discuss with your fellow comrades, there is a soundproofed private room at a corner.
The beverage menu at Area 51 covers beer (draft and bottled), liquor and wine. Signature cocktails here are Bloody Health, ET601 and 6.Sickers. If you crave any specific cocktail that is not in the menu, the bartender-cum-chemist is happy to see what he can concoct for you.
Bloody Health (RM51.00) is a popular cocktail for casual drinkers. Using gin as the base, the drink has fruity tanginess with a touch of sweetness. Meanwhile, dry ice vapor from a second beaker keeps the cocktail bubbly and foggy.
So if you have any business dealing with weapons research or alien diplomacy, Area 51 is where your presence is expected. Just remember that what happens in Area 51 stays in Area 51.
Name: Area 51
Address: 114, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-445-5097
Business hours: 8:00pm-3:00am
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Area-Fiftyone-741746439520100
Coordinates: 5.42026 N, 100.32624 E
Directions: Area 51 is located at the intersection of Burmah Road (Jalan Burma) and Swatow Lane (Lorong Swatow). Street parking is available along Swatow Lane and Nagore Road (Jalan Nagor).
