Stag Bar Penang
Penang has its fill of next-level bars with unique cocktails and magnetic ambience. Still, Stag Bar Penang manages to take these aesthetic bar staples a few notches up. Like something out of a Blade Runner movie, this futuristic-themed sports bar is heavily illuminated by neon lights and candescent lanterns that decorate various game stations – it’s pretty much guaranteed that it won’t be just the tipples that’ll give you an out-of-this-world experience here.
Neon-lit futuristic sports bar
Image credit: @thomaspowellartist via Instagram
Feel like you’re stepping into an anarchic dystopian city at Stag Bar Penang. The bar looks like it belongs in a cyberpunk world where looming skyscrapers pervade landscapes and cyborgs prowl the cold streets. But it is actually just a futuristic sports bar nestled within the streets of George Town, Penang.
A trip here is more akin to an adventure in an otherworldly world than a hangout at a bar. Marvel at the overhead hanging neon signages bearing various Chinese characters that light up the space in technicolour – they remind us of Hong Kong’s beloved nostalgic neon signs.
Image credit: @thomaspowellartist via Instagram
The showstoppers are massive hand-painted lanterns, each with meticulous illustrations. Overlooking the bar counter is a majestic Golden Stag lantern that represents nature – it’s a regal centrepiece flanked by two Door God lanterns that symbolise mankind.
Image credit: @thomaspowellartist via Instagram
The bar boasts a vast seating area – pick one by the bar area or at the cosier chair-and-table spaces that are sectioned by barriers with glowing ovoid lamps. But don’t just sit and drink though. In a bar that’s decked with game stations and machines of all sorts, grab your drinks and indulge in some exciting round of games with your buddies.
Image adapted from: @stagbarpenang via Instagram
Darts and billiards aren’t just cool activities reserved for bars back in the ’80s. And beer pong and arcade games aren’t just for college kids. At Stag Bar, you can challenge your friends to arcade games while surrounded by vivid neon lights.
Get competitive with your pals at the pool table (RM4/game) or the game machines – including dart machine, boxing machine and air hockey machine, each for RM2 per game. To get more booze involved, head for the beer pong table (RM60/game) for a smashing wild time. Losers may want to prep their livers.
Image adapted from: @chen.cheo via Instagram, @yoyokiilingling via Instagram
Flashy alcohol towers & Western cuisine
Image credit: @stagbarpenang via Instagram
Besides the futuristic ambience that steals the show here, patrons can also enjoy good grub and satisfying drinks.
If the games leave you feeling ravenous, Stag Bar offers an array of main dishes to feast on. There are Western and local delights including the Signature Chicken Chop (RM28), Aglio E Olio (RM36), and Signature Minced Pork Dry Noodles (RM24). Order some snacks to munch on between games – there are Sweet Potato Fried (RM18) and Caramelised Roasted Pork Belly (RM22) to share.
Image credit: @stagbarpenang via Instagram
A drinking den at its core, you may want to check out Stag Bar’s selection of alcoholic drinks. While their drinks menu is pretty straightforward and simple, their presentation is anything but. For starters, opt to shoot down shots with your besties with the flashy Soju Tower (RM150) – it’s an over-the-top LED set-up that carries 12 neat pours of smooth soju.
There’s also something for both adventurous and newbie drinkers – there are light sips such as Champagne (~RM520) and Plum Wine (~RM130), as well as stronger Blended Scotch (~RM500) and Single Malt Whiskey (~RM400).
Grab a drink in a neon-lit bar in George Town
If you’ve been to one too many dingy speakeasies and would like to make your next drinking experience more quirky and unusual, head over to Stag Bar in Penang with your friends. There’s nothing like some good booze and fun games in a bar that’s alive with a barrage of neon lights to get lost in a lit night of good memories.
Address: Ground Floor, MBF Tower, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 6pm-3am, Daily
Contact: 017-558 8724
Read more interesting features of places here:
- Sphere Rooftop Bar, Penang’s cosmic-inspired bar
- Backdoor Bodega, secret bar in Penang that serves local-inspired drinks
- 8 wine bars in Penang for a girl’s night out
Cover image adapted from: @thomaspowellartist via Instagram, @stagbarpenang via Instagram, @stagbarpenang via Instagram