Tucked just north of Adelaide's CBD in the suburb of Angle Park, McQueens Tavern & Gaming has built a solid reputation as one of South Australia's most well-rounded pub and gaming experiences. Whether you're after a cold schooner, a hearty bistro meal, live sport on the big screens, or a solid session on the pokies, this place has it covered. Located at 55 Cardigan St, Angle Park SA 5010, McQueens sits right next to the Greyhound Racing SA track — a fitting neighbour for a venue that has entertainment woven into its very foundations.
The pokies lounge at McQueens is not a dusty afterthought crammed in the corner. Following a full refurbishment, the gaming room is a proper destination in its own right. Locals from Angle Park, Prospect, Pennington, Bowden, and beyond regularly make the trip for a punt on the machines, and it's easy to see why. The venue combines the classic Aussie pub atmosphere with a modern, comfortable gaming environment that keeps punters coming back.
The centrepiece of McQueens Tavern & Gaming is, without a doubt, its refurbished gaming lounge. After investing in a full renovation, the venue now offers one of the more inviting pokies environments you'll find in the greater Adelaide area.
The gaming room features 40 of the latest and most popular gaming machines available in South Australia. The selection includes titles from leading providers such as Aristocrat — the beloved Australian manufacturer behind classics like 5 Dragons, Where's the Gold, and Lightning Link — as well as machines from IGT and Ainsworth. For regular pokies players, these names need no introduction. These are the machines Australians grew up on, the ones that fill SA pubs and clubs from Port Augusta down to Victor Harbour.
What makes the McQueens' gaming experience stand out is the attention to comfort. The newly fitted lounge comes with relaxed seating that lets you settle in for a proper session without feeling like you're perched on a milk crate. There's a dedicated entrance directly from the car park, meaning you can walk straight in without navigating the full pub if the pokies are your primary destination. Complimentary soft drinks and occasional snacks are available to gaming patrons, which is a genuine nice touch and keeps the experience enjoyable without having to leave your machine.
The gaming room operates daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 AM — that's an 18-hour window that covers afternoon sessions, evening wind-downs, and yes, for the serious night owls, deep into the early hours of the morning. In South Australia, gaming venues are not permitted to operate 24 hours a day, and the 11 AM–5 AM trading window is one of the longest allowable under SA legislation, making McQueens one of the later-trading pokies venues in the region.
Feature | Details |
Number of Gaming Machines | 40 EGMs (Electronic Gaming Machines) |
Operating Hours | 11:00 AM – 5:00 AM Daily |
Seating | New lounge seating area |
Car Park Access | Dedicated direct entrance |
Complimentary Perks | Soft drinks and occasional snacks |
Loyalty Program | Maxetag Membership (free to join) |
Responsible Gambling Support | Gambling Help Online – 1800 858 858 |
One of the best reasons to register as a member at McQueens is the Maxetag loyalty program. Membership is completely free to sign up for in-venue, and members are issued a Maxetag card (replacement cards cost AU $3.00 if lost). The Maxetag system allows members to accumulate points on qualifying purchases across the venue. Points can be checked at the Maxetag terminal inside the tavern or by asking a staff member.
It's worth noting that under South Australian gaming legislation, loyalty points earned through gaming machine play are treated separately from general venue membership benefits. Members cannot use gaming machine expenditure to enter promotions tied to the standard loyalty program — this is a state law requirement designed to promote responsible gambling. That said, the membership still delivers genuine value across dining and bar purchases, and the Happy Hour discounts alone are worth signing up for.
Members enjoy a reduced Happy Hour rate. At the bar, non-members pay $7.50 during Happy Hour, while members pay just $6.50 — that saving adds up fast over a Friday evening session. Points not redeemed within 12 months will expire, and the membership itself lapses if the card goes unused for over 12 months.
Membership Detail | Information |
Cost to Join | Free |
Replacement Card Fee | AU $3.00 |
Points Expiry | 12 months from the last transaction |
Member Happy Hour Price | $6.50 |
Non-Member Happy Hour Price | $7.50 |
Program Name | Maxetag |
Disputes Process | Written notice to McQueens Tavern |
No article about a pokies venue is honest without hearing from the people who actually sit down at the machines. McQueens Tavern & Gaming has collected a range of reviews across platforms, and the picture is genuinely positive for the local community.
One regular player described the gaming room as surprisingly well-appointed for a suburban pub, noting that the refurbishment had completely changed the feel of the space. "It's clean, it's comfortable, and the staff know what they're doing. You're not being rushed off the machine, and they keep the drinks coming," they noted.
A TripAdvisor reviewer heading in for dinner made a point of stopping by the gaming room and described it as a "nice little pokies setup" — compact but well-maintained, with a range of machines that covered different styles of play, from low-denomination penny-style games to higher-bet options.
Yelp reviewers flagged the greyhound racing connection as part of the venue's character, pointing out that the proximity to the Angle Park greyhound track gives the whole precinct a distinct Aussie racing and gaming culture that you just don't get at a standalone pub. One reviewer noted: "This is a pokies pub, but that shouldn't be all that surprising considering it's adjoined to a dog racing track."
The Reddit Adelaide community has also weighed in over the years. While some comments lean tongue-in-cheek about the pokies culture generally, even the more sceptical voices acknowledged the clean presentation of the gaming room and the quality of the food — a combination that doesn't always come together in pubs at this price point.
Overall player sentiment trends toward appreciation for the venue's consistency. The machines are regularly updated, the staff are trained and approachable, and the broader amenities — food, sport, TAB — mean a visit to McQueens can cover multiple entertainment bases in a single stop.
South Australia has a well-established electronic gaming machine framework. The state allows up to 40 gaming machines in a single venue (hotels and clubs are subject to specific caps under the Gambling Administration Act), and McQueens is operating right at the maximum capacity — a sign that demand justifies every one of those 40 positions.
Gaming industry observers note that venues which invest in their physical gaming environments — comfortable seating, good lighting, accessible car parking, complimentary refreshments — tend to develop stronger loyalty among regular players. McQueens has made exactly those investments following its refurbishment, positioning itself competitively against other suburban Adelaide gaming hotels.
The long trading window (11 AM to 5 AM) is a significant operational advantage. Many comparable suburban venues close their gaming rooms earlier, meaning that players who want a late-night session actively seek out venues with extended hours. In the western suburbs of Adelaide — an area that includes Angle Park, Pennington, Mansfield Park, Woodville, and Port Adelaide — McQueens stands out for this reason.
Responsible gambling infrastructure at the venue includes clear signage, information about Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858 and gamblinghelponline.org.au), and a stated code of practice promoting socially responsible gambling. This aligns with the South Australian government's requirements for all licensed gaming venues.
For players exploring the Adelaide inner-western corridor, several other pokies venues operate within a reasonable drive of McQueens. The following table provides an overview of what's available nearby:
Venue Name | Address | Pokies Hours (approx.) |
273 Churchill Rd, Prospect SA 5082 | 11:00 AM – Late | |
893 South Rd, Clarence Gardens SA 5039 | 11:00 AM – Late | |
Strathmore Hotel | 129 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
17 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000 | 10:00 AM – Midnight+ | |
471 Pulteney St, Adelaide SA 5000 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 AM | |
B Social Restaurant | 246 Fosters Rd, Oakden SA 5086 | 11:00 AM – Late |
1 Magill Rd, Stepney SA 5069 | 11:00 AM – Late | |
SkyCity Adelaide Casino | North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5001 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (table games), pokies extended |
For anyone specifically focused on pokies in the immediate Angle Park area, the Greyhound Racing SA complex (which shares the address at 55 Cardigan St) is the obvious partner venue — and several Adelaide inner-north and inner-west hotels operate gaming rooms within a 10–15 minute drive. SkyCity Adelaide on North Terrace remains the premium option for players who want a casino environment with a broader machine selection, though it operates under different licensing conditions from a suburban pub.
While the pokies are a major drawcard, McQueens Tavern & Gaming is genuinely a full-service suburban pub, and a good one at that.
The Sports Bar features 15 HD screens broadcasting live sport across Fox Sports channels and all Sky Racing coverage. TAB betting facilities are available on-site, along with Keno and SA Lotteries. This makes McQueens a natural gathering point on AFL days, State of Origin nights, and any major racing carnival. The Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Dining is a serious operation at McQueens. The venue has won awards for its dining service — not something every suburban pub can say. The bistro menu covers lunch (11:30 AM to 2:30 PM) and dinner (5:30 PM to 8:30 PM), with generous serving sizes and daily specials that change through the week.
Day | Special |
Monday | Kids Eat Free (with purchase of a main meal) |
Tuesday | Kids Eat Free (with purchase of a main meal) |
Wednesday | Steak Night — 250g Rump Steak $20 |
Friday | Seafood Board — $55 |
Saturday | Schnitzel Board — $49.90 |
Sunday | Sunday Roast — $20 |
Seniors receive a permanent 10% discount on meals — a detail that reflects the venue's community-focused character and its strong connection to the residents of Angle Park and surrounding suburbs.
Live Music events are scheduled throughout the year, typically running from 8:30 PM to midnight on selected Saturday nights. Confirmed acts have included X-Ray Ted, Open Slather, The Inferno Rock Band, Idle Mind, and Alchemy of Rhythm. These events turn the tavern into a proper live entertainment venue, not just a gaming and sports stop.
McQueens Tavern & Gaming sits at 55 Cardigan St, Angle Park SA 5010, approximately 6 kilometres northwest of the Adelaide CBD.
By Car: From the city, take Port Road northwest through Hindmarsh and into Angle Park. Turn onto Cardigan Street — the venue is well signposted and sits adjacent to the Angle Park greyhound racing track. On-site parking is available, including dedicated access directly into the gaming area from the car park.
By Bus: Adelaide Metro bus services run along Port Road, which is within easy walking distance of Cardigan Street. Check the Adelaide Metro journey planner for current timetables. The venue is accessible from both the city and the outer northern suburbs via this route.
By Train: The closest train stations are Bowden and Woodville on the Outer Harbour and Grange lines. From either station, a short taxi or rideshare trip (Uber is widely available in Adelaide) covers the remaining distance to Cardigan Street.
On Foot or Bicycle: For locals in Angle Park, Pennington, Woodville, Mansfield Park, and Ferryden Park, McQueens is genuinely walkable or cyclable. There is bicycle parking available at the venue.
Everything you need to know before your visit is summarised below.
Detail | Information |
Name | McQueens Tavern & Gaming |
Address | 55 Cardigan St, Angle Park SA 5010 |
Phone | (08) 8243 7143 |
Website | mcqueenstavern.com.au |
facebook.com/McqueensTavern | |
Gaming Hours | 11:00 AM – 5:00 AM Daily |
Dining Lunch | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM |
Dining Dinner | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
Happy Hour (Mon–Fri) | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Happy Hour (Sat–Sun) | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Table Bookings | Available online via mcqueenstavern.com.au |
Parking | On-site, including direct gaming room access |
Membership | Free — Maxetag Program |
McQueens is not sitting in isolation. The surrounding area has a lot going on, and a visit to Angle Park can easily be combined with other activities.
Greyhound Racing SA operates on the same site — race nights are a natural complement to a gaming session at the tavern. The Angle Park precinct is also close to the Port Road commercial strip, with fuel stations, takeaway options, and retail. Woodville Shopping Centre is a short drive away. The nearby suburb of Bowden has undergone significant urban renewal in recent years and now hosts a range of cafes, restaurants, and bars along Third Street and the Plant 4 market precinct — making Angle Park a convenient base for a broader evening out.
For families, Angle Park is within easy reach of Hindmarsh Stadium (home of Adelaide United), various community sports grounds, and the Torrens River Linear Park trail system.
McQueens operates 40 electronic gaming machines featuring popular Australian titles from manufacturers including Aristocrat, IGT, and Ainsworth. The selection covers a range of themes and bet levels, from low-denomination games suited to casual play right through to higher-stakes options for more experienced players.
The gaming room is open every single day of the week from 11:00 AM through to 5:00 AM the following morning. This is one of the longest daily trading windows permitted under South Australian gaming regulations.
Yes. McQueens operates the Maxetag loyalty program. Membership is free to join in-venue, and the card allows you to accumulate points on qualifying purchases across the tavern. Replacement cards cost AU $3.00. Note that under SA law, gaming machine play cannot be used to participate in general venue promotions linked to the loyalty program.
Absolutely. The bistro is open for lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and for dinner from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The menu is available across all areas of the venue, meaning you can eat in the sports bar while watching the game. There are also daily specials, including a $20 Sunday Roast and a Wednesday Steak Night.
Yes. Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturday to Sunday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Members pay $6.50 per drink, while non-members pay $7.50.
The sports bar features 15 HD screens covering Fox Sports and Sky Racing. TAB, Keno, and SA Lotteries are also available. It's one of the better-equipped sports bars in the western suburbs of Adelaide.
Live music events are held on selected Saturday nights, running from approximately 8:30 PM to midnight. Past performers have included well-known local bands such as X-Ray Ted, The Inferno Rock Band, Open Slather, Idle Mind, and Alchemy of Rhythm. Check the venue's What's On page for upcoming dates.
McQueens is located about 6 kilometres northwest of the Adelaide CBD via Port Road. By car, it's roughly a 10–15 minute drive depending on traffic. Bus services run along Port Road. Rideshare (Uber) is also straightforward from the city centre. On-site parking is available, with a dedicated direct entrance from the car park into the gaming room.
McQueens Tavern & Gaming is committed to responsible gambling and operates under a socially responsible code of practice. Free and confidential support is available by calling 1800 858 858 or visiting gamblinghelponline.org.au. Signage throughout the venue reminds patrons to gamble responsibly and within their means.
Several other gaming hotels operate within a 10–15 minute drive, including the Reepham Hotel in Prospect, the Strathmore Hotel on North Terrace, and venues along the Hindley Street and Pulteney Street corridors in the city. SkyCity Adelaide on North Terrace is the region's premier casino option for players seeking a larger machine selection.