Red Lion Hotel stands as one of Elizabeth North's most beloved entertainment venues, offering punters an exceptional pokies gaming experience right in the heart of Adelaide's northern suburbs. Located at 173 Woodford Rd, Elizabeth North, SA 5113, this establishment has built a solid reputation among local gaming enthusiasts who appreciate quality machines, outstanding hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps them coming back week after week.
The venue operates as a true community hub where pokies players can enjoy their favourite gaming machines in a recently renovated, comfortable environment. With 40 state-of-the-art gaming machines operating around the clock, Red Lion Hotel has positioned itself as a premier destination for those seeking quality pokies entertainment in the Elizabeth area.
The gaming room at Red Lion Hotel underwent significant renovations recently, transforming into a modern space that rivals any pokies venue in South Australia. The refurbishment brought a fresh layout, contemporary design elements, and most importantly, brand new gaming machines that feature the latest technology and most popular game titles available in the Australian market.
Red Lion Hotel's gaming floor houses 40 premium electronic gaming machines (EGMs), carefully selected to provide variety and entertainment for all types of players. The venue features popular titles including Lightning Link, Dragon Link, 5 Dragons, and other Aristocrat favourites that Australian pokies enthusiasts have come to love. The machines operate on a ticket-in, ticket-out system, making gameplay convenient and seamless.
The gaming room maintains exceptional operating hours, staying open until 4:00 AM every morning, seven days per week. This extended schedule makes Red Lion Hotel an ideal destination for night owls and shift workers who enjoy playing pokies during unconventional hours. Whether you fancy a quick spin during your lunch break or an extended evening session, the venue accommodates all schedules.
Gaming Feature | Details |
Number of Machines | 40 EGMs |
Operating Hours | 10:00 AM - 4:00 AM Daily |
Ticket System | Ticket-In, Ticket-Out |
Popular Games | Lightning Link, Dragon Link, 5 Dragons |
Recent Upgrades | New machines, redesigned layout (2024) |
Venue Age Restriction | 18+ years |
Beyond the machines themselves, the gaming room provides comfortable seating, excellent lighting, and attentive service from staff members who understand the needs of pokies players. The venue maintains responsible gambling practices, with information readily available and staff trained to assist patrons who may need support.
Red Lion Hotel has earned an impressive 4.1 out of 5 rating based on over 813 customer reviews, demonstrating consistent quality across all aspects of the venue. Recent reviews specifically praise the gaming facilities alongside the food and beverage offerings, showing that Red Lion Hotel successfully combines pokies entertainment with excellent hospitality.
Vera Bolton, a visitor from the United Kingdom, left a glowing five-star review in October 2024, noting the exceptional service from managers Naomi and Annette. While her review focused primarily on the dining experience, she mentioned visiting the venue three times during her holiday, suggesting the overall atmosphere – including the gaming facilities – created a welcoming environment worth repeated visits.
Local patron Jessie Zerna specifically praised the staff and service in her August 2024 review, emphasising the welcoming nature of the venue. This sentiment appears consistently throughout customer feedback, with many reviewers mentioning the "down-to-earth" atmosphere that makes both locals and visitors feel comfortable.
The Lions Club of Angle Vale held a social dinner at Red Lion Hotel in May 2024, with organiser Frank O'Riley noting the excellent service, friendly staff, and overall positive experience. The fact that community organisations choose Red Lion Hotel for their events speaks to the venue's reputation as a trusted, quality establishment in the northern suburbs.
Gaming-specific reviews highlight the recent renovations to the pokies room, with players noting the improved layout makes navigating between machines easier and the new equipment offers better graphics and more engaging gameplay. The November 2024 Instagram post from Red Lion Hotel showcasing the gaming room renovations generated considerable positive response from the local pokies community.
Review Snapshot | Rating/Comment |
Overall Rating | 4.1/5 (813 reviews) |
Recent Reviews | Predominantly 5 stars |
Staff Service | "Awesome," "Friendly," "Couldn't do enough" |
Atmosphere | "Welcoming," "Unique vibe," "Down to earth" |
Gaming Room | "New layout," "Latest machines," "Great choices" |
Value for Money | "Well priced," "Really good value" |
Gaming industry observers recognise Red Lion Hotel as an excellent example of a well-managed suburban pokies venue that understands its market. The venue's recent investment in renovating the gaming room demonstrates management's commitment to providing a quality experience that keeps pace with player expectations.
The machine selection shows strategic thinking, with a mix of popular linked jackpot games like Lightning Link and Dragon Link alongside classic Australian favourites. This variety ensures both casual players and serious pokies enthusiasts find machines that suit their preferences and playing styles.
The extended operating hours until 4:00 AM represent a competitive advantage in the Elizabeth area. Many venues close earlier, but Red Lion Hotel recognises that many patrons work non-traditional hours or simply prefer late-night entertainment. This scheduling flexibility has helped build a loyal customer base that appreciates the venue's willingness to accommodate their needs.
Location-wise, Red Lion Hotel benefits from its position on Woodford Road, easily accessible from throughout Elizabeth North and the surrounding suburbs. The venue offers adequate parking, removing one of the common frustrations pokies players experience at busier metropolitan venues.
The integration of quality dining options alongside the gaming facilities creates a "destination venue" rather than just a pokies room. Players can enjoy a substantial meal from the bistro, including the popular stone grill options, before or after their gaming session, or take advantage of the daily specials and happy hour pricing at the bar.
Elizabeth North and the surrounding areas offer several quality pokies venues, giving players options depending on their preferences, location, and the type of gaming experience they seek. Understanding what each venue offers helps players make informed decisions about where to spend their entertainment dollars.
Elizabeth Tavern sits right on Elizabeth Way in the heart of Elizabeth, just a short drive from the Red Lion Hotel. This newly renovated family-friendly venue features 40 gaming machines, matching Red Lion Hotel's machine count. Elizabeth Tavern operates from 10:00 AM to 3:00 AM, closing one hour earlier than the Red Lion Hotel. The venue emphasises its family-friendly atmosphere and recently refurbished spaces, appealing to players who prefer a more contemporary, bright environment. Elizabeth Tavern also features SA Lotteries products, including X-Lotto, Oz Lotto, Powerball, and Keno, providing additional gaming variety.
Venue Name | Address | Machines | Hours | Distance from Red Lion |
Elizabeth Way, Elizabeth SA 5112 | 40 | 10 AM - 3 AM | 2.5 km | |
Elizabeth South SA | 40 | 10 AM - 2 AM | 4 km | |
Midway Tavern | 212 Midway Rd, Elizabeth Downs SA 5113 | 40+ | 9 AM - Late | 3 km |
Playford Bowling Club | Elizabeth area | 30+ | 10 AM - 11 PM | 3.5 km |
Rose & Crown Hotel in Elizabeth South provides another popular alternative, featuring 40 of the latest gaming machines, including Lightning Link and Dragon Cash titles. The venue operates with a ticket-in, ticket-out system similar to Red Lion Hotel, and has built a reputation for keeping its machine offerings current with the latest releases from major manufacturers. Rose & Crown typically operates until 2:00 AM, making it a solid choice for evening players, though not quite matching Red Lion Hotel's 4:00 AM closing time.
Midway Tavern in Elizabeth Downs positions itself as "your number one venue in the north," offering extensive facilities including gaming, a bistro, a bottle shop, and a front bar. Located at 212 Midway Road, Midway Tavern attracts a substantial local following and participates in the Jackpot Club rewards programme, allowing players to earn benefits across multiple venues. The venue's comprehensive entertainment offering makes it a direct competitor to Red Lion Hotel, though each has cultivated its own distinct atmosphere and loyal customer base.
Playford Bowling Club offers a different environment altogether, combining traditional lawn bowls with gaming facilities. This venue appeals to players who enjoy a club atmosphere with sporting activities alongside their pokies entertainment. The machine count typically runs smaller than dedicated hotels and taverns, but the club environment and membership benefits attract many regular patrons.
When comparing these venues, Red Lion Hotel distinguishes itself through its recent renovations, 4:00 AM closing time, and the highly-rated stone grill dining experience. Players seeking the latest machines in a freshly updated environment consistently choose Red Lion Hotel, while those preferring different atmospheres or locations find quality alternatives throughout the Elizabeth region.
Red Lion Hotel enjoys an accessible location at 173 Woodford Rd, Elizabeth North, SA 5113, making it easy to reach whether you're driving, using public transport, or arranging a ride-share service.
By Car: From Adelaide CBD, take Main North Road northbound for approximately 25 kilometres, then turn right onto Woodford Road. The journey typically takes 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. From the northern suburbs, Woodford Road provides direct access, with the venue clearly visible from the street. Ample on-site parking means you won't struggle to find a spot, even during peak evening hours.
Public Transport: Adelaide Metro operates bus services that stop near the Red Lion Hotel. Routes 251 and 252 connect Elizabeth Interchange with stops along Woodford Road, placing passengers within easy walking distance of the venue. Journey times from Adelaide city vary between 45 and 60 minutes depending on the specific service. The Elizabeth Interchange railway station on the Gawler line provides another option, with connecting bus services or a short taxi ride completing the journey.
Ride-Share Services: Both Uber and DiDi operate throughout the Elizabeth area, making ride-share a convenient option, particularly for evening visits when you plan to enjoy beverages alongside your gaming session. Typical fares from Elizabeth city centre run between $8-12 AUD, while journeys from Adelaide CBD cost approximately $35-45 AUD depending on demand and time of day.
The venue's location on Woodford Road means it sits on a major arterial route with excellent connectivity to surrounding suburbs, including Davoren Park, Elizabeth Vale, Elizabeth Park, and Hillbank. This central position within the northern suburbs contributes to Red Lion Hotel's popularity among pokies players from throughout the region.
One of Red Lion Hotel's standout features is the exceptional bistro that serves quality meals throughout the day. The venue has built a strong reputation for its food offerings, with many visitors specifically mentioning the dining experience in their reviews.
The stone grill experience represents the bistro's signature offering. This unique cooking method uses natural volcanic stone heated to 400°C in a specialised oven. Your selected cut of meat is presented and placed on the stone at your table, allowing you to sear and cook it exactly to your preference. Whether you fancy your steak rare, medium, or well-done, the high-temperature cooking locks in natural juices and nutrients, delivering exceptional flavour and a memorable dining experience.
Daily bistro specials provide excellent value for regular patrons, with lunch service running from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Sunday, and dinner service from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM (closing 30 minutes earlier on Sundays). The bistro's operating hours coordinate perfectly with the gaming room, allowing players to enjoy a quality meal before, during, or after their pokies session.
Meal Service | Days | Times |
Lunch | Monday - Saturday | 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM |
Lunch | Sunday | 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM |
Dinner | Monday - Saturday | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM |
Dinner | Sunday | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
Menu highlights include the popular seafood platter, which received rave reviews with one patron declaring it the "bestest seafood platter eva!" The schnitzel offerings come highly recommended, with November 2024 reviews praising the fresh, crispy quality. All main meals include access to the salad and vegetable bar, providing both hot and cold options to complement your meal.
Function packages make Red Lion Hotel an attractive venue for celebrations, corporate events, and group gatherings. Stone grill wedding packages start from $30 per head for groups of 60 or more, with the venue accommodating functions ranging from intimate 10-person gatherings to events hosting 60 guests. The combination of quality catering, gaming facilities, and entertainment options like the beer garden and live music makes Red Lion Hotel a versatile function venue.
The bar at Red Lion Hotel complements the gaming facilities perfectly, offering competitive pricing, quality beverages, and a social atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Daily happy hour specials run at different times throughout the week, providing savvy patrons with excellent value on their favourite drinks.
Day | Happy Hour Times |
Monday - Thursday | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
Friday | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
Saturday | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
The bar maintains an extensive selection of beers on tap, including popular Australian favourites such as West End Draught, Carlton Draught, Cooper's Pale Ale, Great Northern Super Crisp, and Hahn Super Dry. Craft beer enthusiasts appreciate the Stone & Wood Pacific Ale offering, while those preferring alternative beverages can choose from Brookvale Ginger Beer or the Hard Rated range in orange and lemon flavours.
Entertainment programming brings additional excitement beyond the gaming machines. Every Friday evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, live music performances in the beer garden create a vibrant atmosphere. These weekly performances feature local and regional artists covering popular genres, and they're accompanied by the traditional Friday night meat tray raffles that remain a beloved Australian pub tradition.
Monday nights host free-to-play music bingo starting at 7:00 PM, adding a social gaming element that complements the electronic machines. The final Saturday of each month features themed karaoke nights, encouraging patrons to showcase their singing talents in a fun, supportive environment.
The combination of pokies gaming, quality dining, regular entertainment, and social events creates a venue that offers something for everyone. Whether you're primarily interested in the gaming machines or simply looking for a comfortable local pub with multiple entertainment options, Red Lion Hotel delivers.
Red Lion Hotel's on-site bottle shop provides convenience for patrons wanting to purchase beverages for home consumption. Operating as part of the Liquor Legends network, the bottle shop maintains competitive pricing on a massive selection of wines, beers, and spirits.
Operating hours extend later than many stand-alone bottle shops, accommodating customers who prefer evening shopping. Sunday through Thursday, the bottle shop operates from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday until midnight. A convenient drive-through service operates during peak periods, allowing quick purchases without leaving your vehicle.
The bottle shop regularly features promotional catalogues with special pricing on popular products. Savvy shoppers check these catalogues before visiting to take advantage of current deals, with monthly specials often providing substantial savings on premium brands.
While Red Lion Hotel doesn't require membership for general venue access or gaming, regular patrons benefit from staying informed about special promotions and events. The venue maintains an active social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, where they announce upcoming entertainment, special food offerings, and gaming-related promotions.
Responsible gambling remains a priority at Red Lion Hotel. The venue provides information about gambling support services, maintains self-exclusion programmes, and trains staff to recognise and assist patrons who may be experiencing difficulties. Contact cards for problem gambling support services are readily available throughout the venue, and staff can provide information about setting personal limits or accessing help services.
Players are encouraged to gamble within their means, set personal budgets before commencing play, and take regular breaks during extended gaming sessions. The venue's commitment to responsible gambling ensures that pokies remain an entertainment option rather than a harmful activity.
Red Lion Hotel
173 Woodford Rd, Elizabeth North SA 5113
Phone: (08) 8182 8500
Email: manager@redlionhotel.com.au
Website: www.redlionhotel.com.au
General Venue Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 AM Daily
Gaming Room Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 AM Daily
For function inquiries, menu questions, or general information, contact the venue directly via phone or email. Management responds promptly to inquiries and can provide detailed information about gaming facilities, upcoming events, and booking options for private functions.
The Elizabeth area offers various amenities and attractions near the Red Lion Hotel, allowing visitors to combine their pokies session with other activities. Elizabeth City Centre sits just minutes away, providing shopping opportunities at major retailers and specialty stores. The recently renovated Elizabeth Shopping Centre houses Woolworths, Target, and numerous smaller shops.
Elizabeth Aquadome provides family-friendly recreation with swimming pools, water slides, and fitness facilities. This makes Red Lion Hotel an ideal stop for parents who've spent the afternoon entertaining children and want to enjoy some adult entertainment before heading home.
Several parks and green spaces dot the surrounding suburbs, including the extensive reserves along the Little Para River. These areas offer walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic facilities, perfect for afternoon recreation before an evening at Red Lion Hotel.
The northern suburbs' multicultural character means diverse dining options surround the venue. Asian restaurants, Italian trattorias, Greek tavernas, and modern Australian cafes all operate within a short driving distance, giving visitors choices if they want to explore dining options beyond Red Lion Hotel's excellent bistro.
Red Lion Hotel Elizabeth North has earned its reputation as a premier pokies destination through consistent investment in facilities, commitment to customer service, and understanding of what gaming enthusiasts value. The recent gaming room renovation demonstrates management's dedication to providing a modern, comfortable environment with the latest machines.
The 40 gaming machines offer sufficient variety without being overwhelming, and the selection of popular titles like Lightning Link and Dragon Link ensures players find familiar favourites alongside opportunities to try new games. The ticket-in, ticket-out system represents the current best practice, making gameplay smooth and convenient.
Extended operating hours until 4:00 AM set the Red Lion Hotel apart from many competitors, accommodating players with varying schedules and preferences. This flexibility, combined with the excellent bistro, well-stocked bar, and regular entertainment programme, creates a destination venue rather than just a gaming room.
The consistently positive customer reviews spanning food quality, staff friendliness, and overall atmosphere indicate Red Lion Hotel maintains high standards across all operations. When a venue earns 4.1 stars across more than 800 reviews, with recent ratings predominantly at five stars, it signals an establishment that understands and meets customer expectations.
For pokies enthusiasts in Adelaide's northern suburbs, Red Lion Hotel offers an exceptional combination of quality machines, extended hours, excellent dining, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a regular player or occasional visitor, the venue provides everything needed for an enjoyable gaming experience in comfortable, well-maintained surroundings.
Red Lion Hotel's gaming room opens at 10:00 AM daily and operates continuously until 4:00 AM the following morning, seven days per week. This extended schedule makes it one of the northern suburbs' most accessible pokies venues, accommodating early morning players, afternoon visitors, and late-night enthusiasts alike.
The venue features 40 electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in its recently renovated gaming room. The selection includes popular titles such as Lightning Link, Dragon Link, 5 Dragons, and other favourites from leading manufacturers like Aristocrat. The venue regularly updates its machine offerings to include the latest games and technology.
Yes, the bistro operates throughout most of the gaming room's operating hours, serving lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM daily (with dinner closing at 8:00 PM on Sundays). You can order meals and have them brought to you, or dine in the bistro before or after your gaming session. The venue is particularly famous for its stone-grilled steaks and seafood platters.
Yes, Red Lion Hotel provides on-site parking for patrons. The venue's location on Woodford Road includes adequate parking spaces, and reviewers consistently note that finding a parking spot is straightforward even during busy periods. This convenient parking makes driving to the venue a practical option.
Several quality pokies venues operate near Red Lion Hotel, including Elizabeth Tavern (2.5 km away with 40 machines), Rose & Crown Hotel in Elizabeth South (4 km away with 40 machines), Midway Tavern in Elizabeth Downs (3 km away), and Playford Bowling Club (3.5 km away). Each venue offers slightly different atmospheres, operating hours, and amenities.
Yes, Red Lion Hotel maintains responsible gambling practices, including the availability of support service information, staff training to recognise problem gambling signs, and self-exclusion programmes. Contact information for Gambling Help services is displayed throughout the venue, and staff can assist in accessing support resources if needed.
Absolutely. Red Lion Hotel accommodates functions ranging from 10 to 60 guests, with packages available for birthdays, engagements, weddings, and corporate events. Stone grill wedding packages start from $30 per person (minimum 60 guests). Contact the venue at (08) 8182 8500 or manager@redlionhotel.com.au to discuss your requirements and receive detailed package information.
The gaming room underwent significant renovations recently, featuring a new layout, modern design, and brand-new machines. The combination of contemporary facilities, comfortable seating, excellent lighting, and attentive service creates an environment that both regular players and newcomers find welcoming. The extended 4:00 AM closing time also sets it apart from many competitors.
