I love The Red Lion it is Tar. Ambiance is top tier , and the service is immaculate. Monday night TRL better than Joe's!!

Honestly, poor ambience, and this weird girl wouldn't leave me alone?? The servers r wack. There is no food here. Huge disappointment. read more

Red Lion - Creepy people - Bars Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

I heard so much hype for this bar, and it is beyond disappointing. the drinks are watered down and taste just like a seltzer. now if I want a seltzer I would've ordered one but I did not. the vibes are weird too, recently fell off apparently but still what's your excuse for shitty service and bad drinks. also 20 for cover at 9 pm is crazy, now I understand that for actual Chicago clubs but let's be honest this is no chicago club. read more

Andrew the bouncer is my goat. Literal favorite person. He helped me find my phone in a sea of drunk people when I lost it and was the only staff member willing to help. Andrew if you see this I love you read more

Horrible staff and not safe environment for people to gather. I will be avoiding this area from now on.

11/16 November. I was at Red Lion from 6-8. I went to get food at 8 and came back at 9, and they refused to let me in even though I knew the bartender. The security told me I wasn't allowed in even though I was in for the whole night leading up to it. I asked why I wasn't allowed, and he told me it was just because I wasn't a girl and when I had been there all night. He then proceeded to let 3 dudes in behind me for no other reason other than I was black. Overall, I felt very disrespected by this bar only due to the people working door at night when I had no problems during the day. I sincerely hope you think about firing whoever was on door 11/16 for being racist. No one else in my group was denied accept of me, and I felt targeted just for my race. I hope you can find it in your hearts to fire him and fine him for being racist and denying business for no reason other than disliking a certain group's color. Thank you and I hope you can improve your security in the future. read more

I've been around the world to some of the worst bars anyone has ever seen, and this is the worst place I have ever been and not in a good way. Unless you're 17 and a freshman at U of I avoid like the plague. And I didn't even mention the smell. read more

Untrained staff and cleanliness isn't a priority at all. When people fear they will be seriously injured by the security of an establishment there's an extremely low chance they come back. Scumbag management do better. read more

After my experience at Kams, I'm rating Lion the best. Every night is lit here and if you know a bartender you'll be in good shape - you'll get good drink deals and fast service. Usually good DJ's here too read more

WOULD NOT RECOMMEND!!! Evan the manager assults women!!!!!!!! do not go. Tried to go and have a good time but he is horrible and ruined it.

security was racially profiling customers and charging extraneous amounts to different customers. after waiting 30m in line security says "that's not how things work around here bud" and rejects our entire group read more

I was very unhappy to look through my credit card transactions to find out that the bartender left themselves an unauthorized tip on my card when I had already tipped them cash. read more

I think I'm going to review all the bars I go to at U of I, in addition to restaurants. Maybe the bar owners will actually read some of this stuff? Maybe flying pigs will abduct Alma the night before finals? Who knows? I've been to Red Lion probably 4 times and tried to convince myself to like it, but I can't. The line to get in is usually really long, there is always a cover charge of at least $5 and it is always a loud, high-energy, dirty/sticky haven for UIUC's 'finest' undergrads. The layout of the place is actually pretty cool, its really big if you count the outside areas. However, the place is pretty nasty. The floor is sticky, there's empty glasses/bottles everywhere, and the bathroom reminds me of when I used to go river fishing. Everyone seems to dance on the elevated dance floor and tables, but I've almost wrecked myself a couple times and I wasn't even that intoxicated, so there is a potential safety hazard there. Additionally, I've seen a guy literally fall backwards off a bar stool, a couple really close to having public sex, and not to mention countless airborne beverages that have partially landed on or close to me. Yup, it's that kind of place. The bar service here seems to be a little quicker than most of the other bars, but still doesn't appear to be really that great, in my opinion. Half the time the bartender can't even hear me, and I always seem to keep getting pushed back in the queue of people to be served, which is aggravating. Even when you do get served, it appears everything is really expensive. $3.50 for a bottle of Miller Lite? Meh.... The inside bouncers/barbacks usually aren't too bothersome. Although on one occasion they were checking for wristbands like Nazis every 5-10 minutes for anyone who had a drink in their hand. It was annoying, excessive and I wish I knew why, perhaps an incident occurred earlier? I really don't know. The outside bouncers/door guys are even more aggravating. My ID was given a CSI style investigation between 2 checkers, complete with a nearly 180-degree bend test that literally almost broke it in half. It was initially deemed fake by the first checker, but after giving it to the second with a flashlight, my state-issued ID was surprisingly "real". I now have a creased driver's license. Thanks, Red Lion! I might just have the secretary of state bill you for my next one. 1/5 the place is dirty, obnoxious, expensive and I don't care for it. The only reason you might consider going here is if you drink a lot beforehand and feel like dancing (or getting pushed around by) randoms while [bad] music blares throughout the "castle". read more

My friend who is a a student and frequent patron of lion forgot her iCard ONE TIME and they made her $10! Fake and RUDE! She is clearly a student because why else would she be at lion st the end of the summer lol We only wanted monster vodkas! read more

Jack Crean is the only reason I rated this bar 5 stars. Went above and beyond to ensure a great experience for me. I wish every bartender was Jack Crean. The world would be a better place. Thank you Jack Crean. read more

Lion is the best! Jack is the best tender! Order from him! Bar is a little sticky but that's okay! Go Illini!!!!!

I witnessed firsthand discrimination and I saw two employees physically assault two of my friends. A security guard told my friends there was a $20 charge for students without an iCard. I witnessed them let white patrons without an iCard pay only $5 as opposed to the stated $20 charge. My two African American friends and I paid our fee and waited by the door for our other group of friends to enter. While waiting, I observed as they let two white women enter the establishment for only $5 total, and one of the women did not have her iCard with her. The security guard said it was ok for my friend to go in and use the restroom. On her way to the restroom, the second bouncer grabbed my friend's dress, pulled her back and grabbed her around the stomach; he accused her of not paying. As he assaulted her, a second friend asked him "what's going on?" Bouncer #312 then grabbed (assaulted) friend #2 and said "They're psycho, get them out of here!" The most disgusting experience at an establishment I've ever had. If I could give it 0 stars I would! read more

I would like to give this bar 5 stars but between the ridiculous cover charge and crowded unsafe dancing environment 3 is the best I can give this place honestly. The drinks are appropriately strong and well priced, and the multiple outside areas make for a nice break from the action. The bartenders were faster than any other bar I've been to considering how crowded it was. The large wrap around bar means no lines. The music is current and the DJ was good at mixing the night I was there. the elevated dance floor however, has no railings; I saw a couple of people almost bite the dust, be really careful when you go up there especially while intoxicated Lower the 5 dollar cover, get better airflow, and rail the dance floor and this place is easily a 5! read more

I've been coming to Red Lion for 3 years now. No bartender has ever been better than Jack Crean. I would rather go to lion than study for a test if Jack is tending. This man tells it how it is. School is temporary, lion is forever. read more

Awful experience. Have never been so disrespected in my life by the bouncer. Was denied that I am 19 years of age while showing a issued by the state ID and after I had spent $55 nonrefundable. They refused to give my money back either. The place looks so trashy anyways. All underage drinking. Worst bar I have ever been to and that is saying something. read more

This was probably one of the dirtiest bars I've ever been to. After being there for 10 minutes I felt like I needed to leave to take a shower. The smell was horrifying and the place was overpacked with underage drunk kids. (No one was bothering checking IDs at the bar) SOMEONE THREW UP ALL OVER ME INSIDE THE BAR. You read that right, just nonchalantly hurled as I was walking by. None of the stalls in the bathrooms had toilet paper and all of the sinks were overflowing. I'd give this place 0 stars if I could read more

Cover charge...why though? Airy, indoor and outdoor sections, with access to the bar from the outside as well, pretty neat. Small elevated "dance floor" in the back corner-not safe, because there's no railing. Multiple people, including myself and my friends were concerned about our well being and others. You don't put drunk people on a stage without some precautions, guys. Most surfaces were wet. Rude crowd. Pushing, knocking your stuff to the ground...no classy people here, just kids sitting on the backs of benches and dancing on tables. Didn't check out the bar so I can't say what booze they have available, but from the sip of a Long Island I had from a friend...no thanks. Not a bad place, but not really "good" either. read more

So lion is extremely racist and ignorant towards international students. I am 22 years old a senior from Canada and brought my passport since lion has rejected me before with a drivers license. The security at the front of the line would not accept my passport and demanded for my "visa". My "visa" is my passport which he ignorantly disregarded as I tried to politely tell him. He then proceeded to push me out the door. He was very rude and very ignorant when I tried to explain to him that I was from Canada and had a passport. He was also rude to my friend. Horrible experience overall read more

My favorite college bar and I didn't even go to college there. Red Lion is where dreams come true.

The place desperately tries to be a "club" but just falls so short that its really sad. They do have occasional drinks specials that are amazing, I did like to go load up on 2 dollar red bull vodkas at 8pm then clear out before the place filled up. Most of the people there are just sad and it feels more like an awkward high school prom desperately trying to be cool rather then a college bar. read more

Total shithole. There's always cover, it's almost always packed, and even when it's not it somehow still smells terrible. I've never liked any of the DJ's there, the elevated dance floor is a broken neck waiting to happen, and the drinks are underwhelming. Why there are always so many people there remains a mystery to me. Maybe they're stuck to the floor and can't leave? read more

Honestly, this is the promise land. If you don't enjoy college bars don't go. If you want a good time, wake up with the worst hangover of your life and meet a lot of pretty cool people head on over the best college bar in Champaign. read more

Just shortly after strolling into the Red Lion, one can see that the atmosphere reminds the customer of simpler times. The juxtaposition of young college students with the mid-evil decor makes for quite the environment. As for the staff, all friendly and accommodating. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a quality night out. read more

Solid 4. Been there countless nights of boozing with the bois and it always gets me goin. One time I yaked in the corner by the bathroom and didn't get kicked out so gotta give them some brownie points read more

Always packed but i dont really like their music selection and the way the stage and dance area is set up. slippery and dirty. always drunk people standing on tables and spilling beer. everything is sticky read more

I walked into The Red Lion at 1:30am on a Tuesday night. Little did I know there would be hundreds of drunk people smoking cigarettes and throwing up all over the bar. I literally saw some kid pull down his pants and show his junk to the entire bar. On top of that I heard the same EDM song playing 3 times in a row. I walk up to the bar and try to order a smirnoff Ice like a civil human being only to have the bartender throw ice at me and tell me I need to "grow a pair". Safe to say I will never enter this establishment again. I'll stick to Brothers where I know I can slam Long Island iced tea pitchers until I pass out. read more

This establishment is probably one of my favorite places on campus, the aroma of the bathroom after you enter is to die for , they should seriously consider a yankee candle scent for the smell for some extra money on the side. The drinks are always on point and the place is constantly "turnt" or "lit" as the kids say these days. Last time I was here I had a terrific time, had so much fun that I was able to turn the sidewalk outside into a quick area for me to take a nap. The crowd was typical of a campus town bar, and I was able to successfully mingle with the other alpha males that were also indulging in alcoholic beverages with me as well. I tried to hit on some girls but they called me a "loser" and a "creep" so I guess that's one negative. The particular night that I am reviewing was a great time as I was able to successfully enter the dj booth and speak to the man spinnin tunes. Great overall, really like the name for the urinal room as the "cocktagon". Classy establishment would recommend, wish they sold food. read more

Phone number is incorrect. Great party/fratty bar. Always cover for any age and drinks are mediocre.

the blonde guy checking IDs at the door was the rudest person i've met on a college campus. the fact that this place already is dirty and full of underage drinkers being served alcohol without their ID being checked, you would think staff would be less rude seeing as they can get in a whole lotta trouble. read more

Takes 20 minutes to get a drink because there's a platoon of frat bros sitting at the bar and crowding everyone else out. They tried to pick a fight with me when I squeezed up to the bar in order to sign my receipt. Place is nasty, and I have to worry about the inch of liquid on the floor splashing onto my pants. Drinks are cheap enough, but there's a cover charge... read more

Good bar the atmosphere is great and it is fun but their music choice has been awful recently. They need to stop hiring DJ's that think they're the next Skrillex and play shitty EDM remixes and have the DJ's that just play songs that people can dance and have fun with that DON'T have questionable EDM remixes. read more

Good music but a really dirty bar. Went there with some friends, paid $10 cover. After 10 minutes they shut down the place, when it actually was 2 hours left before closing. Got no explanation why and the staff were so rude as well. Crazy... read more

Ahh, Red Lion, much can be said about this classic establishment in the heart of Champaign. Countless droves of students flock here nightly to spend more time picking up (and slamming down) drinks than they do picking up the books. Not surprisingly, these same students return to pack the place as alcoholic townies once they inevitably flunk out. You'll know you're at the right place when you gaze your eyes upon two dudes throwing up on the outside wall, a pack of girls trying desperately to console their already crying, hammered friend, and the iconic Red Lion crest, an image straight out of medieval times. When you finally take your first step into the bar, you might as well have stepped straight into the middle ages (except for the annoying droning of mid- late 2000s pop hits). Trash and spilled drinks litter the floor and your nose is hit with an overwhelming mixture of cheap cologne and stale liquor. The bathrooms make even the workers think twice about staying there. The ladies inside are wild and their guy counterparts are even wilder, often starting brawls in the midst of a drunken rage. Once you get a few drinks in you, the liquor starts calling the shots and you can easily drown away any concerns and blend in with the party atmosphere. Overall, Red Lion is an above average place for students to get wasted and find good looking girls. 9/10 WOULD RECOMMEND read more

I like CO's better even though it constantly smells like puke and garbage. There aren't as many d-bags at COs in comparison to Station, and that is something I look for prior to going to a crappy college bar. They do have a pretty cool shaped (but gross) mens bathroom. If you go to this bar, I hope it is only to use the bathroom. There aren't any other redeeming qualities.... read more

Honestly, if I came to this bar really sober I would probably rate this place a 2 for cover charge, sticky floors, and unsafe dancing environment, but I never come to this place sober so fk that (Wubba lubba dub-dub!). Once your not sober and come to this place the unsafe dancing environment changes to fun dancing environment and you just go ham on that. Then you go to the bars and drink more. Finally you go outside and smoke a square then repeat until your blacked. Solid 5 Stars for me lmfao. read more