 Cantina Bar
Denver, CO
Photo courtesy Larry Glass
Denver's Cantina Bar was known for one of the city's more memorable neon displays. Mounted high above the street, the sign featured a glowing cactus alongside bold lettering that made it easy to spot after dark.
Occupying a prominent corner in downtown Denver, the business became a familiar sight for locals and visitors alike. While details about the establishment itself are difficult to verify today, the neon cactus sign remains the feature most often remembered in photographs and discussions of Denver's disappearing roadside landmarks. 11-07
UPDATE: The original Cantina Bar is no longer in operation, and its distinctive cactus sign has been removed. The building later became part of redevelopment efforts in the area, and a separate nightlife concept briefly revived the "Cantina" name in 2021. Although the business is gone, the neon cactus remains a memorable piece of Denver sign history. 06-26
 Mint Bar
Sheridan, WY
Photos courtesy Larry Glass
Here is the Famous Mint Bar in Sheridan, WY.. An often photographed location, the Mint Bar sports a delight of a neon sign above its entrance. The bucking horse and rider have become one of the best-known signs in Wyoming and are hard to miss while walking through downtown Sheridan.
The Mint Bar traces its roots back to 1907 and has been a fixture of Sheridan's Main Street for well over a century. During Prohibition, the business reportedly operated as the Mint Cigar Company and Soda Shop while continuing to serve customers from the back room. The current neon sign dates to the late 1940s and has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state. 11-07
 UPDATE: The Mint Bar is still going strong and remains one of Sheridan's most popular gathering places. The historic bar continues to operate from its longtime home on Main Street, while the famous bucking horse neon sign still lights up the night and welcomes visitors to downtown Sheridan. 06-26
For more photos of the Mint Bar, including neon photos, see Roadside Peek's Spotlight on The Mint Bar. |
 Monte Cristo Bar (Gone)
Trinidad, CO
Photo courtesy Larry Glass
Here's the neon sign that stands outside of the Monte Cristo Bar in Trinidad, CO. . Trinidad is located just north of the New Mexico border. The sign is a nice example of the vintage neon that can still be found throughout southern Colorado.
The Monte Cristo was a longtime fixture of downtown Trinidad and occupied one of the historic buildings along Main Street. Signs like this once helped travelers locate food, drinks, and lodging as they made their way through town. 11-07
UPDATE: The Monte Cristo Bar is no longer operating in its original role, although the historic building remains standing in downtown Trinidad. The space is now occupied by a LivWell dispensary. While the neon sign and bar are now part of the town's history, photographs like this help preserve a look at one of Trinidad's longtime commercial landmarks. 06-26
 Sarti's Bar (Closed)
Walsenburg, CO
Photo courtesy Larry Glass
Walsenburg, CO was home to Sarti's Bar. The vintage neon sign prominently featured Coors beer and stood as a familiar landmark along Main Street for many years.
Sarti's was known as one of Walsenburg's longest-operating taverns and occupied a historic downtown storefront. The bar retained much of its old character, including its classic wood bar and tin ceiling, making it a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike. 11-07
UPDATE: Sarti's Bar has permanently closed. Despite local efforts to preserve and reopen the business, the historic tavern at 823 Main Street ultimately went dark. While the neon no longer shines above the entrance, photographs like this preserve the memory of one of Walsenburg's best-known neighborhood bars. 06-26
 Wildcat Saloon (Closed)
Trinidad, CO
Photo and info courtesy Larry Glass
Check out the neon at the Wildcat Saloon in Trinidad. Patrons were having a "large" time when this photo was taken.
The Wildcat Saloon operated out of the historic commercial building at 308 W. Main Street, which was originally constructed around 1900 during Trinidad's coal mining and railroad boom. Located along the historic Santa Fe Trail route, the business maintained a traditional Western tavern atmosphere for decades. 11-07
UPDATE: The Wildcat Saloon closed shortly after this photo was taken, losing its liquor license in late 2008. The location subsequently operated as Moose's Pub for several years. The historic building still stands, though the original Wildcat Saloon neon sign has been removed. 06-26
 Lariat Saloon
Buena Vista, CO
Photo courtesy Larry Glass
Here's the Lariat Saloon in Buena Vista, CO. A line on the sign says "We Sell & Service Hangovers." 12-07
The Lariat Saloon operates out of the historic Halsey Block building at 206 E. Main Street, which was constructed in 1885 using locally manufactured brick. While the space originally housed a grocery store and meat market, it has operated as a bar under the Lariat name since the 1940s. The interior still features a historic wooden back bar that was brought into town by train from Leadville more than a century ago.
UPDATE: The Lariat Saloon underwent an extensive renovation under new ownership in 2016, uncovering the original brick walls and restoring the vintage oak floors. The business continues to operate today as a restaurant, bar, and live music venue under the shortened name The Lariat. 06-26
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