Arrow Bar (Closed)
Sioux Falls, SD
Photo courtesy Don Gardner

The vintage sign at Arrow Bar was one of downtown Sioux Falls' most recognizable landmarks. With its vertical lettering and bold neon arrow pointing the way inside, it was a classic example of the eye-catching signage that once lined Main Avenue.

The Arrow Bar first opened on October 10, 1939, and spent its entire 67-year history at the same downtown location. Over the decades, it became a favorite neighborhood tavern where generations of locals gathered after work, celebrated milestones, or simply stopped in for a drink with friends. Though ownership changed several times, the Arrow remained a familiar fixture in the city's downtown landscape.

Its distinctive projecting sign was designed to do exactly what great roadside advertising should—stand out from blocks away and guide patrons straight to the front door. Long after many similar tavern signs disappeared, the Arrow continued to glow over Main Avenue, becoming one of Sioux Falls' most photographed pieces of commercial neon.

UPDATE: The Arrow Bar closed on October 10, 2006—exactly 67 years after it first opened. Although the historic building still stands, it has been remodeled for new uses, and the iconic neon arrow sign was removed several years later, bringing an end to one of downtown Sioux Falls' best-known roadside landmarks. 06-26

The Imperial Room (Gone)
Minneapolis, MN
Photo courtesy Matthew Hands

The elaborate neon crown above The Imperial Room gave downtown Minneapolis a little royal treatment. Elegant script lettering completed one of First Avenue’s more memorable signs.

Inside a nineteenth-century Warehouse District building, the restaurant combined supper-club dining, cocktails and dancing across several levels. The crown outside made a fitting introduction to an evening out.

UPDATE: The Imperial Room closed in 2015 after losing its business and liquor licenses. The building remains, but the crown and projecting sign have disappeared. The reign is over. 06-26

Monte Carlo
Minneapolis, MN
Photo courtesy Matthew Hands

The Monte Carlo blade sign has welcomed generations of Minneapolis customers with “BAR” glowing down its center. Sometimes a straightforward message works best.

Founded in 1906, the restaurant moved to its longtime North Loop home in 1940. A mahogany back bar, copper-topped counter and familiar atmosphere complement its steaks, martinis and well-known dry-rubbed chicken wings. The surrounding Warehouse District has changed considerably, but the Monte Carlo remains a recognizable stop.

UPDATE: The restaurant continues operating in the North Loop, with its vintage neon sign adding a familiar glow to the street. 06-26

Bunker's Music Bar & Grill
Minneapolis, MN
Photo courtesy Matthew Hands

The glowing neon sign at Bunker's Music Bar & Grill has welcomed music lovers into one of Minneapolis' most legendary clubs since the 1970s. While the sign itself has plenty of vintage appeal, it's what has happened behind those doors that has made Bunker's a local institution.

Founded in 1976, Bunker's quickly earned a reputation as one of the Twin Cities' premier live music venues. Night after night, the intimate club has hosted funk, soul, blues, R&B, reggae, and rock acts, while longtime house bands have built loyal followings over the decades. The club also became famous as one of Prince's favorite late-night hangouts, where he was known to make surprise appearances and join musicians on stage.

Located in Minneapolis' historic North Loop, Bunker's has remained a constant while the surrounding Warehouse District transformed from an industrial neighborhood into one of the city's liveliest entertainment districts. Through it all, the vintage neon sign has continued to shine above the entrance, inviting another generation inside for an evening of live music.

UPDATE: Bunker's remains one of Minneapolis' premier live music venues, with performances scheduled throughout the week. Its classic neon marquee still lights up Washington Avenue, preserving a piece of the city's rich musical and roadside history. 06-26

Cock O The Walk
Oklahoma City, OK
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

A giant cigar-puffing rooster makes Cock O’ The Walk hard to forget. This Oklahoma City bar and grill has been a Western Avenue fixture since around 1960, offering food, drinks, pool and darts.

For roadside fans, the bird is the main attraction. After decades of fading paint and dark neon, the original sign was replaced in 2011 with a detailed replica that brought the rooster’s glow back.

UPDATE: Cock O’ The Walk remains open, and its neon rooster continues lighting Western Avenue. Apparently, this bird still enjoys a late night. 06-26