Brownies Diner (Demolished)
Wayne, MI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The giant arrow at Brownie's Diner gave Michigan Avenue motorists a clear invitation to stop. For Ford assembly workers finishing their shifts, the restaurant was a familiar destination for breakfast, coffee and a little conversation. The neon supplied another reason to notice it, even without an appetite. 04-09
Brownie’s began inside a converted railroad passenger car before a permanent building replaced it in 1950. The business changed hands in the 1970s, continuing with hearty breakfasts, Friday fish fries and around-the-clock service. With three Ford plants nearby, generations of auto workers helped keep the seats occupied.
UPDATE: Brownie’s closed around 2010 and stood vacant until demolition in 2023. A Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken now occupies the site. The old marquee and oversized arrow were removed, ending a familiar roadside welcome that had pointed hungry customers toward the diner for decades. 06-26
Russell's Bar-B-Q
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy chibbqking
The neon running down the brick chimney at Russell’s Bar-B-Q makes this Elmwood Park restaurant easy to recognize after dark. Serving the Chicago area since 1930, it offers a roadside introduction that’s nearly as memorable as the barbecue waiting inside. 02-09
Wooden booths and green picnic tables have welcomed generations of customers. Ribs and a distinctive sweet sauce built the restaurant’s reputation, while brisket, pulled pork and other additions expanded the choices. Through those changes, Russell’s retained the relaxed atmosphere of a longtime neighborhood meal stop.
UPDATE: Russell’s remains open at its familiar Elmwood Park location. Both the roadside neon and illuminated chimney lettering survive, keeping some older restaurant character along the street. It’s nice to find a place where the advertisement outside still suits the tradition inside. 06-26
Janson's Drive-in Hamburgers
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy chibbqking
The neon at Janson's Drive-in Hamburgers gives Chicago’s South Side a colorful nighttime landmark. Lit from top to bottom, the marquee makes a convincing invitation to stop for a hot dog, burger or shake. This neighborhood favorite has been attracting customers since 1960. 02-09
The orange-and-turquoise building carries the same mid-century personality as the sign. New owners restored the vintage neon after taking over in 2014, giving the restaurant another chapter without covering up its earlier appearance. Walk-up windows and outdoor seating preserve some of the drive-in feeling, even though carhop service has ended.
UPDATE: Janson’s remains open on Western Avenue, serving Chicago-style favorites beneath its restored neon. The distinctive building and sign continue working together as a roadside attraction. A good place to photograph first and settle the lunch question afterward. 06-26
Rosangela's Pizzeria
Evergreen Park, IL Photo courtesy Chibbqking
The vintage neon at Rosangela's Pizzeria gives Evergreen Park visitors a bright introduction to a longtime neighborhood restaurant. Serving the South Side since 1955, it has the familiar appearance of a place where regulars already know what they’re ordering before reaching the door. 05-09
Tavern-style thin-crust pizza, cut into squares, built the following. The wood-paneled dining room adds to the old-fashioned atmosphere, offering surroundings that have changed little while generations returned for the same favorites. The sign outside fits comfortably with that history, supplying a little color above the neighborhood street.
UPDATE: Rosangela’s remains open, continuing its longtime pizza tradition. The restaurant and vintage neon both survive, keeping a familiar combination of food and roadside character in Evergreen Park. Another welcome example of a neighborhood pizzeria holding onto the appearance that helped make it memorable. 06-26
Big Star Drive-in
Kenosha, WI Photo courtesy Chibbqking
The bright neon star and flashing arrow make Big Star Drive-in one of the easiest places to spot in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This classic seasonal drive-in has been serving hungry customers since 1954, and it's well worth a stop for a burger, fries, or one of its famous frosted mugs of root beer. 06-09
Big Star has remained family owned for generations and still does things the old-fashioned way. Pull into a parking space, place your order, and before long your meal arrives on a tray that hangs from your car window. It's a simple experience that's becoming harder to find these days.
The drive-in is especially known for its burgers, cheese curds, fresh-cut fries, and homemade root beer. Since it's only open during the warmer months, opening day has become something locals look forward to every spring, with many customers making Big Star one of their first stops of the season.
Big Star Drive-in
Kenosha, WI Photo courtesy Chibbqking
Of course, the giant neon sign is every bit as much of an attraction as the food. Between the oversized star and animated arrow, it's one of those classic roadside signs that's almost impossible to drive past without taking a second look.
UPDATE: Big Star Drive-In remains open as a seasonal family-owned drive-in in Kenosha. The restaurant and its iconic neon star and flashing arrow continue to welcome customers each spring and summer. 06-26
Duk's Hot Dogs (Gone)
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy Chibbqking
The little Duk's Hot Dogs stand looked almost ready for a boardwalk, despite its busy Chicago setting. Its walk-up windows and vintage advertising gave the Ashland Avenue location plenty of character, drawing generations of customers after opening in 1954. 05-09
Founders Donald Marsalle and Mervyn Dukatt originally called it Donald Duk’s Red Hots. A challenge from Walt Disney Productions prompted them to drop “Donald,” leaving the shorter name. The business expanded into a small chain, but this original stand became the last survivor, earning recognition in the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame.
UPDATE: Duk’s closed in 2023, and the location reopened as Modern Relish in 2024. The old building and illuminated Vienna Beef sign survive, giving the corner another restaurant chapter. The name changed, but fortunately the familiar little stand didn’t disappear with it. 06-26
