The Pub (Gone)
Evansville, IN
Photo courtesy Michelle K.

The animated martini glass at The Pub was hard to miss. With bubbles rising from the glass in bright neon, it was one of those signs that made you glance twice while driving down Division Street. It's the kind of neighborhood tavern sign that has become increasingly rare. 06-14

The building had an interesting history long before it became The Pub. It originally opened as a neighborhood movie theater before being converted into a bar and grill in 1978. For nearly 30 years it was owned by local businessman Bubbles Pollock and became a popular gathering spot on Evansville's east side. After changing hands in 2015, the business briefly operated as Scandals before closing for good in 2017.

The property has since been redeveloped. Most of the old tavern building was demolished, although part of the original theater structure was preserved and incorporated into new office space. Unfortunately, the famous animated neon sign disappeared during the redevelopment, and its whereabouts remain unknown.

UPDATE: The Pub is gone and the property has been redeveloped into office space. The iconic neon martini glass sign was removed, and its fate is unknown. 06-26

Bud's Liquor
IN
Photo courtesy Michelle K.

The neon still lights up at Bud's Liquor, located somewhere in Indiana. The different colors and the shapes of this neon sign make it a unique sight in its own right.

It's a great example of how much effort once went into small storefront signs. Even a neighborhood liquor store could have a custom neon marquee that made you slow down and take a look.

Olkie's Bar (Gone)
Ironwood, MI
Photo courtesy Don Gardner

The neon sign at Olkie's Bar one of those you don't soon forget. The large Indian head outlined in neon towers above the sidewalk, making it one of the most distinctive tavern signs in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's even more impressive in person than in photos.

Located in downtown Ironwood, Olkie's was a longtime neighborhood bar with deep ties to the area's mining heritage. The sign fits right in with the city's longtime association with Hiawatha imagery, and it's become a familiar landmark for anyone passing through town.

Although the bar has closed, the building remains standing and, thankfully, so does the famous marquee. Whether the neon still lights up couldn't be confirmed, but it's nice to know this classic piece of roadside advertising has survived.

UPDATE: Olkie's Bar has closed and the neon sign is gone, but the building still survives in downtown Ironwood. 06-26

Milty Wilty Drive-in
Wautoma, WI
Photo and info courtesy Joe Koehler

The Milty Wilty Drive-in has been a summertime tradition in Wautoma since 1947. Sitting along Highway 21, it's one of those classic drive-ins that's hard to miss, thanks to its colorful neon sign that still lights up the night. It's been drawing both locals and vacationers for generations. 06-14

What started as a simple carhop stand has grown over the years, adding indoor seating and even a miniature golf course, while keeping the vintage feel that has made it so popular. Carhop service is still available, along with a walk-up window and indoor dining, giving visitors several ways to enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in experience.

The menu is packed with longtime favorites, including frozen custard made from the restaurant's original recipe, jumbo milkshakes, and its well-known pizza burgers. It's easy to see why families have made this a regular stop for decades.

UPDATE: Milty Wilty remains open as a seasonal drive-in and continues serving customers each summer. The classic neon sign still shines along Highway 21. 06-26

Mr. Weenie
Peru, IN
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

You won't miss Mr. Weenie driving through Peru. The smiling hot dog mascot perched on top of the sign has been catching motorists' attention since the early 1960s, making it one of the town's best-known landmarks. It's even better after dark when the sign is all lit up. 03-06

Mr. Weenie is one of the few places that still offers genuine carhop service. Just pull into a parking space, turn on your headlights when you're ready to order, and a carhop comes right to your window. It's a tradition that's become increasingly hard to find.

The menu is packed with drive-in favorites, including hot dogs, pork tenderloins, corn dogs, burgers, and the local favorite, the Spanish Dog. The restaurant was even featured in the independent film Little Big Top, giving the famous sign a bit of movie screen time.

UPDATE: Mr. Weenie remains open year-round and continues serving customers with classic carhop service. The iconic hot dog sign still welcomes visitors to Peru. 06-26

Panos Lounge (Gone)
Evergreen Park, IL
Photo and info courtesy Bruce R. Cassi / 1996

Panos Lounge was a neighborhood landmark in Evergreen Park for more than 60 years, its colorful neon sign lighting up the corner of 95th Street and Kedzie Avenue. When this photo was taken in 1996, the family-owned tavern was still going strong, and in 2007 it was business as usual even as rumors circulated that the entire block could be redeveloped. 06-07

Originally opened by George and Christina Panos, the lounge remained in the family for decades before being passed down to their daughters. Like many classic Chicago taverns, Panos combined a neighborhood bar with an attached package liquor store, making it a popular gathering place for generations of locals. The eye-catching porcelain and neon sign, built by Chicago's Flashtric Sign Company, became one of the best-known landmarks on the South Side.

The rumors of redevelopment proved true. Panos Lounge closed in 2007, and the building was demolished in April 2008 to make way for new construction. Most of the iconic sign was lost during demolition, although the "Panos" lettering was reportedly saved by a private collector.

UPDATE: Panos Lounge is gone, and a Chase Bank now occupies the site. Only a portion of the original neon sign is known to have survived in a private collection. 06-26