Point View Bar (Gone)
Gary, IN Photo courtesy Michelle K.
The Point View Bar was one of those places you couldn't miss if you were driving through Gary's Miller neighborhood. Standing out in the parking lot was a great old marquee that looked like it had been welcoming customers since the middle of the last century. 06-05
Known as Dom & Pete's Point View Bar, it served the neighborhood for many years with food, drinks, and a package liquor store under the same roof. Sitting near the split of U.S. 12 and U.S. 20, it was a familiar landmark for both locals and travelers heading through northwest Indiana.
The sign was the real attraction. With its classic script lettering and stacked panels advertising "Package Liquor" and "Fine Food," it had all the character you'd hope to find along an old highway.
The Point View Bar eventually closed, and the building was remodeled for another business. Unfortunately, the vintage marquee disappeared during the transition, leaving another memorable roadside sign to live on only in photographs.
UPDATE: The Point View Bar has closed, the building has been repurposed, and the vintage roadside sign has been removed. 07-26
Bud's
Bar
Schoolcraft, MI Photo courtesy Michelle K.
The Bud's Bar sign is a real eye-catcher. With its colorful neon and unique design, it's the kind of roadside sign that makes you slow down for a second look. Better yet, the neon still lights up just like it has for years. 06-05
Located in Schoolcraft, Michigan, Bud's has been a longtime gathering place for the local community. While ownership has changed over the years, the tavern continues to welcome customers and remains one of the town's best-known landmarks.
One interesting bit of local lore surrounds the building itself. Out back is a rare two-story outhouse that's become almost as famous as the bar. Whether you've heard the stories or not, it's certainly not something you see every day.
UPDATE: Bud's is located in Schoolcraft, MI on US 131. Bud's is a tavern. Many thanks to Amy Arnold for update. 12-06
UPDATE: When new owners took over in 2021, one of their first priorities was restoring the vintage neon sign instead of replacing it. Thankfully they did, because signs like this are becoming harder and harder to find. Bud's Bar remains open, and its colorful vintage neon sign has been restored and continues to light up the night. 07-26
Iggy's (Gone)
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy Dennis Dixson
The Iggy's sign was impossible to miss. Topped with a giant neon martini glass, it stood out along Milwaukee Avenue and became one of Chicago's most recognizable late-night landmarks. 10-05
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Iggy's was the place to end the night. It stayed open long after most other bars had called it quits, serving food, cocktails, and an impressive list of martinis to a steady crowd of night owls. If you were out late in Chicago, chances are you eventually found yourself at Iggy's.
The original location later closed, and the business briefly lived on at a couple of other locations before disappearing altogether. Unfortunately, the original building was demolished, and the giant martini glass that once welcomed customers is gone as well.
It's another great example of how a unique sign can become just as memorable as the business itself. Thankfully, photos like this keep places like Iggy's from fading away completely.
UPDATE: The original Iggy's building has been demolished, the famous martini glass sign is gone, and all later Iggy's locations have since closed. 07-26
Encore Lounge (Gone)
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy Dennis Dixson
The Encore Lounge knew how to get your attention. Its giant neon martini glass glowed over Randolph Street, lighting up the sidewalk and letting everyone know the evening was just getting started. 10-05
Located in Chicago's theater district, Encore was a popular stop before and after the shows. During the day it catered to the downtown lunch crowd, but as the sun went down it transformed into a lively cocktail lounge where people gathered for drinks before heading out for the night.
The oversized martini glass was the real star of the show. It was one of those signs that fit the business perfectly and looked even better after dark when the neon came to life.
Like so many great Chicago nightspots, Encore eventually closed its doors. The sign disappeared along with it, leaving only memories and photographs of another eye-catching piece of roadside neon.
UPDATE: Encore Lounge has closed, and the giant neon martini glass sign has been removed. 07-26
Heart of the North Bar
Mercer, WI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The Heart of the North Bar & Grill has one of those signs that's hard to miss. With its bright colors and classic neon, it stands out from just about every angle and is a welcome sight for anyone passing through Mercer. 03-06
A fixture in town for more than 60 years, the Heart of the North has long been a favorite stop for both locals and travelers. Sitting along one of the area's popular snowmobile and ATV trail systems, it's the kind of place where you'll find people warming up after a day outdoors or gathering for a good meal.
The colorful marquee is what first caught my eye. Thankfully, it has survived the years and has even been restored, keeping another great piece of Wisconsin roadside neon glowing for future generations to enjoy.
UPDATE: The Heart of the North Bar & Grill remains open, and its restored vintage neon sign continues to light up downtown Mercer. 07-26
Kleptz Bar (Rem.)
Seelyville, IN Photo courtesy Rick McOmber
The Kleptz Bar has been catching the eye of travelers along old U.S. 40 for generations. This classic roadside sign has welcomed people into Seelyville for decades and is another great reminder of how many historic businesses once lined the National Road. 06-06
Established in 1914, Kleptz has worn a lot of hats over the years. It started as a butcher shop and general store before evolving into a tavern and eventually the full-service restaurant you'll find today. During Prohibition, local stories say it even operated as a speakeasy and moonshine stop.
The building has remained a family landmark for more than a century. One story from its early days recalls that when the Kleptz sisters ran the tavern, women weren't allowed to sit at the bar. Fortunately, times have changed.
The roadside sign is still standing today, and the building recently underwent an extensive restoration to help preserve it for the future. It's great to see another piece of old U.S. 40 history still serving the community.
UPDATE: Kleptz Restaurant remains open after a major restoration of the historic building completed in 2025. The familiar roadside sign appears to now be gone. 07-26
Brass Rail
Port Huron, MI Photo and info courtesy Rick McOmber
Sometimes the simplest signs are the ones that catch your eye. The plain BAR sign outside the Brass Rail in Port Huron has been greeting customers for decades, and it's about as unpretentious as they come. 10-06
The Brass Rail first opened in 1937 and quickly became a local institution. It was founded by Helen David, who ran the bar for nearly 70 years and became one of Michigan's best-known tavern owners. Step inside and you'll find a place that still feels like another era, with its beautiful old mahogany back bar, stained glass, vintage light fixtures, and classic booths.
The tavern is also known for its longtime holiday tradition of serving Tom & Jerry cocktails, a winter favorite that's been part of the Brass Rail experience since the late 1930s.
UPDATE: The Brass Rail remains open after reopening under new ownership in 2026. The historic tavern has been carefully restored, preserving both its timeless interior and the simple roadside signs that have welcomed visitors for generations. 07-26
Point View Bar (Gone)
Iggy's (Gone)
Encore Lounge (Gone)
Kleptz Bar (Rem.)
Brass Rail
