The Corner
Rockford, MI Photo and info courtesy Richard Weiss
The Corner Bar is one of those places that's hard to miss if you're passing through downtown Rockford. Sure, it's a bar, but it's also famous for the little walk-up window where hungry visitors can grab one of its legendary hot dogs without ever stepping inside. 03-07
Housed in Rockford's oldest brick building, which dates back to 1873, the Corner Bar has been serving its famous chili dogs since 1935. The recipe came about after Michigan required taverns to serve food in order to sell beer, and the rest is history.
If you're really hungry, you can even take a shot at the Hot Dog Hall of Fame. Finish a dozen chili dogs in four hours and your name earns a permanent place on the wall.
UPDATE: The Corner Bar is "world famous" as being home of the Hotdog Hall of Fame. Eat 10 hotdogs and you can get your name on the wall. Needless to say, they sell a lot of hot dogs and the walls are pretty full. I am proud to say my name is on the wall but back in 1972 you only had to eat 8 to get on the wall. Many thanks to Bruce McLean for update. 02-08
In 2017, a devastating fire destroyed nearly everything inside the historic building. Thankfully, the community came together to save the landmark. The original brick walls were preserved, the building was rebuilt, and the Corner Bar reopened looking much like it always had.
UPDATE: The Corner Bar remains open and continues serving its famous chili dogs from the heart of downtown Rockford. After the 2017 fire, the historic building and its familiar sign were faithfully restored, keeping another roadside favorite alive. 07-26
Cleary's Pub
Howell, MI Photo and info courtesy Richard Weiss
Cleary's Pub has been a downtown Howell favorite since 1987, and it's easy to see why. We stopped in a couple of times during our travels and would definitely recommend it if you're passing through town. 03-07
Located right on Grand River Avenue, the pub occupies a historic downtown storefront that has been home to neighborhood taverns for decades. Inside you'll find exposed brick walls, views of the courthouse square, and plenty of Irish character throughout.
Outside, the bright green neon sign is hard to miss after dark and fits the building perfectly. It's one of those signs that lets you know exactly what kind of place you're about to walk into.
UPDATE: Cleary's Pub remains a popular stop in downtown Howell. The green neon sign still lights up Grand River Avenue, and the pub continues serving locals and visitors alike. 07-26
Petey's Bungalow (Closed)
Oak Lawn, IL Photo courtesy Bruce R. Cassi / 1999
Petey's Bungalow Lounge was one of those classic neighborhood steakhouses that seemed frozen in time. Housed in a converted brick bungalow along 95th Street, it was the kind of place where the steaks were huge, the martinis were strong, and regulars kept coming back year after year. 04-07
Opened in 1961 by Petey and Mary Kattos, the restaurant became an Oak Lawn institution for more than six decades. Along with its great food, Petey's was known for its flashing roadside sign, another reminder of the era when restaurants weren't afraid to stand out.
After 63 years in business, Petey's Bungalow served its final customers in October 2024 when owner Petey Kattos decided it was time to retire.
UPDATE: Petey's Bungalow closed in October 2024 after an incredible 63-year run. The legendary steaks, strong drinks, and longtime neighborhood tradition may be gone, but it's a place that many Chicago-area diners won't soon forget. 07-26
Club Mardi Gras (Closed)
Kansas City, MO Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb
The Club Mardi Gras sits in Kansas City's famous 18th & Vine Jazz District, an area that's played an important role in the history of American jazz. What first caught my eye wasn't the club itself, but the old ghost sign still painted on the side of the building. It's the kind of detail that's easy to miss unless you're looking for it. 11-07
For years, the Club Mardi Gras was one of the neighborhood's well-known music spots, welcoming jazz and blues fans through its doors. While the music has long since faded, the building remains a reminder of the district's rich musical heritage.
The faded ghost sign has survived the years and adds another layer of history to an already historic corner. It's details like this that make wandering older neighborhoods so much fun—you never know what you'll discover painted on the side of a building.
UPDATE: Although the Club Mardi Gras is no longer operating, the historic building and its ghost sign remain standing as part of Kansas City's 18th & Vine Jazz District. 07-26
The Blue Room
Kansas City, MO Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb
The Blue Room is one of the highlights of Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. Located inside the American Jazz Museum, its glowing marquee is hard to miss and makes a fitting entrance to one of the country's great jazz destinations. 11-07
The club takes its name from the original Blue Room, a legendary jazz spot that once operated nearby inside the Street Hotel, one of the stops listed in the Green Book during the segregation era. Today, the modern Blue Room honors that legacy by combining museum exhibits with live performances throughout the month.
Step inside and you'll find photographs of jazz greats, historic memorabilia, and, if you time your visit right, live music that keeps Kansas City's jazz tradition alive.
UPDATE: The Blue Room remains one of the premier jazz clubs in the country, hosting regular live performances while continuing to celebrate the rich musical history of Kansas City's 18th & Vine District. 07-26
The Blue Room
Kansas City, MO Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb
The Oyster Bar
Fort Wayne, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The Oyster Bar has been a Fort Wayne landmark for well over a century. The vintage marquee out front is reason enough to stop, but the history behind this place is just as impressive. Check out the character on the neon sign which glows brightly and can be seen from the street. 07-07
The business traces its roots back to 1888, making it one of Indiana's oldest continuously operating taverns. During Prohibition, it managed to stay open by serving sandwiches and soft drinks up front while, according to local lore, a hidden speakeasy operated in the back.
Seafood didn't arrive until the 1950s, when new owners added oysters to the menu and gave the restaurant the name it still carries today. Through several owners and name changes over the years, the old building has remained a fixture on Calhoun Street.
The Oyster Bar
Fort Wayne, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
UPDATE: The Oyster Bar remains open under local ownership that took over in 2022. The historic restaurant and its vintage neon marquee continue to be one of Fort Wayne's longtime landmarks. 07-26
The Corner
Club Mardi Gras (Closed)
