The Corner
Rockford, MI
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

The Corner Bar in downtown Rockford, Michigan, has a handy feature for hungry travelers: a walk-up hot dog window. You can grab one of its famous chili dogs without stepping inside, although the Hot Dog Hall of Fame might give you a reason to look around. Those names on the wall represent some pretty serious appetites. 03-07

Housed in an 1873 brick building, the bar began serving chili dogs in 1935 after Michigan required taverns to offer food to sell beer. Its eating challenge has changed over the years, but earning a spot on the wall remains part of the attraction.

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

UPDATE: A devastating fire gutted the building in 2017, but the original brick walls were preserved during rebuilding. The Corner Bar remains open, with its familiar exterior and sign restored and chili dogs still bringing customers to the corner. 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

Cleary's Pub
Howell, MI
Photo 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