Krakow Koffee House (Gone)
Portland, OR Photo courtesy Matthias Tippner
The first thing you'll notice at Krakow Koffee House is the glowing neon coffee mug with steam rising from the top. It's a simple sign, but one that does a great job of making you think about stopping for a warm cup of coffee. 01-09
Located beside the famous Alibi Tiki Lounge on North Interstate Avenue, Krakow added another splash of neon to one of Portland's more colorful streets. The coffee shop and market didn't stay around very long, but its modern neon sign fit right in with the neighborhood's growing collection of glowing storefronts.
UPDATE: Krakow Koffee House has closed, and its neon coffee mug is no longer there. 07-26
Virginia Inn
Seattle, WA Photo courtesy Matthias Tippner
The Virginia Inn is a well known establishment in Seattle. Known as the V.I., the Virginia Inn is located in the former skid row area. This place has been around since 1903. 08-09
Known simply as the "V.I." by locals, the Virginia Inn opened in 1903 and has worn a lot of hats over the years. It has been a neighborhood saloon, a card room, a dive, and eventually a cozy bistro, all while remaining a familiar stop in one of Seattle's oldest neighborhoods.
The vintage sign is what first catches your eye, but it's the history behind the front door that makes the place memorable. Even if you're just walking by, it's worth slowing down for a look at one of Seattle's longtime landmarks.
UPDATE: The Virginia Inn remains open, and its historic neon sign continues to welcome customers after returning to the building in 2025. 07-26
The Only Sea Foods (Closed)
Vancouver, CN Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
With a name like The Only Sea Foods, this Vancouver Canada restaurant better be a special kind of place. For 59 years, this downtown treasure has been just that, most recently if only for its well known neon sign.
Unfortunately, the neon sea horse may have cast its last look down East Hastings. The Only Sea Foods restaurant shut down in June 2009 and the landmark sign was removed in April 2010. Fortunately, this sign is being stored and may possibly be restored by the Portland Hotel Society who hope to reopen the restaurant in a new location. 04-10
The restaurant had been serving customers for decades from a tiny dining room with an old-fashioned lunch counter and just a handful of seats. It wasn't a fancy place, but the combination of the classic neon and the well-worn interior gave it plenty of character.
UPDATE: The Only Sea Foods closed in 2009. The landmark neon sign was removed the following year, and the historic building has since been demolished. 07-26
Krakow Koffee House (Gone)
