Wishing Well (Closed)
Portland, OR Photo courtesy Jeff Raber
The rooftop sign at Wishing Well is the kind that makes you look twice. With its neon palm tree and tall lettering rising above the building, it's one of those places that's hard to drive past without wondering what's inside.
The restaurant has been welcoming customers in North Portland since the late 1940s. Over the years it became a neighborhood favorite, serving generations of locals and even hosting a young Willie Nelson early in his career. From the outside, it still looks like a classic roadside lounge from another era.
UPDATE: A kitchen fire in early 2026 heavily damaged the building and the restaurant is temporarily closed. The rooftop sign remains standing. 07-26
Lucky Silver Tavern
Tacoma, WA Photo courtesy Lauren Freeland
The marquee at Lucky Silver Tavern has a look all its own. The unusual shape catches your attention first, but it's the horse head worked right into the middle of the sign that really sets it apart. Add the glowing neon, and you've got one of those tavern signs that's hard to forget.
The Lucky Silver has been a familiar stop along South Tacoma Way since the 1960s, although the sign itself dates back even earlier. Sitting next door to Marcia's Silver Spoon Cafe, the two businesses have shared the block for generations and look like they've always belonged together. Photo courtesy Lauren Freeland
You can tell this wasn't a sign picked from a catalog. Someone put a little extra thought into the design, and decades later it still stands out from the crowd. It's the kind of neighborhood tavern that makes you slow down just long enough to admire the marquee before continuing on your way.
Lucky Silver Tavern
Tacoma, WA Photo courtesy Lauren Freeland
Fortunately, both the tavern and its distinctive neon are still welcoming customers, proving that a good roadside sign never really goes out of style.
UPDATE: Lucky Silver Tavern remains open, and the vintage horse-head marquee continues to light up South Tacoma Way. 07-26
Kettells Lounge (Closed)
Seattle, WA Photo courtesy John Spencer
It's the neon owl that gets your attention first at Kettells Lounge. Perched on top of the old marquee, it gives this Seattle landmark a personality all its own. The rest of the sign has that unmistakable mid-century look, but the owl is what you'll remember long after you've driven away.
For years, Kettells served the Georgetown neighborhood as part grocery store and part tavern, a combination that wasn't unusual in working-class neighborhoods of the day. It was the kind of place where you could stop in for a few essentials, grab a sandwich, or settle in for a drink with the regulars.
Even if you never stepped inside, the sign was worth the trip. The colorful owl and simple marquee made this one of those roadside gems that sign lovers couldn't resist photographing.
UPDATE: The original tavern is gone, and the building has been converted to another business. The old marquee remains, after being renamed for the Kittens Gentleman's Club and the famous owl was changed to a kitten that now watches over the corner. 07-26
Opal Tavern (Gone)
Tacoma, WA Photo courtesy Lauren Freeland
The Opal Tavern had one of the best neon signs along South Tacoma Way. With its layered marquee and glowing vertical lettering, it was the kind of sign that made you glance twice as you drove past.
For generations, the Opal was a neighborhood gathering place and one of Tacoma's oldest taverns. Along a street known for its classic bars and neon, the Opal always seemed right at home. Photo courtesy Lauren Freeland
UPDATE: The Opal closed in 2024, and the building is now home to Juniper Botanical Bar. The vintage marquee was removed during the renovation. 07-26
Oasis Tavern (Closed)
Tacoma, WA Photo courtesy Lauren Freeland
Driving South Tacoma Way used to feel like a tour of old neighborhood taverns. One sign would disappear in your rearview mirror just as another came into sight. The Oasis Tavern was one of the most memorable, with its neon palm tree perched above the marquee and giving the place a little tropical touch in the middle of Tacoma. Photo courtesy Lauren Freeland
The Oasis had been part of the neighborhood since the 1940s and looked right at home among the diners, lounges, and taverns that lined this busy stretch of road. It wasn't an elaborate sign, but the palm tree gave it a personality all its own. Even if you never stopped for a drink, it was hard not to notice as you drove by.
Oasis Tavern (Closed)
Tacoma, WA Photo courtesy Jim Zahniser
South Tacoma Way once had one of the best collections of vintage tavern signs anywhere in the Northwest. Every business seemed to have its own way of attracting motorists, whether it was flashing neon, oversized arrows, or unusual shapes. The Oasis fit right into that colorful lineup and became another favorite for roadside photographers.
UPDATE: The Oasis Tavern still has its old somewhat weather beaten sign out front. Many thanks to Jim Zahniser for photo update. 11-08
UPDATE: The Oasis closed in 2016 and the building became The Mule Tavern. The original sign structure remains, but the famous neon palm tree, neon, and Oasis lettering were removed. 07-26
Wishing Well (Closed)
Lucky Silver Tavern
Lucky Silver Tavern
Kettells Lounge (Closed)
Opal Tavern (Gone)
Oasis Tavern (Closed)
Oasis Tavern (Closed)
