Pioneer Square Saloon (Gone)
Seattle, WA
Photo courtesy Scott Strickland

The neon at Pioneer Square Saloon fit right in among the old brick buildings and late-night glow of Seattle's historic Pioneer Square. It was the kind of neighborhood bar where you could step inside, order a drink, and leave the busy city outside for a while. 10-09

This was a true no-frills saloon, with darts, foosball, local art on the walls, and a steady crowd of regulars mixed with visitors wandering through the neighborhood. It stayed open late and had the worn-in feel of a place that didn't need much polish to have character.

Pioneer Square has seen plenty of bars come and go, and this one was part of that changing nightlife scene for years. The glowing sign out front gave the old storefront a little extra personality after dark.

UPDATE: Pioneer Square Saloon has closed, and its neon sign is no longer there. 07-26

Tavern
Roseburg, OR
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The little fellow on this Tavern sign in Roseburg was enough to earn a roadside photo stop. Whether he was tipping his hat or waving customers inside, he gave the simple marquee a personality all its own. Sometimes a good mascot does more advertising than a whole row of lettering. 11-20

I haven’t identified the business, but the character is a nice example of how taverns once distinguished themselves along the road. A friendly figure could make a place recognizable before motorists were close enough to read the name. Years later, he’s still the detail that catches my attention.

UPDATE: The tavern’s identity and the sign’s current whereabouts remain unconfirmed. If you recognize this Roseburg stop or remember the character above it, please let me know. It would be nice to put a name and a little history back with this roadside find. 07-26