Buffalo Bar (Gone)
Buena Vista, CO
Photo courtesy Michael Brichford

The Buffalo Bar & Grill near Buena Vista had a sign that did exactly what it was supposed to do—it pointed the way in. Sometimes that's all a roadside sign needs.

Located along a busy stretch of highway, the sign welcomed travelers and locals alike looking to stop for a bite to eat or a cold drink. Nothing fancy, just a simple sign doing its job.

UPDATE: The Buffalo Bar & Grill is no longer in operation. The building still stands, but the restaurant is gone, leaving photographs like this to preserve the memory of another Colorado roadside stop. 06-26

The Dime Horse Shoe Bar
Sundance, WY
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Here's a unique sign for The Dime Horse Shoe Bar in Sundance. The horseshoe-shaped sign appears to still have working neon, which always makes an old tavern sign a little more fun to spot.

A few years ago, I drove through Sundance after visiting Devil's Tower and passed by this place. There were people gathered outside enjoying the afternoon, and it looked like exactly the kind of local watering hole you'd hope to find in a Wyoming small town.

UPDATE: The Dime Horseshoe Bar remains in operation in downtown Sundance. The tavern continues to welcome locals and travelers alike, and the distinctive horseshoe sign remains one of the more recognizable sights in town. 06-26

1st Draft Choice (Gone)
Colorado Springs, CO
Photo courtesy Mike Lascuola

Check out this hand-painted bar sign in Colorado Springs. This sign advertised the 1st Draft Choice tavern and added a little character to an otherwise ordinary-looking building.

You don't see too many hand-painted tavern signs anymore. Most have been replaced by printed banners or plastic signs, which makes old signs like this one a little more fun to come across.

UPDATE: The 1st Draft Choice is no longer in business, and the hand-painted sign is gone as well. The building is still there, but this old sign is now just a memory preserved in photographs. 06-26

Oasis Bar (Gone)
Billings, MT
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Ever feel like a thirsty camel? Check out the Oasis Bar in Billings with its camel sign standing watch out front. At one time, the sign featured neon, making it even harder to miss.

The Oasis Bar opened in 1954 and became one of Billings' more recognizable watering holes. The camel was the star of the show and helped make the bar a memorable roadside stop for decades. After all, how many bars can claim a camel as their mascot?

UPDATE: The Oasis Bar is no longer in business, but the famous camel sign survives. In 2017, the sign was removed from the building and purchased by a local collector. Today, the restored camel is preserved and on display at Henry's Garage in Billings, ensuring that this longtime roadside landmark lives on. 06-26

Red Wood Bar
Cheyenne, WY
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Check out this rather colorful sign for the Red Wood Bar & Lounge in Cheyenne. In a town known for its western theme, this sign always stood out to me with its bright colors and mid-century styling.

The Red Wood Bar opened in the early 1950s and has been catching the eyes of passing motorists ever since. While many Cheyenne taverns embraced a traditional cowboy look, this sign took a different approach and became one of the more distinctive roadside displays in town.

I was here a couple of years ago and remember running through the rain just to photograph the sign lit up at night. The neon reflected off the wet pavement while headlights from passing cars streaked across the street. It was one of those moments that made the extra effort worthwhile.

UPDATE: The business continues to operate today as the Redwood Saloon. The property has seen updates over the years, but the vintage sign remains out front and continues to light up East Lincolnway just as it has for decades. 06-26