Arrow Bar (Closed)
Sioux Falls, SD
Photo courtesy Don Gardner

The vintage sign at Arrow Bar was one of downtown Sioux Falls' most recognizable landmarks. With its vertical lettering and bold neon arrow pointing the way inside, it was a classic example of the eye-catching signage that once lined Main Avenue.

The Arrow Bar first opened on October 10, 1939, and spent its entire 67-year history at the same downtown location. Over the decades, it became a favorite neighborhood tavern where generations of locals gathered after work, celebrated milestones, or simply stopped in for a drink with friends. Though ownership changed several times, the Arrow remained a familiar fixture in the city's downtown landscape.

Its distinctive projecting sign was designed to do exactly what great roadside advertising should—stand out from blocks away and guide patrons straight to the front door. Long after many similar tavern signs disappeared, the Arrow continued to glow over Main Avenue, becoming one of Sioux Falls' most photographed pieces of commercial neon.

UPDATE: The Arrow Bar closed on October 10, 2006—exactly 67 years after it first opened. Although the historic building still stands, it has been remodeled for new uses, and the iconic neon arrow sign was removed several years later, bringing an end to one of downtown Sioux Falls' best-known roadside landmarks. 06-26

The Imperial Room (Gone)
Minneapolis, MN
Photo courtesy Matthew Hands

The magnificent crown atop The Imperial Room made this one of the most distinctive neon signs in downtown Minneapolis. Crowns are surprisingly uncommon in roadside advertising, and few were as elaborate or as beautifully preserved as this one. Combined with the elegant script lettering below, the sign gave the restaurant an unmistakable presence on the city's nightlife scene.

Opened in the Warehouse District, The Imperial Room blended the feel of a classic Minnesota supper club with a stylish urban lounge. Housed inside a historic brick building dating to the late 1800s, it featured a restaurant, cocktail lounge, and dance club spread across multiple levels. During the neighborhood's renaissance in the 1990s and 2000s, it became one of the area's best-known destinations for dinner and nightlife.

Although the restaurant closed in 2015, the building remains as part of Minneapolis' historic Warehouse District. Sadly, the spectacular neon crown and blade sign that once projected over First Avenue disappeared soon after, leaving behind only photographs of one of the city's most memorable modern-era neon displays.

UPDATE: The Imperial Room closed permanently in 2015 after losing its business and liquor licenses. The historic building still stands, but the iconic neon crown sign has been removed, ending the reign of one of downtown Minneapolis' finest neon landmarks. 06-26

Monte Carlo
Minneapolis, MN
Photo courtesy Matthew Hands

The glowing vertical sign at The Monte Carlo has been a familiar sight in downtown Minneapolis for generations. With "BAR" boldly illuminated down the center, it's a classic blade sign that has welcomed everyone from warehouse workers to theatergoers and night owls for decades.

The Monte Carlo traces its roots to 1906, making it one of Minneapolis' oldest continuously operating restaurants and bars. In 1940, it moved into its longtime home in what is now the city's revitalized North Loop district. Inside, much of the old character remains, including a beautiful mahogany back bar, copper-topped bar, and an atmosphere that feels comfortably timeless.

Over the years, the Monte Carlo has earned a loyal following for its steaks, martinis, and especially its famous dry-rubbed chicken wings. While the surrounding Warehouse District has transformed from an industrial neighborhood into one of Minneapolis' most vibrant destinations, the Monte Carlo has remained a constant.

UPDATE: More than a century after it first opened, the Monte Carlo continues to thrive in Minneapolis' North Loop. Its vintage neon blade sign still lights up the street each evening, serving as one of downtown's best-preserved reminders of the city's rich restaurant and nightlife history. 06-26

Bunker's Music Bar & Grill
Minneapolis, MN
Photo courtesy Matthew Hands

The glowing neon sign at Bunker's Music Bar & Grill has welcomed music lovers into one of Minneapolis' most legendary clubs since the 1970s. While the sign itself has plenty of vintage appeal, it's what has happened behind those doors that has made Bunker's a local institution.

Founded in 1976, Bunker's quickly earned a reputation as one of the Twin Cities' premier live music venues. Night after night, the intimate club has hosted funk, soul, blues, R&B, reggae, and rock acts, while longtime house bands have built loyal followings over the decades. The club also became famous as one of Prince's favorite late-night hangouts, where he was known to make surprise appearances and join musicians on stage.

Located in Minneapolis' historic North Loop, Bunker's has remained a constant while the surrounding Warehouse District transformed from an industrial neighborhood into one of the city's liveliest entertainment districts. Through it all, the vintage neon sign has continued to shine above the entrance, inviting another generation inside for an evening of live music.

UPDATE: Bunker's remains one of Minneapolis' premier live music venues, with performances scheduled throughout the week. Its classic neon marquee still lights up Washington Avenue, preserving a piece of the city's rich musical and roadside history. 06-26

Cock O The Walk
Oklahoma City, OK
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

The Cock O' The Walk has one of those signs that is hard to forget. With its giant cigar-puffing rooster and bold roadside lettering, this Oklahoma City bar and grill clearly knew how to get the attention of passing motorists.

Located along Western Avenue, Cock O' The Walk has been a local fixture since around 1960. The place has long been known as an easygoing neighborhood spot for food, drinks, pool, darts, and a little late-night atmosphere. But for roadside fans, the real attraction is the massive neon rooster sign out front.

The original sign had faded badly over the years and its neon had reportedly been dark for decades. Thankfully, it was replaced in 2011 with a carefully detailed replica that preserved the look of the old sign while bringing the rooster back to glowing life.

UPDATE: Cock O' The Walk remains open today as a classic Oklahoma City neighborhood bar and grill. The large neon rooster sign continues to light up Western Avenue, keeping one of the city's most playful roadside landmarks alive. 06-26