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

That little character on the roadside sign is what makes this Tavern so memorable. Whether he was tipping his hat or inviting you in for a cold drink, he gave an otherwise simple marquee plenty of personality. 11-20

Unfortunately, the name of the tavern has been lost to time, but the sign itself was worth pulling over for. Sometimes it's the small details, a smiling mascot, a clever design, or a weathered old neon sign, that make a roadside stop stick in your memory long after you've forgotten where it was.

If anyone recognizes this Roseburg landmark, we'd love to hear the story behind it.