Milt's Coffee Shop (Rem.)
Bakersfield, CA
Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo

Traveling up Highway 99 through Bakersfield, check out the neon for Milt's Coffee Shop. Right off the freeway at Olive Drive, this was a familiar sign to look for after a few hours on the road. The neon was usually kept up on this one, making an evening photo stop worth keeping in mind.

Take a closer look at the lettering. That “t” in Milt's is an upside-down dinner fork, a little touch designed by Milt Huggs himself. Seems fitting for a sign pointing hungry motorists toward something to eat. No need to bring your own silverware.

Milt and Doris Huggs opened the coffee shop on November 11, 1964. The family kept it going for nearly six decades, serving locals, truckers and travelers pulling off the 99. Coffee, breakfast, and a break from the drive made a useful combination.

The restaurant changed hands in 2022 and became Old River Grill in late 2023. That name didn't stay long. In September 2024, Milt's returned to the building as Milt's Diner, bringing a familiar name back to the food stop.

UPDATE: The original roadside neon sign was removed in November 2023 and donated to the Kern County Museum. 09-26

Zingo's Cafe
Bakersfield, CA
Photo courtesy Jimmy Bowman

Pulling off Highway 99 in Bakersfield, check out the big neon arrow for Zingo's Cafe. There's script neon along the roofline, too, giving the camera a couple of things to catch before heading inside. Get a look at the tall marquee, then wander closer for the lettering on the building. Just keep clear of the trucking area unless getting dusted sounds like fun. Those big rigs have their own stops to make.

Zingo's opened in 1965 and became a familiar food stop for truckers and travelers making their way through the valley. A place to get some coffee, find something to eat, and take a break from the freeway. Merle Haggard was a regular, adding a little Bakersfield Sound history to the roadside scenery. Fitting company for a cafe on Buck Owens Boulevard.

UPDATE: After closing in March 2023, Zingo's reopened under new operators roughly six months later. The interior got a refresh, while the familiar exterior and neon signs stayed in place. Breakfast and lunch are back behind the big arrow, so a stop for photos can still turn into a food break. 09-26

Silver Fox
Bakersfield, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Here's a night shot of The Silver Fox in Bakersfield. Check out the neon lettering and fox on this eye-catching tavern sign. A good reason to pause along 18th Street while making the evening photo rounds. Get a look from across the street, then move closer to catch the lettering. This fox doesn't seem to mind the attention.

The lounge opened in 1957, but its original sign headed to the Kern County Museum after the bar closed in 2010. New owners Rod and Julie Crawford bought the place in 2016 and brought the lounge back, with one familiar feature missing out front. They hoped to retrieve the old marquee, but eventually had another one made to match. Quite a bit of work to get a fox back on its corner.

UPDATE: A replica of the original sign was installed in August 2020, returning the familiar neon glow to 18th Street. The lounge remains open, while the restored original marquee stays at the museum. Two foxes to catch on a Bakersfield sign hunt, so leave time for another stop. 09-26

The Mint
Bakersfield, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Check out The Mint in downtown Bakersfield, with its neon lettering brightly lit against the building. Green for the name and red for “COCKTAILS,” giving the camera another stop along 19th Street. This one's worth catching after dark.

The saloon dates back to 1895, long before neon joined the roadside scene. It was also among the early Bakersfield businesses to get a telephone. Quite a history behind that glowing invitation to stop in.

UPDATE: The Mint remains open on 19th Street, with its familiar neon still lighting the front. Another one to look for while making the evening rounds through downtown. 09-26

Margie's Merry Go Round
Lone Pine, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Rolling through Lone Pine on Highway 395, check out the neon at Margie's Merry Go Round. The sign advertises barbecue, lamb chops, steaks and ribs, giving hungry travelers plenty to think about before parking. A standout to catch on the evening photo rounds. 09-08

Opened in 1957, the restaurant spent its earlier years serving steaks and other American fare. The sign kept that menu out by the highway even after the kitchen changed direction. Follow it in expecting a steak and you might have a little reconsidering to do.

The Merry Go Round became a Chinese restaurant, with noodle dishes and Kung Pao chicken taking their turns on the tables. Inside, little carousel horses share space with Chinese decorations. Quite a combination behind that old steakhouse greeting.

UPDATE: The Merry Go Round remains open as a family-run Chinese restaurant, with its vintage neon sign still out front. The building and sign keep the old roadside look, while dinner follows a different menu. Best check inside before getting too set on those lamb chops. 09-26

Burger Spot
Tehachapi, CA
Photo courtesy John King

Check out the Burger Spot marquee lit up for the evening in Tehachapi. This burger joint is worth a stop while rolling through town, even if it's just to get a look at the neon. Of course, once you've parked for photos, a burger might start sounding pretty good. 09-10

The Burger Spot dates back to 1956 and has been a gathering place for classic car fans. A few old cars out front would fit right into this nighttime roadside scene.

UPDATE: The Burger Spot remains open on Tehachapi Boulevard, with its vintage sign still marking the stop. Another one to catch after dark while making the rounds through town. 09-26