The Lancers
San Diego, CA
Photo courtesy M.C. Morrissey

A little medieval decoration greets visitors at The Lancers on Park Boulevard in San Diego. Check out the shield and knight-themed marquee above the sidewalk. Not the usual introduction to a neighborhood cocktail lounge, but it certainly gives the doorway something worth a second look.

The University Heights bar dates to around 1961. Inside, red vinyl booths, a jukebox, and pool tables carry on the old lounge atmosphere. The knight outside may suggest another century, but the surroundings indoors are a little closer to the mid-century variety.

UPDATE: The Lancers remains open, and its distinctive medieval-themed sign survives above the entrance. The longtime neighborhood lounge continues along Park Boulevard. 10-26

Pacific Shores
Ocean Beach, CA
Photo courtesy M.C. Morrissey

Here's one of the better martini glass displays this side of Interstate 15. Pacific Shores in Ocean Beach gives Newport Avenue a splash of neon, with a glass that stays put no matter how many drinks are served inside. Check out this one after dark.

Established in 1941, the cocktail lounge carries its own bit of coastal scenery indoors. Blacklight murals bring coral reefs and undersea creatures into the room, giving customers something to admire without getting their feet wet. The beach can wait a little longer.

UPDATE: Pacific Shores remains open, with its neon martini glass marquee surviving outside. The familiar underwater murals remain part of the lounge's old atmosphere. 10-26

The Tower Bar
San Diego, CA
Photo courtesy Ken Lux

Look above the doorway at the Tower Bar in San Diego and the name starts to make sense. The building's tower rises over the entrance, with neon lettering below to finish the introduction. This neighborhood tavern comes with a landmark of its own.

The City Heights building dates to 1932, giving this stretch of University Avenue something a little different from the usual storefront. These days, live bands add another reason to head inside. Depending on the evening, the welcome may be considerably louder than the sign.

UPDATE: The Tower Bar remains open as a neighborhood bar and live music venue. Its distinctive tower and cursive neon lettering survive above the entrance. 10-26

Club Marina
San Diego, CA
Photo courtesy M.C. Morrissey

“Semi-live” entertainment? Club Marina in San Diego once advertised a night out with a little room for interpretation. Might have to head inside to figure that one out. At least the promise of free pool was easier to understand.

The longtime Morena Boulevard watering hole carries a nautical theme, with maritime decorations and fish nets adding to the surroundings. No boat required for this stop, and finding a seat shouldn't involve checking the tides.

Outside, the projecting marquee gives passing motorists something to look for along the boulevard. A familiar bar sign, a game of pool, and some entertainment of uncertain liveliness. Sounds like enough to keep an evening occupied.

UPDATE: Club Marina remains open, and its familiar projecting sign survives. Pool continues to be part of the neighborhood bar's attractions. The exact meaning of that old “semi-live” entertainment billing remains a little less clear. 10-26

Little Club (Gone)
Coronado, CA
Photo courtesy Ken Lux

This little sign points the way to the Little Club in Coronado. Well, that seems straightforward enough. The arrow helps visitors find the entrance without requiring a towering marquee to announce a small neighborhood watering hole.

Along Orange Avenue, the compact tavern offers a place to settle in away from the passing traffic. The name sets fairly reasonable expectations about the size of the place. No sprawling cocktail palace waiting at the end of this arrow.

Inside, a jukebox and bar games help keep the evening moving. Outside, the modest neon sign does its part with just enough lettering and direction to get the message across. Sometimes a little sign is all a little club needs.

UPDATE: The Little Club is permanently closed and gone. 10-26