10 Best Neon Signs in Los Angeles

By Sophie Duvernoy Wed., Jun. 22 2011 at 4:55 PM

Sign to the Earl Carroll Theater, now on display at Universal CityWalk in Universal City.

There's something beautiful about a flickering motel light, all arrows, "vacancy" and red sizzle. Neon signs are hypnotic, fantastical creations -- and L.A. is a great city to go hunting for the more weird and wonderful specimens. You could look at them as institutional street art at its best, always anchored to their businesses, yet with a life of their own at night that completely transforms the cityscape.

Historic neon is hidden all around the city. On June 25, MONA, L.A.'s own Museum of Neon Art is hosting a party to celebrate its 30-year anniversary before its relocation to Glendale. In light of (sorry, it was just too easy) this anniversary of all things neon, we compiled our own list of top ten neon signs in the City of Angels.

10. The Mint

Flickr/thomashawk

The Mint, on 6010 West Pico Boulevard in Fairfax

What can I say? The Mint's sign has a quiet kind of perfection about it. The bar and music venue has been around since 1937 -- so their sign must be doing something right. Art deco trim? Check. Spare green and white lettering? Check. A blue 'Blues' sign, in 1930s jazz font. They hit it spot on. It's spare, even mysterious -- and it makes you want a drink.

9. The Good Luck Bar

Flickr/clearlight

Good Luck Bar, on 1514 Hillhurst Avenue, in Los Feliz

Watering holes and neon are a perfect pair, it seems. Good Luck Bar's sign scintillates -- it's delicately dimmed down for effect. The arrow almost looks like beaten, glistening gold from afar. On an otherwise dark block, this sign is a perfectly crafted beacon at night.

8. The Half Moon Motel

Flickr/clearlight

The Half Moon Motel, on 3958 Sepulveda Blvd in Culver City

Part seedy, part dream-like. The slanted letters that spell out 'Motel' really make it; as if the sign were slowly escaping into outer space. And it has just the right amount of playfulness -- it's not overcompensating for dirty sheets.

Tags:

cityscape, los angeles at night, neon signs, street art

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I like the catchy design of the Frolic Room sign!!! I may just go there to see the sign LOL!!

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I like the Good Luck Bar Sign!! Nice unique design and colors!!!!

Neon signs

Sad to hear the Brent Air pool supply sign is gone!!! It was one of my Favorite neon signs!!!

Stephen Brandt

I know that the Rose Bowl is not in Los Angeles, but the south facade neon sign is amazing.

Daniel Rolnik

The giant Neon King Kong at city walk is also great haha

Robert

Felix: Se Habla Espanol - Nick Chamos

Lynxwiler

Sophie, you've got to take the Museum of Neon Art's Neon Cruise. There's much, much more out there than you think. For example, Chinatown. Have you walked Gin Ling Way in Chinatown? Broadway's Theater district, maybe? Or downtown Los Angeles at all?

Also, the Earl Carroll Theatre sign at CityWalk is a recreation constructed by the Museum of Neon Art. The original was destroyed years and years ago.

Lisa Horowitz

Even though Mr. Lynxwiler is touting his own Neon Cruise, it is well worth your time! I did it a couple of summers ago and it was great.

Romina

Seven grand's sign in Downtown is awesome!

Thomas Hawk

Wonderful write up Sophie and thanks for including some of my sign photos. Los Angeles is so rich in neon signs and definitely does have some of the finest in the world. My complete set of Los Angeles neon with over 1,400 Los Angeles neon signs organized on Flickr by interestingness is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/t... :)

Clearlight

Sadly, the Brent Air Pool Supply sign is no longer standing. It was toppled by a storm in November, 2010. It was quintessential mid-century neon and my personal favorite.