Photos: See San Francisco’s most spectacular neon signs
The best way to keep these historic signs glowing is to shop at the businesses that have them.
Neon signage is seen around San Francisco at, from top left clockwise, the 500 Club at 500 Guerrero St., a detail from Mels Drive-in at 3355 Geary Blvd., the facade outside of the Ha-Ra Club at 875 Geary and the tall, multicolored sign Condor Club at 560 Broadway. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
San Francisco is awash in neon, the atmospheric glow of electrified noble gases inside glass tubes that bathe our sidewalks in ethereal shades of orange, red and blue.
The city used to be graced with even more of the cinematic light source—the Market Street and Broadway corridors, in particular, buzzed with neon. But starting in the 1970s, affordable, easy-to-maintain light-emitting diodes (LEDs) came into popular use, leading to neon’s decline.
The neon sign for Mel's Drive-in in San Francisco reflects off of car windshields on the evening of Nov. 21. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Yet there’s an ongoing movement, spearheaded by organizations like the advocacy group San Francisco Neon and supported by businesses like Neon Works, not only to protect our city’s existing neon but also add to its glowing portfolio.
It’s led to new legislation (and a new sign) in the Tenderloin, one of the most neon-rich neighborhoods. Similar legislation has been proposed for Chinatown and North Beach, two other areas with a deep connection to the illumination of noble gases.
The neon sign outside of the Mission's Doc’s Clock cocktail bar features a round and blue martini glass. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
One of the best ways to ensure neon’s survival, according to San Francisco Neon co-founder Randall Ann Homan, is to patronize the businesses that take the trouble of maintaining the signs. You have plenty to choose from in the city: grocery stores and steakhouses, cocktail bars and movie theaters. Use neon as an excuse to get out and explore new-to-you corners of the city. It’s easy to become intoxicated by neon’s allure.
“It’s like bugs being drawn to a bug zapper,” said Adam Taylor, a glass bender at Neon Works.
He would know.
More photos of San Francisco’s neon lights below:
The neon sign for Downtown bar The House of Shields glows a bright red. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The Li Po Lounge's neon sign is a bright fixture in Chinatown. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The Ha-Ra Club's neon sign lights up the Tenderloin. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The 500 Club's neon sign stands out at dusk on a San Francisco November night. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The neon sign for historic North Beach topless bar, the Condor Club, shines in multiple colors. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The neon sign for classic San Francisco restaurant John’s Grill advertises its signature steaks and seafood menu. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The Roosevelt Tamale Parlor's neon sign also nods to its new occupant, Tacos Del Barrio. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Light bounces off Mel's Drive-in's neon sign in San Francisco. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
A martini glass with a green olive sits on the 500 Club's neon sign. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The neon sign for butcher shop Avedano’s Meats in Bernal Heights glows a soft yellow. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The neon sign for the Philosophers Club on Ulloa Street sports a cherry-red hue. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The House of Shields' neon sign catches the eye in Downtown San Francisco. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The neon sign for Doc’s Clock stands out as a bright fixture on Mission Street. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The Condor Club's neon sign emanates red, yellow and purple colors. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The marquee under the neon sign for Bimbo’s 365 wishes passersby a "Happy Thanksgiving" on Nov. 21. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The neon sign for San Francisco's Garden of Eden adult entertainment club shines bright with a pink umbrella. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The 4 Star Theatre's neon sign for its cinema on Clement Street in the Richmond District shines bright with four stars. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The Mel's Drive-in neon sign in San Francisco entices passersby to stop by and "eat," advertising "home-style cooking." | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The neon sign for historic Dolores Heights corner store Dolores Deluxe emanates green, yellow and white hues. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The Condor Club's neon sign stands out against the night sky of San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The neon sign for Tosca Cafe is a calling card for the legendary North Beach hangout. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Mission dance spot the Verdi Club has a wing-shaped neon sign. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Chinatown's Buddha Lounge neon sign complements Li Po Lounge's across the way. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The Rite Spot Cafe's neon sign casts a green hue into the night. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Looking up at the House of Shields' neon sign from the street, one can see its intricate curves. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The House of Shields neon sign stands out against the night sky of Downtown San Francisco. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard