Barcocina Neon
Barcocina
"Feed me tacos and tell me I’m pretty" – it’s a simple request and one that has clearly resonated with the many Barcocina devotees who love to share photos of themselves posing with the sign. “Our owner discovered the quote in Cali and suggested we turn it into a neon sign for Barcocina,” says marketing and event manager Desi Primack. “We wanted a fun sign that our guests could use as the ultimate photo-op for Instagram. It instantly became a hit! Our hosts have inadvertently become photographers for customers wanting to capture their next Instagram shot.”
Come for the sign but stay for the delicious menu of modern Mexican fare and extensive drink list divided into three enticing categories – sweet, smoky, and spicy. barcocinachicago.com
2901 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Homeslice Neon
Homeslice Chicago
With over 30 types of pizza on the menu, there’s no room for quitters at Lincoln Park’s Homeslice Chicago. “We are always looking for fun, new things for our customers to interact with,” a rep from Homeslice tells us. “This sign has been our most popular and most Instagramed feature at Homeslice.”
As if that wasn’t enough Instagram potential, Homeslice also has a patio decked out with string lights, more neon, and even an Airstream trailer - another favorite photo op spot for guests. getsomehomie.com
938 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
The Hampton Social
If you’re an avid Instagram user, there’s a strong chance you’ve come across The Hampton Social’s mega popular Rosé All Day sign pop up while scrolling through your feed. “The Hampton Social brings the laidback lifestyle of the East Coast to Chicago with our modern coastal cuisine and nautical-inspired interior,” marketing manager Rachel Morgen tells us. “We want our restaurant to be a relaxed escape and have included unique design elements that transport guests to the Hamptons while inspiring cool photo opportunities for social media. The Rosé All Day sign is a playful way to embrace a staple of our menu and the Hamptons, and it has become a signature piece at all of our locations.”
One trip to The Hampton Social and you’re sure to be daydreaming about a getaway to the east coast. www.thehamptonsocial.com
353 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Headquarters Beercade Neon
Headquarters Beercade
Headquarters Beercade’s neon sign captures the playful spirit of the popular barcade. “We are all a kid at heart and we firmly believe in maintaining that youthful outlook on everything we do,” says marketing and event manager Connor Foy. “As a nostalgia-themed concept, our ‘Don't Grow Up It's A Trap’ is more than a neon sign at Headquarters Beercade - it's a lifestyle. From being a place to play your favorite arcade games with your friends to enjoying a craft beer, HQ redefines how a night out is best played.”
Spend a few hours soaking in the sentimental décor at HQ Beercade and you’ll be agreeing with their neon sign. hqbeercade.com
213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610
public house neon
Photo Credit DineAmic Group
Public House
With a 30 foot HD video screen and menu boasting over 100 beers, River North’s Public House is the perfect spot to spend game nights. Of course, every bar comes with a few house rules – what better way to announce them than an eye-catching neon sign? “Upon Public House’s ‘facelift’ back in 2016, owners of DineAmic Group David Rekhson and Lucas Stoioff wanted a neon sign added to the 10,000-square-foot gastropub,” says public relations manager Cara Zizzo. “Yet, they weren’t looking to add just any neon sign, but a sign that made a statement where people would want to share to their social network. Essentially, they decided to come up with a sign that spoke to the everyday guest.”
Public House’s “House Rules” sign tells guests to expect a good time and encourages them to Instagram it, too, - just stick to the activities that aren’t crossed out. publichousechicago.com
400 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
Clayton Hauck
moneygun neon
Clayton Hauck for 16 on Center
MONEYGUN
Head over to Fulton Market and check out MONEYGUN’s neon sign that looks equal parts sleek and classic. “Created by designer Dan Blackman, MONEYGUN bar's interior neon sign is meant to send the essential MG message: low lights, low pressure, good drinks,” says Will Duncan, director of hospitality at 16” on Center. “It’s got a big ol’ goofy martini glass and projects that classic watering hole glow that tells you: ‘you can drink here'.”
Considering MONEYGUN has over 30 different cocktails on the menu and a timeless atmosphere, it really is the perfect place for anyone to drink. moneygunchicago.com
660 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
happy camper neon
Happy Camper
This picture-perfect neon sign is just one of the many impressive features of Happy Camper, Old Town’s extremely photogenic bar and haven for pizza lovers. Decked out with camping trailers and lighting designed to look like the night sky, Happy Camper will have you feeling like you’ve stumbled into an uber-cool campsite right in the middle of the city. “As a simple explanation for the neon great lakes sign, we wanted to showcase something that Midwesterners take great pride in,” co-owner Clay Hamilton tells us. “We had a large blank canvas to work with and wanted to make a statement. One of the best characteristics about people from Chicago and the Midwest is the pride people have about being from here. We wanted something that people could photograph that represented the city and the region and we couldn’t think of a more iconic symbol than the Great Lakes. As far as the heart goes, it’s pretty simple. We love our city.” happycamperchicago.com
1209 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
lost lake neon
Lost Lake
Give your insta feed a tropical twist without leaving Chicago when you visit Lost Lake in Logan Square. The festive drinks at this colorful tiki bar are complimented by Lost Lake’s signature pink neon sign. Grab a drink and pose in front of this neon sign and you’ll be looking like you’re on an island vacation. www.lostlaketiki.com
3154 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
blind barber neon
Blind Barber
Take a trip to Fulton Market to check out Blind Barber, the stylish hotspot that serves as a barber shop by day and a speakeasy by night. “Once we decided on having a neon, we then came up with the idea to write out ‘pretty please’ for 2 reasons,” co-founder Jeff Laub explains. “1. Positioned near the music it was a tongue in cheek joke about all the requests we get to play certain songs. ‘Can you play that new _____, pretty please?’ 2. ‘Pretty please’ also has a nice sultry, sexy tone to it so we felt like it was a great fit with the vibe of the space.”
Check out the 1950s inspired décor of Blind Barber and order a couple of drinks – just remember to say pretty please. blindbarber.com
948 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
jeni's neon
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Jeni’s Wicker Park
Get a sweet snack and a sweet picture at Jeni’s in Wicker Park. The ice cream chain is a favorite among foodies for their creamy texture and unique flavors, and the Wicker Park location looks as good as the ice cream tastes thanks to their neon sign. “‘All for the love of you’ is kind of a Team Jeni's slogan - it's exactly why we do what we do,” manager Alyssa Golden tells us. “We love our customers, and we want to show them that love with our ice cream.” Show Jeni’s your love by visiting the Wicker Park location and to grab a cone and a picture with their neon sign. jenis.com/scoop-shops/jenis-wicker-park/
1505 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
evolveHer
A dream space for every working woman, evolveHer's "fuel your passion" neon sign serves as a sort of mission statement for their offices. evolveHer is a workspace located in River North that fosters the creativity and entrepreneurship of women run businesses. While the women who call evolveHer their office get to enjoy the neon sign everyday, you can catch evolveHer's neon sign at one of their many events which cover networking, branding, and empowerment. https://evolveher.community/en
358 W. Ontario St. #3W Chicago, IL 60654