Gorgeous neon signs illuminating the city

What’s more beautiful than block after block of glowing reds and blues and pinks and yellows, emanating light and heat?

Oldhomesteadsign

These food-oriented neon signs also make you hungry. The Old Homestead sign looks pretty old, though not as old as this steak house (two words!) itself, from 1868.

Donutpub14thstreet

The Donut Pub on 14th Street, a 50-year-old remnant of New York before cronuts and Starbucks, recently survived a competitive attack by an upstart Dunkin’ Donuts down the block, which quietly closed shop a few years ago.

DeRobertispastryshoppe

DeRobertis Caffe and Pasticceria has been baking sweets for 110 years on First Avenue near 14th Street, when this was an Sicilian immigrant micro-neighborhood featuring Russo Brothers, Veniero, and probably hundreds of small shops lost to history.

Queensign

Queen is an oddly named Italian restaurant (since 1958!) on Court Street in Brooklyn. You have to dig that crown.

Katzsign

And of course, Katz’s Deli, a treasure of New York neon and store signage—and sandwiches and Jewish soul food too.

More sublime neon beauty can be found here.

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10 Responses to “Gorgeous neon signs illuminating the city”

  1. Ann Harper Says:

    The Village Barn -the famous country western night club located at 52 West 8th Street where Electric Ladyland Studios are now located also had an amazing neon sign. My father owned it.

  2. Ryan Says:

    My favorite Neon sign is probably the ‘Subway Inn’ on 61st just east of Lexington.

  3. ephemeralnewyork Says:

    I love the Subway Inn sign. It may not be here much longer.

  4. MrAnchovies Says:

    Reblogged this on mranchovies and commented:
    love it

  5. kevin L bazur Says:

    They turned off the neon sign at the Milford Plaza last year. I guess the new owners think neon is blasé. Oh yeah? take a look at 45th west from say broadway all the wonderful theaters with their neon lights, the St. James, the Booth, then the Milford, Lights out! It looks like its……. closed..bad move new owners. KLBazur.

  6. beforemybigbreak Says:

    I love the Donut Pub sign.

    • ephemeralnewyork Says:

      Me too. Inside, it’s a total time warp: swivel seats against a counter. And delicious donuts.

  7. Gorgeous neon signs illuminating the city — Ephemeral New York – Naked Cities Journal Says:

    […] via Gorgeous neon signs illuminating the city — Ephemeral New York […]

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