Austin’s history comes alive at now open Sign Bar

A new bar decorated with over 75 signs from iconic Austin establishments opened in a former automobile service station in East Austin on June 16.

Sign Bar takes guests on a “nostalgic journey down memory lane,” representatives said, as it features signs from both new and shuttered businesses including Anna’s Toy Depot, Cheapo Records, Daily Juice, Easy Tiger, Jo’s Coffee, Nau’s Enfield Drug and dozens of others.

Sign Bar’s outskirts feature a cash-only taco truck called Pollo Asados and several trailers that will be used for additional food partners and satellite bars, representatives said. The annex next to Sign Bar has a maze built by Chris Gallagher of Moonlit Manufacturing with lights and decor that will change seasonally.

Sign Bar comes from FBR Management, the team behind Lala’s Little Nugget, Mean Eyed Cat, The Wheel and a flock of other local bars.

Quote of note: “What originally started as a passion project over 10 years ago of collecting deserted yet legendary bar and restaurant signs from Austin forgotten, soon evolved into something so much more,” founder Matt Luckie said in a news release. “By collaborating with local artists, signmakers, interior designers and fabricators, we have created a concept not only unique to Austin and Texas, but the country as a whole. We are excited to have guests in to see the space come to life and reminisce on some of Austin’s most iconic spots.”

Sign Bar is located at 9909 FM 969, Austin, and open Monday-Thursday from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. and Friday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. The bar is dog-friendly and kid-friendly until 7 p.m.