Sign Spotting: The Best Bar Signs In Movie And TV History
From cutting-edge bars to cozy taverns, any traditional drinking establishment can benefit from a high-quality bar sign. After all, it's the first welcome sight patrons see when they approach your business.
However, designing an eye-catching bar sign is easier said than done.
Luckily, you can find countless examples of clever, eye-catching signs in classic movies and pub culture. At GS Draft, our craft beer experts have compiled a list of some of the most cozy and quirky bar signs inspired by popular movies and TV shows. Read on to learn how you can use inspiration from timeless sources to craft your own alluring sign.
Inspiration Is Key To Designing Your Own Pub Signs
Whether you operate a modern bar or a more traditional drinking establishment, designing your own pub sign can be a challenge. From choosing the color scheme to debating on graphic design elements, sometimes it takes a little inspiration to come up with a striking image that matches your brand.
Analyzing well-known and adored bar signs from classic films and TV series can give you an idea of what people find appealing. Whether it’s a warm and inviting atmosphere, a touch of nostalgia, or a sense of adventure, learn what elements resonate with your business and customer base.
By incorporating what you see and learn into your own brand, you can design a bar sign that piques the curiosity of patrons, whether they're walking around the downtown strip or searching Google Maps.
Cozy Pub Signs Inspired By Classic Films
From the iconic bicycle scene in E.T. to Samuel L. Jackson's unforgettable lines from Pulp Fiction, you know a classic film when you see one. Bar signs inspired by these movies and TV shows offer some of the widest appeal, allowing you to design a sign that attracts a wide variety of patrons.
1. The Winchester Tavern (Shaun of the Dead)
Looking for masculine flair and the allure of the traditional English pub? In Shaun of the Dead, The Winchester Tavern acts as the quintessential pub turned safe heaven during the zombie apocalypse. Consider dark tones and designs inspired by antique firearms and classic English coat of arms. For lettering, we recommend using bold, capital letters in an easy-to-read, but rustic font.
2. Rick’s Café Américain (Casablanca)
Simple, yet effective, this bar sign adorns Rick’s Café Américain—a sophisticated WWII nightclub with an old-school charm. Lacking any imagery, cursive lettering, and neon lighting are the primary factors that make this sign pop.
3. Jack Rabbit Slim’s (Pulp Fiction)
Your patrons will have such a fabulous time when they realize your sign is inspired by this 1950s-themed diner and bar known for its milkshakes and dance contests. To emulate the same vibe, opt for retro fonts and cartoonish graphic designs.
4. The Fisherman’s Tale (Jaws)
Looking for a pub sign inspired by the ye olde public houses of New England? This sign features beachy fonts and maritime designs, making it the perfect starting point for coastal establishments. Just imagine being served only the finest cocktails after defeating the Great White Shark!
5. The Bamboo Lounge (Goodfellas)
Combining a classic mobster aesthetic with Asian-inspired themes, The Bamboo Lounge bar sign is the perfect inspiration for pubs that want to stand out. Bold, themed fonts, neon lighting, and foliage-inspired graphic design will all help capture the same vibe.
Fantasy-Inspired Signs For A Warm And Welcoming Tavern
Today's great British pubs harken back to the inns and taverns of old, and what better way to capture that spirit of adventure than to craft a bar sign inspired by famous fantasy films? Create a warm, cozy space where patrons can indulge in hardy drinks.
6. The Three Broomsticks (Harry Potter)
Want to serve Hogwarts Brewery's finest butterbeer? This mystical pub connecting the Muggle and wizarding worlds features three brooms assembled in either a triangular or crossed pattern. This graphic design is complemented by a fun, witchy font. Sticking to a few simple colors like black, brown, and tan, can add to the archaic, magical theme.
7. The Green Dragon Inn (The Lord of the Rings)
Famous for its hearty food, lively atmosphere, and the finest ale in Middle Earth, the sign for this beloved hobbit tavern focuses on natural materials and traditional illustrations. Its a great starting point for traditional paired animal pubs. Try incorporating an old-world wooden plaque with hand-painted lettering and a rustic dragon illustration.
8. The Three Crowns (Game of Thrones)
The perfect inspiration for any highly regarded rustic microbrewery, The Three Crowns offers a bar sign fit for kings (or those who think they are). Consider traditional heraldic roots in the form of crowns, swords, and lions when crafting your design. Your sign might feature bold, medieval-style lettering.
9. The Mos Eisley Cantina (Star Wars)
While not what you might typically imagine when you picture fantasy, this bustling, intergalactic watering hole captures that same sense of adventure. Its unique sign compliments its dimly lit atmosphere to raucous live music. To craft a sign with the same aesthetic, try incorporating neon elements, space-themed motifs, and an unmistakably futuristic font.
10. Ten Forward (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
Another way to identify pubs with unique, extraterrestrial themes, this bar sign offers a simple, neon design. Located aboard the USS Enterprise, Starfleet officers gather at the Ten Forward to relax and socialize. Consider using minimalist fonts and metallic colors to reflect the refined yet adventurous spirit of space travelers.
For A Good Laugh: Cartoon And Sictcom Bar Signs
If you're looking for the best way to turn your bar into a word-of-mouth sensation, or if your business is less a pub and more of a modern establishment, consider crafting a sign inspired by some of the funniest cartoons and sitcoms of the century.
11. Moe’s Tavern (The Simpsons)
A staple in the world of Springfield, Moe’s Tavern is known for its no-nonsense approach and loyal (but rowdy) patrons. The sign emphasizes this straightforward appeal, featuring a simple colored background and bold wording. A sign inspired by Moe’s Tavern could feature classic, slightly worn lettering with an old-school neon glow.
12. The Drunken Clam (Family Guy)
Another neighborhood staple, The Drunken Clam is a common destination for Peter Griffin and friends. The Rhode Island-inspired neon sign focuses on a funny, charming clam having a drink, making it the perfect starting point for bars with pool tables and never-ending wisecracks. A sign modeled after this location should include a playful, cartoonish illustration and bold, colorful fonts.
13. MacLaren’s Pub (How I Met Your Mother)
Just no room for intricate designs? This classic New York City bar is brimming with charm, even with its simple green and gold sign. A sign influenced by MacLaren’s Pub could also take inspiration from other classic Irish pubs, including Celtic designs and bold, gold lettering.
14. Paddy’s Pub (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
Another traditional Irish pub name, Paddy's Pub is known for being rough around the edges and offering endless shenanigans. The green sign incorporates eye-catching fonts and Celtic graphic designs. Try creating something that's deliberately unpolished, including handwritten-style lettering and similar colors. A touch of neon can also help your sign pop.
15. The Krusty Krab (SpongeBob SquarePants)
Though the Krusty Krab isn't a bar, this show's unprecedented popularity makes it a great inspiration choice for fun, coastal bars. The sign features nautical elements, including a large clam and playful font. A custom sign inspired by this iconic restaurant could lean into these elements for a whimsical appeal that'll get younger patrons laughing.
How To Design Your Own Bar Sign
Now that you know all about some of the most iconic bar signs from classic movies and TV shows, it's time to put that insight to use! The right combination of inspiration and creativity can help you design a sign that's both memorable and unique.
Here are our step-by-step tips:
Choose a Theme: From decor to pub names, consider your current aesthetic. Knowing your own brand can help you draw effective inspiration from popular media. It will also help you craft something that resonates with your audience.
Keep It Readable: Even when using whimsical fonts or cursive lettering, make sure that your sign is legible. You may also consider large text and contrasting or neon colors to make it even easier to read at a distance.
Select the Right Materials: Your sign needs to be as durable as it is charming. We recommend wood, metal, or even digital displays for maximum functionality.
Incorporate Unique Imagery: Icons, mascots, or stylized graphics can make your sign more distinctive.
Think About Lighting: Neon or backlit signs can enhance visibility, especially for bars looking to boost their nighttime appeal.
Take Your Bar To The Next Level With Commercial Draft Beer Systems
If you're looking to do more than just update your bar sign, automated draft beer systems streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction like never before. Whether you plan on opening a themed establishment or revamping an existing one, the GS Draft System Solutions team is ready to help.
We take pride in our work and can design a custom system that blends seamlessly with your bar's unique sign. We're happy to address any inquiries about our extensive product options and services, which are all created to help your business run above the industry standard.
Explore our comprehensive installation options by calling us at (949) 421-3882. You can also email us at sales@gsdraft.com. We look forward to your message!
