hair bundles

I'm assuming this is a shop for hair extensions.  But I was amused nonetheless.

deco and neon

This very deco clock was placed on Broadway decades ago by a jewelry store that used to be on the block.  It still works.

Dutch Boy Paints

The hardware store is long gone, but not its sign.  The storefront is now occupied by Pizzaiolo, a very popular and inventive pizza joint.  Good on them for keeping the sign in place.  I've never seen it lit at night but have seen photos of this event.  I think it actually looks better in the daylight.

old motel sign

This sign was spotted on a short dead end street in the downtown area.  The sign looks vintage, so I'm assuming the business is too.  I doubt the neon is working.

yet another vintage sign

We seem to have lots of old vintage signs in Oakland.  This one is for a flower shop that has been in business in this location for more than 60 years just outside the gates of Mt. View Cemetery.  The sign looks in tact but I don't think I've ever seen it lighted up.  I've seen other flower shop signs in much the same style around town which makes me think it was a stock design.  The slightly murky sky is what we are experiencing these past few days after the heat wave broke.  It's overcast in the morning and sometimes the sun comes out in the afternoon, sometimes not.  Linked to Skywatch Friday.

Ideal Cleaners

This vintage sign is on 14th Street.  Amazingly, Ideal is still in business at its original site.  The iron gate signifies "closed on Sunday."  One of these days I'll drive by at night to see if the neon works.

Out of town again for several days. 

K is for Kwik Way

Kwik Way is an old-fashioned drive-thru burger joint near the Grand Lake Theater.  Last year new owners took it over and it's undergone some renovation.  The neon sign works great and you usually see lots of action here on weekend nights.  It represents nostalgia even for those who weren't around during its first cycle of life.  Linked to ABC Wednesday.

Donut Time

Another vintage sign, this one found on MacArthur Blvd.  The neon tubing looks in tact but I've never seen it lit up.  The clock doesn't run; so I'm betting the neon isn't working either.

Skywatch Friday: shoe repair

This vintage neon sign continues to advertise an actual neighborhood shoe repair shop.  Found on Park Blvd in the Glenview neighborhood.  The skies are blue and clear despite this being the rainy season.  For skies around the world, visit Skywatch Friday.

vintage sign on Lakeshore

A nice old neon sign spotted on Lakeshore Avenue near the Lake.  Linked to Signs, Signs.

ABC Wednesday: F is for Flora

This week we're visiting Flora at 19th and Telegraph Avenue in Uptown.  It is housed in a stunning art deco building faced in cobalt and silver terra cotta tile previously featured here.  Flora opened in 2007 and was an anchor business in the revival of Uptown.  The old neon sign that marked the flower mart was restored by the restaurant.  This is a popular and welcoming restaurant that is best visited with reservations.  A sidewalk peek into Flora shows it's busy even at the early dinner hour.

The entry reveals its deco roots are undeniable.

The inside is noisy and convivial with simple but pleasing decor.

It's on the pricey side but the food is very good.  The new cocktail generation kept the bartenders busy the entire time we were there.  I had a New York strip, which was probably the tastiest steak I've ever had.  No exaggeration.  So, thumbs up.  For other takes on the letter "F", visit ABC Wednesday.

ABC Wednesday: L is for Luka's

Luka's Taproom and Lounge, a popular restaurant in the Uptown area, was instrumental in the growth of this area.  Their parking lot is at the base of the Great Wall featured a week ago.  If suds are your preferred libation, this is your place.  They serve over 30 different beers, including local and imported brews.  While you're contemplating your choices, visit ABC Wednesday for more takes on "L".

I'll be out of town for a week so have turned to autoposting.

ABC Wednesday: H is for Hi Hat Cleaners

This vintage neon sign advertises a business that has continued in the same spot for decades.  Surprisingly, despite its worn appearance, the sign continues to work too.  The owner says they turn it on winter evenings during operating hours.  During short winter days, it probably serves as a beacon to front door.  He also hopes to get it restored, although I imagine that is a costly process.  The sign and business anchor the corner of MacArthur and Maple St. in the Laurel District.  Visit ABC Wednesday for other takes on this week's letter.

ABC Wednesday: G is for Greyhound

The Greyhound bus service was founded in 1914 and appears to be going strong with 25 million passengers a year.  The Oakland terminal was built in the 30s but doesn't have many deco features except maybe the sign.  This is an iconic image that has survived the decades.  For other "G" images, visit ABC Wednesday for visual treats from around the world.  Also linked to Leslie's Signs Signs.

Skywatch Friday: Stork Club

The Stork Club is a gathering place for local hipsters, especially during Art Murmur.  I like the structure of their sign and its 60s vibe.  We continue to have pleasant weather even if you know the fog is due in any moment.  For more sky shots, visit Skywatch Friday, a meme open to all who are interested.

I'll be out of town for a week so probably won't be able to leave comments on your blogs.   These photos are brought to you courtesy of autoposting.

Diesel Books

Diesel is one of several independently owned bookstores in town.  It's housed in an old brick building in the Rockridge district.  They've done a good job of preserving the old architecture while creating a warm and welcoming space.

Skywatch Friday: dive shop

Steele's on Telegraph Avenue sells all manner of diving equipment and has rave reviews on Yelp.  Even though the shop's name is in giant, red plastic letters, their funky old sign is what I notice most.  The peeling paint shows that over the years the sign has been used by more than one business.  The pentimento reveals that at one time you could get custom made golf clubs.  For more sky photos visit Skywatch Friday.

fresh bait

The business is long gone but the sign remains.  The building recently was an art gallery and is now part of the East Bay Jazz Workshop.  Located on San Pablo Avenue at 66th Street.

ABC Wednesday: L is for Lakeshore Avenue

Lakeshore Avenue is a shopping district east of Lake Merritt.  In just a three blocks it offers a wide variety of restaurants, businesses, and architectural styles.  You can see from this sampling that it's been around for quite a while.  At least by California standards.  For lots more L photos, visit ABC Wednesday.

Skywatch Friday: Rossi's flower shop

An institution on Fruitvale Avenue in East Oakland.  The business opened in 1910 and has been in this building since the 30s.  The deco sign is what gets my attention.  The most recent rain storm has passed and fair weather is expected for the next few days.  For more sky photos, visit Skywatch Friday.