Neon signs are a classic and will always be a customer favorite. They can be incredibly helpful to a business, thanks to their ability to attract potential patrons — there's a nostalgic appeal to neon that few other kinds of signage can match.
Texas has a long history with bold, eye-catching signage, from Austin's classic Tex-Mex institutions to San Antonio's Riverwalk storefronts. Here are some of the state's most memorable neon signs, and how you can bring that same look to your own business.
Matt's El Rancho
An Austin institution since the 1950s, Matt's El Rancho is as well known for its glowing neon signage as it is for its Tex-Mex menu. The sign is a great example of how a single, well-placed neon piece can become inseparable from a business's identity — decades after it first lit up, it's still one of the most recognized storefronts in the city.
South Congress Avenue, Austin
Austin's South Congress strip is lined with independent shops, music venues, and restaurants that lean heavily on retro neon signage to fit the street's vintage character. It's one of the best examples in the state of an entire commercial district embracing neon as a shared visual identity rather than a one-off novelty.
Historic Motel and Motor Court Signage
Texas's stretch of old highway routes is home to some of the best-preserved mid-century motel neon in the country — the kind of tall, roadside signage designed to catch a driver's eye from a distance. These signs are a reminder of how functional neon originally was: not just decoration, but genuinely effective advertising built to work at highway speed.
San Antonio's Riverwalk
San Antonio's Riverwalk district mixes historic architecture with modern retail, and neon signage plays a real role in tying that mix together — restaurants and bars along the river use neon to stand out after dark, when the Riverwalk is at its busiest.
Get a Custom Neon Sign for Your Texas Business
Whether you're drawing inspiration from a Texas classic or starting from a completely original design, a custom LED neon sign is one of the most effective ways to give your storefront the same kind of lasting visual identity these Texas landmarks have. Design your own custom neon sign and see why neon has stayed a Texas favorite for generations.
