Here are some of Uptown Butte’s coolest neon and LED signs

Butte has always been a town that comes alive at night.  Those of us who grew up here remember the fantastic neon signs that would light up the night, especially uptown.  Remember the S&L Ice Cream Parlor and its wonderful neon?  How about the Fox Theater?  Even the majestic M&M sign, albeit temporarily, is a memory.  Meaderville was a bit before my time, but I have heard recollections of the fantastic restaurants and nightclubs that would come alive at night, and I have seen black and white photos of its impressive illumination.

Although many of Butte's signs from the past have long since come down, there are still an impressive number of neon signs in use and with LED technology progressing, there are some breathtaking new signs being designed.  Here are a few of the signs around town that we think stand out.

The Finlen Hotel

One of the oldest neon signs still in use, the Finlen's sign is hard to miss sitting high above the Uptown on the rear of the building, whose main entrance is on East Broadway.  The Finlen is in daily use as apartments, hotel rooms and a motor inn and is home to several businesses as well.  The ballroom is exquisite, the Copper Bowl area is breathtaking and the Cavalier Lounge, by far, has the most impressive vocabulary of any Butte tavern, past or present.

Metals Bank

Another sign with great historical significance here in the Mining City.  Once home to one of the town's bustling financial centers, it is now home to luxury apartments and one of Butte's favorite establishments, Metal's Sports Bar and Grill.

Montana Tech

Montana Tech, for decades one of the premiere small colleges in the nation, has been shining particularly brightly as of late.  Not only with the addition of this cool neon archway on Park Street, but the addition of the Lance Scholars Program and unprecedented success on the playing field.  Roll Diggs!

The Covellite Theater

Originally one of Butte's earliest places of worship, the Covellite Theater on Broadway Street just west of Montana is now a hotspot for concerts, weddings, art displays, a free Wednesday Night movie or just a beverage in the Uptown Lounge.

The Axe Bar

The Axe Bar on Park Street has become one of the happening spots uptown and not just beacuse of their awesome sign.  You'll find a lively crowd, frequent live music, and, of course, the opportunity to chuck an axe in a public place without having the police called on you.  Don't worry, it's all safe.

Slainte

Slainte, on Montana just south of Park Street, is 3-level wonderland with a rooftop bar uptop and a classic arcade downstairs.  You'll find a great selection of beer and wine plus a menu full of delicious appetizers and sandwiches.  And their sign is one of the best in town.

Sparky's Garage

On East Park Street, Sparky's Garage offers a retro-setting, a hopping bar and casino and some of the best BBQ in Southwest Montana.

The Pekin

The Pekin is a true Butte icon and one of the oldest Chinese restaurants you will find anywhere.  The food is just like their cool neon sign--unmistakable.

The Tait Hotel

The Tait Hotel, out of service for decades, still sports a vintage neon sign that gives us a glimpse of her long history across from the Finlen on East Broadway.

Now that we've seen some cool neon, here are some of Butte's "ghost signs" from years long gone by.