Where should we go tonight?  In my younger days when carousing was the norm, this was perhaps the most important question one could ask.  My friends and I would rotate amongst a fairly standard set of small watering holes in Iowa City, often camping out at The Mill, The Foxhead, and George’s for the evening.

I haven’t developed a standard rotation of watering holes now that I’ve moved to St. Louis, mainly because I’ve moved beyond my carousing days.  However, if I was to develop a list of regular haunts, The Royale would have to be near the top of that list.  It’s a great neighborhood pub in the heart of South City, a place with unexpectedly good food that also has a worthwhile beer list.

One of my favorite aspects to this bar, however, is it’s wonderful neon sign.  Facing Kingshighway, the sign is a welcoming beacon on an otherwise desolate stretch of the road populated by big box stores and parking lots.  It’s one of those place-making landmarks, a feature that adds intrigue to the neighborhood.

On a long summer evening, I stopped by during a photographic tour of the area around Tower Grove Park.  Here’s a couple of photos showcasing this great bar & their amazing neon sign.

Purple neon sign welcoming you to The Royale in S. St. Louis.

This time with Photoshop – another view of The Royale in S. St. Louis.