Neon signs have been around for a long time, and it's no surprise why. They're hip and retro at once — visually appealing, eco-friendly, and, most importantly, hard to miss. Neon signage has been seeing more frequent use in recent years, both indoors and out.
On the business side, having a neon sign in front of, inside, or on top of your building can do wonders. It gives a place a certain feel that leans into '70s, '80s, and '90s nostalgia, helping you get noticed and leave a lasting impression — while still looking modern when done right.
Neon signs also work well for more personalized touches. Obsessed with a movie? Skip the poster and get a neon sign made instead. They make great conversation pieces, and conversation pieces are exactly the kind of thing that gets photographed and shared.
To commemorate the rich history of the best neon signs in Toronto, here are seven of the most iconic.
7 of the Best Neon Signs in Toronto That Will Leave You Smiling
1. The Massey Hall Sign
Hart Massey's vision resulted in the iconic building that still stands today. Massey Hall was completed in 1894 and held its first concert that same year, going on to host a famous roster of performers throughout its history.
The Massey Hall neon sign is simple but iconic, and the façade has become a staple sight in Toronto. Massey Hall is now a designated Toronto heritage site — and rightfully so.
2. The Fran's Restaurant Neon Sign
Source: Flickr
Fran's Restaurant became a local favorite for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent comfort food, and its Banquet Burgers. The neon sign outside became synonymous with coziness and good food.
Established in the 1940s by Francis Deck, the restaurant grew from a 10-chair diner into the successful, beloved, family-owned restaurant it is today.
3. The Royal York Hotel's "Fairmont" Signage
The Royal York Hotel has been a Toronto landmark since the 1940s. Its rooftop signage has changed over the years; the current “Fairmont” sign, named for the company that now operates the hotel, is the most recent version and remains a colorful, recognizable part of the downtown skyline.
The Royal York is part of Toronto's rich history and remains one of the city's most prominent downtown hotels.
4. The Neon Sign of El Mocambo Tavern
One of Toronto's more iconic neon signs belonged to the El Mocambo Tavern, also established in the 1940s. The venue rose to prominence as a live music and entertainment spot, hosting famous international performers — including a surprise Rolling Stones show under the false name “The Cockroaches.”
El Mocambo was also a hub of the '90s underground music scene before closing in 2014. Rumors of a revival have circulated ever since.
5. The Imperial Pub
Source: Toronto Pubs
Founded by the late Jack Newman, the Imperial Pub has stayed in the Newman family for nearly 70 years. It's known among locals for its old Toronto charm and wide selection of jazz music — the family has even preserved some of the pub's original jazz jukeboxes.
The pub's signage, a simple red neon sign spelling out its name, has become genuinely iconic. When rapid urbanization brought an attempt to buy out the land beneath it, loyal patrons rallied behind the Newman family and helped block the sale.
6. Fring's "6 on a Wave" Neon Sign
Established in 2015 by Chef Susur Lee, Fring's became known for counting Toronto local Drake among its regulars, alongside an excellent menu and intimate ambiance.
What made Fring's even more famous is its now-iconic “6 on a wave” neon sign, posted and reposted thousands of times on social media — a genuine visual centerpiece for the space.
7. Escobar's "Pablo Loves You" Neon Sign
Escobar is a secret bar — entry requires a password that changes daily. Find it, and you're rewarded with a hip, cozy space serving excellent food and drinks.
Established in 2013, Escobar became a social media favorite thanks to its neon sign reading “Pablo Loves You,” still regularly photographed for its vintage, classy feel.
Get a Customized Neon Sign for Your Toronto Home or Business
Make sure your neon sign is made by trusted professionals — see for yourself what a well-made sign can do for your business or personal space. Who knows, maybe it's the sign that makes your place iconic next.
Toronto's neon landmarks are just one chapter of Canada's neon story — explore the best neon signs in Calgary and the iconic neon signs in Montreal next.
