Best Types of Signs for Restaurants?

TLDR;

The best types of signs for restaurants include illuminated channel letters, digital menu boards, window graphics, blade signs, and ADA-compliant wayfinding signage. When evaluating your options, it’s helpful to explore the broader types of commercial signs available to better align your signage with your restaurant's format, branding, and location to attract foot traffic and improve customer experience.

Why Choosing the Right Restaurant Signs Matters

The signs outside and inside your restaurant aren’t just decorations—they are functional marketing tools.

Restaurant signage plays a direct role in:

• Attracting passersby and converting them into customers
• Communicating your brand and restaurant type instantly
• Enhancing customer flow and experience
• Meeting legal and accessibility requirements

At Horizon Signs & Lighting, we’ve helped countless restaurant owners increase visibility and engagement by choosing the right mix of signage. This guide breaks down each signage type by function and application to help you make informed decisions.

Best Restaurant Signs for Exterior Visibility

Exterior restaurant signage is your first impression. It needs to stand out, especially in high-traffic or competitive locations.

Channel Letters (Illuminated & Non-Illuminated)

• Custom-made letters, mounted directly on your building
• Illuminated versions are ideal for visibility at night or in low-light conditions
• Highly versatile and on-brand with colors and fonts

Best for: Quick-service restaurants, casual dining spots, cafes in high-traffic areas

Blade Signs (Projecting Signs)

• Perpendicular to your building’s facade
• Effective for pedestrian visibility on crowded streets
• Optional lighting for added visibility at night

Best for: Urban restaurants, side-street bistros, downtown dining venues

Monument Signs or Pylon Signs

• Freestanding signage near roads or driveways
• Ideal for restaurants located off major roads or in plazas
• Allows for larger graphics and branding

Best for: Fine dining locations, standalone restaurants, or highway-access restaurants

A-Frame Sidewalk Signs

• Portable and easy to update with daily specials
• Ideal for attracting foot traffic and impulse diners
• Cost-effective and adaptable

Best for: Coffee shops, food trucks, sandwich spots, and casual restaurants

Awnings with Branding

• Adds curb appeal while protecting guests from the elements
• Often includes the restaurant name and logo

Best for: Boutique restaurants, cafes, and patio dining locations

Types of Restaurant Signage for Interior Use

Interior signage keeps customers informed and enhances the dining atmosphere.

Menu Boards (Static & Digital)

• Essential for quick-service and casual dining setups
• Digital versions allow for quick updates and animations
• Can be wall-mounted or freestanding

Best for: Fast food, delis, cafes, and food courts

Wayfinding Signs

• Direct customers to restrooms, exits, pickup counters, and seating areas
• Essential for ADA compliance and customer satisfaction

Best for: All restaurant types, especially high-traffic locations

Wall Graphics & Murals

• Adds brand character and enhances ambiance
• Includes logo, food imagery, mission statements, or regional themes

Best for: Casual and fine dining, themed restaurants

Informational Signs

• Display policies, allergen information, QR codes, or promotional material

Best for: Health-conscious and family restaurants

Table Tents & Countertop Displays

• Promote upsells, limited-time offers, or mobile ordering

Best for: Cafes, bistros, and fast-casual restaurants

Floor Signs

• Used for directing traffic flow or highlighting special promotions
• Includes safety notices or sanitization reminders

Best for: Larger dining areas, cafeterias, and buffets

Best Window Graphics and Vinyl Lettering for Restaurants

Window Graphics

• Advertise hours of operation, promotions, or signature dishes
• Create visual interest and privacy while branding your space

Vinyl Lettering

• Clean, professional way to present store name, phone number, and hours



Best for: Restaurants with large street-facing windows or glass doors

Digital Restaurant Signage Solutions

LED Signs

• Attention-grabbing and highly visible
• Display promotions, countdowns, or open hours

Best for: Busy urban environments, 24-hour eateries, drive-thrus

Digital Menu Boards

• Easy to update and synchronize across multiple locations
• Interactive options available

Best for: Franchises, fast-casual chains, quick-service restaurants

QR Code Displays

• Offers contactless menu access
• Can be printed or displayed digitally

Best for: Tech-forward dining, pandemic safety, and convenience

Digital Kiosks

• Self-service ordering for efficiency

Best for: Fast food, food halls, and hybrid counter/table service models

Matching Signs to Restaurant Format

ADA Compliance, Regulations, and Safety Signage

Every restaurant must comply with federal and local signage laws.

ADA-Compliant Signage

• Tactile and braille signs for restrooms, exits, and accessible areas
• Proper mounting height and contrast

Fire Safety and Exit Signs

• Clearly mark exits and emergency routes
• Illuminated signs required in many jurisdictions

Zoning and Permits

• Many cities require approval for exterior and illuminated signage
• Work with professionals like Horizon Signs & Lighting to navigate codes

How to Measure the Effectiveness of Your Restaurant Signs

Methods for Evaluating Signage ROI:

• Monitor foot traffic before and after sign updates
• Use QR codes tied to specific promotions
• Conduct surveys or ask new customers how they found you
• Heat mapping or customer flow studies for digital signage

Metrics to Track:

• Daily foot traffic and walk-ins
• Redemption of sign-only offers
• Social media check-ins and mentions

Restaurant Sign Design Best Practices

Legibility and Contrast

• Choose readable fonts from a distance
• Avoid overly decorative or thin typefaces
• High contrast between text and background

Consistent Branding

• Use your brand's color palette and tone of voice
• Maintain logo size, font style, and visual identity

Placement and Lighting

• Signs should be positioned at eye-level when possible
• Lighting should work for both daytime and nighttime visibility
• Weather-resistant materials extend sign lifespan

Strategic Takeaways for Restaurant Owners

• Combine multiple sign types for the best results
• Match sign types to your restaurant's format and location
• Don’t overlook compliance and maintenance
• Digital signage is a worthwhile investment for modern diners
• Design with purpose: readability, brand identity, and visibility

Ready to Transform Your Restaurant's Presence?

Choosing the best types of signs for restaurants is a blend of creative vision and strategic planning. Horizon Signs & Lighting specializes in crafting signage solutions that drive visibility and sales.

• Get a custom restaurant sign quote from Horizon Signs & Lighting
• Download our signage planning checklist for restaurant owners
• Explore our restaurant signage gallery for real-world inspiration

Let us help you turn heads, attract more diners, and build a stronger brand with the right signage strategy.