The California Clipper
| Address: | 1002 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA |
| Phone: | +1 773-384-2547 |
| Site: | californiaclipper.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 8PM–1:30AM 8PM–1:30AM 8PM–1:30AM 8PM–1:30AM 8PM–1:30AM 8PM–2AM 8PM–1:30AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 31
A
A Private User
My wife and I are from Atlanta and have been visiting my son, who lives in Chicago, for the past two weeks. We have visited several bars and dance clubs, and this is our favorite. We were twice as old as the average person there, but we were welcomed with open arms and smiles. The bartender was very friendly, as well as doing a great job. The entire group of people at California Clipper (staff and customers) were there having a good time and not trying to impress anyone. (what I call "real people"). The music was fantastic and was a perfect fit for the people who go there. There were some very good dancers there. The date was Friday, March 12, 2010. The band playing was "SUSIE GOMEZ & THE MULTIPLE CATS". They were fantastic and played Rockabilly, Oldies, Old Country and Other Good Stuff. This is the music that Rock & Roll evolved from. Gomez has one heck of a voice. Ill go back each time that I am in Chicago.
BR
Brett Hebert
My favorite cocktail bar in Chicago. The lights are so dim youll barely be able to see where youre going, everything is tinted red, the drinks are poured with a heavy hand (and then some), and theres often a band playing in the evenings. If you go on the weekends it will be filled with hipsters, but its so dark you wont notice youre surrounded by handlebar mustaches and a sense of pervasive irony in the air. This place is a bit out of the way from a lot of the more traveled drinking routes but it is worth the trip, I promise.
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T Vasquez
Im a huge fan of this bar. The outside is so deceiving. Once you step through the curtain at the door youre transported to another era. LOVE the ambiance of the red glow and of course the games. Have gone to see the Burlesque show, The Modern Sounds and of course just to hang out. The music switches genres all the time from Cab Calloway and Ertha Kitt to some head banging pure rock! The drinks are strong and awesome and the bartenders really know their stuff. Enjoy your visit!
SA
Sam Bottoms
Low key ambiance, great vibe. Feels like a trip back to a speakeasy of the 1920s. Great drinks with a nod in particular to the Air Mail and the Gimlet. The first Tuesday of the month is the Clipper Cabaret hosted by local burlesque luminary Eva la Feva, the show is one of the best in the city with a constant shifting of performers both traveling and local. Recently began taking credit cards so even easier to enjoy without hitting up the ATM.
DA
Daniel Wagner
The California Clipper has a very dark lounge feel. It feels like youve gone back in time several decades. There was a jazz band on stage playing when we got there. I dont think theyve changed the furniture/walls/floors/ decorations since the 50s. They make some really good cocktails. The whiskey sour is great and the Amaro is pretty fantastic too! Id definitely come back if given the opportunity!
TH
Thirza Pearl
Best Bar in Chicago! Entering this place feels like walking in to a David Lynch film on most nights. 60s tiki bar/lounge with a classic drink menu that is priced well below what would be expected. I love the theme nights they have. I miss Bingo night though, winning those bags of crap from the dollar store and having to dance for my prize was a highlight of my Monday nights.
TY
Tyler Gross
The California Clipper is an excellent Chicago classic. Its dark AF in here, so it makes for a great date spot or place to bring a group for some mellow vibes. It can get pretty wild on a weekend day though. The drinks are well-made and sometimes theres live music. The back room has a comfy couch thats especially chill.
AI
Aimee Dewante
The California Clipper is a classic vintage bar where live bands play great western and country music, and the bartenders serve strong drinks. In case there arent any special events, board games are stacked in the window for entertainment. Lots of space and flexible seating.
GA
Gabriel Fuentes
The old-timey drinks were good and strong (the Lions Tail was especially delicious and the Vesper was smooth for sipping), the atmosphere was great (with booths and lighting to bring you back to memories of yesteryear), and the show was spectacular! Overall a stellar place.
BE
Ben Deter
Im a little nostalgic for the old California Clipper. Back when you could order a gin drink with strawberry soda and a lime. The new version is fine. The drinks are okay and are on par with other places like this around the city but its missing the charm of the original.
NI
Nicholas Menghini
Really chill cocktail bar. Im not a huge fan of dimly lit bars but that may appeal to some. If you want to have a conversation with somebody dont stay for the music. Its deafening once they play. Music is great, but not conducive to chatting. Pick one or the other.
TI
Tim Hotze
Although old times complain about the changes this place has an amazing cocktail menu and has developed a highly curated, and diverse, set of live music acts. And, unlike the last few years before it changed, its full again.
TO
Tom A
The California Clipper offers live music 4 nights a week with a full bar selection that is priced very reasonably. The atmosphere is so retro, it makes you feel like your are back in the 1950s.
MA
Matthew Webster
Very cool place. Low key vibe. Kick it in a booth w fair priced cocktails or get up and dance to a nicely curated jukebox selection. Good people, red light, fun lounge for sure.
AL
Alexandre Albergaria
they just remodeled inside and trained their employees - the place is amazing and the drinks incredible! what about the free jukebox? everything is incredible!!!
JO
John Murphy
Hidden gem in West Town - throw back cocktail lounge reminiscent of 50s/60s. Solid drinks, cool vibe, live music ... Whats not to like?
XA
Xavier Cordova
I would say that this is one of the best bars in Chicago for game nights. It sucks that they only take cash but they do have an ATM...
EL
Elmer Stunkel
Fantastic drinks and spirits selection, well-trained bartenders, and a refreshing concept that doesnt take itself too seriously.
VI
Victoria Palacios
Perfect red light bar, total Humboldt gem. One of the best old fashioneds you will find. The live music is always amazing.
DE
Dennis Stewart
The place is so casual and cool , friendly vibe always . Great place to have drinks and mingle with anyone and everyone.
A
A Private User
Awesome cocktails and great staff. The service is always great, even when they are packed. Have cool live music too.
A
A Private User
Good place for a mellow outing with friends. Lots of live music, always good. very local music, and great space.
HO
Hollywood Jones
Use to be cash only but theyve upgraded. Nice chill spot for live entertainment. The Moscow mules are good too.
IA
Ian Lightcap
Fantastic blast from the past. Felt like I was living Midnight in Paris (almost). Great live band, Old Timey
AN
Antonia Asimis
Nice bar with live music and old school drinks. Decor dates back to the fifties, cool neon through out.
SA
Sara Swinehart
This place is great for a cocktail and they sell cigars in the back! Retro vibes and reasonable prices.
EL
Elisa Shoenberger
This place has interesting drinks. MAny of the drinks include egg creams. The decor is old-fashioned.
JA
Jack Konrath
A great place. A fantastic atmosphere with excellent cocktails at a decent price. Just Amazing.
GO
Gordon Grado
Great little bar. Old Chicago at its finest. Make sure to get there early for a seat.
ED
Edward Rios
Love this place!!! Cheap drinks and they have a burlesque show on Tuesdays!! :)
JO
John Michael Schert
Perfect vibe and the lighting is en pointe. Cocktails are basic and tasty.
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