The California Clipper image

The California Clipper

Bar Lounge Live music venue

Circa-1937 bar with a revamped yet still retro space & a huge list of old-fashioned cocktails. People often mention music, Clipper, California, great, live, night, time, dance, love, drinks,


Address

1002 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

Website

californiaclipper.com

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (647 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 4 pm to 2 am
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), 6 pm to 12 am, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 6 pm to 2 am
  • Wednesday: 6 pm to 2 am
  • Thursday: 6 pm to 2 am
  • Friday: 4 pm to 2 am
  • Saturday: 4 pm to 3 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: music (17) Clipper (13) California (11) great (10) live (9) night (7) time (7) dance (6) love (6) drinks (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jennifer R. 10 months ago on Google • 365 reviews
    The bar truly feels like you are being transported into an old era! It was pretty full when we got here and had to pay $5 entry as there was a DJ performing. They were amazing and played good music. I would recommend checking California Clipper's website to see what events they are having. The dance floor is average size. There are two bars, one near the entrance and another where the dance floor is. Drinks are reasonable, and they have happy hour on weekdays. Would love to return here!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lucy M. 5 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    I prefer coming here a little earlier in the night for a chill vibe and fast service. Check out their calendar for a great rotation of music throughout the week. Later in the night it really picks up and can be hard to get a seat.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 typical. 1 year ago on Google
    The California Clipper is an incredibly unique bar and venue with amazing dark red lighting, booth seating, and stellar artists/events ✨ I'd definitely recommend making it out on any day of the week, as even when it's slow there are a litany of board games you and your friends can grab and play :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ella K. 1 year ago on Google
    They charge a $5 cover here after 8:59 now which is a little annoying but it's understandable because they do a lot of music events and it's a pretty low cover. The gin and tonic is mostly gin so do with that what you will. It is a great spot, though, with a great crowd. I'd keep going here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrea A. 1 year ago on Google
    My favorite bar in the city. The atmosphere is chill and vibey. The cocktails are delicious too! There’s always live music—usually house or disco.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin P. 1 year ago on Google
    Good place to Chill. Enjoy some Good Cocktails and Handshakes. Good Music. Excellent Decor.Friendly Bar Staff. Multicultural. LGTBQ Also. Live Events and Bands. And, no hangovers or violence afterwards. Cons: It's get a lil Crowded around the Bar. So...if ya have personal space issues. You're in the wrong Bar. Drink UP and Dance. NO KARENS OR BOBS! LBVS
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mikey B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cool spot. Red sexy glow vibes all day! All the drinks, even great choices for non-alcoholic drinks. I love that, because that says they think about everyone. Very thoughtful. Cool spot 100% Cool seating, cool bar, cool vibes. It's just a bar that's probably better than most. Vintage Chicago spot. Check it out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Foodraisedme L. 1 year ago on Google
    So happy that they did not close down especially because I had only been a couple times before! This place has great vibes. You can say that it's the GreenMill of Humboldt park with handcrafted drinks and good live music to listen too. On this visit, they were throwing a Halloween party with 2 DJ's. We definitely danced the night away and had a lot of fun!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Conair K. 1 year ago on Google
    Will FOREVER love this place and am elated that it has reopened. However, from someone who had a dying affinity to the old Clipper, the redo is a bit disappointing. The two times I have been here in the past month, the DJs were not great. They need to give the people what they want and book more live performances and book more DJs who play house music. The drinks are always good but the menu needs to get back to the basics. $6 for a 10 oz skinny Medalla light? Please behave yourselves.......Still love you though Clipper and am confident you will be restored to your original glory.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dylan Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Glad to see it's back after it's pandemic-hiatus. Vibe feels the same. Still an excellent bar for a night out. Knocking off a point because every cocktail was too sweet. In general the cocktails were just ok - especially compared to the all-star line up of classics they used to rep (though I am glad to see some experimentation!). Additionally, without a live band on Friday/Saturday it's hard to justify the noise levels.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark V. 5 months ago on Google • 872 reviews
    Great Venue to see some dope shows! Highly Recommended!

  • 5/5 Diana M. 2 months ago on Google • 269 reviews New
    Great atmosphere, music and drinks. I love the booths at the front which give a more intimate feeling, and then the dance floor at the back is just 👌🏽

  • 5/5 Robert P. 2 months ago on Google • 76 reviews New
    Had a great time! First Wednesday of the month is bingo. Great service and tasty drinks!

  • 5/5 Wills F. 6 months ago on Google • 54 reviews
    This is one of those bars you’re always looking for but are hard to find. Get there a bit earlier in the night and it’s super chill and laid back, or drop in later and jam with the great DJs and bands. Highly recommend.

  • 4/5 da66yy 3 months ago on Google • 44 reviews New
    I went to the California Clipper on 12/26/23 to see & hear the 7th annual post-holiday, PRINCEMAS - 4 excellent Chicago DJs, including Spinello pictured below, playing & celebrating the vast musical legacy of The Purple One. Their sets included hits, re-mixes & deep cuts. They spun music for 4 hours. They were accompanied by 4 hours of Prince-on-Film, including clips from performance footage, music videos & films edited by Spinello. California Clipper consists of 2 rooms - see pictures below before it opened: a large room with the DJs & dancing, & another large room with a stage (videos played on a screen), a long bar, a wall of booths & a bunch of tables. The whole evening was fun, the place was comfortable, though crowded - because of the special Prince night with easy access bathrooms & a helpful staff. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 j L. 1 year ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Such a hidden gem! My friends and I enjoyed a Sunday mid evening drink, disco music and pizza! Yes, pizza! You can order in! So..." The Give Back" on Sundays takes place every month with different DJs and they donate to charities how fascinating! Looking forward to the next one 1/8/2023 @ 6pm to 12am

  • 5/5 digital d. 6 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    The California Clipper, A Time Machine with a Twist 🪩 Step into The California Clipper and you're stepping into a time capsule that plays the soundtrack of your dreams and cocktails that taste like liquid history. Located in the heart of Chicago, this bar is a vintage wonderland that transports you back to the golden age of jazz and swing, but with a modern flair that keeps you anchored in the now. ⏳ The atmosphere is a sultry blend of dim lights, velvet upholstery, and the soft clinking of glasses. It's as if you've walked into a noir film, but instead of suspense, you're met with a sense of cozy familiarity. The bartenders are like the wizards of Oz, mixing potions that can make you laugh, cry, or even dance the Charleston if the mood strikes. 🌛 Each cocktail is a story in a glass, a blend of flavors so complex it's like reading a novel with each sip. Whether you're a fan of the classics or looking to explore new mixological horizons, The California Clipper has got you covered. 🍷 So, if you're wandering the streets of Chicago and find yourself yearning for a taste of yesteryear with a modern twist, make your way to The California Clipper, a journey through time, one sip at a time. 🍸

  • 3/5 Brian P. 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    It was the California Clipper until 1999 when Max Brumbach (original owner Of Smoke Daddy) bought it. Prior to that it was the Clipper Lounge. I worked there as bartender and manager and it was my call to name it the California Clipper so people would know it was on California plus it was the name of a poplular seaplane from way back. I don't know the place now so my stars are meaningless.

  • 5/5 DJ E. 1 year ago on Google
    When I say I ran across a hidden gem, I mean it! This place is such a kiss of history. So much going on in here from live music to bingo. Currently my new favorite bar. Where do I start. I can’t get enough of the Japanese Whiskey infused with coconut (forgot the name) the mojitos are made with so much love and flavor. They even carry Medalla Lights direct from Puerto Rico. This place has so much character and a has good combination of history considering the neighborhood it has been in, ranging from a polish influence and a really nice Puerto Rican influence. Tell them Dj EDLo sent you so they know it’s real 🤍

  • 5/5 Megan E. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a cool place to hang out and have a drink. Love the atmosphere and the staff if awesome! It has a cool setup for live music too.

  • 5/5 Cheyenne P. 8 months ago on Google
    Get a purple Martian and sit down in a booth, you won’t regret it! Local acts nearly every night

  • 5/5 Dakota T. 1 year ago on Google
    Drinks are still strong and the lighting still low, Ally was great, i'll be back for a show. 🍻

  • 4/5 Raymond H. 1 year ago on Google
    Perfect bar for a lil romantic date. The ambiance goes crazy with their red neon lights reflecting off the red leather booths, and red velvet stage curtains. Drinks are solid. I do feel like it’s a missed opportunity to not offer any bar food, even just some appetizers would pair well the ambiance and live music.

  • 5/5 Drew B. 1 year ago on Google
    This place was actually wicked fun! They had a great selection, including my favorite of all time: Fernet Branca! There were also DJ and rap performances and what seemed to be like different music all the time - definitely will be checking it out again for some more live music! Also a super cute bartender that I wish I asked her name... save me another Ferrari for next time!

  • 5/5 Tim L. 1 year ago on Google
    As usual the Clipper never disappoints. It's the perfect first date spot. The booths are intimate, and if you're looking for entertainment, they usually have some type of music performance going on. This place is a must.

  • 5/5 Lauren “LP” Paylor O. 1 year ago on Google
    I asked for a daiquiri and I received one of the best daiquiris I had during my visit in Chicago. Fresh ingredients, competent snd friendly staff. Cool vibes as well. They offer live music! Very fun.

  • 4/5 Kayla M. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome 70s vibes. Music was vinyls and they played the whole song so get ready to dance. Drinks were strong. Dance area is small but you can also dance by your table in the other room. Staff were all very friendly.


Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Outside food allowed
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway

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