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California Clipper

(Now Closed)

Bar and Cocktail Bar$$$$

Humboldt Park, Chicago

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California Clipper

The experts at Men's Health Mag and Time Out Chicago recommend this place

48 Tips and reviews

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Desiree PerezFebruary 22, 2018
Um I love everything about this place. The limited old style menu, the vibe, the music. Yes yes yes and yes! I’ll come back
SatishOctober 27, 2014
If only I could replicate this lounge everywhere. Throwback era ambience + eclectic music + interesting crowd entice one to explore creative cocktails with equally interesting names here.
Time Out ChicagoMay 29, 2012
The Clipper is a photo booth away from exhibiting the same shabby hipster cool as Goldstar. Slide into one of the gorgeous old booths on a Friday or Saturday for no-cover live rockabilly groups. -LB Read more
Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012
The Clipper is a photo booth away from exhibiting the same shabby hipster cool as Goldstar. Slide into one of the gorgeous old booths on a Friday or Saturday for no-cover live rockabilly groups.
Janine HärdterDecember 16, 2018
classy interior, classy drinks. a must-go-to!
Grace AldridgeJanuary 14, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Though I wish there was still a menu of weird $5 cocktails, the cozy vibe in here is just the same. Grab a board game and stay put.
Alex UribeApril 13, 2013
Between midnight and 1 AM on weekends, these wonderful guys come through with Mexican tamales. The dude with the red cooler has some great ones... 5 for $5.
TateysueMarch 5, 2015
WAS greatest bar in Chicago. Renovation and large spherical ice cube = $12 cocktail. But the ambiance is 2nd to none.
Bobby KennedySeptember 5, 2017
Been here 5+ times
An amazing retro mid-century cocktail dive. The Aviation is stellar.
Emily JurlinaOctober 26, 2014
The cocktail menu is so extensive it has a table of contents. There's something for everyone.
AliceSeptember 16, 2014
Recently reopened with an extensive cocktail menu. Lots of drinks under $10, but cash only!
MazdaOctober 26, 2010
It is unclear what occupied the commercial space between 1918 and 1937, when it reopened as the California Clipper Tavern. We even have a ghost story of our own.
Jake SmithFebruary 10, 2013
They have grape soda on tap, board games, and no televisions (all good things). Be aware: they do NOT accept international IDs at the door (passports are ok).
Mark BrouchNovember 15, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Nice little bar with live country music and great old timey cocktails.
Time Out ChicagoApril 8, 2010
When to go: There’s free live (usually country) music Friday and Saturday nights at 10p.m., grab a comfy booth in the front room if you can handle the volume. Read more
EsquireFebruary 1, 2011
Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. The drinks are stiff -- get a manhattan -- and you can play bingo for inflatable rabbits. What's not to love? Read more
RobberOctober 12, 2011
Been here 50+ times
This is the best bar in the area, hands down. Great people and great drinks. Movies on Tuesdays!
Gabriel DeRobertisApril 6, 2023
Are you in need of credit fix? Reach out to 760Pluscreditscore@gmail.com for any credit related issues. They helped me fix my poor credit. I Strongly Recommend them.
Men's Health MagNovember 22, 2011
This bar proudly advertises the fact they don¹t have a TV. Instead its BingoMondays, live rockability, and board games. Hey, nothing wrong with a littlesocialization.
Timmy SMarch 9, 2013
Come to the clip, look for Trish, get her something to drink that's "wild"! Well worth it!!!!!
JTJanuary 10, 2018
Cool vibe with live music and cheapish drinks - cover was $5 on Friday night
Jillian BurnickasJanuary 22, 2016
The atmosphere is crazy cool. The drinks are pricey though.
J HJuly 5, 2012
Get there before 10 or run the risk of waiting in line. And play some jenga!!
Salllie Ann WestbrookApril 6, 2014
Whiskey Sour and Sidecar are my favorites
kirbyFebruary 13, 2012
nice bartender gave me a water with a lime AND a cherry - I call it "the Mind Reader"
Eric MunnJune 14, 2014
Best Manhattans in Chicago
Lisa WFebruary 23, 2010
Been here 10+ times
Love the vodka gimlets here. And the California Egg Cream is a sweet fizzy drink.
Rachel BakerJanuary 29, 2011
Fill up on Rusty Nails and then use one stall with a door (not a curtain) in the Ladies room.
Katie PalmerMarch 28, 2014
Try the champagne cocktail!
Cathy W.January 31, 2012
Love the live honky tonk music!
Max MearsheimerJanuary 20, 2013
Been here 25+ times
Tom Collins. Do it.
Andrew InmanJune 29, 2013
Purple Martins are an experience
chris bApril 8, 2010
Been here 25+ times
Wanna loosen the gears quickly? Go for a Sidecar, but be warned its too smooth
Brad ChmielewskiApril 1, 2012
Skip the High Life, order a Tom Collins
Diego RufoMarch 29, 2011
It's in a semi shady part of town, but it's one of the coolest places in the entire city. Vintage decor, well made cocktails, live swing music and soul on the weekends. Read more
VirinZy Vj MusicStyleDecember 6, 2011
MusicLiveStyle California Clipper ^^ http://twitter.com/timeoutchicago
Shane SerafiniMay 25, 2011
Been here 50+ times
The staff is rad.
Slamber ✂July 24, 2011
Everyone that works there are absolute tools, owners especially. I will never step foot anywhere near this shit place. Don't waste your time and money.
Chyntia RenizhaJanuary 8, 2011
California Clipper
Joshua HughesDecember 20, 2009
Been here 5+ times
Ditto on the Purple Martin. Do it.
Sharon ZaughJuly 28, 2009
Been here 10+ times
Order a Purple Martin at the California Clipper
Brian BSeptember 17, 2009
Bingo Mondays. If you win a prize, expect to be ridiculed by hosts that think they're funny.
DjDado HopsFebruary 11, 2011
So Tired..
alfian fannyDecember 2, 2010
zzzzzzzzzzzz
candace cornerApril 27, 2010
Mondays can be boring, but not here. Bingo night!
Mike YohoOctober 24, 2009
Been here 10+ times
Tuesday double header film night.
Charles EdgeJanuary 14, 2012
Not going back.
peppermint 002December 7, 2011
............

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