The California Clipper

California clipper remains one of the best chill cocktail lounges in the city.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Cute place! They have $1 old styles on

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Brilliant Menu and Live music! Holy Serendipity that I was privileged to witness.

Beneath the glow of neon red,
Where whispers linger, softly said,
The California Clipper stands,
A timeless gem in Humboldt’s hands.

Its booths of leather, worn yet grand,
Invite the weary, glass in hand.
Art Deco curves and vintage light,
Transform each hour to endless night.

The air hums low with jazz’s sigh,
A saxophone’s lament floats by.
Cocktails dance with bittersweet,
A toast to tales where past and present meet.

Here, stories live in every chair,
Echoed laughs and lovers’ dare.
A haven steeped in charm and lore,
Where yesterday still holds the floor.

Raise your glass, and time will fade,
In this enchanting cabaret.
The Clipper calls, its spell complete,
A world apart on Chicago’s streets.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic vibe, can't believe I've never been here before. Got a handshake with my buddy. Lots of creative types the night we were there.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Great night spot on the weekend with love music or a DJ. Friendly and attentive staff. Creative cocktails.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Some of the best DJs in the city playing on an incredible sound system. One of my favorite spots to go dancing.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

11/10 vibes and great live music! the bathroom is very fun too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Was lucky enough to work with Al at the bar/dance floor. Great spirit, makes perfect cocktails and just a ton of fun to hang out with!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Great place to be by yourself or with friends. DJs, live music, awesome people, service and affordable prices.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Vodka Martini Olives

Great music (particularly when Gene Hunt spins). Not a huge dance floor, but it's decent.

Atmosphere: 3

Vibe was off and annoying. I came for a DJ I really like but other than that the place itself is ok. Bouncer was giving people a hard time about bumb stuff, bartender was giving me a hard time about ordering a drink he didn't feel like making, their regulars are pretentious. Weird vibe

Not sure why they have a $5 cover to go to a dead bar at 1030 without any live music.

Always litty

Nice intimate spot. Service takes long and their pricing consistency is a problem. Had to argue with the 2nd bartender who was trying to charge me 10 more for the same exact set of drinks we were charged less for by the prior bartender (all the same night).

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 4