I used to love clipper but the bouncer tonight (2/4/22) refused to let my friend (who is 25 years old) into the bar because her state issued ID was "fake". We asked multiple times if they had a scanner or truly anything that could prove to them that she was of age and he said "I just know it doesn't look real". You guys should find a better bouncer because he obviously is bad at his job!!! truly disappointing because we were so excited to come dance the night away... really turned me off from coming back again as they refuse to let people in just for the heck of it ... read more

So you want to go to a haunted feeling place? This then, is your place. I don't know the history of this bar, but it certainly feels like it's been around awhile. There is a red hue being emitted in here, and I'm not sure where it's coming from. Possibly the lights. The music starts a little late here, oh yes. The sound is pretty good though. Staff are kind of awesome. Beer choices , you know, could use a smidge of improvement . Chicago has soooo many great breweries, bars need to incorporate more of them into their beer lists for the love of Pete's sake. So, ok, I do like it here even though I feel like I'm being watched or something. read more

Super rad place. Very loungy. Good drinks/cocktail menu. Come early seating can be limited! read more

The California Clipper - Lounges Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love this bar and have attended many times. For whatever reason, the bouncer tonight who works "for a private company" was extremely rude, condescending, and not accommodating. He refused to accept my real ID, but had no device ready to scan the ID in order to prove that it was real. He cursed at us, used derogatory language, and sent us away. Hugely disappointing for such a well regarded establishment. read more

I was drug to this establishment last night by a girl I used to hold in high regard & stongly considered settling down with. Well as wrong as I was about that assumption of high regard and settling down that is how disappointing the Klipper's Monday Night Open Mic night was. Talk about some soulless, white, yawn inspiring bullshit. Now I cannot say that there was no talent in the lineup. The girl who opened had a wonderful Mazzy Star sort of eerie whimsy and it was delightful to be exposed to a few of the Laboratory girls musical developments. But overall it was some typical boring hipster bullshit. Oh their was a blond girl who read some poems. Typical beat nick sort of shit but her opener was great something about bicycling burning toward booze and "how am I alive?" Super sexy blondie. Overall I give this open mic a big "go fuck yourself" evil little Christmas elf who is too cowardice to admit to trying to steal some bicycles. No peace and I can see why Santa banned you from his work shop. Pussy. You fuckers reminded me of all that is shameful of the caucasian race and everything I hate about bars. $4 for a PBR tall boy. You got no money from me not will you ever. You suck and so does the Northwest corner of California and Western. I am rather fond of Willy Nelson's song the Red Headed Stranger. read more

Whoever the bouncer was tonight (4/5/22) wrecked our evening. Lots of attitude and very aggressive. Tried to have a chill night here and he blew it for our whole party. Usually it's fun and great music but this guy was a huge dick read more

What a cool place. We came for the live band and enjoyed our time. They charge a cover some nights for the live band. Cash only. They also offer free board games which we didn't notice until we were leaving "bummer". This place only offers drinks on the small side and beer. It has a nice vibe to this bar were hipsters unite. They had a cool shaved ice machine for the cocktails. It gets very loud and crowded in here over the weekends and to have a conversation. read more

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Great vibe - order a Manhattan - when we stopped in after drinks/eats at rootstock (down the street) we wanted to stop in here because of the great neon sign out front - so glad we did! There was a jazz band playing the night we came and they were great. Would definitely hang here if we lived in Chicago. read more

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We came here when we needed a late night hang out spot. The atmosphere is really dim with lots of red lighting. The beer options are decent - although, the best stuff they have in my opinion is in cans. The staff is super friendly and helpful. They had a DJ, although it was a pretty quiet night. This is a great little spot to hang out with a few drinks. read more

How great is this place??? Can't believe I lived in Humboldt Park for 2 years and never found it. The outside is questionable, but the second you walk in, you feel like you're in a jazz lounge in New Orleans at 1 in the morning (i.e. right when the party really gets going). Great music, decent (strong!) drinks, fun crowd. We danced for hours. The only downside is I left my new leather jacket there and then I think someone stole it. Can't blame them. It was a cool jacket. read more

The clipper used to my favorite bar - I'd even say it's still in the top 3. It has changed so, so much in the last 7-8 years. Management has changed, the atmosphere has changed, the clientele has changed and now there's an outdoor patio. The drinks are still the same. The red lights are key. The music is wonderful (on jazz nights). It's always my go-to when I'm home. Five stars for our history -3 for the maintenance. read more

Simply the best bar in Chicago. Hands-down. The energy, the vibe, the bartenders. Just go and enjoy.

The bouncer needs to chill out. Totally ruined my experience at a bar I usually enjoy. Won't be back for a while.

This is my favorite place to go for a date night. The drinks are good and I appreciate the menu categories "Easy Drinks" and "Strong Drinks". They know what the people want. The unique lighting took me by surprise the first time I came here, but it actually isn't a distraction at all and it is really flattering on everyone. This isn't much of a big group place in my experience but the crowd and bartenders have always been friendly. I was worried it would be an unwelcoming hipster vibe but it's not at all. Always a good time read more

I don't even write yelp reviews anymore, but I had to trudge out of the darkness because this place--or its "remodel"--has left my little heart broken. I was really trying to avoid seeing whatever it was morphing into and had written it off as a place to go to anymore, but it's in *my* neighborhood, blocks from my house, and I had to see. Now don't get me wrong; I wasn't just dying to hate it from the start. I like Sodikoff's Green Street Meats, for example, because even though it's not a place made for me, it does what it does well and feels right. New Clipper absolutely 100% does not. 1.) The vibe is gone. It's just done, obliterated. Now it's got a failed David Lynch set vibe to it, half awkward seating at The Lodge in the front and slightly cleaned and glossy new booths as they used to be towards the back. 2.) It was pretty apparent that the staff is new. For such a homey and intimate spot (despite its size), ya gotta have some charming bartenders. Alas. 3.) I fear that they've gotten rid of the honky tonk and bluegrass, but I just checked their website and there's a "Coming Soon" so maybe I am wrong and the best thing that can come out of some new rich dude funding is better pay for musicians. I was simply there on a Friday night & no one was performing. 4.) I got real, real pissed in a serious type of way about the fact that they are still cash only (I will never have an issue with cash only at a mom & pop establishment, I most definitely do at something basically part of a restaurant group--stop). INTERESTING FACT: they are cash only and they have a scotch that's over $200 on the menu. Let's think of what kind of crowd they're trying to attract now. Surely not me. It's okay, new Clip, the feeling is mutual. It's just me and the memories of the old place from now on. read more

Live music Fridays and Saturdays. Big. Tamale guy showed up. Retro, eccentric vibe. Nothing about it stood out as special though (everything's weird or edgy these days. Being bland might be the next big thing, good news for boring Adriane) and it's out of the way for me so I would only go back if I was nearby and needed an attitude adjustment. read more

Destry walked into a bar. Did you ask Destry how he is feeling? He just walked into a fucking bar! His face is probably killing him! Wait...its killing you? How dare you! Now that Im back on track to writing reviews that make absolutely no sense lets get down to business. This is the best bar in Chicago. The drinks are kind of expensive but really well made. If i want a Singapore sling they will make me one. If i ask for that drink at any other bar they usually try to break my arm. Get it? Sling? Broken arm. Whatever. Dont laugh then. So this place has good drinks. They also have ZERO televisions. I like it when I want to have a conversation with my friends and half the bar isnt glued to some lame television. Is this the worst review on the internet? I hope so. read more

The Clipper, aka the adjacent waiting room for Rootstock. Quoted with an hour wait, my dining companion and I headed over to the Clipper to wait it out. It ended up being perfect because it was quiet and they can whip up a really tasty champagne cocktail. It was like the discount version of Violet Hour. I likey. Also a plus, the bartender was a cutie and didn't make fun of my girlie drink choice. I wouldn't make a special trip to Humboldt Park to hang at the Clipper, but if you're in the area, it's a good option. read more

I had a great time here watching the Modern Sounds and drinking some pilsners. The atmosphere is very alluring and I can see getting very drunk and friendly with a significant other while listening to good tunes. The band was great, although we overheard two of the "dancers" introducing themselves to each other as "dancers." Did they hire professional dancers to fill up the dance floor? Some people clearly were there to spontaneously move with the music, but others just kept on the floor and rotating the same partners, so who knows. It was a little fishy and took up precious dance space for us non-"dancers" who wanted to move a little, but we still had a good time people-watching in the back and tapping our feet. read more

Based on the red light decor this place must have either been a Chinese restaurant or a whore house at one time... or maybe a Chinese whore house? Not that I have a problem with Chinese whore houses... as a matter of fact I remember this one time in New Orleans... Where was I? Oh yes, the clipper... it definitely fits right in with the divey side of my nature, but they don't carry Bud Light, they carry Bud but not Bud Light... weird. Hey Mr Clipper Owner Dude, Bud Light is the number one selling beer brand in America, and for good reason. read more

I've always liked this bar. Nice vibe, generally uncrowded, good staff, and the patrons are of the mellow sort. Also, good music, I come here a lot to see friends play and they are very good to the bands, so props for that. That being said, after being charged TEN DOLLARS for a tall whiskey ginger ale (what?!) last night - with the bartender swearing it wasn't a joke - I'm only coming back here if someone else is buying. Ten bucks? Seriously? Did I blink and miss something here? Am I at Le Passage and I didn't know it? Good grief, when a simple drink at a divey neighborhood bar costs more than a steak at Paulina Meat Market, something is terribly wrong. read more

The California Clipper is one of my favorite places in Chicago, especially on Tuesday night with Eva la Feva's "Clipper Cabaret" First, the atmosphere is very 'old school lounge' with a low red lighting that has a nice low key vibe, then you have amazing cocktails like supremely well crafted gimlets and airmails (two of my favorites) with staff that are always friendly and attentive. On Tuesday night is where the place really shines as Eva la Feva, one of Chicago's most hardworking and creative producers, crafts an endlessly changing and entertaining show with acts of many luminaries in the booming Chicago burlesque scene, live musicians and singers that play between sets or as musical numbers to complement performances, magicians from around the country, and performance artists ranging from contortionists to vaudeville. I consider it one of the most 'must see' attractions you could come to whether you're in Chicago for a visit our a long time native looking for a good evening and great scene. read more

I've been to the Clipper a couple of times, and each time it's been fabulous -- the 40s decor never seems to get "old" and someone always seems to be buying me a drink. Once we accidentally ordered PBR next to a PBR rep, and he put all our orders on his tab. Pity he didn't represent a more exciting beer... but hey, we weren't complaining. Then. THIS last time, however, was an exception. I've known the odd bouncer in Chicago to look a little skeptical at my Australian drivers license, after all, it has weird flowers and holograms on it.... but having lived in Chicago for a year without ever being refused service using it, I don't bring my passport out with me. (who the hell brings their passport out with them out at night?) Anyway, this time I had a friend with me from Australia - she was in the US for work and had only 1 day free to play, and wanted to see a classic old American bar, so I took her to the Clipper. The bouncer was fine with her passport but would under no circumstances let me in with my Australian drivers license, even though I presented it with multiple other forms of ID (student card, bank card, health insurance, etc.) to prove that my name was indeed my name. This was at about 8pm on a Wednesday night too, so the place wasn't exactly packed. We didn't bother arguing much, he wasn't going to budge. It's a real shame. He was also a bit of a cock about telling me off for not bringing my passport, I felt like I was being lectured, "well next time you'll know Miss..." yeah, mate, bugger off, next time I probably won't come here, so you can shove your attitude up your jumper. So remember, if you don't have a state issued ID, bring a passport! read more

The moment I walked into California Clipper, I swooned. I was instantly transported to another time. Booths and tables bathed in red light, classic music on the juke box and an exciting cocktail list! The best part of the bar,however is the weekly Tuesday night show, Clipper Cabaret, produced by Eva la Feva. Every 20 minutes the curtain opens to reveal a new burlesque or variety act. All amazing and diverse. I've seen a lot of burlesque and cabaret shows. This is one of the best. Eva curates Talented performers from Chicago and beyond in a venue that is perfect for this type of entertainment. Clipper Cabaret isn't just a show it's an event from start to finish with live music in between sets, a hilarious Ring Grrl announcing acts and usually a post show boogie on the dance floor! I've been to the show several times and always have an amazing evening! Seats fill up fast so get there before 9pm. The Manhattans are delicious as are the Boulevardiers (a whiskey Negroni) which the bartenders turned me onto and has forever changed my drink order! Get there this Tuesday!! read more

The California Clipper is a wonderful bar. The drinks are solid. Layla and Lance are fast, friendly, and very skilled at making excellent classic cocktails. One of the best Manhattans I've had in a long time. Honestly, I'm not much of a bar person. But every Tuesday night they host a burlesque show called "Clipper Cabaret". It's one of the best shows in town. The burlesque and variety acts they bring in are top notch. I don't know where else you could go see burlesque this good. The show mixes so well with the vibe of the bar. It's a truly unique experience that is perfect for a night out with friends or a date with someone special. The performances happen about every 20 minutes. So there is plenty of time to drink and talk between acts. I highly recommend it. read more

Love this place! When you walk in, you imagine it to be a stale old bar that your grandpa might hang out in. Great 50's style booths, super long bar, and lighting that only a child of the 60's would appreciate. There's a drink list, and they have grape pop here. Come on, that alone deserves 5 stars! Staff was very friendly, and even with a mob of Yelpers, I didn't have to wait long for my drinks. read more

I've only had 5 star times here in my experiences. It great for singles, couples, groups, of age family gatherings, etc. It's just perfect! Cheapish booze, great bands, singers, Bingo nights, booths, great crowd, and friendly staff. It can get pretty crowded on Saturday nights and I believe they may charge a cover when certain bands play... I'm cheap but I have on occasion broken down and paid to get in and I'm still not disappointed. It's easy to find parking in the area though I wouldn't venture much further towards Humbolt Park without witnesses. The deco is cool and vintage and simply cannot imagine anyone not being a fan of this place... no friend of mine, that is. read more

No matter how battered the week prior has left me, I know I can come here on a Tuesday night, for the Clipper Caberet, and be rejuvenated. There is nothing better than a perfect Sazerac and the perfect caberet show. I hope when my time comes, it's belly up, at the Clipper. read more

The Clipper doesn't exactly take me "back to the 1940's" as they claim but it DOES take me back to days when I liked hanging out in bars... The lighting is dark and seemingly red and there are booths...ooh, comfy! I've generally gone on Fridays when Susie Gomez is playing and they let me swing dance...BEWARE of the tiny, Napoleon-complex having waitress that swore at me and my dance partner and then PUSHED me for being in her way...I'm sorry, tiny girl, but I live in a world where human beings say "excuse me, would you mind not dancing right here? I'd really appreciate it". I was so livid about this unnecessary roughness, that I mentioned it to the manager and he was kind and listened and apologized on her behalf. Right on..! Next time I go, Tiny better watch out or I'll clip HER..! read more

Remember Ren and Stimpy? "Happy, happy, joy, joy, happy, happy, joy!!!!" That's how I felt leaving the Clipper on my first visit. Well, the happiness was not for leaving, the happiness was for my $6 champagne cocktail and my man's $6 manhattan with a whiskey-soaked cherry that nearly took out one of our friends. I was sad to leave. But while there, nothing but happiness and joy. After a marvelous meal at Rootstock, we ventured across the way to the Clipper to chill with some cocktails and to some alt-country music...not really sure what that meant, but we were game. We snagged the perfect cozy booth for four and ordered up a round. It took a bit to get our cocktail server's attention, but once we did, it was smiles all 'round. The alt-country band? Pretty great, actually. I'm not really a country fan, but their music made me want to get up and do the old two-step. Granted, the bottle of cava beforehand at Rootstock MAY have had something to do with that. But they played their instruments well, and rocked the sh*t out of their cowboy hats. Made me wish I had worn my c-boy boots. (Maybe not, cuz then I most certainly would have been up there two-stepping and looking a fool.) Good service, lovely drinks at the right price and walking distance of my apartment? We'll be back for some more happiness and joy. (Whatever happened to Ren and Stimpy!?) read more

There's two types that go here: 1. The die-hards who'd come for live music and grape pop cocktails long before the remodel. 2. The newcomers who arrive in the middle of a show, take photos, play board games, don't pay attention to the music, talk loudly, ignore the musicians, binge-drink, and leave at 11 in the middle of a show because they're "bored" and want to keep bar hopping. Keep the Clipper alive. But don't be a part of the #2 subset. Appreciate the hard work that goes into live music. Dance and clap. But don't roll-up 5-deep and talk over the music and moan about how there's no seats to play a board game on, then order 10 cocktails and shots and hold-up the bartender for 30 minutes. Go to Guthrie's or some other dumb shack in Wrigleyville for that. I'm not saying the Clipper has to be a library, but you shouldn't have to act like you're at a sports bar in a college town, either. Nor be a craft cocktail snob. Nor show up in your nasty knit caps and pretend you're in some newly-undiscovered dive. Grow-up and appreciate the arts. The Clipper is the last hope in Chicago of seeing good live music without paying an arm-and-a-leg, or sitting in some stuffy concert hall. read more

I love wearing cowboy clothes. At weddings, at funerals, at executive board meetings. In bed. When swimming in the lake. This may look out of place, but it's not because I'm a dork. It's because my environs are usually not properly adorned to match my clothes. At least in Chicago, which I still consider to be part of the wild west once you cross California- minus the horses and six guns. The environs are not an issue at the Clipper. Dim red glow over a curved hardwood bar, Lone Star and Anchor Steam in bottles, real old-fashioned jazz era drinks- sidecar, manhattan, grasshopper... This place has live music. I mean, real, raw, Americana, no distortion, just plugged in acoustic instruments, upright bass, singers with cowboy hats, lap steel meowing like a mournful cat... can't go wrong on any given show. On Mondays, there's bingo; on Tuesdays, there's movie night, and this place relives its former glory as a neighborhood movie house. One time, a woman from a few seats down, who was a complete stranger (and full of beauty) bought me a drink. Once in a lifetime! Since I'm not used to that happening, I couldn't think of anything to say so I gave her a bear hug, without appropriate warning (in retrospect). I think this might've creeped her out and she left without finishing her drink. Sorry- I'll get it right in the next life! Worth a forty five minute walk for me, even in the winter. read more

What a fine establishment. Monday night bingo is tops (and the "callers," or "bingo guys" or whatever you want to call them, are hilarious!). Live music on the weekends is an added extra. The crowd is eclectic. Though not neccessarily diverse. The drinks are good. I like the bartenders. And the interior is sweet. Good times. read more

As soon as you walk, in, you're transported to another era in ambiance, finely crafted cocktails, and superb entertainment. My very favorite night is always the Clipper Cabaret, a live variety and burlesque review that hearkens to another era of supporting live performance- truly a magical thing to do on a Tuesday night. there's nothing like feeling wrapped up in an experience, and the Clipper and the Clipper Cabaret do exactly that. recommended, check this place out! Especially their mezcal sazerac, and their craft concoctions can't steer you wrong. Make sure to catch the Tuesday night Clipper Cabaret show, I'm serious. read more

PRO: - Cheap drinks - Live music - A big space that lends itself to mingling - You can never been the worst-dressed person there, ever. - Tamale guy will probably show up - The crowd is generally pretty relaxed - The ladies' bathroom is haunted or something? - The Continental is like, 5 minutes away. - The back room is even MORE laid back than the front room. And has better lighting. CON: - I will never be able to try the famed "Purple Martin" because I hate artificial grape flavoring. :( - Someone from the band will make a lap of the room with a tip jar and will basically hover over your shoulder with a coffee can full of money until you notice him and give him a dollar or something. (I'm all for tipping, but if I've just gotten there and I haven't heard you play and you're staring me down for money, I'm gonna feel SUPER SUPER awkward.) - It is a total pain in my ass to get there. read more

This place is the best bar in town. The bartenders are all well-versed, I tend to order lesser known drinks with bourbon in them and they have yet to drop the ball on any of them. For this, I give them kudos galore. The people that go aren't those pretentious and belligerent annoyances that frequent all the chode bars around Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville. Instead they are eclectic and down-to-earth people seemingly from many walks of life. They have live music many nights out of the week and they serve bourbon (and the good stuff to boot) so I give them 5 Stars for awesome. read more

How do you say, monoculture? I used to enjoy the Clipper, but I guess I'm not cool enough for it anymore. I couldn't get anyone to server me a drink (yes, I smiled and stood at the bar). I asked a bartender if I was standing in the right place, and he completely pretended not to hear me. If you're on a varsity kickball team, or play the jug in your friend's roller derby themed band, and if you're definitely under 32, then you'll probably have a swell time there. read more

Wow....what a nice place. I like it!!! I used to walk past this place, drive past this place all the time back in the day...............It never occured to me it was what it is, which is aaaawwwwesome! I mean growing up in the hood you see a place like this and usually its full of old drunks and winos who havent shaved in years and or are sleeping at the bar. BUT this place is nice and retro for no other word to use, BUT Authentic retro! Like al the original stuff, furniture looks to be there. nice dim atmosphere. And the music was soft old 30's 40's music.....im speechless. I mean seriously folks, I have been to a hell of alot of Bars, Pubs, etc...... This one might be in my top 5, IF my next couple of planned trips are as good as the one yesterday night..... they have Movie nights!!!!! For now my dear Clipper you have impressed, Im coming back and getting drunk on your drinks......to be continued ohh yess THis place makes me WANT to get drunk here! Shake & bake seal of approval. read more

Still cash only after the renovations. Drinks are a little more expensive now, so bring more cash than you are used to bringing. I know people are up in arms because the Clipper went through an update, but the neighborhood is changing, so business interests change as well. The upholstery in the booths looks the same but got an update, the bar got some work done, and it looks like they tried to keep some of the history that the Clipper had. I will say it was hard to read the menu cause it was so dark in the bar, despite the red mood lighting. I'm not sure how I feel about the renovations, but the times I've went it's been full and people seem to be enjoying themselves. The drinks are improved, beer list is more expansive, and the soap is better in the bathroom. Those are Sodikoff trademarks. Let's see how the neighborhood embraces Clipper 2.0. read more

This bar is awesome. I've never liked grape soda...but I'd totally drink the stuff they have "on tap" - it's really good! The interior reminds me of a 50's style diner with red vinyl booths and there was a country western band playing at no cover charge. For so much kitsch, I didn't expect to close out a tab of only $14 for two cocktails and a beer. For $6, you can get a "Purple Martin", which is something like grape soda, coconut rum and lemon. read more