The California Clipper

📍 Leather bars in Chicago

8.1

The California Clipper stands out as a chic leather bar in Chicago, blending a vintage-inspired ambiance with lively entertainment. Known for its eclectic live performances, the venue hosts everything from jazz by artists like Richard Peña to dance shows, all while maintaining an intimate yet energetic atmosphere. The space features a well-curated drink menu, including craft cocktails and non-alcoholic options, paired with a quirky, artistic touch—like the graffiti-adorned restrooms.

With a prime location in Humboldt Park, the bar excels in hosting diverse events, from DJ sets to themed nights, and offers reasonable pricing, including a modest cover fee during peak hours. The dual-bar setup and cozy dance floor enhance the experience, making it ideal for both socializing and unwinding. Happy hour specials on weekdays add extra value, ensuring a memorable visit.

Features and services of The California Clipper

Service options

  • On-site services
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Bar games
  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails
  • Karaoke
  • Live music
  • Live performances
  • Quiz night

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Dancing
  • Food
  • Happy-hour drinks
  • Spirits
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Outside food allowed
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Toilet

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safe space

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

Parking

  • Free of charge street parking
  • Paid street parking

The California Clipper is in position 11 out of 57 in leather bars in Chicago

Customer Reviews

★★★★★
★★★★★

The California Clipper has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on over 793 reviews on Google

Lou Lou

This place is so fun! Live music basically every night in the summer -Check out Richard Peña, such an amazing Jazz artist!- small $5 cover fee, and a long list of drink (including non-alcoholic drinks!) options. Very much good vibes inside with a very cool vintage look! The bathroom was a work of art with all the graffiti, it gave me a good laugh! Great location, check it out!

Lou Lou ☆ 5/5
Shevonn Damper

Went to a great Pole show by BlackSkrippaBrigade and the space is low-lit and sexy. The service was perfect and had a great time!

Shevonn Damper ☆ 5/5
BLAKELY CARMENFIRE

Is this east of the Tennee Rockies or is that cellar fellar" - atmosphere was great but cigars are no longer Cuban or vantan’ their from Croatia! Great flight from Croatia

BLAKELY CARMENFIRE ☆ 5/5
Laura Llibre

Such a cool jazz place. My friend and I had followed this band from another spot but this was top notch. I like the red lights and the drinks were great to match. Had some malort which the locals begged my friend and I to drink 🤷🏻‍♀️ Would come back again when visiting Chicago

Laura Llibre ☆ 5/5
Angel Perry

There might not be any food but the drinks, music, and vibes are immaculate✨they also have a very cute dance floor which I’ll be back for!

Angel Perry ☆ 5/5
Jennifer

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!

Jennifer ☆ 5/5
matt black

Best bar in Humboldt park, center for DJ's and dance music of all kinds. Great house cocktails and drink specials.

matt black ☆ 5/5
View all reviews

Information about The California Clipper

Address

The California Clipper is located at 1002 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

Phone

The phone number of The California Clipper is +1 773-384-2547

Website

The website of The California Clipper is: californiaclipper.com

Business Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 18:00–02:00
Wednesday: 18:00–02:00
Thursday: 18:00–02:00
Friday: 18:00–02:00
Saturday: 18:00–03:00
Sunday: 18:00–02:00

Contact The California Clipper

    Similar alternatives to The California Clipper

    Subir