The California Clipper
Lounge bar · Humboldt Park ·
Classic cocktails, live music, and a moody red-lit retro vibe
Classic cocktails, live music, and a moody red-lit retro vibe
"This Humboldt Park spot started as a speakeasy in the 1930s, but has evolved into a busy bar with live music, DJ sets, and dancing. California Clipper has a great sound system, so whether you’re listening to a jazz set or solo blues guitar, you’ll hear everything with perfect clarity. And despite changing ownership over the years, the space has maintained its warm-yet-slightly-ominous-red lighting that makes being here feel like an episode of Twin Peaks." - john ringor, nick allen
"Burlesque dancers aren’t the only performers who grace the stage at this revamped Humboldt Park dive. Find soul, jazz and more onstage. The bar has gone through several incarnations and is now owned by the company behind Sengatore, the Italian spot across the street." - Naomi Waxman
"A longstanding bar relic of the city’s nightlife, it has undergone notable renovations and ownership shifts that highlight the delicate balance between updating a venue and maintaining the sentimental, community-oriented atmosphere that longtime patrons cherish." - Naomi Waxman
"This historic bar started out as a speakeasy in the 1930s, but has evolved into a busy Humboldt Park bar with live music, DJ sets, and dancing. It's gone through a few changes in ownership over the years, but this dark bar has maintained its old-timey atmosphere—complete with its signature red light that makes you feel like you're hanging out in a darkroom. The California Clipper has a short but great cocktail menu with drinks like a refreshing highball with coconut and Pimm’s Cup, as well as some non-alcoholic options like Lyre’s gin and tonic." - John Ringor
"An 84-year-old tavern near the corner of California and Augusta recently reopened in late February under new ownership, Orbit Group, after a pandemic slumber; the owners — who also revived the Italian restaurant across the street, Segnatore — have made cosmetic updates and upgraded the sound system to better utilize a small rear stage that has long hosted local musicians. Management hopes the improvements will attract larger acts a few times a year while keeping shows accessible to locals by often offering free, 21+ events; an example is a free April 6 performance by the Dave Miller Quartet featuring Grammy-winning drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. Beverage lead Kristina Magro says avoiding a cover charge will be key to drawing neighborhood patrons as concert-goers regain confidence post-COVID." - Ashok Selvam
