The California Clipper

1002 N California Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60622 USA

382 Reviews

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Reasonable

Closed Now

Opens Wed 6p

Independent
Credit Cards
Accepted
Wheelchair
Accessible
Public
Restrooms
No Wifi

Learn more about this business on Yelp.

“a 1938 bar with awesome neon”

The Clipper building, at 1002 North California Avenue in Chicago, was a movie theater from 1912 until 1918. Many public spaces, including theaters, were shut down during the killer flu epidemic at the end of World War I. It is unclear what occupied the commercial space between 1918 and 1937, when it reopened as the California Clipper Tavern, owned and operated by two brothers and a sister, Toni (Antoinette), Gus (August), and Joe Caporusso. We even have a ghost story of our own.

Reviewed by
Kristina K.

February 10, 2024

This place was on POINT when it came to drinks, atmosphere, and music. The atmosphere felt equal parts refined and artsy. It has classic energy that has remained timelessness. The space brought... Read more

Reviewed by
Erika W.

April 21, 2024

This place has been on my list of places to try for a while, so I decided to come on a leisure Sunday and check it out. I love the fact that I could sit anywhere. It wasn't super crowded, but... Read more

Reviewed by
Kate W.

December 09, 2023

The California Clipper is a great spot for cocktails! We went early on Saturday night, around 5:15, and were able to walk right in and have our pick of seating. Seating is plentiful and I loved... Read more

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