The California Clipper

"Circa-1937 bar with a revamped yet still retro space & a huge list of old-fashioned cocktails."

The California Clipper is a Chicago venue and live music bar located at 1002 N California Ave in Humboldt Park, established in 1937 and described as the neighborhood's longest-standing bar. The bar offers live music nearly every night of the week spanning jazz, DJs, country, electronic, and more, alongside a curated cocktail menu; a back room called the Lil Clip hosts late-night dancing on Fridays and Saturdays with a speakeasy vibe. The California Clipper has operated continuously since 1937, and the building itself has stood at 1002 North California Avenue since 1912, when it was first the L.L. Freeman Theater. Located at 1002 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Reviewers highlight the vintage red-lit atmosphere, a dance floor, strong drinks including Malort, and frequent live music with a small $5 cover fee.