The California Clipper

This beloved Humboldt Park haunt made its triumphant return to California Avenue in 2022 after a sudden and heartbreaking closure two years earlier. And you better believe the old-school jazzy vibes are still alive and well inside the red lit space. The new owners have painstakingly maintained the 1930s-era refuge’s ancient long wooden bar and cozy vinyl booths, keeping the ambiance simple and sultry while subtly ushering the sound system into the 21st century with a noteworthy upgrade. To pair with the sound boost, the team also converted the old C.C. Ferns space into a backroom listening lounge for sipping audiophiles. In terms of drinks, the broad list of standards that once hung above the vintage back bar has been swapped for a slightly smaller selection (though still just as tasty) plus clever house cocktails, beers by the bucket, and a coveted Suntory Toki highball machine, while the bartenders are just as talented and personable as ever.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.