China Clipper Cafe

Nominally would never write a review but this pissed me off. We got there early and at most only ten people in the entire bar. We requested three songs to sing. After an hour we sang one song. After two hours I asked where the rest of our songs were and we were at the back of the line. Most of the people that were signing in front of us came an hour to two hours after us and sounded like shit. My guess is they were regulars or friends of the dj. We spent a lot of money on food and drinks. Not sure if the dj was coked out or just simply knows how keep things in order. We have came here many times but this is the last. Horrible Experience…

Na uh! No way! No thanks!
My first Olympia trip went down south over
went from Omg, this town is amazing and oh so friendly to holy hell… totally down south!
Let me sum up my night here. «Hey! You wanna sing?» «Um, yes I do!!» Ok so you’ve gottta check out this place cause it’s like the best ever in town! (Might be the only one? I don’t know). Ok talk me in. I’ll go. Fine!
This was our 4^th or 5^th stop of the night. The place reminds me of a strip club from old movies. There are mirrors on the wall, there’s a stage and few tables all over. The bartender seems nice. People… yea, people.
First, we waited over an hour to sing our songs cause well, everyone ahead of us got to sing a few songs before our turn. That’s fine. It’s a popular spot. Singers seem fun and totally enjoy singing here. We even cheered some on and danced for some. Drinks are again, cheap! $ 4! Bottled water only which was still fine.
But over serving! Yes, there were people that were way to drunk to get more drinks but have drinks. At least 3 of them. One accidentally made it to my seat to rest her drinks in my hair for no apparent reason! I mean seriously? I was sitting at my own table minding my business far from everyone watching my girlfriend sing! There really wasn’t any explanation except she was drunk out of her mind. So was her friend! Maybe someone could’ve cut her off a few too many drinks ago? Who knows!
It’s all fun and songs till someone get too drunk and make a hot mess out of herself. The place itself wasn’t so bad but that was not a pleasant experience. You can go check out if you want to sing. Just make sure you come with your own entourage so you can be the one picking on others! There were friendly people too but few bad apples always ruin the place for you. Oh well!

I’ve never seen someone so wasted behind the bar before, and he wasn’t even drunk. Unfortunately for the other customers, this seemed like par for the course. Extra star for the fact that the karaōke is good

We went here for my friend’s birthday and were told that the karaōke sign up was full, which is understandable. But then more than half the people on the list didn’t show, one person sang TWICE and another person sang THREE times. So we tried again and were still turned down. Lame guys, really lame.

Last night I wanted to do Kareoke and went to the clippers with a friend who was visiting, this has been the rudest thing to ever happen to me at a bar. My friend and I arrived sat down and I put in a song. The bartender with blond hair that usually bartends in the first room (i think his name is Terry) came to us asking if we want drinks. I politely told him I don’t want a drink at the moment. Then he started saying you know this is a business right? Which I responded with yes I know. So again he insist so what you want to drink. This conversation cycle went about 3 times. I informed him I’m also driving and don’t want a drink. It wasn’t till I wasn’t having it anymore and gleamed at him and asked «is this a problem» which he said no but this is a business and so on. I then felt so uncomfortable that I just left. Usually when I go out, since I no longer drink, I purchase energy drinks and tip. This guy hasn’t been rude to me before, but I was about to take out my plugs and go all chola on his ass. Good thing i considered him a waste of my time and saliva. preferred just not giving him my business, fuck that dude.

I’ve had some terrible experiences here, but I’ve been back because of groups of friends wanting to go, and watching/​singing karaōke can be fun. To their credit the drinks are very strong (but not high quality) and some of the bartenders are nice. Other than that, I can’t stand this place. It’s dirty and divey without any charm– unless you think charm is equivalent to a permeating scent of urine.
My main issue is that I have been harassed on multiple occasions about my small manual wheelchair «being in the way» by both doormen and even management. One time the doorman proceeded to move my chair without my permission to the other side of the bar when I got out to sit at a booth with my friends. Later, the owner or manager suggested we «set a meeting» to discuss how to deal with the issue of my having a wheelchair… What the??? An extreme level of unacceptable and discriminatory… Since it had little to offer in the first place I will simply not return.
There are a several other bars offering karaōke in town that are actually clean and don’t harass and discriminate people who use devices to assist mobility.
If you want to do karaōke, try Hannah’s or Urban Onion instead. Another bonus– those places don’t literally smell like feces.
If I could give this revolting place negative stars, I would.

I’m pretty sure China Clipper qualifies as a bona fide Dive Bar, and I totally dig it.
It’s chock full of boisterous characters that all seem to know each other in this cozy space that has a small-​town feel to it. Everyone was very jovial and friendly; it was a cool vibe. Some of the rickety old furnishings were lovingly doctored up with duct tape. Seems like our booth had a lot of wear as I felt myself sinking way down as I took my seat.
I did take notice that each table was adorned with a darling little bouquet of fresh cut daffodils. What’s that you say fresh flowers? Yep, sweet smelling, cute as hell little bouquets adorned each table. What the heck kind of dive bar does that? Well, I thought that was an awesome as hell thing to do.
I had some sort of really yummy sandwich, the kind that you dunk in the au jus, but it wasn’t called a French Dip, it was something else. It also came with hot mess of delicious fries. I made the mistake of waiting at the bar to order and was pointed to the kitchen window; that is where you place your order my friend. Also of note, it is cash only.
Next trip to Olympia, you can bet I’ll be back to the China Clipper.
2014 — Review # 32

Bartender Terry, I love you! You are so sweet!
We went here last night for my friends 21^st birthday, it was sad because I was the only friend that showed up for her :(We started off at Jakes, eh it was alright but not the greatest, so we decided to try the China Clipper, we walk in and everyone seemed to be like-​family. We were greeted by Terry, super sweet bartender, served us with lovely drinks. Her and I aren’t huge drinkers but he seemed to know exactly what we wanted on our style of taste! We sat down and made a few friends and Terry was kind and made sure we were getting everything we needed. Funny story though, my father actually told me that Terry was the first bartender to serve him HIS first legal drink on his own 21^st birthday :) It was cool to think about. I’m going to be coming back more often!

Despite its name, they do not serve any Chinese food here. This is probably a good thing, as I imagine they would make the most horrid Chinese food. But I digress. The Clipper, or the «Crippler» as it is lovingly referred to by some, is a dive bar, but Terry the bartender makes you feel right at home. The crowd can sometimes be a bit unsavory, but nothing like McCoy’s Tavern!
Oh and the karaōke after 9pm is always fun. Give it a try!

The drinks are strong, the Karaōke is a blast, and the crowd is a great mix up with little to no Drama…
If your looking for a fun time without paying a fortune this is the place!

Very interesting bar. The first few times I went there I was unsure of the general feel of the place but it has totally grown on me! Karaōke 7 days a week and the hosts never let you down. The drinks are cheap/​super strong and kick you in the face. Terry the bartender is a character and adds a great dynamic to the experience. The crowds a great mix of everyone and very low on drama.
Yay Crippler!

I’m noticing a trend with this bar. A lot of people seem to have experienced blacking out on multiple occasions here. Including myself. This used to be my favorite hang out when I first moved to Olympia. I’m a huge fan of dive bars, which this place very much is. However I’m beginning to question how professional they are with safety. If you don’t drink very often I highly suggest staying away from liquor shots. If at any point you must walk home alone after leaving this bar let a friend know where you are or have someone pick you up. Stumbling home blacked out is never fun or safe. I have never seen anyone be refused alcohol even when they should have been. Don’t get me wrong this place is a blast, it’s just not very safe.

How is it that i can never remember how I end a night at the clipper?
Could it be those dreamsicle jello shots — so creamy and wet and orange
or maybe the very stiff drinks in those seemingly tiny glasses or perhaps it’s the many many bits of alcohol I consume just so I can muster up the courage to waltz up to that stage, put the mic to my face and belt rick james while pumping my crotch into the air, bitch.

Jake’s may be the gay bar in Oly, but the Clipper is the queer bar, and it is so amazing! Karaōke every night, cheap jello shots and strong drinks! My favorite bar in Olympia, but if you pride yourself on being «normal» you may feel out of place… I encourage you to embrace a different perspective, be open minded here and you will have a fabulous night!

Went here with some friends looking for Karaōke on a Tuesday night, and we found it! The layout is a little odd, in that the actual bar (where the drinks are served) is in a different room than where the karaōke was going on. I imagine on the busier nights both bars are probably open. Drinks were pretty cheap, and the bar tender was really friendly without being obnoxious. All in all it was definitely the Dive Bar experience.
The crowd seemed like a decent mix of hipsters, hippies, and regulars.
Sadly this isn’t really my scene anymore, but the next time we need Karaōke on a Tuesday we know where to go.

We ended our bachelor bar crawl at the China Clipper. We skipped the karaōke raucousness in front for the more sedate and laid-​back lounge in the rear of the establishment. They served good drinks and there was a friendly atmosphere.
Bonus: Our bartender, Terry, is an Indy racing fan which made him tops in our bachelor’s book!

Grilled Cheese sand. yummmmmm