The Clipper Inn

The restaurant was amazing. A father and son cook there, both world travelers with training as excellent chefs. We tried the dinner special from 5-6 p.m., and the food was delicious. For $100, the two of us had a glass of wine, bread, an appetizer, salad, and a main course each. Each dish arrived just as we finished the one before. The Inn is less than a mile from downtown Clayton, and the rooms are cute and clean, with private back porches. The bathroom is set up for older and handicap guests, with grab rails by the toilet and in the shower, plus a heat lamp in the middle of the room. I highly recommend staying here if you’re in Clayton!

The food was decent, but some of it arrived cold and was inedible. When we mentioned it, the waitress seemed completely indifferent. Our party of six sat outside under a big, dirty tent with no ambience, dirty plate piles right beside us, and an unbearable noise level. For the price, it didn’t live up to the hype or what I’d call fine dining. I was disappointed on my first visit to the Clipper Inn and wouldn’t go back or recommend it.

Miles and Amber were fantastic, and the service was exceptional, always attentive to our drinks with just the right pace between courses. We had a 730pm reservation and were seated promptly, greeted warmly, and even on a chilly night the patio was perfect with plenty of heaters. The steamers with sherry and garlic were delicious. Save some of that warm, crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. The salad with our meals was just the right size, with spring lettuce and a nice mix of chopped vegetables. I hate being served giant chunks of iceberg lettuce, so this was a treat. My lemon seafood pasta special was perfectly al dente, and my husband’s halibut was perfectly prepared and plated. Both were generous portions. The shrimp in my pasta were tasty but small, and I would’ve liked a little more seafood. We finished with key lime pie, with the traditional graham cracker and toasted coconut crust, just the right tartness, and extra whipped cream. We’ll definitely be back!

My wife and I loved our dinner at Clipper Inn. The service, bread, salads, and entrees all earned five stars. She got the cashew coconut curry style chicken, and I had the blackened chicken alfredo. Every bite was rich and flavorful without being too much, and both dishes were delicious. That alfredo was hands down the BEST pasta I’ve ever had. We know where we’ll go for dinner next time we’re nearby!