LAist: The Downtown Diner Experiences Clifton’s Brookdale Cafeteria

Sydney

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 21:16:20 -0800

I love Clifton's because I grew up eating there when my family lived downtown. Clifton's means family, hearty food, and good memories. And no, it's not gourmet food; it's cafeteria food. It used to be better, too. Maybe one day it will go back to the way it was.

tykejohnson

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 11:49:08 -0800

i hooked it up with their brisket last saturday and got well filled. taste on. and as for price, who the hell needs and entree, two sides, bread and a drink. no wonder you spent so much.

Ken

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 09:55:57 -0800

Best comment thread on LAist, ever. Thanks Big Steve and Will. Tony, as someone who enjoyed the Clifton's in Century City as a kid, it saddens me to say that the only decent cafeteria food left in SoCal is Beadle's in Pasadena.

big steve

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 01:35:43 -0800

Ya "got" me! Damn. I've committed the crime of malapropism. I am an asshole. your ad-hominem campaign has succeeded! ... But Clifton's still "sucks."

celia

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 20:10:42 -0800

Mmmm, Farmer Boys. Mmmm, BBQ King. And are you referring to Koraku in Little Tokyo? Best.Mabodon.Ever. Love that they're open until 3am.

Will Campbell

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 18:36:49 -0800

Aw Steve ya sly "bastard"... the quote marks are cute but why'd you have to go and bring my mother into this? A true dyslexic would know better, much less one trying so ineffectually to simultaneously talk and type.

big steve

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 18:19:01 -0800

Sorry Will... I'm dyslexic and i was typing quickly as i was talking to a co-worker. An error, I admit, though one that has nothing to do with my palate (I'm pretty sure I'm okay with that one, yeah?). And the shrimp story was to illustrate the extremity of my acceptance of the most disgusting thing imaginable and that the Clifton's Mac & Cheese exceeded that level of grossness. Kinda like saying, "I would even kiss your mother before i would kiss that fugly chick." Anyway, I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in los angeles - I didn't expect to get Grace or Campanile because it's not that kind of place, but the food is offensively bad! When I go to a restaurant, I go for the food, not the history lesson. I don't care if the Linbergh baby was born coat room, the food sucks. On it's best day it tastes like a TV dinner equivalent (and looks eerily similar to one as well!). I wouldn't eat at this place again if they were giving it away for free... if you're content with "decent" or "fine" then whatevs. For about the same price, i would much rather do Phillips, Coles, Farmer Boys, BBQ King, or any of the great, inexpensive places in lil Tokyo.

KateCoe

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:50:09 -0800

This is from LA Time machines: "Clifton’s Cafeteria is credited with saving the lives of many down and out people during the depression with its "pay what you wish" policy. Founded by Clifford E. Clinton, the Brookdale branch was once the national headquarters for "Meals for Millions Foundation" a nonprofit corporation to prevent starvation (apparently in the US in the 1930s but I believe continues to this day). They also developed a special 5 cent meal served to 500 patrons a day "with the nutritional equivalent of beef, green peas, milk and potatoes". It was called "multi-purpose food". The meal checks used to say "Regardless of the amount on this check our cashier will cheerfully accept whatever you wish to pay - or you dine free". "

Leilani

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:03:43 -0800

Rico, Thanks for your comment... they actually used to have a South Seas themed restaurant but it closed a while ago. What kind of photo tour were you on? I'm a photographer so I'm always interested in meeting with other LA photogs. :)

Rico A

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 14:52:34 -0800

Ermm, sorry, I must be having brain problems. It _is_ "Summer Camp" after all. Apparently I didn't connect the fact that there are no bears in the South Seas.

Rico A

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 14:49:29 -0800

^LOL... this is hilarious. Anyway, I ate here yesterday on a walking photo tour I did. It was great -- I had the spaghetti with garlic bread and "enchilada rice," which in actuality states on the display card that it's enchiladas for one price or enchiladas -with- rice for slightly more. I wasn't expecting the most delicious food ever, but it was satisfying and cheap. By the way, the decor is supposed to be "South Seas" and not "Summer Camp."

Will Campbell

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:45:47 -0800

Clifton's a hipster "magnate," Steve? Pfffft, yeah you're credible. Apparently you've slurped down too many sea creatures off Acapulco floors for it not only to affect your spelling cortex but also to leave you oddly entitled to overstate your case (not to mention admit personal eating fetishes that are probably best kept to yourself). Nevermind that Clifton's is a cherished landmark, their food is fine and good and reasonably priced. If it tastes like shit to you it's probably because you seem to favor of putting your tongue where only feet should dare to go.

big steve

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 11:58:04 -0800

Worst restaurant ever! Gawd, such a bad hipster(ish) magnate - they type of place you go to after a long night of crocheting and ariel pink! The food tastes like shit - it's novel to echo/highland park via Brentwood kids who've never eaten bad cafeteria food before. I've eaten shrimp off an Acapulco's floor without hesitation but I couldn't eat more thana single fork of Mac & Chee. And it was like $15 bucks for an entree, two sides, bread and drink. I'm not a chiseler, but I've eaten way better for way less. worst. place. EVER

LA City Nerd

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 10:50:43 -0800

For another great lunch place downtown, try the Breadwinner at 801 S Grand Avenue - 323-627-3599