Topline:
Clifton’s Republic will be reopening its famous multi-story venue on South Broadway in downtown L.A. next month.
Why it matters: The more than 90-year-old dining and cocktail destination will be bringing back a revamped version of its iconic cafeteria this summer, along with the tropical-themed Pacific Seas tiki bar, as well as the Forest Glen, Monarch, and Gothic lounges.
The backstory: Their instagram announcement was flooded with comments about bringing back Clifton’s Cafeteria, the Great Depression-era establishment that was known for giving away meals, with author George Pendel describing it as a “surreal sanctuary from the broken world” in his 2005 book Strange Angel.
What's next: Clifton’s confirmed in a comment that their “innovative retro-futuristic cafeteria concept will debut this summer.”
Go deeper: Read more about the history of Clifton’s.
Clifton’s Republic will be reopening its famous multi-story venue on South Broadway in downtown L.A. next month.
The more than 90-year-old dining and cocktail destination will be bringing back a revamped version of its iconic cafeteria this summer, along with the tropical-themed Pacific Seas tiki bar, and the Forest Glen, Monarch, and Gothic lounges.
But you can get a sneak peak even with Illustrium by AirOtic Soirée, a burlesque-style circus cabaret and dinner show that launched last week.
Pacific Seas and the lounges are all coming back in June after being closed for about a year because of “unexpected flooding,” according to Clifton’s social media posts from 2023.
“It’s been an extraordinarily difficult period for restaurants everywhere and Downtown Los Angeles has been particularly hard hit,” owner Andrew Meieran said in a statement to LAist. “We’re excited to open this new chapter in Broadway’s storied history as Clifton’s and LA’s Historic Core reinvent themselves to meet the challenges of a post-pandemic world.”
Their instagram announcement was flooded with comments about bringing back Clifton’s Cafeteria, the Great Depression-era establishment that was known for giving away meals, with author George Pendel describing it as a “surreal sanctuary from the broken world” in his 2005 book Strange Angel.
Crowds shopping on Broadway at Christmas walk past Clifton's Brookdale circa 1937.
Pianist Julius K. Johnson, violinist Caroline Hermann, harpist Grace Curey, and string bass player Nathan Harrison, who make up the Clifton's String Ensemble, play inside the raised Aloha Entertainment Platform at Clifton's "Pacific Seas" Cafeteria circa 1945.
A family including, from left, Billy, Michael, Helen, George, Jimmy and William, at Clifton's Pacific Seas Cafeteria in Los Angeles circa 1951.
Dining area of Clifton's "Pacific Seas" Cafeteria pictured on a postcard that reads: "A fantastic neon palm by polynesian grass hut. Only one of the many fantastic features. Guests pay what they wish and dine free unless delighted."
The front facade of Clifton's "Pacific Seas" Cafeteria, with its waterfalls and tropical decor circa 1940.
Clifton’s confirmed in a comment that their “innovative retro-futuristic cafeteria concept will debut this summer.”
If you’re hoping for more family friendly offerings than the Illustrium show, which currently has tickets available through the first weekend of August, Clifton’s will be offering brunches and daytime hours that will be welcome to all ages.
