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Clifton's Officially Opening With A Party For The L.A. Conservancy
Clifton's new sign spotted glowing in February (Photo by Juliet Bennett Rylah/LAist)
Want to be one of the first guests inside Clifton's Cafeteria when it reopens? The L.A. Conservancy is throwing a fundraiser on September 21 that will get you in and fill you up. We've been eagerly awaiting the reopening of Clifton's for what seems like forever. Finally, it's been announced that the historic, four-story eatery and bar will soft open on September 17.
On September 21, however, you can treat yourself to a VIP experience with the L.A. Conservancy, a nonprofit that works to preserve and restore Los Angeles' architectural and cultural history. From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., ticketed guests will be able to check out this official opening of the restored cafeteria on the first floor, as well as the second floor's Monarch Bar. There will also be passed appetizers, plus a full dinner, dessert and drinks. There will also be entertainment. Tickets for this experience are $125, but those who splurge for the $250 VIP tickets to the event will also be given a tour by owner Andrew Meieran of the third and fourth floors. Those floors will not officially open until later in the year.
Clifford Clinton founded the Clifton's chain in the 1930s, and this downtown location is the last one that remains. Clifton's was famous for offering free meals to those who could not afford to pay. Meieran, who also owns The Edison, purchased Clifton's in 2010, and it closed in 2011 for renovations. The restaurant turned on its neon sign in February during the Night On Broadway event.
The first floor will feature Clifton's original redwood forest decor, while the second floor, known as Cathedral Grove, contains a bar and soda fountain. Plans for the third floor include Gothic Bar, plus a venue space for live music. The fourth floor is slated for the Treetops bar and lounge, a steakhouse, and Pacific Seas, a tiki bar. The basement will eventually open as Shadowbox, a small bar with an industrial feel that displays ice sculptures.
Clifton's Official Opening with the L.A. Conservancy is on Monday, September 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Clifton's is located at 648 S. Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. Tickets are $125, or $250 for VIP.
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