The 7 Secrets Of Clifton's Los Angeles: Inside The Historic DTLA Republic's Phased Reopening
Downtown Los Angeles’s most whimsical and storied venue, Clifton's Republic, is officially back in business, ushering in a new era for the historic Broadway landmark. After a year-long hiatus, the multi-story entertainment complex, which began its life as the legendary Clifton's Cafeteria, has launched a phased reopening that promises to restore its status as a must-visit destination in the city. The news, confirmed in late 2024 and continuing into 2025, marks a significant moment for the Historic Core of DTLA, breathing life back into one of the city's most beloved and bizarre institutions.
The recent closure, largely attributed to a devastating flood, had left the future of the venue uncertain for many Angelenos and history enthusiasts. However, current owner Andrew Meieran has spearheaded the revival, with a plan to systematically reopen all eight of the building's distinct, themed areas. This fresh start, focusing first on the famed Pacific Seas tiki bar, ensures that the spirit of democratic dining and fantastical escapism that defined founder Clifford Clinton's original vision continues to thrive in the 21st century.
The Visionary Behind the Whimsy: Clifford Clinton's Enduring Legacy
The story of Clifton’s is inseparable from its founder, Clifford Clinton, a man whose life was as colorful and complex as the restaurant he created. Born in 1900, Clinton was steeped in the cafeteria business from an early age, as his parents operated similar eateries in San Francisco. His upbringing, which included a missionary trip to China, instilled in him a deep sense of social justice and democratic ideals.
Clinton opened the first Clifton's Cafeteria in 1931, right at the height of the Great Depression. The name "Clifton's" itself was a simple, yet personal touch, combining his first and last names. His business model was revolutionary for the time, operating on a principle of "pay what you can." No one was ever turned away for lack of money, ensuring a meal for the city's most vulnerable citizens.
The most iconic location, Clifton’s Brookdale on Broadway, opened in 1935. It was designed to transport guests away from the harsh realities of the Depression. The interior was a mesmerizing, kitschy, and theatrical representation of a Redwood forest, complete with a babbling brook, artificial trees, and taxidermy animals. This commitment to democratic dining and escapist fantasy cemented Clifton's as a true cultural landmark, a tradition that current owner Andrew Meieran has sought to honor since acquiring the property in 2010.
Clifford Clinton: A Biographical Sketch
- Born: 1900
- Key Role: Founder of Clifton's Cafeteria chain.
- Spouse: Nelda Clinton.
- Founding Year: 1931 (First location on Olive Street); 1935 (Clifton's Brookdale on Broadway).
- Core Principle: "Pay what you can" during the Great Depression.
- Political Life: Active political reformer and a Los Angeles mayoral candidate.
- Architectural Style: Theatrical, kitschy, and immersive, notably the forest-like environment of the Brookdale location.
- Legacy: Pioneer of democratic dining and a champion of civic engagement in Los Angeles.
A Phased Reopening: What's Open Now and What's Coming in 2025
The transition from a beloved cafeteria to a multi-level immersive nightlife venue—Clifton's Republic—began in 2015 under Meieran's stewardship. While the cafeteria concept officially closed in 2018, the venue became a labyrinth of themed bars and dance floors. The latest challenge—a year-long closure due to flooding—is now being overcome with a strategic, phased approach.
As of the current update in late 2024, the focus has been on bringing back the most anticipated spaces. The launch of the phased reopening began with the return of circus burlesque dance troupes and the initial debut of one of the venue's most acclaimed spots, the Pacific Seas tiki bar. This move signals a strong return to the venue's identity as a dynamic, multi-faceted entertainment hub.
The full scope of the reopening is ambitious. Meieran's team plans to have all eight of the building's themed areas operational between late-August and the first quarter of 2025. Patrons can look forward to the full restoration of the venue's four floors of eclectic, ornate furnishings and bizarre, captivating design. This gradual comeback is a testament to the effort required to restore such a structurally and historically complex building located in the heart of the Downtown LA Historic Core.
Exploring the Seven Rooms of Curiosities: Themed Bars and Hidden Gems
Clifton's Republic is not just a bar; it's a four-story cabinet of curiosities, designed to immerse guests in different worlds. The architectural masterwork was influenced by famed architect Welton Becket, who helped create the original forest theme. Today, the venue is a collection of distinct, highly-themed bars, each with its own unique atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd of Angelenos.
Here are some of the key themed areas and entities that make Clifton's Republic an unparalleled experience:
- The Pacific Seas Tiki Bar: Located on the fourth floor, this is one of the most celebrated spaces. It’s an elaborate, authentic tiki escape, complete with a boat and nautical-themed decor. Its recent reopening was a major milestone for the venue.
- The Gothic Bar: Situated on the third floor, this bar is steeped in literary history. It is famously cited as the spiritual birthplace of modern science fiction, a place where legendary authors like Ray Bradbury and other members of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society would meet.
- The Tree Tops Bar: This area pays direct homage to the original forest theme. It is a lounge space surrounding the massive, four-story artificial coastal redwood tree that runs through the center of the building, a stunning visual anchor of the venue.
- The Brookdale Ballroom: Named after the original 1935 cafeteria, this space often serves as the main dance floor and event space, maintaining the spirit of the original forest environment.
- The Cafeteria (Original Concept): Although the original format closed in 2018, the ground floor still holds the historical significance of the oldest surviving cafeteria-style eatery in Los Angeles. Future plans may include a revamped, modern take on the classic cafeteria experience.
The sheer scale and detail of the interior, from the ornate furnishings to the bizarre collections of artifacts, provide a truly unique experience. This dedication to immersive environments is what distinguishes Clifton's from other DTLA nightlife spots, solidifying its role as a cultural anchor on Broadway Street.
The Cultural Significance: More Than Just a Bar
Clifton's Republic, and its predecessor Clifton's Cafeteria, represents a unique piece of Los Angeles history. It is a monument to resilience, having survived the Great Depression, decades of Downtown LA decline, and multiple closures and rebrands. It stands as a powerful example of Adaptive Reuse architecture, transforming a mid-century dining hall into a modern, multi-use entertainment space.
The commitment of owner Andrew Meieran to preserve the building's quirky, historical integrity while modernizing its function is crucial for the revitalization of the Historic Core. The venue's return is a positive indicator for the surrounding area, which also features other historic landmarks and cultural entities. Whether you are a historian, a tiki enthusiast, a science fiction fan, or simply looking for a whimsical adventure, Clifton's Republic offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of Los Angeles culture.
With the phased reopening in full swing and all eight themed areas expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2025, now is the perfect time to plan a visit. Experience the magic of the Pacific Seas, ponder the cosmos at the Gothic Bar, and witness the enduring legacy of Clifford Clinton's vision of democratic escapism.
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