DOWNTOWN LA’S HISTORIC CLIFTON’S REPUBLIC TO REOPEN IN JUNE
Downtown’s historic multi-level venue and cocktail destination Clifton’s Republic will reopen in early June 2024. Through a spokesperson, owner Andrew Meieren says Clifton’s will first reopen the stunning Pacific Seas tiki bar and gradually restart service at three remaining spaces with brunch, new food menus, and entertainment in the coming months. The reopening starts with a residency by the circus burlesque dance troupe AirOtic beginning this Friday, May 10.
Formerly called Clifton’s Cafeteria, the 16,000-square-foot cafeteria and dining emporium located on Broadway near Seventh Street first opened in 1935. Founder Clifford Clinton fed up to 10,000 people per day at the cafeteria and was known for giving meals away during the Great Depression. The business struggled in later decades and was purchased by Meieran, who conducted a massive renovation to the space, reopening it in 2015.
Clifton’s Cafeteria again closed in 2018, though some bars remained open with inconsistent hours. It was later rebranded to Clifton’s Republic but remained closed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with hints of resuming operations in 2021 and then temporarily in 2022. Clifton’s now third official reopening this June marks an important milestone for the 89-year-old venue.
Initially, guests can enter Clifton’s through the Illustrium by AirOtic Soirée performances, which will reside throughout May and June in the Cathedral Grove section that houses the Gothic Bar. The performance, which includes dinner and drinks, is described as an immersive circus and cabaret with acrobats performing aerial stunts and dancing to music. Most of Clifton’s is still not fully operational at the moment. After Pacific Seas opens in June, staff will resume activity at Monarch Bar, Gothic Bar, and Forest Glen. Meieren also notes that more family-friendly programming is slated for the coming months.
Those who miss Clifton’s unique quirky artifacts, murals, stuffed animals, and giant fake redwood tree — fear not. While the events, food, and performances will evolve during this period, all spaces will look the same, to the delight of this historic space’s longtime fans.
Tickets range from $60 to $250 for Illustrium by AirOtic Soirée, and can be purchased here.