Downtown Los Angeles is buzzing with excitement as the iconic Clifton’s Republic has announced it will be reopening its doors in early June 2024 after being closed for over 5 years. In this article we talk about Exciting News for Downtown LA, Historic Clifton’s Republic Set to Reopen its Doors in June.
Clifton’s Republic is a stunning 16,000-square-foot historic multi-level dining and entertainment venue located on Broadway near 7th street in downtown LA. First opened in 1935 by Clifford Clinton during the Great Depression, it became a beloved community gathering place known for providing free meals to those in need.
The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of a LA Landmark
Clifton’s originally opened as Clifton’s Cafeteria, feeding thousands of hungry Angelenos daily with its pay-what-you-can policy. It struggled during later decades before being purchased and transformed into the immersive dining and nightlife destination now known as Clifton’s Republic by current owner Andrew Meieran in 2015.
After closing again in 2018, this June marks the venue’s third official grand reopening and much-anticipated return as a premier downtown destination.
What’s On Deck for the Reopening
The reopening will happen gradually in phases, starting with the stunning Pacific Seas tropical tiki bar. Eventually the entire four-level space will be operational including the popular Monarch Bar, Gothic Bar, and Forest Glen spaces.
There will be exciting new food and drink menus, brunch service and lots of great entertainment and events in store. Some early highlights will include:
- A residency by the circus burlesque dance troupe AirOtic with acrobatic aerial performances and dancing
- More family-friendly events
While menus and entertainment will be new, the iconic eclectic décor, artifacts, murals, taxidermy and giant artificial redwood tree that makes Clifton’s so special will stay intact.
A One-of-a-Kind LA Institution
Part eatery, part bar, part nightclub and 100% an only-in-LA institution, a trip to Clifton’s Republic has been a right-of-passage for Angelenos and visitors for close to a century.
It’s treasured for its playful, over-the-top spaces like the woodsy Forest Glen lined with taxidermy animals or the mysterious candle-lit Gothic Bar tucked behind a secret door.
With five bars spread across four floors and everything from classic cocktails, to tropical tiki drinks, craft beers and wines, it’s been a downtown nightlife staple since long before the area’s current renaissance.
The entire venue is like stepping into a surreal dining theme park filled with oddities and hidden surprises that epitomizes Downtown LA’s eclectic arts and food scenes.
An Important Revitalization for Downtown
Clifton’s reopening comes at an important time as Downtown LA continues its revitalization after pandemic slowdowns. Locals and visitors alike are ready to return to the one-of-a-kind spaces and experiences that make the neighborhood such a cultural destination.
As one of Downtown’s most iconic and historic venues, the return of Clifton’s Republic represents the area getting back to form entertaining generations old and new under its famed forest canopy.
The June 2024 reopening is long-awaited exciting news for LA and the continued evolution of the city’s ever-changing food and arts capital. Stay tuned for more updates leading up to the big reveal! I sincerely hope you find this “Exciting News for Downtown LA? Historic Clifton’s Republic Set to Reopen its Doors in June” article helpful.