I was here for New Years Eve and I just want to say, everything is amazing! They finally figured out the acoustics!!!! Whomever did the sound for this place is a genius. The sound is floating over your heads so it is loud enough to want to dance and hear everything, but you can also talk to people. Hire this guy!!!! Drinks are inventive and powerful. Classy and fun! Best veggie tacos I have ever had. VIP was fantastic. I have always loved the themes and tableaus. read more

Sorry folks, place is closed. Went all the way up to the door but nothing doin'. Looked like it could have been awesome. read more

Clifton's Republic - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Clifton's Republic is a DTLA classic. My wife and I came here to celebrate her birthday with friends, and we had an incredible time. Yes, the drinks are pricey, but the experience more than makes up for it. The place is massive, with multiple themed bars inside, each with its own personality and cocktail menu. You can spend the whole night exploring and never run out of cool spaces to hang out in. It feels like each space had so much thought put into it, and the place has so much history that just feels palpable. The atmosphere is like nothing else in LA. I mean, where else can you see a jazz band in a swing club, step 50 feet over and be in a redwood forest with a DJ? Everywhere you look, there's something wild and fascinating. The bartenders know their stuff, the music is great, and the energy is usually good. For us, it's the perfect spot to bring friends from out of town or celebrate something special. read more

Clifton's Republic - Drink in the Tiki bar - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Quirky, but neat multi-level bar in downtown LA. Went for a couple after dinner drinks on a weekend. Wasn't too busy - albeit it was around 9:30 or so. First went up to the top floor for tiki drinks - was a bit warm at the top floor, but the drinks were pretty good. Went down another floor and had another drink and hung out at some of the tables away from the dance floor. Was a good time and would come back. read more

Clifton's Republic - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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There is something magical about this building and its history, but it's sad to know the original owners purpose and see how far off it's come. Initially this was a place with affordable good for people who needed a hot meal. Mixed in with a bar and a moody feel where people like Walt Disney and Ray Bradbury hung out. Now it's got a door fee after 9 and drinks run $15+ each. We went in the weekend and the music was terrible, which is very unexpected for a Saturday. The absolute highlight and 5 star part of our trip was Chewy. He found us wandering and offered a tour. He was so incredibly nice and informative. He showed us all sorts of cool nooks and crannies. He made the night! read more

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Great place to hang out! My mother used to come here back in the day before this renovation. Now it's more of a night club. Great music everywhere you go! Love the layout of the place. Very hip, and fun place to enjoy the night. Great service and ambiance! I love the desserts. read more

Clifton's Republic - Entrance was pretty cool. - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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A classic bar in a historic building. Makes you feel like your traveling back in time each time you step thru those doors. I absolutely enjoy their tiki lounge and getting lost in the building. Dj playing from a boat, tiki punch bowls on fire, and plenty of seating for a Friday night. Great with friends or for a date. This place is just magic. Def recommend you check out their IG page as they do host private events and is closed to public when that happens. read more

Clifton's Republic - Fresh garnishes - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Parking on the street sucks. There are lots around but they are at least $10 for the night. Came here at the beginning of COVID when there wasn't a cover charge. Came again in 2025 on a Friday night. The $20 cover charge starts at 8PM. Surrounding meter parking stops at 8PM. Pacific Seas or their tiki bar opened at 7pm. Tried the Crusoe Old Fashioned for $17 and Himalayan Mai Tai for $20. Their drinks were expensive, but strong. They weren't the best tasting drinks. The staff were all really nice and attentive. The ambiance was amazing. Really glad they reopened. Would come back here again if there wasn't a cover charge. read more

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Sooo... I wanted to surprise Chris with a good night, and took him to Clifton's. I had heard it was open post pandemic, and the openings and closings since. So we went. I couldn't find a way to make a reservation anywhere but knew they had several bars so we could at the very least get a drink or two. It was so confusing finding our way to the tiki bar and I have been there before. It was EMPTY. like empty empty empty. Until you got up to the tiki bar where it was packed and they wouldn't serve us. But they told us we could go downstairs and try to order and sit at a table down there that they had the full menu available... That wasn't true. We went downstairs. The bartenders told us no food, or a very small appetizer/happy hour menu was available. So we wanted to get food... I talked to the hostess upstairs and she said yeah its confusing we are trying to get it all set up so people can make reservations but the main way is to go through the instagram link in their instagram bio. I guess I will try that another time...and hopefully be back with a lovely review and update. This was frustrating, but still such a cool space. We Went to our favorite not too far away for dinner instead...Bottega Louie! Yum! read more

Clifton's Republic - Dinner... - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The hours are not the right hours, went at 1030 on 1/9 and it was closed ? When I called the number it said open until late but what does that even mean? read more

I had a good time here. First time back since it reopened. Still one of the coolest places to grab a drink in LA in my opinion. Came in on a Saturday night with some friends. The place is still gorgeous. They had a DJ going playing a good mix of stuff. They were mainly using the 2nd and 3rd floors. But there was plenty of open seating which I definitely appreciated. The "secret" tiki bar was still the most popular section. Drinks are a bit pricey but standard for downtown. The cocktails are delicious though. As for food there's a small menu. I'd describe it as tastefully presented bar bites. They'll do when you've worked up a buzz. Service was great. Friendly staff. There's pay parking structures within a block or two. read more

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I heard that Clifton's reopened so we went to go check it out on a Friday night after dinner. It wasn't too terribly crowded, I'm guessing because of a combination of closed streets for filming, the upcoming Broadway Night Lights event, and because they just recently reopened. Bar service was super quick and friendly. 5 stars and 2 thumbs up for the bartenders. There was plenty of seating and spots to hangout throughout the place. They had a DJ, and you can dance on the second floor if that's your thing. There's multiple floors that you can explore including a "hidden" quieter 4th floor accessible via mirror door on the 3rd floor if I remember correctly. You can always ask any of the bartenders if you're having trouble finding the hidden door. Overall it was a great place to get grab some drinks after dinner. I just love the vibe of the place and I know we'll be back regularly. read more

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Something classic about walking into Clifton's after years of not going. Such a historic building with surprises at every corner. Often times find myself feeling like I'm doing a museum tour and then I remember, I'm sipping a flaming tropical drink while a DJ plays Italian disco music from a boat. Yes, a boat! And it reminds me again of the absolute beauty of Clifton's. You're not just out for the night. You are time traveling back to the 1930's. Top notch service from the bartender, hostess, and DJ for a night well enjoyed at the Pacific Seas! read more

Clifton's Republic - A Speakeasy Tiki Bar - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Loved the vibe there, music, dancing, the view. Cocktails also good, I had a passion fruit margharita. read more

Clifton's Republic - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I honestly don't understand all the hate for Clifton's. This place should have a solid five stars! The food might not be the best ever but in the wise words of Trey Songz, "I only came for the...drinks." (I think that's how it goes, right?) Anyway, between the cool decor (like the three-story indoor tree), the various music to reflect all the different bars, and the drinks at each of the bars, you can easily spend an entire night exploring Clifton's. My favorite part is definitely the tiki bar (Pacific Seas) on the top floor. There's also a live band in the bar across from the Gothic B (Brookdale) and a full dance floor with bars all around it on the bottom floor. Service has never been an issue anywhere but it's especially good at the tiki bar. Get there early though because it fills up! read more

We came for a birthday celebration it was my first time here. Timing was lucky enough for Tree Lighting, no cover, and got to meet Santa. It's an AMAZING Space... er Spaces! There's 5bars in here I think, who knows. Some are hidden speak easies that you find by walking through a Mirror to find a set of stairs. There's secret places and sitting areas in Monarch bar. Exploring everywhere is fun. Very visually appealing everywhere you go. You can walk anywhere with any bars cocktail. Our reservation was for the Tiki bar. It's a gorgeous bar there's something interesting everywhere you look. Food is elevated bar food. The theme continues through presentation of food and drinks. The practicality of it with small bar tables is a flaw though. 2-5 people a table with a drink and orders food it's gets crowded and stacked quickly. Get there before 9pm for no cover. read more

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Clifton's is a whole experience. The vibe is eclectic and immersive, with so many rooms and hidden corners to explore that it feels like a whimsical, slightly surreal adventure. There's a giant tree right in the middle of it and a warm fireplace that adds to the inviting atmosphere. They've got a solid selection of drinks and a ton of options, from beers at a reasonable $8 to creative cocktails. The music was on point and the crowd was super friendly. Between the different themed spaces and even a secret mirror, there's always something new to stumble into. Definitely a fun night out with a lot to offer. read more

Clifton's Republic - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

probably my favorite bar in LA. The vibes here are simply immaculate. The drinks are quite good, threw back a Paloma and a piña colada. I was on a sick one foo (lightweight). all in all I had a really great time with my friend here. Sometimes you just need to experience really great things such as the magic of Clifton's. Just a note there's a $20 cover but I really think it's worth it so you're not like super crowded. There is interesting art installations everywhere and taxidermy animals giving you that real California wild wild West feel. Three floors of fun. I took the train here, the light rail and it was quite convenient. Will surely come again soon, love this place so much. read more

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I made a reservation for the soft reopening of Pacific Seas, and to my delight was told The Monarch and The Gothic bars were opened for a soft preview as well. The receptionists gave us a tiny lemon gimlet to welcome us, and we were off to find our way up to the fourth floor for Pacific Seas! This was unlike ANY place I had ever been. First, we were very lucky that this was a soft opening because there was hardly anyone there. I've heard that is typically not the case for Clifton's.... In the main "lobby" area, a pianist played. I felt like I was in the Grand Californian at Disneyland with all of the wooded decor. We couldn't help but explore on our way up and were so delighted with all of the nooks and crannies to explore. The tiny Sequoia chapel, a taxidermied bear, bison, deer, and raccoon, water features, themed photo booths, miniature terrariums of sorts, and so much adorably themed seating. Pacific Seas was a delight! It was fairly empty when we arrived but filled up as we sat. Our server was so nice as we peppered her with questions about Clifton's history, future, and everything in between. To drink, we had the Himalayan Mai Tai (Mai Tai with a little mango) and the Vesuvius Negroni. As we sipped our drinks, a man dressed and speaking like a pirate passed by and our server confirmed that, yes, the reopening of Clifton's would have walk around characters. A true Disneyland for adults. We headed back downstairs after Pacific Seas, and though we loved the Victorian look of the second floor Gothic bar, we opted to get our second round at the Monarch to enjoy the pianist and possibly the only time we will see a nearly empty Clifton's. To drink, we had a smoked old fashioned and a raspberry gimlet of sorts, both were great! Drinks are pricey, averaging around ~$20, but this atmosphere is unlike any I've ever seen. I was enchanted by Clifton's, and I hope to return after their grand reopening in October 19th. read more

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This place is soooo beyond rad!! Every flight upstairs takes you to a different theme. When you check in you do receive these coins that could be used for the speakeasy upstairs or a free shot. Entry was not that expensive. I believe it was 20 per person. The drinks were very unique and tasty. Just asked for a surprise and you be very satisfied read more

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Clifton's is a maze to explore with the various themed rooms and floors. We came around 9pm and walked into the forested themed entrance and purchased a vodka shooter from a fairy. We continued up to the tiki lounge, stopping along the way at a paid Photo Booth. The tiki lounge was packed and without reservations there was no chance getting a table, but out of all the different vibes at Clifton's, the tiki one was my favorite. We ended up finding a cocktail table on the gothic-themed second floor. None of the cocktails seemed appealing, but I ended up ordering one. It wasn't very good, but overall I enjoyed people watching and checking the place out. I don't anticipate returning unless I happen to be going out in DTLA with a group. read more

I am honestly flabbergasted at some of the reviews! This place is awesome!!! Granted I was told that they had been closed for a period of time and just recently reopened. We came for drinks to celebrate a friend's birthday and we were able to find a table for six very easily since it was all open seating. This place gives me a night at the museum vibes (animal exhibits included!) each room had a different vibe with a different DJ. One room had a live band doing covers, it was the best time! Multiple bars so if a line is long just hit up a different bar - my fave was the tiki bar on the 4th floor. Also no cover if you get in before 9pm & excellent espresso martinis if you need a pick-me-up! read more

Clifton's Republic - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Cliftons is a fantastic choice, especially if you prefer something beyond the typical nightclub scene. The venue offers an intimate setting with a rich history, creating an outstanding atmosphere. It's an ideal destination for anyone visiting LA who wants to experience the city's history firsthand. read more

So much potential in this place. This should be a must stop by if you are visiting LA. If you don't drink; that's fine but stop in and explore the "Cabinet of Curiosities" every area is filled with something fun. Every floor has a different ambiance. Stop by to take a look at the redwood, the animals and if you have time go and search for the tiki bar. If you do drink stop at every floor and try a drink from each one. Every floor has a different cocktail menu. If you're feeling like you need to eat after having a couple of drinks grab yourself a cigar box. read more

Where has this place been all my life? My wife and I stumbled upon this place while in town for an event and it did not disappoint! It was such a cool and unique vibe as soon as you walk in. 3 levels of bars with the Tike place on the top floor. Great event space for something fun and different. Highly recommend you check it out. Amazing history read more

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Clifton's you were sloppy, messy and so unorganized, last night. Terrible service. Terrible champagne. Broken bathroom faucets. You were not ready for NYE. It seems like you kinda, sorta tried, but fell so, so short. I don't know what it's like during a random weekend but NYE was your opportunity to shine so bright and ensure the crowds kept wanting to come back during the year. I think you failed the test, terribly. To top it off; I paid good money for an unforgettable experience. I certainly got an experience that I'll never forget in the worst way possible. I for one will not be coming back, ever. Happy New Year everyone! read more

So happy Clifton's is back open! If you've never been this place is an experience. We went for friends' birthdays that happened to be the same day they did their tree lighting. So as an added bonus we got to see all of the festive decorations. If you've never been, Clifton's has multiple floors. Each floor has at least one bar, some multiple. On the second level you'll find the Monarch bar with tasty cocktails, the famous giant tree that spans multiple floors. It turns into a dance floor on weekends. The next level up has a very cool cocktail bar. In the top level there's a hidden tiki bar. We got reservations here, which I highly recommend if you want a table or even to get in. Otherwise you need to collect tokens to get in. There's many hidden elements, more bars and cool rooms, so make sure you take some time to explore. read more

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Finally had time to check out Clifton's since it reopened. Went on Friday night during the holiday season, there was a bit of line around 830pm but it was because there were people entering for one of the private event space they had. The inside still has the same layout, but with less clutter? Which was nice. There's a bar on the second and third floor. It was pretty easy to get drinks but we didn't see any speciality drinks menu so just ordered our standard. Nothing too special to note. 4th floor is still the tiki bar. Resy can be made online. There seemed to be some confusion whether or not that's the only spot for food because we asked a staff if food can be ordered and she said only on the 4th, but then we asked a few others and they said just scan the QR code for menu. DJ started playing some music around 9pm and gotta say was very impressed. He was going back and forth between different genres but it was fun watching him work. Overall, nice to see Clifton's back up - nothing too special to speak of if you've been before, but good spot to come and hangout with friends. read more

Ubered all the way from the Westside - and they were CLOSED!! Saturday at 9:45pm 11/22/2025. Very disappointed - don't feel like I can trust them to be open. read more

I was so sad when I heard Clifton's cafeteria was closing and was then excited and elated to hear it was reopening as Clifton's Republic. We recently stopped in during a night out in DTLA to check out the various levels of bars/spaces to see if the spirit of the old Clifton's had been preserved. I was thrilled to see how things at Clifton's are still in tact! There are so many levels and spaces to explore and you can take a lot of fun pictures here. The music was great in every space we entered and we even found a quieter area to sit with our small group and chat. I can see us returning here again and again! read more

Clifton's Republic's 3 floors and 5 different spaces was not what captured my eye to this place. It also wasn't the excellent customer service provided by every single employee of this place. It also wasn't the great vibes of everyone coming here on a Saturday evening and how easy it is to meet people here. The hook with Clifton's Republic is that it's Rainforest Cafe for the young adults of Los Angeles: a more hip, fresh, innovative and different space for people to either mingle amongst each other, or for people to meet other young professionals in a busy city such as L.A. Entry fee is US$20.00 per person, but it is well worth it. You get a small shot of what can be best described as "spiked lemonade", then you go through some cave and find yourself in the first space. A vast lobby with multiple floors, two bonfires going, and plenty of seating space. There are either conference rooms where you and your friends can be in a more private, personal setting. You keep diving in, and you find yourself in the dance area. A giant oak tree with a bonfire inside of it sits at the far end of it, to the right a bar with great selection, and there is even a small tower-like structure where you can go and just chill? There is even a booth for photos as well. I came with a friend as a goodbye gift (she is moving back to Korea in a week or so) and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Everyone that frequents this place is also friendly, approachable, and overall just great people. Highly recommended lounge/venue to dance, chat and eat amongst taxidermy & nature dioramas. read more

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I am a huge fan of historical places and architecture, so naturally I had to visit Clifton's. I went for brunch and enjoyed a small quartet playing in our eating space. Clifton's was closed for many years before reopening from what I understand. My Grandpa used to go there on occasion when he worked in downtown and had rave reviews about the turkey they served. I went back for lunch another time and enjoyed the same turkey/recipe, which was quite moving because he's been gone so long. I was completely enthralled with the neon light near the restrooms that apparently has been burning constantly since the 1930's. It was never turned off during the closed years, and this boggles my mind. I believe it is the longest known lit neon light in the U.S. read more

I'm 65 and lived in Torrance Beach all my life. Though that far away, there are many times I ventured to Downtown for work. And I don't remember coming into LA not thinking about Clifton's Cafeteria. I remember my Grandma having a birthday party there when I was a pup. My brother was a baby at the time. Then several years would pass and we go there again. Now I don't remember the food but it had to be good or else I wouldn't have wanted to go. 5 years later I go again but I'm starting to take note why my peeps keep taking me there. Stick with a winner. My only issue was there was too many wonderful dishes to choose from. What did I choose last time..? 65 years later I've must of been to Clifton's at least 15-20 times. What does that say for the place? Why teach an old dog new tricks when he still laughs at the old ones. If you are overwhelmed what entre you want, then try a little of each. When you find your favorite have a good size dollop your second time around. You can also pay for a plate to go if you want. I always do :) read more

went for a birthday and it was such an experience. to start, the tiki room in pretty dim but overall super aesthetically pleasing, the menu is more like finger food but it is sooo good. i wish i took pictures; we nearly ordered everything in the menu. i love the museum feeling, there's opportunities to take pictures anywhere and everywhere while you walk with your drink. surprisingly the day we went, the music was not great. i did see later that it picked up with people and better music read more

Clifton's Republic - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I was really looking forward to a good night. Unfortunately even though they claimed that they opened at 6pm, it's currently 8:35pm , I'm standing outside and they are closed. I've attached a picture. It's sad that a bar this cool doesn't let people know that they've closed. That's really an unprofessional way to run a business. Don't waste an Uber or a Lyft ride over only to find it closed like I did. The bar for customer service really is in Hell. Other potential patrons showed up disappointed. read more

Clifton's Republic - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

TLDR: For $350/couple, we got food poisoning (my partner) + no main course after waiting over an hour (me) + disorganization from every staff member My partner brought me here for Valentine's Day - they had a special event called "L.A. Romance." We got the Sunset Cruise package, which included a reserved table from 6pm-8pm, a "legendary" four-course dinner & dessert package for two, music, and other surprises. But, in actuality, we each got to choose an appetizer, a main, and a shared dessert (chocolate cake the size of a large apple). That's 2.5 courses - where's the 4 courses? Music was through the speaker system, not live (which to be fair, they didn't claim it would be). And no surprises other than the horrific experience we endured and never receiving my main course. The venue was supposed to have valet, but when we pulled up at 6pm, valet hadn't been set up yet, so we had to find parking elsewhere. The hostess who checked us in at the front gave us incredibly vague directions on how to find the restaurant. She said, "go through the cave and into the forest." Ok, we walked through a fake cave entrance and into a large room with a tree. The room had tables and chairs set up, but otherwise completely empty of people and staff. No signs telling us where to go from there. Another couple who was wandering around asked us if we were also lost. We walked upstairs and saw another hostess standing in front of a room (the Brookdale Ballroom) and asked her if this was the place we go for the "Sunset Cruise" dinner. She seemed unsure and said she'd ask someone. She returned and said, "yes, it's here." I looked around and it was clear this place was set up for drinks and not dinner. Another couple wandering around asked us if this was the dinner spot. My partner walked off to ask another staff member and finally figured out that dinner was actually served upstairs (2 floors up). The Pacific Seas host gave us the regular menu even though he knew we were there for the pre-fixe Sunset Cruise dinner. He did that with EVERY couple. If you know that we're here for this package, why do you not have these menus stocked up front? That way, we can look through the menu as soon as we're seated instead of twiddling our thumbs waiting for the server, who took 10-15 minutes to even acknowledge us! I actually handed my menu to another couple who were seated after us so that they didn't have to waste time waiting to get the correct menu. Drinks arrived AFTER appetizers were finished. My partner's steak arrived 20 minutes after our appetizer plates were cleared. I waited 1hr and 10 mins and my vegetarian pasta never arrived. No one came to check in on us and because we were seated between couples (elbow to elbow), we couldn't easily get in and out to wave her down. The couple next to us called the server over a couple of times to complain about their wait time and the server did nothing about it. They started waving down the manager to complain and even complained on our behalf. The manager, Matthew, threw a couple of drink tokens on our tables and said, "what do you want me to do? we're working on it!" After over an hour wait, I just couldn't wait any longer, so we decided to leave. I was starving by this point and just needed to find food, so couldn't even enjoy the rest of the offerings of that evening. We just went to a KFC drive-thru to get me some dinner. The next day, my partner had SEVERE stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting from the crudo he had here. He was bed-ridden the entire day and was still feeling stomach aches the following 2 days! Not surprised seeing how disorganized everyone was. Maybe me not getting my food was a blessing in disguise. Other notes: - At every table, one person would get their main dish, finish it, and then their partner's main would arrive - The woman next to me got her steak, sent it back because it was too rare, and then received another one and I never got anything - 3 people ordered soup and didn't get spoons - A lady was seated next to the steps and had to get up off her seat every time the server came around because they couldn't access the steps with her sitting down - Other couples waited at least 40 minutes for their desserts read more

Clifton's is a legend for a reason. This historic venue is incredible and memorable. We've brought several guests from out of town here and it's always a big hit with them. This past weekend, we brought some friends to the tiki bar on the 3rd floor to enjoy some delicious tiki drinks and some french fries - the perfect way to start one's evening. Service was friendly. To be able to experience Clifton's is like combining the coolest bar with the American Natural History Museum, a truly unique experience. read more

Clifton's Republic - The showstopping tree centerpiece at Clifton's - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

At times Clifton's has difficulty handling crowd, and my friends told me their experience ordering the food was confusing. The remodel looks very nice after being closed for years tho, and the space seems even bigger actually now. But tbh there are some things that should have been remodeled that were not. Not sure how often I'll be back, but it's nice knowing Clifton's will probably always be around. read more

Omg, the server Amber is basically telepathic. She had my order ready before I could ask. She also made the uniform look cool af. read more

Clifton's Republic - Dance floor - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you are closed SAY SO. - signed, everyone standing outside at 7:30pm on a saturday with no warning about being closed on any website, instagram, apple or google maps. Absolutely unacceptable to let people drive from afar only to find this. Edit. They had the audacity to respond on Instagram just being like " sorry you didn't see our stories about closures" , I checked your entire Instagram before we drove AN HOUR, and while standing outside after paying $20 for parking and walking through sketchy downtown and there was nothing posted you little liars. read more