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Clifton's Cafeteria Being Taken Over by The Edison's Andrew Meieran

By blogdowntown Staff
Published: Friday, September 17, 2010, at 12:32PM

Scott Beale []

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Clifton's Cafeteria, a Downtown staple since 1931, has been purchased by Andrew Meieran, owner of The Edison.

"We are exciting about the prospect of being involved in the revitalization of Broadway and the one of the nation's most historic eating establishments," Meieran says. "We hope to continue Clifton's incredible legacy as the cultural, social and architectural landmark in Los Angeles."

According to sources, Meieren will add a speakeasy and tiki bar to the restaurant's upper levels. While Clifton's trademark low cost menu will be maintained, a wider menu will be added.

Clifton's has been owned and operated by the Clinton family for over five generations. Details of their future involvement are still being worked out.

Conversation

Matthew Jackson Cooper on September 17, 2010, at 01:05PM – #1

And, verily, the homeless shall sit down with the hipster, and jello shall be the dessert

Guest 1

Guest on September 17, 2010, at 01:10PM – #2

Any plans for exterior renovations? I'd love to see them tear down that metal facade and restore the original exterior.

Also, what about later hours?

David Klappholz on September 17, 2010, at 01:13PM – #3

I'm very worried that my favorite downtown restaurant will change so much that it will be unrecognizable as Clifton's. (OK, Botega Louis has much "better" food, but I grew up on cafeteria food very similar to the food currently served at Clifton's...and Ciudad, which also has "better" food will soon be de-Ciudadified.)

Brigham Yen on September 17, 2010, at 01:51PM – #4

This is very good news! It means that the Clifton's name will be around that much longer as well as adding a new creative touch by Andrew Meieran, who has obviously done a fantastic job creating The Edison concept (although the service there got ruder and ruder over time from the bouncers unfortunately).

Over the years, LA has lost some of its best home grown brands, such as Bullocks and Broadway, and I would have hate to see Clifton's be another casualty from this Great Recession.

Giving Clifton's a little update and new creative energy (as well as respecting and maintaining its core character) will make it relevant to more people, which could definitely help boost its revenue and viability.

Guest 2

Guest on September 17, 2010, at 02:34PM – #5

Please no Tiki. Just upgrade the food and clean the place up. Clifton's needs to stay relatively the same....oh and some later dinner hours would be nice.

() on September 17, 2010, at 02:36PM – #6

I can not imagine a better steward for Clifton's than Andrew. He has ability to appreciate Clifton's history, the taste to know what to do and what not to do - plus he knows how to do it. And he has the money and the expertise to make it happen. More importantly, though, in the long run - there is enough room in the remainder of the building for other venues or extensions of the brand - and those venues will be able to provide the additional cash flow necessary to keep Clifton's - Clifton's.

Guest 3

Guest on September 17, 2010, at 03:33PM – #7

Yeah the facade is ugly. I hope to see some positive change there.

on September 17, 2010, at 04:32PM – #8

A few years ago I had asked about the facade during a tour and was told that it couldn't be changed.

As for the tiki bar, I'd love to see an homage to

Anthony Costantino on September 17, 2010, at 04:32PM – #9

I'm a big fan of Clifton's, the kitsch value, getting my own food, been wondering if anybody would be able to open a cafeteria-style place and utilize the upper level at this place as maybe a dance space or supper club type of thing, maybe put a balcony in there. Upgrade the food a bit and it will be interesting to see if they can make this work. Glad somebody is helping keep this place around.

And what's up with the Edison, the line outside these days looks like Hollywood douche central, are they doing banda or top 40 hip hop nights now?

Brigham Yen on September 17, 2010, at 04:52PM – #10

@Anthony - Yes, that is one thing I am very disappointed in is the extremely arrogant/rude service I got from the bouncers the last time I was there (several months ago).

I was so mad because I felt betrayed by DTLA, a place I have had direct influence on when I worked with such passion to bring in business while I was at the DCBID and continue to support to this day.

I just hope Clifton's doesn't become a velvet rope kind of place.

() on September 17, 2010, at 05:54PM – #11

Good! Potentially losing Clifton's was something that started getting me more involved in learning about Downtown last year.

However, as a vegetarian who refuses to go back to Midwestern food, the place held very little eating appeal for me. Its a place my family would go wild for, but I can't eat a real meal there. If anyone touches the pie selection though I WILL cut them...

I like the Tiki bar and upper area ideas. I'd like to see the Jesus-y stuff go...it makes me uneasy when establishments do that with any religion (I don't know if its original or not; either way its distasteful to me) This guy does good work...I'm sure he'll leave the original alone while expanding to appeal to a wider audience. Clifton's is HUGE so I don't think it'll be a problem.

Guest 4

Guest on September 17, 2010, at 05:55PM – #12

It is going to be totally different. Probably not in a good way. We can only hope, now.

Robert Banuelos on September 17, 2010, at 07:55PM – #13

wtf, the edison and the cliftons are polar opposites. One has a dress code the other offers service to any person regardless of income. besides maybe a refreshed menu and some advertising, this place does not need any that the edison style ownership offers.

Anthony Costantino on September 17, 2010, at 09:25PM – #14

I can't imagine trying to kick out the people who have eaten at Cliftons for so long. Where else can they get their overcooked roast beef? There aren't any hometown buffets in DT. Maybe it will just happen naturally. I think if you gave some of the elderly folks actual fresh, tasteful food, they'd probably die of shock, their system would be so unused to it.

Most dishes are pretty sub-par these days, the veggies are canned, the fruit is a bit wilted, but the desserts can be good. They should try the cafeteria mixer/social club thing, it'll be just like asking a girl out back in HS.

I like the Jesus thing, it's so kitschy it's unoffensive.

It will be interesting to see what they do with it. DT doesn't have a tiki bar, really.

I think we're getting pretty bar-saturated, anyways. How many more can we handle?

Dixon on September 17, 2010, at 10:59PM – #15

Yes, the seniors from the residential hotels eat here. Hopefully the Edison won't price them out. Some of them pay just what they can, which is often less than the listed prices.

The food is not very good with the exception of the turkey breast, mashed potatoes, dressing and mac-n-cheese. Order it all and have them dump turkey gravy over everything. Mmmmmm!

The chocolate-banana cake is great. It costs $12 for a whole cake, so why not take one home?

You have to order it, but try the white cake with coconut icing too.

Oh yeah, the cucumbers and onions isn't bad either but the serving is too small.

Guest 5

Guest on September 18, 2010, at 01:27AM – #16

Clifton's is a wonderful landmark in spite of how crap i think the food is (apologies to anyone who likes that sort of drek), and it obviously serves a portion of the DT population that loves/needs it. The guys behind the Edison did a great job uncovering that jewel and turning into something worthwhile, although the crowd and attitude at that place has become as nauseating as any of the velvet rope douche palaces that have overrun Hollywood. I really hope they don't eff this up.

David Klappholz on September 18, 2010, at 08:05AM – #17

@Hala Pickford: What you refer to as the "Jesus-y stuff" is very original; it represents Clifford Clinton's beliefs, which included free food to people who had no money...so, though I'm not a Christian, I'd hate to see it go. (The last time I googled "Clifton's," I found some very nice historical information about the founder and about Clifton's history.)

David Klappholz on September 18, 2010, at 08:12AM – #18

@White Light: The turkey legs, which can hardly be found anywhere, are superb. (What with the fresh fruit and the fresh uncooked vegetables, it's quite possible to get a healthful, and tasty, meal at Clifton's...and besides, chacun a son gout; there are lots of people, like us, who like to go to Clifton's, and to Botega Louis, and to Ciudad, and to many of the "restaurants" at the Third and Fairfax Farmers Market.)

on September 18, 2010, at 08:17AM – #19

I hope the new owner doesn't change it too much. I like Clifton's as it is but I can see where it needs some renovation. I'm a bartender who specializes in vintage style cocktails, that would be nice to see on the menu at the upper levels. I'd love to help out.

John Apodaca www.daddyosmartinis.com

on September 18, 2010, at 08:56AM – #20

I'm relieved they won't be closing but am also a bit worried about the changes this may bring to the lower level cafeteria area: we love Clifton's, precisely for all that it is from the "chapel of the redwoods" (I'm not Christian either) to the 1930s food you can't find anywhere else today. And how kind the staff are to the old people who dress up to come and eat there -- they will often carry the trays right to the tables for them.

There is plenty of room in the building; the 3rd floor is amazing in its red-flocked wallpaper glory but totally wasted space, so that would be just fine to use for something else. A tiki bar would go right along with the Clifton's South Seas memorabilia up there as #8 (Sean) mentioned.

As #13 (Robert) said, though, the two crowds and approaches are completely opposite. I hope things can be set up for both to exist without hurting what makes Clifton's Clifton's and not just another DTLA restaurant.

Guest 6

Guest on September 18, 2010, at 09:48AM – #21

I'd like to see the Jesus-y stuff go...it makes me uneasy when establishments do that with any religion

I kind of understand what you mean. On the other hand, if we become a society of increasingly secular (non-religious), shut-in type of people, that will make me uneasy too.

Gallup data reveal that adherents of all the major world religions who attended religious services (attenders) in the past week have higher rates of generosity than do their coreligionists who did not attend services (non-attenders). Even for individuals who do not affiliate with any religious tradition, those who said they attended religious services in the past week exhibited more generous behaviors.

These findings are based on Gallup surveys conducted from in 145 countries, which asked individuals about whether they in the past month donated money to a charity, volunteered time to an organization, and helped a stranger. It has long been known that in the United States, religious attendance is associated with higher rates of volunteering and monetary donations, but the global data suggest the relationship exists in almost all countries.

Dixon on September 18, 2010, at 10:15AM – #22

" The turkey legs, which can hardly be found anywhere, are superb."

David, I'm not a big fan of turkey dark meat, but I've seen other diners holding those giant legs up and chomping away on them---and it looks like fun! They say the oxtails are the most popular item but I can hardly find any meat on those suckers. I love the creamy chicken and noodles and you get more if you flirt with the waitress.

I guess to balance things out with my favorite meal of turkey breast, mashed potatoes, dressing and mac-n-cheese is to toss in some carrots. They are fresh, not canned or frozen. Be sure to have turkey gravy poured on that too, though.

By the way, use the bathroom at home and not there. Their basement restroom gets heavy traffic and is sorta clean but very well used! And if the bakery counter is closed but you spot a chocolate-banana cake in the cooler behind the counter (it's tricky because the frosting is white) then just ask the friendly manager. He'll box it up and sell it to you with a smile.

Guest 7

Guest on September 18, 2010, at 10:48AM – #23

"rude service" from the bouncers? Bouncers must be becoming performance artists these days. Hard to figure, but everyone has their price.

I guess he meant The Edison. Not Cliftons. Those upper levels are among my earliest memories, are destined for destruction, in order to be save the place.

Yes, restore the original facade.

Guest 8

Guest on September 18, 2010, at 11:53AM – #24

I just hope the workers keep their jobs. Especially the gal with the prosthetic eye, she really nice and I like her.

Guest 9

Guest on September 18, 2010, at 01:20PM – #25

This is great to hear about. My mom worked at Clifton's when she was going to BIOLA (Bible Institute of Los Angeles) in the thirties -- I think a lot of BIOLA students were hired to help them pay for school. And when I was a kid and we lived in Altadena (forties and fifties) we went there from time to time. Weren't there two of them? I remember bubbles and organ music, and a cool, dark tropical feel. Fish tanks? I'm inspired to dig out her journals from then. And to go eat at Clifton's again, at least dessert!

Guest 10

Guest on September 18, 2010, at 02:29PM – #26

Not to stray from the discussion, but just curious; what exactly does the term "speakeasy" mean when referring to a popular and publicized modern bar?

p.s. I Love Clifton's. Do whatever it takes to preserve it and keep it operating as originally intended.

Guest 11

Guest on September 18, 2010, at 03:15PM – #27

"Speakeasy" doesn't mean anything other than to be evocative. Just as the grotto with the cross is evocative of its original nature. No reason to remove original historic elements. The oil wells in the terrazzo out front probably annoy people even more than the Christianity! The extruded metal screen on the facade would actually work with a tiki bar. But ultimately no-one can argue that the downstairs is one of the most valuable historic resources in town.

on September 18, 2010, at 04:42PM – #28

While the food was pretty bad (imo, sorry guys) I still went. That place had heart.

But, with that said, heart dont pay the bills.

I welcome change, just dont change the hungry mouths it feeds day to day w/ its low cost food.

thumbsup

on September 18, 2010, at 04:49PM – #29

*sorry, edit

*dont change the way it feeds hungry mouths with low cost food.

Fernando Cardenas () on September 18, 2010, at 09:23PM – #30

I was lucky to shoot a live performance at Clifton's for Dublab.com . It is an amazing landmark.

from on .

Guest 12

Guest on September 18, 2010, at 10:35PM – #31

Oh god. Please please don't change it so that the current clientele no longer feel comfortable there. Don't change the decor--that is what is so loved and so historic about Clifton's.

Re religious stuff: I would love to see the Jesus from The Garden from the basement of the old Clifton's Silver Spoon (now Seven Grand), brought back. Preferably in the original Garden setting with the booming recorded voice. That was awesome. And no, I am so not religious.

Russell Brown on September 18, 2010, at 10:56PM – #32

Would love to see the facade of the building uncovered and restored. Clifton's website has a photo of the Brookdale Cafeteria facade.

http://www.cliftonscafeteria.com/pages/brookdale_photos_05.html

Interesting commens on Charles Phoenix blog.

http://www.charlesphoenix.com/2005/03//

This was Adventureland before Adventureland – the Tiki Room before the Tiki Room.

I always thought it looked like Frontierland and thought someone had closed off the log jamboree ride next door.

The South Seas recreation would be amazing. At least have the Tiki room bar pay homage to the original.

J-M on September 18, 2010, at 11:16PM – #33

Don't mess with the elk or the "chapel". The kitsch is what makes this place. I'll be sad to see the upper levels change, but it couldn't last forever. Tiki bar? Downtown really has changed. I'm not really lamenting the fact, just marveling. I hope Clifton's doesn't change too, too much. It's one of those places I always bring friends to, particularly out-of-towners, and they LOVE it. Hope the family stays involved. They've been a big part of the Downtown community over the years.

() on September 18, 2010, at 11:33PM – #34

Every blog and site I've read today has people saying they love the cafe but 'the food isn't so good'...that could be a vast improvement right there. I've longed for an affordable restaurant/hangout/cafe downtown other than DTown Burger (which is tasty and cheap but has a blaring jukebox and little seating room). If the food was shaped up I could see myself being a regular here. For now, I go for pie only.

I like the Tiki bar idea...there's so much room I just don't think anything will be lost to add it. A 50s Tiki and a 20s Speakeasy...awesome. Though I must confess the speakeasy doesn't seem fitting to the theme.

Russell Brown on September 19, 2010, at 12:46AM – #35

Even at Disneyland, there is the secret Club 33 with liquor above the New Orleans Square.

Imagine a fun Tiki Room upstairs with a hidden "Varnish" or "The Association" entrance downstairs. The foot print of the building is much wider that the existing Clifton lobby and bakery counter, so I assume the retail space next door will become the upstairs entrance.

Doubt if lounge visitors would walk through the cafeteria 2 floors up for the bar visit.

The 3rd floor upstairs always felt forgotten and forlorn. Sort of old downtown Las Vegas Miss Kitty wild west. Keep it authentic and unique.

And yes the food can use a real make over. Too much old school bad cafeteria steam table soaked in salt.

But Clifton's is a real treasure. Thanks to the Clinton family for many great years of service.

Dixon on September 19, 2010, at 10:30AM – #36

Well, Russell Brown summed it all up in a nutshell and--surprise, surprise--he is all excited about yet another bar downtown.

However, when that velvet rope goes up he (like the seniors who eat in Clifton's now) may not be young enough or thin enough or fashionable enough for entrance.

He'll know then that the magic of Clifton's has been poisoned.

Guest 6

Guest on September 19, 2010, at 11:20AM – #37

^ Probably not. If the bar or speakeasy ends up operating the way you describe, it will likely be during those hours when most of the current patrons of Clifton's wouldn't be out and about to begin with. That's certainly the case with older folks who generally stay indoors during the late evening.

Guest 13

Guest on September 19, 2010, at 01:01PM – #38

Andrew Meiran has a genuine love for the Clifton's legacy in Los Angeles, and he has been interested in the business for decades. People from all segments of Los Angeles society will be very pleased with what he does with the cafeteria. And yes the outside facade will be improved and the horrible grate removed.

Poetbroker Ed Rosenthal

Russell Brown on September 19, 2010, at 02:39PM – #39

Think of ANY neighborhood that has businesses that are open after 9PM to 2 AM. They are neighborhoods that are activated with patrons, activities and pedestrian traffic. They are more comfortable to visit with eyes and ears on the street.

Other than an occasional late night shopping special before a holiday, those businesses are almost always social gathering venues of food, drink and entertainment establishments.

Movie theaters, entertainment districts, event spaces, gas stations and convenience stores are about all that is open those times.

Doubt the 4 PM Senior dinner special will conflict with a 11 PM Tiki Room crowd.

Without later night establishments and conscientious owners who restore the buildings, Broadway will stay abandoned at night as a ghost town with great historic buildings in decay.

Hooray for seeing the potential of Clifton's and the empty floors above it on Broadway. Glad a downtowner is continuing to invest in downtown.

Guest 14

Guest on September 19, 2010, at 03:11PM – #40

It will be exciting to see what kind of life can be pumped into Clifton's! I will celebrate the day that the horrible grate comes off the front of the building.

Thanks to the owner for keeping Cliftons alive this long and good luck to the new owner.

The block is very difficult to navigate at night, though. The area really needs at least one City controlled parking structure within distance of Clifton's and the theaters. The structure should be lighted and have a 24 hour attendant.

Most of the lots downtown forbid overnight parking. Many lot operators will lock your car in the building if you return too late. If you want people to relax and use downtown as an "after hours" entertainment district, you need to take the anxiety out of parking. There also needs to be a police presence at Pershing Square and the Subway portal on 5th.

Steve Lamb on September 19, 2010, at 05:31PM – #41

OH NO Everytime someone improves a classic they over price it drive away the core if poor customers and KILL it within five years

Guest 15

Guest on September 19, 2010, at 10:21PM – #42

"The block is very difficult to navigate at night, though."

Difficult how, exactly? The block is as wide and obstruction free as almost any other block in downtown. I walk it every day and night. It's really easy. One foot in front of the other. Try it.

There's plenty of parking within a block all around Cliftons, if you're still saddled to arriving by car. Or you could take the bus, ride your bike or use the metro lines 2 and 4, among others. Really, you're just making a feeble excuse.

DawnC on September 20, 2010, at 08:45AM – #43

Anyone who thinks this change will be for the negative is out of their minds. Stripping away some of the "modern" improvements so that this place can be all of one era will be a beautiful addition to Broadway. I'm sure even the current regulars will appreciate it. The article states that the low cost menu will be maintained so what's the problem? I picture the result being much like the wonderful renovation at Cole's. They only took away things that really didn't belong anyway and made the place seem more historic than it was before the renovation.

Andrew Meieran is a devout and meticulous conservationist. I'm sure everyone will be happy with the result.

Guest 16

Guest on September 20, 2010, at 11:48AM – #44

I think we need to realize that that most of the small businesses around downtown have a difficult time as it is to survive. How many small businesses have closed in the last year. Lot 44, Ma petit, Ed Hardy, Bermuda Cafe, Falafel Express, etc... and thats only the historic core.

If you look at the ones that do end up making money it is the businesses that involve liquor or alcohol. I am all for improving the district and to bring in entertainment options. The fact is that there just isn't enough of a customer base to survive in this economy. Hopefully as downtown continues to grow, that base expands.

Guest 15

Guest on September 20, 2010, at 11:54AM – #45

The City works against the survival of small businesses by installing expensive parking meters.

I don't think they were thinking of the psychological aspect of a parking meter that takes credit cards. I imagine many people see a credit card meter, think "that's expensive" and drive straight to the mall for free parking.

Thomas K Nagano on September 20, 2010, at 01:09PM – #46

Any major renovation of Clifton's will require it becomes ADA compliant. As Brady Westwater posted,"I can not imagine a better steward for Clifton's than Andrew."

I always remember getting a red stick with my meal, so I could choose a toy from the Clifton's Treasure Chest, as advertised on sheriff John, maybe five decades ago.

Here's to Clifton's of the 21st Century - TK

Guest 17

Guest on September 20, 2010, at 05:44PM – #47

I'm looking forward to what someone with vision and the ability to execute can do to improve the things about Clifton's that we all love, and create new things that we may appreciate just as much. Change can be a scary thing to contemplate, but in this case Clifton's must change to survive. They've been doing the exact same thing for a LONG time to the tune of steadily decreasing demand for their offerings. Whether supportive or scared, not nearly enough of us have been giving Clifton's the required patronage to let it survive without change. The consumer has the ultimate power in deciding what changes and what doesn't. So in that spirit, let's put the crystal balls away see what tricks Andrew may have up his sleeves before labeling whatever changes may occur as anything other than "inevitable". --Bear

David Klappholz on October 09, 2010, at 12:44PM – #48

There's an interesting video about the history of Clifton's at

http://blip.tv/file/3225258

David Klappholz on October 09, 2010, at 12:44PM – #49