Clifton’s used to be one of my favorite places in LA. The tiki bar was magical and the different vibes on each floor were so much fun, but I feel like the place has declined in recent years. This time around we thought we would try to reserve a table, but we could not reach anyone at the establishment over the phone, and the voice mailbox was full. The website indicates you can reserve online but there was no availability even months in advance. When we got there, we were surprised to find that the place was pretty empty, and the ballroom was closed. It would have been nice to know that it would be, especially on a Saturday night. Also, we paid a $20 cover, which seems like a lot to not be able to access all areas of the bar. At the tiki bar, the food menu seemed limited. They only had large expensive plates of food and almost nothing in terms of small plates. The drinks were delicious though, so they still have that going for them. We eventually went downstairs to check out the music and danced for awhile. It wasn’t bad but the DJ kept switching songs every 30 seconds which was infuriating. All in all I had an underwhelming experience. I didn’t feel the magic that Clifton’s used to have for me. I probably won’t be back soon unless the management changes.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Jing Wang
Best bar experience in LA
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
William Rainbird
Blast from the past, art Deco and weirdness. Clifton's is an historic cafeteria turned hipster bar and club.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Tori Gonzales
Wow! What CAN’T I say about Clifton’s. From the historical background of this building and founder to the detailed ambiance of the various floors and hideouts; this is an absolute MUST VISIT place on anyone’s LA bucket list. The service was so friendly and lively (which can be rare in LA). The drinks were delicious (a little more pricey though). But the atmosphere and ambiance is chefs kiss!!!🤌🏽🤌🏽I will hopefully be a regular at this beautiful establishment. P.S. the photos are of my friend, you absolutely HAVE to take pictures while you visit. So many wonderful curiosities!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Joe Combellick
Free shots. Beautiful.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Twen20s LLC
Do not trust this establishment. We completed a major project for Clifton’s Republic worth $4,000. After the work was done, they stopped responding and refused to pay. We had to take them to court and won the case, yet they are still hiding and avoiding payment. This is completely unprofessional and shameful behavior. I strongly advise against doing business with them — whether as a partner or a customer.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Kimberly H
Interesting place. Historical building. Parking in the area sucks, expensive to get in. Multiple floors, hidden areas, a speakeasy. And soooooo many cool things to look at including a red wood tree! The DJ wasn’t great, not a lot of people dancing. This place was worth checking out if you like oddities. But otherwise probably won’t be back or really recommend.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 2
John Jarvis
Great nightlife spot. Can't wait to try the food!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Marilyn Mendez
We went a few weekends ago and fell in love with the space. There is so much to explore. My friend had made reservations, but upon checking in, the host let us know the kitchen was closed. We sat down and had a drink, before leaving. On our way out, we asked the host if it was possible to come back in an hour or two and have the coverage charged waived. The plan had been to have dinner at Clifton's and stay there a few extra hours to dance. The host was incredibly nice, and let us know to look for her when we returned. When we got back from dinner, we found the host, and she waived the cover charge -- Thank you!
Their apple martini fairy potion drink was delicious. Definitely recommend!
Overall, we had a good time, and look forward to coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Jonathan Schwartz
Chewie was an awesome team member who showed us around the club. The basement cabinet of curiosities was a supremely amazing find!
Extremely disappointed in how this space is run. I hadn’t been here since 2019 and was excited to come back to show my German friends this “unique one of a kind space” after it reopened.We arrived at 12am on a Friday night and paid the $20 cover. When we entered the space it was not half as busy as it had been in years past. After about an half hour we noticed the place had cleared out and all the bouncers were blocking the entry to different levels and rooms. Then at about 1 the place seemed kind of empty and it felt like they were closing for the night. We asked the bartenders if we can order another drink and they insisted it was fine and that they were open so we paid another $30 for just beer and went to sit down. As we were leaving walking a bouncer shouted at us to move to the lobby cuz they were closing, which after paying $80 in total for our group, we expected to be able to stay until closing at 2am). We were confused but complied and went to the lobby to finish our ridiculously expensive drinks when another bouncer shouted at us to chug our drinks. We then just decided to leave because we obviously weren’t welcome as paying patrons. Them ANOTHER bouncer probably realized they messed up and started shining his flashlight at us and yelling at us that “we can stay and finish our drinks”. Needless to say we left and will never be returning unless knew management takes over. Seems like they could use a new security detail and promoter too since the place was dead long before closing on a Friday night.
Service: 1
Moritz von Stetten
The vibe of the venue was cool. Unfortunately the music randomly stopped 45 minutes before the place was supposed to be closing and we had just ordered drinks. We were told to finish our drinks in the lobby. But then we were asked to leave despite our drinks still being full. I even asked the bar tender in advance if we’re good to order drinks still because people started leaving and he said we’re good and that we have another 45 minutes. Very disappointing unfortunately..
Gregg Caldwell
2 stars for the food, but I would exoect it to improve with time. Clifton’s Republic is less of a bar and more of a time machine with a cocktail in hand.
We dropped in early in the evening, and while the food wasn’t anything to write home about, the atmosphere definitely was. Every inch of the place is packed with vintage charm, quirky decor, and that wild “only-in-DTLA” energy that keeps you looking around the room in awe.
This iconic venue is a layered experience—part lounge, part museum, part fever dream. It feels like stepping into an adventurer’s storybook, complete with taxidermy, glowing trees, secret nooks, and endless photo ops.
By the time we were leaving, the crowd was starting to build, and I can easily see this place hitting its stride as the night rolls on. If you’re looking for a typical bar—keep walking. But if you’re craving an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind spot with serious visual storytelling, this is a must-see stop in Downtown LA.
We’ll definitely be back—next time, a little later and a little thirstier for the full experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
juan pablo paredes
Really nice inmersive experience here with a great and beautiful theme decoration. That makes this place very original... good service , good atmosphere, good music a little bit of everything with a big dance floor with a big tree in the middle,many areas to explore inside the place also they have a tiki bar very interesting , we had a good time definitely a place to come back again..very recommended ...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aaron H
One of the most unique, preserved spaces in Los Angeles. Enchanting and always near surprises around every corner.
Clifton’s used to be one of my favorite places in LA. The tiki bar was magical and the different vibes on each floor were so much fun, but I feel like the place has declined in recent years. This time around we thought we would try to reserve a table, but we could not reach anyone at the establishment over the phone, and the voice mailbox was full. The website indicates you can reserve online but there was no availability even months in advance. When we got there, we were surprised to find that the place was pretty empty, and the ballroom was closed. It would have been nice to know that it would be, especially on a Saturday night. Also, we paid a $20 cover, which seems like a lot to not be able to access all areas of the bar. At the tiki bar, the food menu seemed limited. They only had large expensive plates of food and almost nothing in terms of small plates. The drinks were delicious though, so they still have that going for them. We eventually went downstairs to check out the music and danced for awhile. It wasn’t bad but the DJ kept switching songs every 30 seconds which was infuriating. All in all I had an underwhelming experience. I didn’t feel the magic that Clifton’s used to have for me. I probably won’t be back soon unless the management changes.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Best bar experience in LA
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Blast from the past, art Deco and weirdness. Clifton's is an historic cafeteria turned hipster bar and club.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Wow! What CAN’T I say about Clifton’s. From the historical background of this building and founder to the detailed ambiance of the various floors and hideouts; this is an absolute MUST VISIT place on anyone’s LA bucket list. The service was so friendly and lively (which can be rare in LA). The drinks were delicious (a little more pricey though). But the atmosphere and ambiance is chefs kiss!!!🤌🏽🤌🏽I will hopefully be a regular at this beautiful establishment.
P.S. the photos are of my friend, you absolutely HAVE to take pictures while you visit. So many wonderful curiosities!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Free shots. Beautiful.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Do not trust this establishment. We completed a major project for Clifton’s Republic worth $4,000. After the work was done, they stopped responding and refused to pay. We had to take them to court and won the case, yet they are still hiding and avoiding payment. This is completely unprofessional and shameful behavior. I strongly advise against doing business with them — whether as a partner or a customer.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Interesting place. Historical building. Parking in the area sucks, expensive to get in. Multiple floors, hidden areas, a speakeasy. And soooooo many cool things to look at including a red wood tree! The DJ wasn’t great, not a lot of people dancing. This place was worth checking out if you like oddities. But otherwise probably won’t be back or really recommend.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 2
Great nightlife spot. Can't wait to try the food!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
We went a few weekends ago and fell in love with the space. There is so much to explore.
My friend had made reservations, but upon checking in, the host let us know the kitchen was closed. We sat down and had a drink, before leaving. On our way out, we asked the host if it was possible to come back in an hour or two and have the coverage charged waived. The plan had been to have dinner at Clifton's and stay there a few extra hours to dance. The host was incredibly nice, and let us know to look for her when we returned. When we got back from dinner, we found the host, and she waived the cover charge -- Thank you!
Their apple martini fairy potion drink was delicious. Definitely recommend!
Overall, we had a good time, and look forward to coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Chewie was an awesome team member who showed us around the club. The basement cabinet of curiosities was a supremely amazing find!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Extremely disappointed in how this space is run. I hadn’t been here since 2019 and was excited to come back to show my German friends this “unique one of a kind space” after it reopened.We arrived at 12am on a Friday night and paid the $20 cover. When we entered the space it was not half as busy as it had been in years past. After about an half hour we noticed the place had cleared out and all the bouncers were blocking the entry to different levels and rooms. Then at about 1 the place seemed kind of empty and it felt like they were closing for the night. We asked the bartenders if we can order another drink and they insisted it was fine and that they were open so we paid another $30 for just beer and went to sit down. As we were leaving walking a bouncer shouted at us to move to the lobby cuz they were closing, which after paying $80 in total for our group, we expected to be able to stay until closing at 2am). We were confused but complied and went to the lobby to finish our ridiculously expensive drinks when another bouncer shouted at us to chug our drinks. We then just decided to leave because we obviously weren’t welcome as paying patrons. Them ANOTHER bouncer probably realized they messed up and started shining his flashlight at us and yelling at us that “we can stay and finish our drinks”. Needless to say we left and will never be returning unless knew management takes over. Seems like they could use a new security detail and promoter too since the place was dead long before closing on a Friday night.
Service: 1
The vibe of the venue was cool. Unfortunately the music randomly stopped 45 minutes before the place was supposed to be closing and we had just ordered drinks. We were told to finish our drinks in the lobby. But then we were asked to leave despite our drinks still being full. I even asked the bar tender in advance if we’re good to order drinks still because people started leaving and he said we’re good and that we have another 45 minutes.
Very disappointing unfortunately..
2 stars for the food, but I would exoect it to improve with time. Clifton’s Republic is less of a bar and more of a time machine with a cocktail in hand.
We dropped in early in the evening, and while the food wasn’t anything to write home about, the atmosphere definitely was. Every inch of the place is packed with vintage charm, quirky decor, and that wild “only-in-DTLA” energy that keeps you looking around the room in awe.
This iconic venue is a layered experience—part lounge, part museum, part fever dream. It feels like stepping into an adventurer’s storybook, complete with taxidermy, glowing trees, secret nooks, and endless photo ops.
By the time we were leaving, the crowd was starting to build, and I can easily see this place hitting its stride as the night rolls on. If you’re looking for a typical bar—keep walking. But if you’re craving an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind spot with serious visual storytelling, this is a must-see stop in Downtown LA.
We’ll definitely be back—next time, a little later and a little thirstier for the full experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
Really nice inmersive experience here with a great and beautiful theme decoration. That makes this place very original... good service , good atmosphere, good music a little bit of everything with a big dance floor with a big tree in the middle,many areas to explore inside the place also they have a tiki bar very interesting , we had a good time definitely a place to come back again..very recommended ...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the most unique, preserved spaces in Los Angeles. Enchanting and always near surprises around every corner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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