This place is massive, and each floor has its own unique vibe. The tiki room even features a different DJ, which adds a fun change of pace. The music on the main floor can be hit or miss at times, but the atmosphere and overall venue definitely make up for it. I just wish it drew a bigger crowd — it would be the perfect spot if it were a bit livelier. It tends to feel a little empty on some weekends.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Jonathan
My friend drove 600+ miles to come to this bar just to find out if was closed. No sign, no warning. I had to pay for parking and walk through downtown. Do not recommend. Willing to change review if given a free drink in the boat.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Noelle Backman
Why do you say you’re open when you’re closed? That sucks, especially when you have to walk through sketchy areas to get here…
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ava
Strongly advise against having your events or gatherings here, wish I took all the bad reviews seriously. The venue is disorganized with several calls and messages to book reservations going ignored. They close for the day/weekends at random and post no clear notice on any web presence until well after opening hours. An IG story or last-minute bio updates are not how closures should be conveyed.
My group showed up to locked doors on a Friday night. It speaks volumes of their business that the one response I did get from them was a defensive reply when I sent a polite message asking them to clearly post closures in advance. I want to support Clifton's, but not if this is how patrons are regarded.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Trevor Lerner
It was such a cool atmosphere with the different bars that they have. I enjoyed looking around and finding a bunch of hidden spots and the staff were very friendly. One of the staff members showed us the tree top area and I wish I remembered to get his name because he was very nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Becca Franks
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
Rebecca Franks
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.
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.
This still there.
This place is massive, and each floor has its own unique vibe. The tiki room even features a different DJ, which adds a fun change of pace. The music on the main floor can be hit or miss at times, but the atmosphere and overall venue definitely make up for it. I just wish it drew a bigger crowd — it would be the perfect spot if it were a bit livelier. It tends to feel a little empty on some weekends.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
My friend drove 600+ miles to come to this bar just to find out if was closed. No sign, no warning. I had to pay for parking and walk through downtown. Do not recommend. Willing to change review if given a free drink in the boat.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Why do you say you’re open when you’re closed? That sucks, especially when you have to walk through sketchy areas to get here…
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Strongly advise against having your events or gatherings here, wish I took all the bad reviews seriously. The venue is disorganized with several calls and messages to book reservations going ignored. They close for the day/weekends at random and post no clear notice on any web presence until well after opening hours. An IG story or last-minute bio updates are not how closures should be conveyed.
My group showed up to locked doors on a Friday night. It speaks volumes of their business that the one response I did get from them was a defensive reply when I sent a polite message asking them to clearly post closures in advance. I want to support Clifton's, but not if this is how patrons are regarded.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
It was such a cool atmosphere with the different bars that they have. I enjoyed looking around and finding a bunch of hidden spots and the staff were very friendly. One of the staff members showed us the tree top area and I wish I remembered to get his name because he was very nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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
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
Restaurantji Recommends
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
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