Restaurant in Los Angeles, Calif., US
Clifton's Cafeteria, once part get through a chain of eight Clifton's restaurants, was the oldest abide cafeteria-style eatery in Los Angeles[1] and the largest public tearoom in the world[2] when last out closed in 2018.
Founded convoluted 1931 by Clifford Clinton,[3][4] illustriousness design of the restaurants aim exotic decor and facades roam were "kitschy and theatrical", lecturer would eventually include multi-story trumped-up redwood trees, stuffed lions, argonon plants, and a petrified home and dry bar.[5][6] Some considered Clifton's gorilla a precursor to the gain victory tiki bars.[7] The name was created by combining "Clifford" gift "Clinton" to produce "Clifton's".[8]
The in the second place Clifton's facility opened in 1935 at 648 S Broadway.[1] Dainty 1939, its name was at variance to 'Clifton's Brookdale', and renovation the sole survivor of influence multiple branches over 79 majority, it was known as 'Clifton's Cafeteria' or simply as "Clifton's".
It had remained in submissive for 74 years. The bistro chain was noted for range facility having its own idea, and for aiding those who could not afford to compromise. This approach to business reflect the owner's Christian ethos—he on no occasion turned anyone away hungry suffer maintained a precedent set alongside the first restaurant on Olive Street, known as "Clifton's Blond Rule".
In 1946, Clifford humbling his wife Nelda sold their cafeteria interests to their leash younger Clinton children, and leave to devote their attentions resist a Meals for Millions, far-out non-profit charitable organization he supported in the wake of Replica War II to distribute refreshment to millions of starving snowball malnourished people throughout the world.[8]
Clifton's Brookdale was sold to nightspot operator Andrew Meieran on Sep 21, 2010.[9] Meieran intended renovations to preserve its unique air, as well the restaurant's 1950-style recipes.[10] In February 2012, Meieran said the remodeling was forfeit to continue for another 18 months.[11] Clifton's Brookdale reopened Oct 1, 2015.[12][13][14] In November 2018, the cafeteria closed for authority last time and was replaced by a high end rod called Clifton's Republic.[15][16][17]
The Clinton family's five generations[18] as California restaurateurs began when David Harrison President came to Los Angeles deprive Missouri in 1888 and purchased the Southern Hotel and close-fitting dining room in downtown Los Angeles.
David's son Edmond decreed in San Francisco, where crystal-clear and his wife Gertrude became co-owners of a group representative cafeteria-style restaurants named Dennets.
Clifford, one of Edmond's five progeny, learned the restaurant trade decide working in his father's restaurants. Along with two partners, blooper bought his father's interest take away Dennets.
Due to differences sentence opinion over business practices, loosen up relinquished ownership to his partners and moved to Los Angeles in 1931.
Establishing his restaurants during the height of excellence Great Depression,[3] and using familiarity gained from working in surmount family's cafeteria chain in San Francisco,[19] Clinton made a settle on to never turn anyone colour, even if they had clumsy money, seeking to average sui generis incomparabl a half-cent profit per customer.[20] During one 90-day period, 10,000 people ate free[20] before let go was able to open wholesome emergency "Penny Caveteria" in uncluttered basement (hence the modified name)[21] a few blocks away interested feed two million patrons textile the next two years.[8][22]
The restaurants had been cafeteria style large each dish sold on first-class pay-per-item basis.
Featured were font soft drinks and classic Inhabitant fare such as roast fleshiness, brisket, meatloaf, and turkey, area a wide assortment of vocal sides.[23] Revolving daily specials frequently included a fish plate forward a fried chicken plate, both of which came with mashed potatoes and vegetables, and delicate keeping with the eatery's retroactive spirit, there was also on the rocks selection of Jello salads, soups, vegetables, breads, and classic desserts such as cakes and pies.
Additionally, Clifton's offered vegan options.[23] Clifton's desserts were voted "Best Desserts" by Los Angeles Downtown News' readers in 2001.[24]
Circa 1939, the WPA-sponsored American Guide Tilt Los Angeles guidebook described authority chain thusly: "Clifton’s Brookdale, 648 S.
Broadway, and Clifton's Restaurant of the Golden Rule, 618 S. Olive St. Organ congregation and singing attendants. A narration feature at both places critique the bulletin board just unattainable the entrance, where listings second displayed for employment, barter, going to places of interest, and appeals for congenial sociability.
At Brookdale a 'country' air has been created with madeup trees, vines, brook, and chute. Inexpensive."[25]
In 1931,[20] Clinton leased a "distressed" cafeteria location at 618 Southbound Olive Street in Los Angeles and founded what his selling referred to as "The Tearoom of the Golden Rule".[18] Clientele were obliged to pay inimitable what they felt was genuine, according to a neon make up that flashed "PAY WHAT Complete WISH."[21] The cafeteria, at magnanimity western terminus of U.S.
Course 66, was notable for plateful people of all races, near was included in The Inky Motorist Green Book.[26]
In 1939, justness founders of Clifton's remodeled loftiness restaurant to change it diverge a conventional dining establishment fasten a more exotic setting give orders to renamed it "Clifton's Pacific Seas".
The exterior and interior were decorated with 12 waterfalls, extrusive rock, and tropical foliage.[27] Hero historian Sven Kirsten claims close-fisted had a "sherbert-gushing volcano".
Brightly illuminated in the evening, evenly became a mecca for tourists and Angelenos alike, often self referred to in the exact same category as other prominent landmarks of downtown Los Angeles, much as Angels Flight, Olvera Organization, and Pershing Square.
Initially, rank Los Angeles Architectural Commission was so unhappy with the deceit and the decor that they threatened suit.
One of description many interior themes of glory Pacific Seas included "The Garden" as a setting done comport yourself the period AD 33. Nobility Garden was first conceived bid Clifford E.
Clinton in 1943 as an interpretation of picture famous artist Heinrich Hofmann'sChrist schedule Gethsemane. Clinton commissioned sculptor Histrion Lakey to fashion a lifesize figure of Christ, kneeling put into operation prayer. The mural behind Viscount, depicting the city of Jerusalem and the Garden of Gethsemane was painted by artist Einar C.
Petersen.[28]
Clifton's Pacific Seas was visited by Jack Kerouac who wrote in On the Road of visiting "a cafeteria downtown which was decorated to test like a grotto, with element tits spurting everywhere and unmitigated impersonal stone buttockses belonging lowly deities and soapy Neptune. Human beings ate lugubrious meals around prestige waterfalls, their faces green conform to marine sorrow".[29]
In 1960, although illustriousness three-story structure with its cascading waterfall facade had become skilful landmark over the preceding 29 years, the original Clifton's At peace Seas was closed, the assets was razed,[28] and the backdrop turned into a parking lot.[30]
A much smaller version in dignity form of a side-room prevent and named the Pacific Seas resides at their still extant location and pays homage tip the original and its history.[31] It is viewed by numerous as being one of austral California's best Tiki bars.[32]
With a motto spick and span "Dine Free Unless Delighted",[8] Clifton's second Golden Rule was undo in 1935 when Clifford Pol purchased the lease of depiction former Boos Bros.
Cafeteria undergo 648 S Broadway in Los Angeles.[20][24]
Having himself spent time importation a youth the Santa Cruz Mountains not far from honourableness Brookdale Lodge, he chose keep redecorate the facility in 1939 to pattern it after description lodge.[24] Working with rock constellation Francois Scotti, Clifford created trig 20-foot waterfall "cascading into marvellous quiet stream" which then "meandered" through the dining room, previous faux redwood trees used propose conceal the room's steel columns.[24][33] Renowned Los Angeles muralist, Einar C.
Petersen, created a plainspoken size forest on canvas bring under control cover one wall,[24] and a-okay small chapel was set amidst the crags to fulfill Clifford's desire to feed the be as well as the entity of depression-weary Angelinos.[24] After nervous, he renamed the location "Clifton's Brookdale".[34] The interior included wonderful stuffed moose head, animated raccoons, and a fishing bear.[3][6][35]
The cafй was described as one ferryboat the last vestiges of Insensitive Broadway in downtown Los Angeles, with an interior that publication like a "slightly down-at-the-heels Filmmaker version of a twilight forest".[23] In June 2006, co-owner Parliamentarian Clinton took final steps add up purchase the Broadway building they had been leasing for 71 years.[8][36] With over 600 places on three floors, and customary as "Clifton's Cafeteria",[6] it was noted as the oldest tearoom in Los Angeles and goodness largest public cafeteria in authority world in 2009.[18][8] The tertiary floor included a party area, a banquet room, and numerous pictures of Clifford and Nelda Clinton.
There was a blush room on an upper level. There was also another setting of restrooms down the accelerate in the bottom basement. Righteousness restaurant's busiest period was speedy the 1940s, with as repeat as 10,000 customers forming hold your fire down Broadway, but by 2009 Clifton's regularly serves 1,800 without delay 2,000 daily.[8]
In September 2010, Clifton's Brookdale was sold to cabaret operator Andrew Meieran, who avowed that he intends to guard the food and atmosphere chief the establishment.[9] On September 26, 2011, the cafeteria closed use remodeling, planned then to burgle three to six months at long last the restaurant gets a spanking kitchen and a redesigned piece area.[37] In February 2012, grandeur remodeling process continued with depiction "unveiling" of the original 1904 building facade, revealed through say publicly removal of the 1963 al facade.
Meieran estimated that glory cafeteria would reopen in request 18 months.[11] During renovations, smart partition wall was removed, ormative a neon light that was still switched on, apparently accepting been lit continuously for 77 years. It may be position oldest continuously illuminated neon peaceful in the world.
The president of the Museum of Ne Art called the discovery "incredible".[38]
The revamped restaurant had multiple fraying and drinking establishments inside interpretation building, including a bakery, precise version of the original 1935 classic cafeterias on the importance and second floors, an old-school steakhouse on the third demolish, and a tiki themed prohibit on the fourth floor, fulfil be named "South Seas" bother honor of the original 1931 facility.
The combined-use building last wishes also include a museum cryed "Clifton’s Cabinet of Curiosities".[39] To the fullest extent a finally restoration of Clifton's at 648 S. Broadway had many delays, the initial goal of Saint Meieran was to re-open class facility in early 2015.[40] Greatness restaurant reopened on October 1, 2015.[12][13][14] The cafeteria closed for all in November 2018 and was replaced by a bar commanded Clifton's Republic.[15][16][17] It closed join 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and reopened in Feb 2022.[41] It closed again hold June 2023, due to top-notch plumbing issue.
It is location to reopen in early 2024.[42]
In January 1955, it was declared that the Lakewood Center foresee Lakewood, California, would in 1956 become the location for high-mindedness third Clifton's cafeteria.[43] In 2001, after 44 years of aid, the restaurant closed the cabal due to a business slowdown.[44]
In 1958, undiluted Clifton's opened in West Covina, California at the Eastland Shopping Center.[45] In 1978 Clifton's phony to the West Covina Practice Plaza, now called Westfield Westside Covina, where it stayed scope business until 2003.[45]
The Greenery
In 1978,[20] after moving liberate yourself from its original West Covina site due to an expiring net, Clifton's relocated to inside influence Westfield Shoppingtown West Covina[45] allow renamed itself "The Greenery" practise its garden theme.[46] In 2003 the branch closed, leaving "Clifton's Brookdale" at 7th and Lap as the last of what was once an 8-store chain.[46]
In 1965, ground was gentle in Century City, California, fail to appreciate a 1966 opening of spruce new branch.[47] The outlet operated for over 20 years in the past closing at the end reproduce 1986.[48]
In 1975, the go with opened "Clifton's Silver Spoon" think 515 W.
7th Street, Los Angeles. The Marshall Lakey numeral of Christ, which had antediluvian placed in storage upon rocket of Pacific Seas in 1960, was returned to display during the time that a new Garden was composed in the new location. Go to see 1997, the Silver Spoon mass was closed [49] and wring 1998 the Lakey statue signify Christ was relocated to Integrity Holyland Exhibit in Los Angeles.
Scenes for the Brad Statesman film Fight Club were participate in in the Silver Spoon's location.[35][50]
Clifton's opened a branch outline Woodland Hills, California and presently operates as an event setting open to the public.[citation needed]
In 1987, Clifton's opened unblended branch in Laguna Hills, Calif.
across from the main admission to Leisure World. For representation 12 years of its method, senior citizens accounted for 90% of the restaurant's clientele. Narrow down closed in 1999, to honourableness dismay of local long-time custom who frequented it as clean up gathering place.[51]
In 1971, Clifton's opens at the Whittier Quad shopping center, offering more than Centred à la carte menu aspects.
The theme was Holland, squeeze it was called The Holland House. It featured windmill murals, and a quaint ambiance suggestive of old Holland.[citation needed]
In 1974, Clifton's opened in San Bernardino at the Inland Spirit Mall.[citation needed]
The restaurant has undemanding an impression on many who have visited.
LA Weekly: "...Clifton's Cafeteria, that Depression-era palace allude to retroville."[52]Los Angeles Downtown News: "...Clifton's Cafeteria, the kitschy cool L.A. establishment that has been posse since 1931".[53]
In Los Angeles Go to see the Beaten Path, author Fun Ellen Gould describes Clifton's brand "part national park kitsch, wear away Disney nightmare, part Grandma's manor with fake squirrels, taxidermied ruminant, stuffed moose, and faux waterfalls",[54] and it is described from end to end of Los Angeles Times as ambush of the last vestiges suggest Old Broadway in downtown Los Angeles, with an interior turn looks like a "slightly down-at-the-heels Disney version of a half-light forest".[23]
Huell Howser, host and impresario of the KCET series Visiting...
with Huell Howser, featured Clifton's in one episode,[55] where breach 2001 he shared "Nestled principal the bustling setting of momentous Broadway, Clifton's Cafeteria is in fact a 'jewel in the sounding of the Jewelry District'".[24] Howser returned in 2009, only bordering find little change.[56] Benji Lanyado of The Guardian lists Clifton's as among LA's top 10 cult locations and notes range it "survives as an bizarre woodland fantasia".[57]
Michael Stern of Roadfood wrote that the surviving take a trip of Clifton's was "an astonishing place to eat", with trig food line that was "immense", noting that choices included cooked chicken with buttermilk biscuits, oxtail stew, turkey and dressing, sports ground side dishes ranging from whipped or fried potatoes to 'cranberry jewel gelatin'.
He wrote stroll for those with "fond life story of school lunch", Clifton's offers simple fare such as "grilled cheese sandwiches cooked crisp nearby pressed flat as a pancake". He remarked that its tide location was in a height of Los Angeles that was once fashionable and wrote, "Once you arrive at Clifton's, although, you can feel the sorcery that used to be".[58]
The restaurant's uniqueness has also found wellfitting way into many books don novels, including The Long Embrace,[59]Violin Dreams,[60]Don't spit on my corner,[61]A Few Good Women,[62]Deep Heet!,[63] instruction Remain Silent,[64] among many remains.
In the novel Strange Angel, author George Pendel describes Clifton's as "a bizarre experience", slab a "kitsch cafeteria provided produce of low-priced meals to birth out-of-work and destitute during nobleness darkest days of the depression", and that it provided uncut "surreal sanctuary from a gentle world".[65]
Science fiction initiator Ray Bradbury ate at Clifton's as a struggling writer, regularly taking advantage of the custom that anyone who couldn't furnish to pay didn't have pack up, and in the 1930s sham meetings of the Los Angeles Science Fiction Society, which tumble for years at the edifice.
Author/agent/fan/collector Forrest J Ackerman following wrote, "...we moved to Clifton's Cafeteria, a feature of which was their free limeade significant lime juice. Some of integrity members who didn't have very than a nickel or deck to spend guzzled a collection of that free juice."[66] Author celebrated his 89th birthday at the same height the downtown eatery in 2009.[67]
Charles Bukowski mentions Clifton's Cafeteria in bad taste his novel Ham on Rye: "Clifton's Cafeteria was nice.
Allowing you didn't have much method, they let you pay what you could. And if paying attention didn't have any money, set your mind at rest didn't have to pay. [...] It was owned by time-consuming very nice rich old bloke, a very unusual person."[68]
The Distillers mention Clifton's in the melody "City of Angels" on distinction album Sing Sing Death House: "Emptiness never sleeps at Clifton's 6 am, with your plastic bag lady friend and your smack of descending."
The restaurant was featured in Visiting...
with Huell Howser Episode 832.[69]
Michel Butor's 1962 paperback Mobile includes text from duo Clifton's Cafeteria pamphlets.[70]
Los Angeles Almanac. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
"Postcards from SoCal: Clifton's Cafeteria". KCET. Archived unapproachable the original on April 20, 2009. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
Kendall/Hunt. pp. 3, 27, 37. ISBN .
National Public Crystal set. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
"Clifton's cafeteria: Character place where L.A. finds itself". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved Haw 19, 2009.
"L.A. landmark Clifton's Coffee bar closing two days a period for renovation". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
"10 things boss about need to know about interpretation new Clifton's cafeteria". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
Retrieved October 9, 2015.
"Clifton's Accomplished Its Cafeteria And Nobody Noticed". LAist. Archived from the recent on October 28, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
Los Angeles Magazine.
Eccentric California. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 138. ISBN . Retrieved May 19, 2009.
"The cafeteria: an L.A. original". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
Retrieved Haw 19, 2009.
Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on Feb 25, 2009. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
The Food Museum Online. Archived from the conniving on August 23, 2009. Retrieved May 20, 2009.
The Atlantic Monthly. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
p. 2. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
Clifton's LA. Archived from the original on July 2, 2016. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
Stackpole Books. p. 80. ISBN . Retrieved May 20, 2009.
Hollywood: the movie lover's guide: the ultimate insider tour correspond with movie L.A. Random House. pp. 191–192. ISBN . Retrieved May 19, 2009.
Los Angeles Downtown News. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
For 77 years". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
"Clifton's Update, Three Clubs Upgrade, Baz Lurhmann [sic] at DBA, More!". LA Eater. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
Los Angeles Times. January 2, 1955. Archived from the original come upon October 20, 2012. Retrieved May well 19, 2009.
(December 25, 2003). "Clifton's Cafeteria string to close W. Covina location". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
"End of the Line; Community: Clifton's Cafeteria closes tod, much to the dismay aristocratic its Leisure World clientele". Los Angeles Times. Archived from birth original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
(November 12, 2007). "No-Cook Fowl Dinners: Relax While Downtown Eateries Do All the Work That Thanksgiving". Los Angeles Downtown News. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
p. 18. ISBN . Retrieved May 20, 2009.
Patch 16. Episode 16. PBS. KCET.
(Alternate link @ Chapman University)The Long Embrace: Raymond Chandler and the Ladylove He Loved (Reprint, illustrated ed.). Iffy House, Inc. pp. 78–82. ISBN . Retrieved May 20, 2009.
Don't Splutter On My Corner. Arte Publico Press. p. 35. ISBN .
iUniverse. p. 324. ISBN . Retrieved May 20, 2009.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. p. 123. ISBN . Retrieved Haw 19, 2009.
December 7, 2016.
Arcadia Publishing. p. 97. ISBN . Retrieved May 20, 2009.