Comments on: L.A.’s Uncanniest Eatery

By: Scott Mercer

Scott Mercer — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:46:23 +0000

Forgot to mention…

Having lived downtown and eaten at Clifton’s once or twice a week for four years, I am quite familiar with the homeless dude you reference. I referred to him as “Gabby Hayes’ grandfather,” and I would constantly see him in that spot doing his “dancing” and “singing.” It actually looked more like he was suffering from the D.T.s than dancing.

He actually collected some cash from people, I suppose out of pity.

By: Scott Mercer

Scott Mercer — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:40:51 +0000

Hey, good news! Clifton’s was recently sold by the original owners, the Clinton family (the place was founded by CLIFford clinTON), and was the last location left from a once proud chain of, I believe six locations. However, the new owner, local hipster bar owner who owns/runs The Edison, a well regarded hipster bar renovated from the basement of a 100 year old building a few blocks away, announced that he will keep the Cafeteria running, update but not remodel both the interior and the exterior, and add a lounge and a commercial bakery to the building, as well as restoring the exterior to its original 1930′s appearance. YAY! Fingers crossed that this place has some good years still ahead of it. I’ll be there for the 100th Anniversary in 21 years.

By: Tony

Tony — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:27:51 +0000

I was there last week. It is a unique part of a long gone past that I hope will remain for awhile. Our society does not dream enough. Clifford kept his dream alive long after his passing.

By: SM

SM — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:55:36 +0000

Hmm. I’m not working Wednesday. I think I’ll go to Clifton’s! I’m already excited!! Now I can’t complain that I have nothing to do this weekend.

By: Jared Probst

Jared Probst — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:03:44 +0000

Best post i’ve read in a while! Very interesting subject. It kind of reminds me of Harry’s Hofbrau in Redwood City, but much more over the top!

By: ArtF

ArtF — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:24:27 +0000

YES! Clifton’s is great! I remember going there when I was a wee lad. I still get out there whenever I’m in the area. A few years ago, I introduced my daughter to the fine Clifton’s dining experience. She was awed to say the least.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 07:48:39 +0000

This is awesome. As a huge fan of the Beats, and a past California resident (who desperately hopes to return someday soon), I can’t wait for my next trip out to the West Coast so that I can check Clifton’s out!

By: Lebetho

Lebetho — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:25:19 +0000

This is great! I’m a life-long California girl, but I’ve never heard about this place. Now I will have to check it out. Thanks.

By: Rosalie

Rosalie — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:43:51 +0000

Loved the post and the new look AND the latest issue!

By: Ransom

Ransom — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:40:08 +0000

Hey Ingrid –

East Coast sabbatical, huh? I think that sounds like a great idea … Mango? Will? (Bueller?)

Maybe we’ll do a photo challenge where people send in pictures of their favorite haunts and hangouts … the quirkier the better … for instance, I’d love to get some pix/stories from the Rimsky-Korsakoffee house in Portland, OR.

And Zoinks — great news, glad to hear Clifton’s is here to stay.