Clifton's Republic
4.3(1.5K)google
3.2(2.2K)yelp
Historic BuildingLocal LifeQuirky
Overview
Located in the historic theater district of downtown Los Angeles, Clifton's Republic is a legendary multi-story vintage dining and nightlife establishment dating back to 1935. Originally opened as Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria, this imaginative venue was painstakingly restored into a surreal forest-themed wonderland. Its interior features a massive, faux redwood tree growing through the center of the building, lifelike taxidermy dioramas, secret hidden bars, and art deco ballrooms, offering a whimsical, theatrical nightlife environment celebrating old Hollywood escapism.
Practical Info
Best TimeThe best time to experience this venue is on a Friday or Saturday night after 8:00 PM during the fall or winter months. This is when the multi-level fantasy-themed bar fully comes alive with live jazz bands, swing dancing, and its centerpiece 40-foot faux redwood tree glowing under dramatic retro nightlife lighting.
Getting ThereLocated in the heart of Downtown LA. Taking public transit is highly recommended: take the Metro B Line (Red) or D Line (Purple) to Pershing Square Station, exit via 4th St, and walk about 3 minutes to Broadway. Avoid driving, as nearby parking garages are expensive and spaces are tight.
Travel Tips
- CRITICAL OPERATIONS UPDATE: This historic Downtown multi-story nightlife venue has transitioned strictly into a high-security club format, closing Sunday through Wednesday and operating Thursday-Saturday nights (usually post 8pm); an expensive cover charge applies ($20-$40), and outside drinks are banned.
- DRESS CODE WARNING: A strict, upscale dress code is enforced at the door; gentlemen are barred from wearing shorts, tank tops, athletic slides, flip-flops, baseball caps, or baggy sweatpants. Bouncers screen attire meticulously—violators are denied entry with zero ticket refunds.
- The surrounding Broadway block features highly volatile security after dark with prevalent crime; never use unmonitored open-air street lots. The safest parking countermeasure is utilizing the subterranean Pershing Square garage, which features active security patrols, then walking briskly in a group.
Reviews
Positive
- The moment you step inside, the multi-story fake giant redwood tree and lifelike wildlife taxidermy stun you; the visual punch is completely unrivaled.
- Free entry to explore this magical historic building with no tickets required; it integrates fantastical themed bars, treehouses, and vintage dining spaces.
- Set in the heart of Downtown LA, it is just a two-minute walk from the Pershing Square metro station, offering flawless public transit convenience.
- The mixologists and costumed staff are incredibly warm; within the dim, mysterious forest lighting, order management and security feel solid.
Heads up
- The specialty cocktails and artisanal bites carry extortionate price tags with heavy premium markups, making secondary spending low in value.
- Having become a prime nightlife hub, weekend late-night lines outside regularly stretch blocks, resulting in brutal, exhausting wait times.
- The physical layout feels like a dark, confusing labyrinth; full English floor signs make navigating tough, and accessible ramps are heavily lacking.
- Located in the older Broadway district with average security, loiterers and bad odors pack the exterior, raising safety concerns when leaving late on foot.