Los Angeles, California: Clifton's Republic: Fake Forest
Faux-nature decor was envisioned in the 1930s, with a waterfall and stuffed wildlife. Discovered behind a wall: "World's Oldest Continuously Active Neon." Closed 2021, reopened 2024.
- Address:
- 648 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
- Directions:
- Downtown, on the east side of Broadway, just north of its intersection with 7th St.
- Hours:
- F-Sa 5pm-2am (Call to verify)
- Phone:
- 213-613-0000
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Located at the original Route 66 terminus, this six-story wonderland has been a landmark since the 1930s. It was originally a cafeteria that allowed patrons to eat for free and had a river of limeade through it. It was a regular haunt of Walt Disney, Ray Bradbury, and others, and it's filled with museum-like California artifacts such as a 40-foot-high fake Redwood tree, fossilized dinosaur eggs, and a 1935 mahogany boat "shipwrecked" at the tiki bar.
[Kelsey, 10/24/2024]We were making plans to eat at the cafeteria, however, it has closed and been replaced with Clifton's Republic. This seems to be an area with lots of different shops. It's sad that the cafeteria is no longer there.
[Cherry S, 08/09/2021]
From the outside Clifton's looks rather average and unexciting, but be prepared to be wowed by the indoor forest and waterfalls. There are several sections to see, so wander around and make sure you make your way to the cavernous back room, where an enormous fake Sequoia tree dominates the multi-floored bar and lounge. Quirky, delightful, and fun. The food is really tasty, and what a fun place to take a date!
[Deb Miller Marschke, 03/03/2018]
This 1930s cafeteria is beautifully restored, but with hints of well-worn charm intact. Do visit the third floor, closed to guests for many years -- it looks like it belongs in a stately mansion.
While Clifton's is definitely still a cafeteria, the menu has been updated to reflect modern tastes. You can still get Thanksgiving dinner, carrot salad, and Jell-O, but you'll also find pizza, micro greens, vegetarian/vegan options, and a Coke Freestyle machine (There are a couple of bars with limited craft-cocktail menus, but you can buy the souvenir mugs separately). A tiki bar (coming soon, with decor from the shuttered Bahooka) will nod to the former Clifton's Pacific Seas cafeteria a few blocks away.
Good things are worth waiting for -- and that includes the reopening of Clifton's!
[C.C. de Vere, 07/21/2016]
Clifton's "Fake Forest Cafeteria" has the oldest continuously active neon light in the world. It's by the bathrooms, all the way down the stairs, tucked behind a pillar. The light is on and has some detailed history. An excellent surprise to discover.
[Smith Bros., 01/17/2016]Page of 2 [Next 5 items]
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According to its accompanying sign, this neon light was turned on in the 1930s, then covered behind a wall in 1949. When the wall was taken out during a 2012 renovation, the neon was rediscovered -- still lit.