Los Angeles’ Legendary Clifton’s Will Not Reopen

The proprietor of Los Angeles’ legendary Clifton’s has confirmed they are abandoning efforts to reopen the shuttered downtown restaurant, citing persistent safety concerns and operational challenges in the area.

Andrew Meieran, who has operated the iconic Clifton’s Cafeteria since its 2015 revival, told local news outlets that despite years of investment and community support, the ongoing issues of crime, graffiti, and deteriorating conditions in the surrounding neighborhood have made revival unfeasible.

“We’ve lost our way,” Meieran said in a recent interview. “The vision for Clifton’s was never just about restoring a building — it was about revitalizing a part of downtown Los Angeles that felt worth saving. But when the environment around it becomes unsafe and unwelcoming, no amount of passion or investment can overcome that.”

The four-story Clifton’s building, located at 618 S. Broadway in the Historic Core district, first opened in 1935 and became a cultural landmark known for its redwood decor, artificial waterfalls, and Depression-era charm. After closing in 2011, it was renovated and reopened by Meieran in 2015 as a symbol of downtown’s resurgence.

However, in recent years, the area has seen increased reports of vandalism, open drug use, and property crime, contributing to a perception of decline despite city-led revitalization efforts. Meieran said these conditions have directly impacted customer safety and staff morale, making sustainable operations impossible.

City officials have acknowledged challenges in the Historic Core, including efforts to address homelessness and public safety through increased patrols and outreach programs. Still, business owners like Meieran argue that progress has been too slow and inconsistent to restore confidence among visitors, and employees.

The decision not to reopen Clifton’s marks a significant setback for downtown Los Angeles’ cultural and economic recovery narrative. The restaurant had been celebrated not only for its unique architecture and nostalgic appeal but also as a catalyst for further investment in the Broadway corridor.

As of now, the building remains vacant, with no immediate plans for alternative use announced by the ownership group. Meieran emphasized that while he remains committed to the city, the current climate has forced a painful reassessment of what is possible.

“I still believe in downtown Los Angeles,” he said. “But belief has to meet reality. And right now, the reality is that we’re asking people to come to a place that doesn’t feel safe — and that’s not a foundation anyone can build on.”