Returning to Clifton’s Cafeteria

When I first started exploring Downtown LA my go to spot was Clifton’s Cafeteria. Centrally located on Broadway it was the perfect spot to grab a quick snack and rest a bit. I wasn’t a huge fan of the menu but the ambiance and history kept me returning. When Clifton’s closed for remodeling I was excited to see what it would become. Would the history be preserved? Would the ambiance remain? During it’s four years of closure I became increasingly curious.

Last Saturday I finally had my answer when I returned to Clifton’s. Extremely popular since its reopening Shannon and I had to wait in a line just get in. Luckily, it moved quickly and before we knew it we were inside.

It. Was. Fantastic. The inside is the traditional Redwood theme lovingly updated. It was crowded but not overwhelmingly so and we were able to quickly make our way through the cafeteria line.

It was fun to see a blend of old and new dishes available. I decided to try the best of both and had macaroni salad, cucumber salad, a roasted chicken sandwich with a side of fresh veggies and ambrosia. Most of the dishes were delicious. The macaroni salad was unbelievably good as were the veggies and the sandwich. The cucumber salad seemed to be missing dressing and the ambrosia had an unexpected blast of rosemary but overall I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Shannon went for the turkey dinner and I had to sneak a taste. Mm MM. I think I’ll go for that next time.

After our meal we decided to explore. The restaurant has four floors and is decorated from head to toe. We had a lot of fun checking out all the details.

The place is truly a wonderland and I can’t wait to explore it again and again. Whenever I’m downtown I know just where I’m going to stop. Clifton’s, I’m so glad you’re back.