Clifton's Cafeteria to get new, hip owner; Target may open store in downtown L.A.

Clifton's Cafeteria, the downtown L.A. institution, is getting a new owner. Andrew Meieran, who owns the hip The Edison bar, is purchasing the landmark. Blogdowntown says cafeteria fare will continue to be served but that the upper floors will house a tiki room bar.

"We are exciting about the prospect of being involved in the revitalization of Broadway and the one of the nation's most historic eating establishments," Meieran told Blogdowntown. "We hope to continue Clifton's incredible legacy as the cultural, social and architectural landmark in Los Angeles."

Target coming to downtown? The Los Angeles Downtown Newsis reporting that Target might soon announce plans to open a store in the 7th + Fig shopping center. The paper quotes tenants of the mall as saying that major renovations are on the way.

New Hollywood tower? Meanwhile, Curbed LA has some Hollywood development news involving the historic KTLA property. "Hudson Pacific Properties wants to remake portions of the historic block-long KTLA Studio property along Sunset Boulevard, one of the oldest studio lots in the city," Curbed LA reports. "What the developer is proposing: A 13-story Gensler-designed office tower, a five-story production office building, and seven-story parking structure."

-- Shelby Grad

Photo: Clifton's Cafeteria in downtown L.A. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Comments

[save the deserts!]

No doubt the hipsters will continue Clifton's fine tradition of feeding hungry people regardless of their ability to pay?

[A.]

That's really sad. I won't go into ALL the reasons I think this is a bad idea, but I'll just say this: I love Clifton's because it's a comfy, well-worn place with an amazing, transporting atmosphere, regular folks and families just there to eat/chat with friends or read the paper. I certainly don't look forward to being sneered at by some "urban pioneer" (no one was downtown before YOU moved here?!) as I eat my bacon n' eggs. Hopefully, that won't happen.
As a somewhat unrelated side note, I think L.A. does need more tiki bars/polynesian restaurants (like Kelbo's), just not on the third floor of Clifton's.

[Robert Leslie Dean]

What is 'hip'anymore?

[blackone]

I hate to see Clifton's change.

[Rosee]

The sale of Clifton's makes me very sad...another icon gone. I guarantee that this new owner will put his "spin" on this institution and ruin the whole ambience! Please a tiki bar...that's one thing that Clifton's doesn't need...this kind of "vision" is and prime example of these "hip" entrepreneurs...where's the continuation of a legacy? And honestly....how many bars does one area of the city have to have???????

Target...FANTASTIC! I just hope it's true and fast! We really need a Target down here and that location is perfect.

[William Bergmann]

In 10 years Hollywood will be one of the top tourist attractions in the country, quite a change from 10 years ago!

[michelle]

That Sucks My Mother that is 37 years old use to go there when she was small and she use to take now i want to take my children one day.
they shouldnt take it dwn !!!

[ismael]

This is just plain awful news. While places like the Varnish and some of the other local bars that have popped up in downtown are good in all, Cliftons should not under any circumstances be touched.

When my dad came here as an immigrant he and my mom would go there on dates when they first met. The place has always had its own distinct feel, and while another bar in downtown LA wont be bad, it doesnt need to be at the clifton.

This is just plain awful news.

[Christine Craft]

when I was a little girl growing up in Pasadena and San Marino...the biggest kick my dad and I used to go to CLIFTON'S CAFETERIA>..i'VE REMEMBERED it fondly all these years...yummy and fun!

[Reality Chick]

Another Los Angeles institution ruined by the hipster plague. Tiki bar on the upper floors of Clifton's? The world really is coming to an end.

[Vanessa]

Will this be the end of the non descript mac and cheese and the baked turkey legs???? I live for that stuff...please don't change that!!!

[Phillip]

I don't want hip! I don't want rad! I want it the way it is! It will be all politically correct squatgirls and bierkenstocky boys. And the macaroni and cheese will be made with whole wheat carbfree pasta and soy cheese.