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Clifton's Cafeteria   

648 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
213-627-1673
www.cliftonscafeteria.com

Rating: 4 out of 5  (21 Ratings)   Read Reviews (21)    Rate and Write a Review
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If the Bigfoot Lodge has been described as Smokey the Bear's bachelor pad, then Clifton's could be summed up as his summer camp cafeteria. Packed with Wild West paintings, fake animals, structural columns disguised as trees and a waterfall, Clifton's is a favorite among Angelenos (and Huell Howser) simply for its decor -- but it's also got killer comfort food. Mac and cheese, sandwiches, steaks, salads and delicious desserts round out the menu, and unlike the Pantry, the food is actually tasty and cheap: a family of four can have dinner for $30, and there's kids specials as well. Other specials include the Senior Club (10 percent off) and for birthdays, Clifton's will give you a free cake if you give them three days notice and bring a group of four or more. Started during the Depression, the restaurant still maintains its policy of never turning those away who can't afford a meal. The "largest public cafeteria in the world," Clifton's is a cherished LA landmark.

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21 Ratings and Reviews

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Review rating 5 out of 5
childhood memories
By CatloweC on 08/31/2009
I am assuming that this is the same cafeteria that my grandmother used to take me to when we would go downtown to shop and visit my grandfather at his work. Clifton's was a dream world, with little "streams" of water on each side of the along the wall. You walked by these "water ways" as you waited in line to get your food. There was always relaxing music and the water sounds added to the ambiance. There were two floors, with the staircases intersecting in an X, with a landing where a musician played an organ, I think. Seems that there was a bird in a cage there, also. This was over 55 years ago, so I am glad to see that the cafeteria is still there, even if the theme has changed.
cliftonscafe
Review rating 5 out of 5
KCAL 9 On The Town
By cliftonscafe on 03/13/2006
I saw Clifton's of KCAL's 9 best places to eat lunch and had to try it. It was great. I have lived in L.A. for years and never been there. The food was so retro, jello, macaroni and swiss steak. However it tasted great and was cheap. The decor is unreal. You feel like you are eating in Yosemite. This place has been around for years and has a history of helping the needy. Check out the museum on the 3rd floor.
rhclinton
Review rating 4 out of 5
A Lunchtime Regular
By rhclinton on 03/13/2006
I've been eating lunch at Clifton's 2 or 3 times a week for years. The food is consistently good and the prices are a bargain. This place is Real L.A. not some frabricated City Walk.
zonn242
Review rating 1 out of 5
Very Bad
By zonn242 on 02/26/2006
This place was a little disgusting. It felt like I was eating at a rescue mission and the food was something I wouldn't wish on anybody. I will never go back.
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