Historic downtown restaurant Clifton's reopens

Clifton's in downtown Los Angeles has quietly resumed regular operations from Thursday through Sunday after enduring years of pandemic closures and operational pauses. New operators Neil Biondich and Alex McCullough are currently ramping up live events to activate the myriad themed rooms and banquet spaces inside the historic building, marking a fresh chapter for the legendary downtown destination.

The landmark institution, which originally opened in 1935 as a Depression era forest themed lodge, recently hosted a theatrical Halloween wedding event in its second story ballroom. Costumed performers interacted closely with guests while staging gothic musical numbers, wandering the tiki bar, and gathering stories from attendees inside the vintage rooms.

Biondich and McCullough plan to expand upon these theatrical concepts to transform the sprawling multi story venue into an immersive, Meow Wolf inspired megaspace that blends interactive theater with hospitality and food service. Future programming includes running a continuous roleplaying game reminiscent of popular tabletop adventures throughout the historic downtown property.

The operators are utilizing the current Thursday through Sunday operating schedule to test new entertainment concepts and build community interest before expanding public hours further. Visitors can check the venue schedule for upcoming ticketed immersive events, themed parties, and theatrical dining experiences open to the public.

Tickets and reservations for upcoming immersive productions can be found through the venue booking channels as operators finalize their permanent schedule changes and art installations for the coming months, welcoming the public back inside the historic downtown building.