Los Angeles' Legendary Clifton's Will Not Reopen

Proprietor cites safety concerns and operational challenges in the surrounding neighborhood as reasons for abandoning revival efforts.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:22pm

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The proprietor of Los Angeles' iconic Clifton's Cafeteria has confirmed they are abandoning plans to reopen the shuttered downtown restaurant, citing persistent issues of crime, graffiti, and deteriorating conditions in the surrounding Historic Core district that have made sustainable operations unfeasible.

Why it matters

Clifton's had been celebrated as a cultural landmark and catalyst for investment in the Broadway corridor, so its closure marks a significant setback for downtown Los Angeles' economic and community recovery narrative.

The details

After closing in 2011, the four-story Clifton's building was renovated and reopened by owner Andrew 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.

  • Clifton's first opened in 1935.
  • Clifton's closed in 2011.
  • Clifton's was renovated and reopened by Meieran in 2015.

The players

Andrew Meieran

The proprietor who has operated the iconic Clifton's Cafeteria since its 2015 revival.

Clifton's Cafeteria

A legendary four-story restaurant in downtown Los Angeles that first opened in 1935 and became a cultural landmark known for its redwood decor, artificial waterfalls, and Depression-era charm.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Andrew Meieran, Proprietor

“I still believe in downtown Los Angeles. 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.”

— Andrew Meieran, Proprietor

What’s next

The building remains vacant, with no immediate plans for alternative use announced by the ownership group.

The takeaway

The closure of the iconic Clifton's Cafeteria highlights the ongoing challenges facing downtown Los Angeles' recovery, as persistent public safety and quality-of-life issues undermine efforts to revitalize the Historic Core district and attract visitors and businesses.