Clifton’s has reopened under new management and we’re having a party to celebrate! Join us for a Clifton’s history presentation by historian Nathan Marsak, cocktails, music and mingling in the private Speakeasy bar at the historic 1931 cafeteria. The secret password will be revealed once you purchase a ticket!
In his day, Clifford Clinton was well-known in Los Angeles for his humanism and crusading against corruption in the city. When he wasn’t uncovering LAPD spy rings or running for mayor, he was feeding people at his “affordable to all” cafeterias with exotic themes, where notions that didn’t track with his principles such as racial segregation weren’t tolerated. So firm were his beliefs in democracy and humanity, he persevered against pipe bombs and attacks on his business.
Clinton absolutely did not maintain a speakeasy in the basement, but in the 2015 renovation of the storied cafeteria, a previous owner imagined a speakeasy and decorated it with all manner of curious antiquities. We will revel in this space all evening! Cocktails and food will be available for purchase.
Historian Nathan Marsak. From VoyageLA
Nathan Marsak studied under the eminent historian of Los Angeles, Reyner Banham, at University of California, Santa Cruz, and completed his graduate work with noted Sullivan/Wright scholar Narciso Menocal at University of Wisconsin, Madison. He worked on the curatorial staff of Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art and served as historian for the LAPD Museum archives. Bunker Hill Los Angeles is his second book; his first was Los Angeles Neon (2002). His most recent book is Los Angeles Before the Freeways (2025).
Check-in will begin at 6:30 PM. The building will not be open earlier, so please do not expect to be admitted prior to 6:30 PM.
Guests are welcome to wander into the other bars in the building, including Pacific Seas.
TICKETS:
$25 Members of ADSLA (available on 9/29/2026. Members should check email for a code to use to purchase tickets)
Tickets include cover and lecture.
If we don’t sell out to members, non-member tickets may be available.
SCHEDULE:
6:30 PM Doors open. Bar open.
7:00 PM Clifton’s history talk with Nathan Marsak.
8:00 PM Jazz Age recorded music, mingling. Food and drink for sale. Explore Clifton’s.
PARKING:
This establishment does not have an attached parking lot. Parking is available in the area for $20 and up. Read the posted signs carefully.