Wanna sneak preview of Clifton’s reopening? You can this weekend (if you’re lucky)

Topline:

The famed Clifton’s location (now Clifton’s Republic) is slated to reopen gradually over the next month, starting with a sneak peek of the famed tiki bar, aka Pacific Seas bar, this weekend.

How to get in: To score one of the very limited reservations, you’ll need to sign up for the mailing list via their website . If you’re too late, note that reservations for next weekend, Aug. 23 and 24, will be opening next week. You’ll get alerted via email when they’re live to book. First come, first served.

Backstory: Clifton’s opened in 1938 as a cafeteria space during the Depression on a bustling block on Broadway, offering an escapist adventure. Now rebranded as Clifton’s Republic, the six-story location is owned by Andrew Meieran, who hopes to restore it to its “fantastical wonderland” feeling of yesteryear.

Why it matters: Clifton’s space has gone through many iterations since Meieran bought the business in 2010. The cafeteria closed in 2018, followed by a closure in 2020 during the pandemic. It opened back up in 2022 before closing in 2023 due to flooding. Meieran hopes this most recent version of Clifton’s will usher in a new era to the downtown neighborhood, with promises to “bring back Broadway.”

What’s next: By 2025, the space promises to include a series of eight “lands,” with a food and drink menu throughout. It will also offer family-friendly programming, variety shows, and luau brunches.