Tiki aficionados unite! Clifton’s Pacific Seas lives again!
Island Destination: 5th Floor, Clifton’s Cafeteria. Downtown Los Angeles, 7th and Broadway.
Island Destination: 5th Floor, Clifton’s Cafeteria. Downtown Los Angeles, 7th and Broadway.
The new Clifton's Pacific Seas. (photo courtesy of Thrillist)
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Pacific Seas pre-opening event to get a sneak peek into all the talk of L.A.’s newest tiki bar. The tiki bar lies on the 5th floor, but entering into the bar required a bit of sleuthing!
What 100 year old 5-story historic building doesn’t have secret passageways? We were led up, up & away through a corridor to a mysterious mirrored wall. Where was the entrance we wondered? Pushing open the mirrored wall led us to another climb up a dimly lit stairwell, and finally, there it emerged: the new owner Andrew Meirian’s love letter to the lost Clifton’s Pacific Seas.
The entire top floor is an extravaganza of meticulously crafted artifacts (some gathered from the legendary Bahooka bar in Rosemead, CA), hand painted South Pacific island themed murals, one of a kind crafted bamboo seating areas and performance stage, scents of coconut, and a soundtrack of rain playing softly in the background were just some of the sights and sounds of the evening.
Was I still smack dab in the center of L.A.? No, not in that moment, for it felt as if we sailed away into another land distant from the hubbub of the city, and for those few hours we dined and drank and took in all the island delights.
What 100 year old 5-story historic building doesn’t have secret passageways? We were led up, up & away through a corridor to a mysterious mirrored wall. Where was the entrance we wondered? Pushing open the mirrored wall led us to another climb up a dimly lit stairwell, and finally, there it emerged: the new owner Andrew Meirian’s love letter to the lost Clifton’s Pacific Seas.
The entire top floor is an extravaganza of meticulously crafted artifacts (some gathered from the legendary Bahooka bar in Rosemead, CA), hand painted South Pacific island themed murals, one of a kind crafted bamboo seating areas and performance stage, scents of coconut, and a soundtrack of rain playing softly in the background were just some of the sights and sounds of the evening.
Was I still smack dab in the center of L.A.? No, not in that moment, for it felt as if we sailed away into another land distant from the hubbub of the city, and for those few hours we dined and drank and took in all the island delights.
In the "Map Room" with mid century ambassador extraordinaire Charles Phoenix.
Time travel with me:
Now that you know about the “new” tiki bar version of the Pacific Seas, I feel compelled to take you way back in time to its fanciful origins. After all, this is where my mother Vilma spent her youth working and playing beneath the palm trees, waterfalls and gardens that were once here in old vintage Los Angeles.
Now that you know about the “new” tiki bar version of the Pacific Seas, I feel compelled to take you way back in time to its fanciful origins. After all, this is where my mother Vilma spent her youth working and playing beneath the palm trees, waterfalls and gardens that were once here in old vintage Los Angeles.
Where girls with blossoms in their hair offer you tempting foods to eat and souvenir photos too!
The Origins: much more than a bar!
In the 1930’s, the visionary Mr. Clifford Clinton originally started out with TWO founding cafeterias in downtown Los Angeles.
In the 1930’s, the visionary Mr. Clifford Clinton originally started out with TWO founding cafeterias in downtown Los Angeles.
- Clifton’s Brookdale, a Redwood Lodge theme on 7th and Broadway. So named after the real Brookdale Lodge nestled in the redwood forests of Northern California.
- Clifton’s Pacific Seas, a South Pacific island theme on 6th and Olive. (torn down around 1960 for a parking lot)
Your souvenir photo keepsake book, for $1.50
Decades before Disneyland existed, Mr. Clinton came up with the fantastical idea to create a distinctive dining experience, including so much more that you would undoubtedly never forget. In fact, many patrons from days gone by never have. Thousands of people who are still alive today have memories etched into their minds of the vivid, childlike wonderment that Mr. Clinton created in his fantasy themed dining rooms. But Clifton’s represented so much more than a ‘dining experience” as we will soon see.
Who was Clifford Clinton?
To understand the ‘why’ of Clifton’s Cafeteria, we have to understand the ‘who’ of Clifford Clinton. You see, Mr. Clinton was a Christian missionary who had traveled extensively throughout the world in service to the poor. Out of all of his travels, two remarkable places transfixed his thoughts: The redwood forests in Northern California and the islands of the South Pacific.
Who was Clifford Clinton?
To understand the ‘why’ of Clifton’s Cafeteria, we have to understand the ‘who’ of Clifford Clinton. You see, Mr. Clinton was a Christian missionary who had traveled extensively throughout the world in service to the poor. Out of all of his travels, two remarkable places transfixed his thoughts: The redwood forests in Northern California and the islands of the South Pacific.
Clifford Clinton
The Spiritual nature of Clifton's:
The majestic splendor of these areas of the world were not only physical, but spiritual too. Being God’s creation, he regarded them as natural Cathedrals built by the Master’s hand. Yet for all of its beauty, they are mere glimpses of heaven on earth.
In the midst of the Depression Era Clinton envisioned creating an atmosphere that could bring this glimpse of heaven to the masses. It would be a place which could be a respite for everyone, and he was determined by a will not of his own to incorporate his missionary spirit of charity. Indeed, everyone was welcome too! Rich, poor, homeless and the hopeless. There was signage “Pay What You Wish” emblazoned on the front entrance. If you could not afford to pay, well that was A-OK.
The majestic splendor of these areas of the world were not only physical, but spiritual too. Being God’s creation, he regarded them as natural Cathedrals built by the Master’s hand. Yet for all of its beauty, they are mere glimpses of heaven on earth.
In the midst of the Depression Era Clinton envisioned creating an atmosphere that could bring this glimpse of heaven to the masses. It would be a place which could be a respite for everyone, and he was determined by a will not of his own to incorporate his missionary spirit of charity. Indeed, everyone was welcome too! Rich, poor, homeless and the hopeless. There was signage “Pay What You Wish” emblazoned on the front entrance. If you could not afford to pay, well that was A-OK.
A poem sings about the island getaway from the city...in the city, the Pacific Seas
The tourist destination of all tourist destinations:
From its inception, Clifton’s Cafeteria’s became one of the most hotly visited tourist destinations in the world, at the height of its popularity it was serving up to 15,000 meals per day. It was said that if you came to Los Angeles and didn’t pay a visit to Clifton’s, it was on par with visiting Egypt and not seeing the Great Pyramids! It was THAT popular.
Sail away to the Pacific Seas as she stood so many moons ago:
Let's begin with the outside façade: Mr. Clinton took over an existing cafeteria on 6th and Olive and transformed the outside into an over the top paradise wonderland. The entire front wall was lavishly draped in tropical foliage, and the centerpiece? A REAL giant sized running waterfall right down the middle, for the time there was nothing like it in the world! As a Christian, perhaps it was his attempt at capturing the essence of the Garden of Eden.
From its inception, Clifton’s Cafeteria’s became one of the most hotly visited tourist destinations in the world, at the height of its popularity it was serving up to 15,000 meals per day. It was said that if you came to Los Angeles and didn’t pay a visit to Clifton’s, it was on par with visiting Egypt and not seeing the Great Pyramids! It was THAT popular.
Sail away to the Pacific Seas as she stood so many moons ago:
Let's begin with the outside façade: Mr. Clinton took over an existing cafeteria on 6th and Olive and transformed the outside into an over the top paradise wonderland. The entire front wall was lavishly draped in tropical foliage, and the centerpiece? A REAL giant sized running waterfall right down the middle, for the time there was nothing like it in the world! As a Christian, perhaps it was his attempt at capturing the essence of the Garden of Eden.
"Before"
"After"
Neon!
And the neon, oh yes, the glorious neon! During the earliest decades neon was used practically everywhere. Neon signage beckoned you into movie palaces that graced downtown's Broadway district, to Hollywood's elegant supper clubs, to your local classic diner's and drive-in car hops. Clifton’s was no different, their name was immortalized in neon out front, and on the inside the neon did not disappoint. There were swaying neon palm trees and tropical flowers at every turn, along with rain huts, hourly thunderstorms and bamboo as far as the eye can see! Mist shrouded flower grottos and rock waterfalls created balmy air for a full sensory experience.
And the neon, oh yes, the glorious neon! During the earliest decades neon was used practically everywhere. Neon signage beckoned you into movie palaces that graced downtown's Broadway district, to Hollywood's elegant supper clubs, to your local classic diner's and drive-in car hops. Clifton’s was no different, their name was immortalized in neon out front, and on the inside the neon did not disappoint. There were swaying neon palm trees and tropical flowers at every turn, along with rain huts, hourly thunderstorms and bamboo as far as the eye can see! Mist shrouded flower grottos and rock waterfalls created balmy air for a full sensory experience.
 |  |
No wall was left uncovered:
Photos from one of Clifton's souvenir photo books in my collection feature the Main Dining Room, Polynesian Dining Hut and the Aloha Entertainment Platform. As we can see, no wall was left uncovered! Talented artisans painted South Pacific themed murals on every square inch, (plain white walls be banished!) and no detail was spared when it came to creating an atmosphere to wrap you in paradise.
Photos from one of Clifton's souvenir photo books in my collection feature the Main Dining Room, Polynesian Dining Hut and the Aloha Entertainment Platform. As we can see, no wall was left uncovered! Talented artisans painted South Pacific themed murals on every square inch, (plain white walls be banished!) and no detail was spared when it came to creating an atmosphere to wrap you in paradise.
Below street level:
And Clifton's would not be complete without the spiritual aspect of Christ in the Meditation Garden. Entering into the basement level was another world unto its own, a transcendent retreat tucked away from the hustle & bustle of the burgeoning city just outside its enclave. Clifton's Pacific Seas featured an entire walk-about into the Garden of Gethsemane to contemplate your life in peaceful solitude, as a recorded poem called "The Influence of One Life" softly played in the background.
And Clifton's would not be complete without the spiritual aspect of Christ in the Meditation Garden. Entering into the basement level was another world unto its own, a transcendent retreat tucked away from the hustle & bustle of the burgeoning city just outside its enclave. Clifton's Pacific Seas featured an entire walk-about into the Garden of Gethsemane to contemplate your life in peaceful solitude, as a recorded poem called "The Influence of One Life" softly played in the background.
 |  |
A beautiful full color view of the Garden for Meditation and close up of the Christ sculpture.
A sense of Community:
The spirit of Clifton's exuded a sense of community too. From it's complimentary group meeting rooms, courtesy sightseeing tours of the city, to its free birthday cakes for the kiddos and exchange boards (a place for folks to offer services, wants and needs). And let's not forget the wise personal advice from "Mrs. Von"! Located in her very own personalized Tiki hut, she dispensed advice like a pre-curser to a "Dear Abbey" character. Judging by the photo, you may think this is slightly reminiscent of a preist's "confessional" room, a blinged out bamboo/rattan-laden version no less!
The spirit of Clifton's exuded a sense of community too. From it's complimentary group meeting rooms, courtesy sightseeing tours of the city, to its free birthday cakes for the kiddos and exchange boards (a place for folks to offer services, wants and needs). And let's not forget the wise personal advice from "Mrs. Von"! Located in her very own personalized Tiki hut, she dispensed advice like a pre-curser to a "Dear Abbey" character. Judging by the photo, you may think this is slightly reminiscent of a preist's "confessional" room, a blinged out bamboo/rattan-laden version no less!
 Group rooms, free to use for parties and meetings from 10 to 400 |  15 mile "courtesy" bus tours of downtown L.A. only cost $0.15 cents. |
 Kiddos enjoying free cake, what could be better? |  "Dear Mrs. Von, forgive me for I have sinned" |
And last but not least, the Camera Girls!
Naturally, there were camera girls dolled up in island attire to take your photograph in beautiful surroundings while you dine!
Naturally, there were camera girls dolled up in island attire to take your photograph in beautiful surroundings while you dine!
Rosemary and Vilma
Oh what fun Vilma and her Camera Girl pals must have had working in this tropical island getaway, all the while mingling with families, tourists, cops, businessmen and military men. Never was there a shortage of dates for these sharp girls to choose from too!
 Fine patrons enjoying the scenery, meal and souvenir picture with Vilma! |  Military men once flocked to downtown L.A. for its nightlife. |
Isn't a camera girl just supposed to take your photo?
Well, not in Vilma's world! "Would you like a picture with a pretty girl"? Vilma, with that single tagline, made herself the "star" of your souvenir photo and thus began her savvy business woman career as a camera girl. A fiercely independent girl at only 20 years old, she was able to earn a living, buy her own car and move into her own apartment. A major feat for any girl in 1954! And here are the photos to show how she worked her charm!
Well, not in Vilma's world! "Would you like a picture with a pretty girl"? Vilma, with that single tagline, made herself the "star" of your souvenir photo and thus began her savvy business woman career as a camera girl. A fiercely independent girl at only 20 years old, she was able to earn a living, buy her own car and move into her own apartment. A major feat for any girl in 1954! And here are the photos to show how she worked her charm!
Surrounded by a bamboo forest under a tiki hut. The splendor.
The charm of blossoming beauty, surrounded by the tropics. What man could resist?
One of 12 waterfalls that filled the interior of the Pacific Seas, and a perfect photo op!
Shall we have a chat about the Camera Girl's uniform's? Oh yes, let's do!
The "uniform's" consisted of various island themed dresses and full length skirts, proving that modesty is attractive and classy. These gals didn't have to show less skin in order to feel beautiful, how refreshing! Flowers in the hair and the obligatory Hawaiian lei were part of the island theme. The wide "corset style" belt was multifunctional too! Not only did it cinch the waist (ooh la la!) but it doubled as a place to hold their carry bag which contained their supplies (extra film, mailing envelopes, pencil & paper) while working the floor. Genius!
The "uniform's" consisted of various island themed dresses and full length skirts, proving that modesty is attractive and classy. These gals didn't have to show less skin in order to feel beautiful, how refreshing! Flowers in the hair and the obligatory Hawaiian lei were part of the island theme. The wide "corset style" belt was multifunctional too! Not only did it cinch the waist (ooh la la!) but it doubled as a place to hold their carry bag which contained their supplies (extra film, mailing envelopes, pencil & paper) while working the floor. Genius!
 |  |
Vilma in "Full Gear"
Another beautiful Camera Girl displays her vintage camera and "menu" of services.
In a nutshell:
The original Clifton’s succeeded in providing food for the body and food for the soul. The true soul of Clifton’s was family, community and charity perfectly combined. (With free birthday cakes too!) One can only dream that Mrs. Von could still be around to give her wise tiki advice, or that we could watch performers hula their hearts out on the Aloha Entertainment Platform, or ascend down to the Garden for Meditation for renewal. And who wouldn’t want a picture with the alluring movie star-like camera girl named Vilma?
The original Clifton’s succeeded in providing food for the body and food for the soul. The true soul of Clifton’s was family, community and charity perfectly combined. (With free birthday cakes too!) One can only dream that Mrs. Von could still be around to give her wise tiki advice, or that we could watch performers hula their hearts out on the Aloha Entertainment Platform, or ascend down to the Garden for Meditation for renewal. And who wouldn’t want a picture with the alluring movie star-like camera girl named Vilma?
"Aloha" from Vilma the Camera Girl!
Is it a good thing to have a new version of the Pacific Seas resurrected from the rubble of its teardown so many years ago? Well of course it is! Only but a snippet of the real deal, new generations now have an opportunity to experience a slice of downtown’s forgotten history.
And sorry Mr. Clinton, I know you were a strict teetotaler…but I think we should all have a drink to that!
And sorry Mr. Clinton, I know you were a strict teetotaler…but I think we should all have a drink to that!
RSS Feed