Cliftons cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles has served simple but plentiful fare since 1935 in its three-story space, drawing a diverse cross section of the city to its tables. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
The décor at Cliftons Brookdale was inspired by a Santa Cruz Mountains lodge and includes fake trees and a cabin. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Clifton’s features a variety of desserts including flan, cheesecake, chocolate mousse and sweet potato pie. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Some of the 1,800 to 2,000 patrons who eat at the cafeteria daily. Some regulars have been going there for decades. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
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The cafeteria serves a variety of Jell-O dishes. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Margareto Sanchez places freshly baked cakes on the counter in the kitchen. The baker has worked at Clifton’s since 1968. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Chocolate banana cream cake is a favorite. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Clifton’s is “kind of an equalizer,” says Robert Clinton, left, who owns the cafeteria with his dad, Donald. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
