Beau du Bois Spearheads New Cocktail Direction at Clifton’s Republic in DTLA

Beau du Bois, Eater LA’s Bartender of the Year in 2014 and longtime drinks creator at The Corner Door in Culver City, has moved onto Clifton’s Republic in Downtown LA. Formerly known as Clifton’s Cafeteria, the five story behemoth space with a ground floor cafeteria and numerous cocktail lounges and bars insides, including the incredible Pacific Seas tiki bar, will get a gradual drink menu revamp.

du Bois, who formerly worked at M.B. Post before settling in at Culver City’s The Corner Door for six years, also plans to oversee a new cocktail program for a secret basement lounge called Shadowbox, which will open some time in 2018. While there aren’t too many details on the program at Shadowbox, du Bois hints that it’ll involve an alchemy and modernist element, like The Aviary in Chicago and New York City.

Elizabeth Daniels

In the meantime, he’ll help improve each of Cliftons’ existing bar spaces, such as Gothic Bar, a kind of mythical, clubby area on the third floor; Monarch Bar, the easy-going neighborhood bar that most patrons first run into; and finally the crowded Pacific Seas, hidden behind a mirror. While that doesn’t mean fussy, overly complicated cocktails, it will also involve a more creative, whimsical approach that makes sense for each bar’s theme. Bringing on du Bois seems like a smart move considering his obsession with themed cocktail menus, like the recent Alice in Wonderland, Goonies, or Stephen King themes he did at The Corner Door.

Andrew Meieran, who owns Clifton’s Republic as well as The Edison in Downtown LA, says on the hire: “We wanted to elevate the nightlife experience with the addition of a talented cocktail visionary like Beau. His creations have integrity and tell a narrative that fits each of the unique venues.” While much of the initial Clifton’s opening press focused on the cafeteria and the food element, it’s shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that since then the place has become a bit of a nightlife and cocktail-oriented wonderland.

du Bois departed The Corner Door after six years, and about seven months after he helped new ownership Umbrella Hospitality Group turn the place from a basic neighborhood gastropub (with very good drinks) to a swanky lounge with antique appointments.

• All Clifton’s Coverage [ELA]