Downtown’s Quiet Clifton’s Republic Plans Big New Bar Expansion

Kevin Lee, the star bartender most recently at the Wolves in Downtown, has found a new gig after leaving the stylish bar back in early October. Lee recently landed as director of spirits for Andrew Meieran, whose network includes Clifton’s Republic and The Edison. And while Lee’s role will oversee new beverage menus at all of Meieran’s properties, he’ll also host the return of The Edison’s famed Radio Room cocktail operation, plus a new six-seat omakase bar at Clifton’s Republic.

It’s a good position for Lee, and any business plotting to up their cocktail game. The Wolves’ menu included drinks using Lee’s own handmade vermouth, bitters, and liqueurs, among others.

According to a rep for Meieran, both he and Lee will develop several new, high-end bar concepts within Clifton’s. The iconic Downtown space, which was completely remodeled over a series of years, closed for food service back in 2018, keeping only its Pacific Seas tiki bar open for limited hours. Now several “never before unveiled” bar concepts are coming in to the address, including the six-seat cocktail omakase bar; Lee will oversee them all.

Meanwhile, Lee’s upcoming Radio Room is simply a rebirth of its guest bartender series from 2009. Lee will invite bartenders and bar owners from other cities, who will make their own signature cocktails for one night. Just prior to the event, Lee will host what’s called the Radio Room Industry Preview. It’s designed as a complimentary industry gathering, where local bartenders, bar owners, and spirit community will talk shop. These events will rotate throughout Meieran’s properties, but the debut has not been announced yet.

Clifton’s Republic. 648 S Broadway, Downtown, CA
The Edison. 108 W 2nd St #101, Downtown, Ca

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