Philippe the Original - Los Angeles, CA

Philippe’s, which claims to have invented the French Dip sandwich, makes them from beef, pork, lamb, ham, or turkey. Beef is the classic, available single-dipped or, for serious juice-lovers, double-dipped in natural gravy. The place is a blast from the past: cafeteria service, floors strewn with sawdust, and a clientele from all walks of vintage L.A. life.

91% Approval Rating (48 votes)

Overall: Worth planning a day around

Must Eats

Lamb (Double) Dip Sandwich with Bleu Cheese (N/A)

French dip sandwich ($6.00)

Wine By The Glass ($6.00)

Written Reviews

Michael Stern

"Philippe the Original lays claim to inventing the French dip sandwich. The story at Philippe’s (pronounced Phil-ee-peez) is that a carver accidentally dropped a sliced roll in beef gravy and the customer was in too much of a hurry to wait for another roll to be cut ..." [Read More].

BigGlenn

September 09, 2008

"Visited Philippes for the first time. My son and I had the beef and lamb dip sandwiches. Sides were potato and macaroni salads. Dessert was cheesecake and coconut cream pie. Dr Peppers to drink. Although there is a lot of history at Philippe's, I was not ..." [Read More].

Baconheart

July 11, 2008

"Philippe's Original is one of those rare gems that are few and far between these days. This is a restaurant that stands on generations of good family management, and service to the Los Angeles community. It is an experience not to be missed. But besides the ..." [Read More].

Richard Brooks Alba

March 15, 2007

"I have to confess: against all the advice I was given to avoid Cole's (several blocks from Philippe's) French dips, I DID give it a try for the sake of objectivity. While the naysayers had overly dramatized their objections, I do believe they were correct: Philippe's ..." [Read More].

Stewdude

December 18, 2006

"I am pleased to report that Philippe has not lost any of its charm or quality. Lunchtime on a Friday found it to be quite busy but the lines moved at a brisk California pace. The restaurant is divided into many rooms, and whether you eat at the counter or one of the ..." [Read More].

Losingitinca

February 01, 2006

"I absolutely love Philippe's. I've been going there since I was a little girl (the 1970's). My great aunts worked there, and it has been a family place to go to for years. To this day when I smell sawdust (the floor was covered in it) I want a French Dip. The ..." [Read More].

Catracks

January 24, 2006

"I've been eating at Philippe's since the mid 60's. My grandfather ate there before it moved into its new location (the 1940s?). Those who grew up with it swear by it. These French Dips set the standard for all others. Even Cole's (another Los Angeles institution) ..." [Read More].

Don Heegel

November 05, 2003

"I have been going to Philippe's since 1960 when my family would take me there after a Dodger's baseball game. I always order a double dipped Beef Dip with a slice of Blue Cheese served on a sturdy paper plate, a side of potato salad, a pickled egg or two, and two ..." [Read More].

Logbooks

8/1/2000 - Michael Stern, $5

Map & Directions

1001 N Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA
213-628-3781

http://www.philippes.com/

Hours & Policies

Seasons:	Open Year Round
Meals Served:	Breakfast, Lunch
Operational Hours:	Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:	No
Alcohol Served:	Yes
Outdoor Seating:	No
Reservations Accepted:	No
Delivery Available:	No
Takeout Counters:	Yes

"Colorful neon signs light up the serving counter while L.A. residents enjoy an early-morning meal."
MiamiDon

"A juicy home-style sandwich."
wanderingjew

"Nice weekend afternoon pleasure."
desertdog

"Long communal tables encourage socializing over French dip sandwiches."
Michael Stern

""
Michael Stern

"Same location since 1951, same menu, and many of the same customers!"
Michael Stern