A single dropped bread roll changed culinary history in Los Angeles, and you can taste the proof every single day of the week. Philippe The Original is one of the oldest and best-known restaurants in Southern California, established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu — the man credited with creating the French Dipped Sandwich when he inadvertently dropped a sliced French roll into a roasting pan filled with hot juices from the oven. That happy accident became the stuff of legend, and over a century later, the sandwiches are still flying across the counter by the thousands.
Still owned and operated by the same family since the 1920s, Philippe’s celebrated their 110th anniversary in 2018, holding the title of the oldest continually operating restaurant in Los Angeles. Whether you’re a lifelong Angeleno or a first-time visitor to the city, a stop here feels less like lunch and more like a living history lesson — one that happens to be absolutely delicious.
The Food: What to Order
Philippe’s “French Dipped Sandwich” is the specialty of the house, consisting of roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey, pastrami, or ham served on a lightly textured, freshly baked French roll dipped in the natural gravy of the roasts — with the option to add Swiss, American, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blue cheese. It’s a beautifully simple formula, but one that’s been perfected over more than a hundred years of practice. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and despite spending time soaked in juice, the bread still retains a satisfying crunch.
There are options for having your sandwich single dipped, double dipped, or wet — and seasoned visitors will tell you the double dip or “wet” option is the way to go for maximum flavor. The recipe for the jus is a point of pride: prime beef drippings are collected and simmered to a concentrated broth that gives the sandwich its succulent flavor. On a busy day, the kitchen is moving a staggering volume of meat to keep that jus flowing fresh all day long.
One thing you absolutely cannot skip is Philippe’s famous house-made hot mustard. Each bite of the sandwich is made even richer when slathered with Philippe’s legendary sinus-clearing hot mustard that loyal fans can’t get enough of. It’s fiery, pungent, and borderline addictive — squeeze bottles of it sit right on every table, and you can even purchase a bottle to take home.
Beyond the wonderful beef, pork, and lamb dip sandwiches, Philippe’s has other great menu items as well — their beef stew, chili, and daily soups are excellent, and a great alternative on cold days. Breakfast and coffee are also served daily until 10:30 a.m., and there’s a wide selection of desserts — including fresh pies, baked apples, and a standout carrot cake. Don’t overlook the sides either: tart, tangy coleslaw, homemade potato and macaroni salads, hard-boiled eggs pickled in beet juice, large kosher-style pickles, black olives, and hot yellow chili peppers round out the spread nicely.
A Legendary Atmosphere & Décor
Philippe’s is a traditional delicatessen-style sit-down restaurant with old-fashioned traditions: rows of tables shared by several parties, wood shavings scattered on the floor, dark brown wooden walls, and newspapers from historical U.S. events covering the walls from the time the restaurant opened through the 1980s. The moment you step through the door, the decades melt away. It’s genuinely rare to find a space this authentic still operating at full capacity in a major American city.
Wall-mounted displays are dedicated to circuses and to the history of railroading in Los Angeles, courtesy of the Los Angeles Historical Railroad Society. Neon beer signs above the chalkboard menu signal that Philippe’s is also a second home for Los Angeles Dodgers fans, and walking through the first seating room, you’ll spot vintage Dodgers bobbleheads in glass cases and L.A. Times newspaper articles about the team mounted on the walls. The whole place buzzes with the kind of energy you can’t manufacture — it’s earned through generations of loyal regulars.
The building has two stories, both with tables for eating, and is located just one block away from Union Station. Oldies playing over the speakers add to the authentic feel of a classic diner-deli while you wait in line — and that line, even when it’s long, moves at a brisk and efficient pace. The atmosphere is a charming mix of hustle and nostalgia — the aroma of roasting meats wafts through the air, and the din of chatter is punctuated by orders shouted for “double-dip” sandwiches.
Other Considerations
How’s the pricing? The classic roast beef French dip starts at around $10.95, making it a remarkably affordable meal for Downtown L.A. A lemonade runs just around 90 cents — yes, really — which reflects the old-school, no-frills value philosophy that has defined Philippe’s for over a century. It’s the kind of place where you can feed yourself well without a second thought about the bill.
Is it good for families and kids? The restaurant is famous for attracting patrons from all walks of life — from the poverty-stricken to the working class to the city’s elites. That same democratic, come-as-you-are spirit extends to families. The cafeteria-style setup means there’s no waiting for a table to be cleared or for a server to take your order — you grab your tray and find a spot. The communal tables and lively buzz make it an energetic, kid-friendly environment.
How does the ordering process work? At peak times, customers often find themselves standing in lines that can be ten deep as they wait for staff to prepare their meals at one of the serving stations at the restaurant’s counter, with meals served cafeteria-style on paper plates and customers carrying their food on trays to their tables. The ladies who serve the food are called “Carvers,” and each Carver has her own line. If you want your food faster and aren’t ordering a sandwich, there’s an express counter at the far right where you can order drinks, sides, and other non-sandwich items.
When’s the best time to visit and how do I get there? Philippe’s is open Monday through Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Weekday lunch hours can get quite busy, so arriving early or during off-peak hours will mean shorter lines. The restaurant is located right across the street from Union Station at 1001 N. Alameda St., making it easily accessible by Metro or Metrolink for those who prefer to skip the downtown parking headache. It’s also a beloved pre-game destination for Dodgers fans heading to Chavez Ravine.
Any caveats to know before you go? Most visitors rave about the experience, but it’s worth noting that the sandwiches are on the smaller side — which actually makes it a great opportunity to order two different meats and compare. Philippe The Original is not a restaurant in the traditional sense — it’s a deli. A gigantic, well-run deli. If you’re expecting a sit-down, full-service dining experience, adjust your expectations accordingly. But if you come ready for a casual, counter-service adventure steeped in history, you won’t leave disappointed.
Philippe The Original
📍 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Website: https://www.philippes.com
