Philippe The Original

Established in 1908, Philippe The Original is a historic Downtown Los Angeles landmark widely credited with creating the French dip sandwich. Visitors order at the counter before dining at shared communal tables on sawdust-covered floors. The signature menu centers on freshly carved meats on French rolls dipped in au jus, paired with classic sides, slice pies, and house-brewed coffee.

History

Established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, it claims to have created the original French Dip Sandwich. Philippe's has been at its current location since 1951 after moving from several different spots in downtown Los Angeles.

Expert notes

• Arrive early or during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
• Try the different meats available for the sandwiches, including roast beef, pork, lamb, turkey, and ham.
• Leave room for dessert; their pies and puddings are also quite popular.

Features

• Casual
• Dine-in
• Family-Friendly
• Historic Atmosphere
• Takeout