
Philippe The Original
LA's historic deli since 1908, famed for inventing the French dip sandwich. Experience a taste of history with classic decor and delicious comfort foo...

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Must-see attractions
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Philippe The Original

Highlights
Must-see attractions
LA's historic deli since 1908, famed for inventing the French dip sandwich. Experience a taste of history with classic decor and delicious comfort food.
"An LA institution and landmark. A must stop for anyone visiting LA."
Try the Pastrami
Don't miss the highly recommended pastrami sandwich for a flavorful alternative to the classic.
Embrace the Mustard
Experience the magic of the house-made spicy mustard available at tables for an extra flavor kick.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Sandwich Shop / Deli
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary French Dip Sandwich
Savor the iconic French dip, a historic LA staple. Juicy meat, perfectly dipped bread, and house mustard create a timeless culinary experience.

A Journey Back in Time
Step into a piece of LA history with classic decor, sawdust floors, and a nostalgic ambiance that transports you to a bygone era.

Unique Sides & Desserts
Beyond sandwiches, discover delightful sides like potato salad and pickled eggs, and indulge in classic desserts like carrot cake and cherry pie.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the Pastrami
Don't miss the highly recommended pastrami sandwich for a flavorful alternative to the classic.
Embrace the Mustard
Experience the magic of the house-made spicy mustard available at tables for an extra flavor kick.
Visit Off-Peak Hours
To avoid long lines, consider visiting during less busy times, though expect a wait during peak hours.
Nostalgic Photo Ops
Capture unique memories with the vintage phone booths and other nostalgic elements inside the restaurant.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the Pastrami
Don't miss the highly recommended pastrami sandwich for a flavorful alternative to the classic.
Embrace the Mustard
Experience the magic of the house-made spicy mustard available at tables for an extra flavor kick.
Visit Off-Peak Hours
To avoid long lines, consider visiting during less busy times, though expect a wait during peak hours.
Nostalgic Photo Ops
Capture unique memories with the vintage phone booths and other nostalgic elements inside the restaurant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Philippe The Original is celebrated for its historic ambiance and its iconic French dip sandwiches, often hailed as a culinary landmark. Diners appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere, friendly service, and unique sides. While generally loved, some find the sandwich prices a bit high for the portion size, though the taste often compensates.
"I can especially love and appreciate a restaurant with some history and a great story, well this place has both.
Read about how they invented the French Dipped Sandwich.(good story)
Check this place out if you’re in the area.
I love the nostalgia feeling to this place.
They have a pay phone booth inside which is very cool for pictures and for those kids that never had to use one before.
We all ordered different types of meals on our sandwich and they were all great.
You can order and have your sandwich dipped as much as you like, or order the dipping sauce and dip as you like.
You also have several selections on side dishes. To my surprise we all ordered the potato salad. Lol” maybe next time we will order something different to try.
Overall we enjoy this place, good food. Fast service.
There is a waiting, but the line moves rather quickly."
Mercy Rincon
"For being an old restaurant, the quality and vibes all around were very impressive. Great value on the drinks and the sides, and although the sandwiches were a LITTLE bit pricey for the size, the taste made up for it. They had sports on the TV as well, and the ambiance felt very unique. Not many places like it for sure. Definitely would come back, but it may cost a penny or two."
hughtube88 official
"Nice place great coffee omelet was great size and filling fresh and many cheese options. The mustard in squeeze bottle on tables is magical. Cool train stuff and vintage nice open atmosphere. People are super nice and the place is pretty clean.. I'll have to come back someday .."
Jeffrey R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Philippe The Original is most famous for its iconic French dip sandwich, which it claims to have invented.
The signature sandwiches include the classic French dip with beef, lamb, turkey, or pastrami, often served 'wet' or double-dipped.
Yes, unique sides include pickled eggs, potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw.
The restaurant offers a nostalgic ambiance with sawdust on the floor, vintage decor, communal tables, and old-school phone booths.
Yes, it's a family-friendly spot with a casual atmosphere. Kids can enjoy classic options like PB&J or cheese sandwiches.
Yes, they offer a highly-regarded homemade spicy mustard, available on the tables for an extra kick.
Philippe's offers complimentary parking in two dedicated customer lots.
Breakfast is typically served from 6:00 am to 10:30 am daily, with the full menu available afterward.
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In business since 1908, Philippe the Original claims to have invented the famed French dip—and whether or not you believe them, there’s no denying the eatery slings an exemplary sandwich. Savvy customers make their way across the sawdust-covered floor to select a traditional lamb, beef or turkey filling, then ask their server to double-dip the bread in the meaty juice; add some of the sinus-clearing house mustard and you’re golden. A bevy of sides include coleslaw, macaroni and potato salad, hard-boiled eggs and pickles—all to be eaten in the midst of friendly strangers, whom you’ll inevitably wind up talking to.
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People call Philippe the “Original” partly because the restaurant reputedly invented the French Dipped Sandwich, though the matter has yet to be settled. Located on the east edge of Chinatown, Philippe is also famous for its homemade spicy mustard, but if you want to try it, you have to eat in the restaurant because it is not available in stores. Owned by the Martin/Binder/Downey family since 1927, Philippe has been in business in its current location since 1951.
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Legend has it that Philippe The Original invented the French dip sandwich. While we can’t prove that, we can prove that this split-level sandwich spot in DTLA is one of the longest-running businesses in the city, having continuously operated since 1908. On weekends or during Dodger games, you’ll have to stand in a fast-moving line for one of their dipped sandwiches layered with roast beef, lamb, or pastrami on a crusty roll.
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The true origin of the French Dip sandwich has been lost over time, but luckily for Angelenos the two landmark restaurants that claim to be its originator, Philippe and Cole’s, are both located in Downtown LA. Philippe the Original was opened by Philippe Mathieu in 1908 and has been at its current location on the edge of Chinatown since 1951. Philippe’s “official” version of the legend says the French Dip was born when Mathieu accidentally dropped a French roll into a roasting pan filled with drippings, and the policeman who ordered the sandwich agreed to eat it anyway.
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Considered by many to be the birthplace of the French Dipped Sandwich, Philippes is a treasured LA institution, established in 1908 it is one of LA’s oldest running restaurants. Los Angelinos take pride in Philippes and fill its tables to capacity nightly. Line up at the counter and order the specialty of the house, The French Dipped Sandwich, prepared with either roast beef, pork, leg of lamb, turkey or ham on fresh baked french rolls and be sure to get it double dipped in the savory au jus .
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Phillipe, which has been around since 1918, isn't some fancy, white-napkin restaurant. Instead, it's a friendly order-at-the-counter spot that's famous for being home to the original French-Dipped Sandwich. While your kid may not be ready for the house specialty (or the pink pickled eggs), they can opt for PB&J or a cheese sandwich and enjoy the atmosphere—which includes sawdust on the floor, long communal tables, old-school phone booths and a candy counter in the corner.
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Philippe the Original always makes the list of best sandwich spots in L.A. It was established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, “who claimed the distinction of having created the ‘French Dipped Sandwich.’” It has been in its current location since 1951. Along with the French Dipped Sandwich, the menu also includes an assortment of sandwiches, homemade potato and macaroni salads, as well as breakfast items (usually from 6:00 am to 10:30am daily).
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Also founded in downtown LA back in 1908 and laying claim to the we-invented-the-French-dip crown is Philippe The Original, aka Philippe's. According to its website, Philippe's version of events posits that the French dip came about in 1918 when Philippe Mathieu accidentally dropped the French roll of a policeman's order in the pan filled with hot au jus. The cop, who was in a rush, said he'd eat the soggy sando anyway.
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Philippe the Original is known for its delicious french dip sandwiches and other deli fare. The restaurant has been in business for over 110 years, opening its doors in 1908. The french dip itself was created by accident: “In 1918, in the process of making a policeman a sandwich, Mathieu accidentally dropped the sliced french roll into the roasting pan, which was filled with hot juices from the oven.
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Back in 1918, the owner of Philippe The Original accidentally dropped a sliced French roll into a roasting pan filled with juice. They've been serving their famous French Dipped Sandwiches ever since then, crafting them with roast beef, pork, leg of lamb, turkey, or ham in a French roll dipped in gravy. With sides like cole slaw and potato salad, you're in for a mouthwatering meal.
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The eatery is renowned for having been open continuously since 1908, making it among the oldest in Los Angeles. It is also well-known as the reputed creator of the French dip sandwich. With dated customs like rows of tables and wood shavings lying over the floor, Philippe’s is a typically local and peaceful restaurant to enjoy your dinner with a group of friends.
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Philippe’s has long been on lists for the best downtown Los Angeles restaurants. This is definitely one of the most famous restaurants in LA, and also one of the oldest (founded in 1908), well-known for its French dip sandwich. Get that old time diner feeling by ordering at the counter and walking to your communal table on sawdust floors.
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(1908) Philippe the Original 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. An old fashioned delicatessen with sawdust on the concrete floors, long communal wooden tables, vintage wooden booths and photographs and historical ephemera covering the walls. They are most famous for their French dipped roast beef sandwich and roll soaked in gravy.
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Start the day early with a 9¢ cup of coffee and cinnamon-dipped French toast at Philippe the Original. Then make your way to Seventh Street for a self-guided walking tour of a glimpse into the financial, jewelry, theater and fashion districts. (Be sure to print out a map in advance at www.laconservancy.org/tours/StrollingonSeventh.pdf).
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Phillipe the Original is famous for its beef dip sandwiches. Over the years, however, I’ve come to favor the beef dips at Cole’s, which, in addition to serving some of the city’s finest cocktails, uses excellent meat and a beautiful roll for its sandwich. It’s also a competitor for the title of inventor of the French dip.
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Established by the inventor of the French dip sandwich, Philippe’s has been a local favorite since 1908. The downtown location was opened in 1951, and it’s fostered a neighborly camaraderie among its patrons... Established by the inventor of the French dip sandwich, Philippe’s has been a local favorite since 1908.
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The heritage bearing and most prestigious restaurant of Los Angeles is the Philippe The Original. It is situated in the Downtown province of Los Angeles. Being the oldest of heritage restaurants in Los Angeles, it has been worldwide famous for owning the invention of the French Dip Sandwich.
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When finding the ideal sandwich in Los Angeles, Philippe's is your one-stop destination!. Their signature "French Dipped Sandwich" is a must-try. With six different types of meat to choose from and a variety of cheese options, this delectable treat will tingle your taste buds with delight.
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The diners, Philippe the Original and Cole’s, share some similarities. Both were founded in 1908, are located in Downtown Los Angeles, and lay claim to inventing the same sandwich. However, Philippe’s has one thing on Cole’s for me…it’s open for lunch every day of the week!
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A true LA institution, Philippe The Original has been serving up its famous French dip sandwiches since 1908. With its old-school charm, sawdust-covered floors, and wallet-friendly prices, this historic deli remains a go-to spot for a satisfying, no-frills meal.
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World famous French dip purveyors Philippes offer roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey, pastrami and ham all served on a freshly baked French roll dipped and in gravy for a little under $10. You can also add cheese for just a couple of cents.
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One of the most famous Los Angeles foods is the famous “French Dip Sandwich” from Philippe the Original. Dating back to 1918, this sandwich is made with roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb and turkey that is dipped in their famous sauce.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,212 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American- Address: 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Philippe The Original is a Restaurants company and has headquarters in Los Angeles, California. Philippe The Original has 1-10 employees. Philippe The Original was founded in 1908.
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The birthplace of the French dip sandwich has been around since 1908. Get a classic dip with thin slices of roast beef on a grilled roll.
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