Have you ever craved a sandwich so good, it started a century-long debate? Here at Philippe The Original, that’s exactly what’s on the menu. Philippe The Original isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a Los Angeles institution, a culinary landmark, and the epicenter of a delicious controversy. Philippe The Original opened its doors in 1908. It has been serving hungry Angelenos ever since. The restaurant is famous for its claim to have invented the French dip sandwich. This claim has sparked a friendly rivalry with Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet. Both restaurants insist they were the first to dunk a French roll into savory meat juices.
Philippe Mathieu, the founder of Philippe The Original, emigrated from France. He opened his first restaurant on Alameda Street. The story of the French dip’s creation is shrouded in various tales. One version claims a customer requested their roll to be dipped in gravy. Another attributes the invention to a fireman complaining about a stale roll. The most popular story tells of Mathieu accidentally dropping a roll into pan drippings. A police officer then accepted the “dipped” sandwich. Regardless of the true origin, the French dip at Philippe The Original became a sensation.
Philippe The Original moved to its current location on North Alameda Street in 1951. This move was due to the construction of the Hollywood Freeway. The restaurant has a unique, old-fashioned ambiance. Communal tables, wood shavings on the floor, and historical newspaper clippings adorn the space. The restaurant’s history is further showcased with displays dedicated to circuses and Los Angeles railroading. Philippe The Original has a diverse clientele, attracting people from all walks of life. During peak hours, lines often stretch deep. Customers select their meals cafeteria-style. They then carry their trays to the communal tables.
The menu at Philippe The Original extends beyond its famous French dip sandwiches. Options include roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey, or ham. You can add cheese if you desire. Freshly made soups, beef stew, chili, baked apples, and pickled pigs’ feet are also available. Don’t forget the classic sides like potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw. Jars of pickled eggs add a vibrant touch to the counter. Healthier options like turkey sandwiches and salads were later additions to the menu. Philippe The Original also serves a variety of beverages. These include soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, select wines, and beer. The restaurant was once known for its incredibly cheap coffee. However, even those prices have had to rise with time. Philippe The Original has marked its anniversaries by offering French dip sandwiches and coffee at throwback prices. This tradition adds to the restaurant’s charm and enduring appeal. So next time you’re in Los Angeles, make sure to visit Philippe The Original. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of history.