Step into Cole’s P.E Buffet. Feel the weight of history beneath your feet. This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a living legend. Cole’s P.E Buffet opened in 1908. Henry Cole a visionary entrepreneur established it on the ground floor of the Pacific Electric Building. The building served as the main terminal for the Pacific Electric Railway.
Imagine the bustling energy of that era. The clanging of trolleys. The hurried footsteps of commuters. Cole’s became a central hub. A place to grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink. It served as a place of refuge for weary travelers.
Cole’s P.E Buffet boasts a unique claim to fame. Some say it’s where the first French dip sandwich was invented. Henry Cole supposedly dipped the bread in jus. He did it to help a customer with sore teeth. Other customers soon followed suit. The French dip was born. But the story is debated. Philippe’s also claims the honor. The debate continues.
The tables themselves tell a story. They were crafted from the varnished doors of retired Red Cars. These Red Cars once zoomed through the streets of Los Angeles. Sadly these iconic tables were removed during a 2007-2008 renovation. They were reportedly moved to a nearby corporate headquarters above Clifton’s Cafeteria.
Cole’s wasn’t just a restaurant. Henry Cole ran Los Angeles’s first check-cashing service there. A truly versatile establishment. He also had a brush with the law. He was arrested for fraud in 1942. It’s a testament to Cole’s enduring appeal that despite all of this Cole’s survives.
In 1989 Cole’s P.E Buffet received recognition. It was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. This reflects its contribution to the city’s history and culture. Cole’s resembles the bar from the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Even the menu proudly proclaims its French dip legacy. Cole’s P.E Buffet remains a beloved Los Angeles institution. It endures as a testament to its founder’s ambition and its enduring appeal. It serves as a link to Los Angeles’s vibrant past. It remains a thriving establishment in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Come step back in time and experience Cole’s P.E. Buffet.