Philippe The Original — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I visited Philippe The Original in Los Angeles with my daughter last weekend, and I must say, the restaurant was interesting and the food was very good. As a non-native speaker, I used to think of the Philippines instead of a man's name when I saw the word "Philippe." I had known about this restaurant for a while, but I am not the kind of person who follows trends, especially if it means waiting in a long queue. However, while translating Jim Gaffigan's book Food: A Love Story into Chinese, which was already published in China in 2001, I came across the story of Katz's Delicatessen and became curious if there were similar restaurants in Los Angeles. After doing some research, I found Philippe The Original and Canter's.

I still don't know why I eventually decided to go to Philippe, maybe just because I was too lazy to cook for my daughter who had returned from San Diego. We arrived at around 1:00 p.m. and, despite Google Maps guiding me to the restaurant, I missed the turn and had to drive all the way around to park behind the restaurant.

As we walked from the parking lot to the restaurant, we saw a side door marked "Do Not Enter," so we continued walking and entered through the front door. The first thing we saw was a souvenir counter, and to the left were five old-fashioned telephone booths, which you can sit inside and make phone calls.

Then we saw the crowd, a zig-zag line was waiting to order, and there were about 30 people ahead of us, so we had to join the line. The line moved very fast, thanks to the four counters, which meant the eighth round would be ours. I had enough time to study the menu on the blackboards, and I was amazed by the variety of items, including coffee for only $0.46, draft beer, and several types of wine. The restaurant currently serves 10 draft beers, 7 white wines, and 8 red wines.

The line was fast, and I checked the photos I took. The first one was taken at 1:11 p.m. when we walked in, we were ordering at 1:27 p.m., and we sat down to eat at 1:38 p.m. Philippe The Original is famous for its French dip sandwiches, which are made by cutting French rolls in half and dipping them in the natural gravy of the roasts. There are three options: single dip, double dip, and wet. However, I heard a grandma telling her grandson that he could have a triple dip, so I guess you can request this option as well. If you prefer not to have the dip, you can always ask the staff if it's possible to have a sandwich with no dip, but this option may not be advertised publicly.

The ladies behind the counter were not only cashiers but also chefs who prepared our food. They cut the meat, cut the French rolls, dipped them, combined the rolls with the meat, and cut the sandwiches into two or the pieces as per our order. We ordered coffee, iced tea, hot chocolate, lamb dip sandwich with blue cheese, pastrami sandwich dip with Swiss cheese, pork dip sandwich, beef stew, cherry pie, two pickled eggs, and one kosher pickled cucumber. I asked for double dip and cut our sandwiches into 3 so that we could share them.

We shared the sandwiches by having one piece each, and I started with the lamb dip sandwich. It was so delicious that I decided to give the restaurant a 5-star rating. The lamb was juicy and not dry at all, and the blue cheese was mild, which I liked. The pastrami sandwich was even better, with a very strong smell that pastrami should have. I also love another pastrami sandwich restaurant called The Hat, but I have to admit that Philippe The Original is much better than The Hat, even though I still love The Hat. I added some famous house mustard on the pastrami, and it was way stronger than I...

As a local, I recently visited Philippe The Original, and it’s every bit the iconic LA spot it’s known to be—the birthplace of the French dip sandwich with a story that started in 1918. The tale of Mathieu accidentally dropping a French roll into a pan of hot roast beef juices, only for the policeman to love it and come back with friends, is practically legend. That history alone makes eating here feel like a step back in time. I ordered the beef French dip sandwich, coleslaw, and cheesecake. The beef dip was, as expected, phenomenal. The soft, slightly crusty French roll soaked up the rich, savory juices just enough, and every bite was packed with tender, flavorful beef. The house mustard added a nice spicy kick that paired perfectly, and they nailed the “dip” level I asked for—not too soggy, just right. The coleslaw was crisp and refreshing, with fresh cabbage and a creamy dressing that balanced the heaviness of the sandwich. It was the ideal sidekick. The cheesecake? A total surprise. Silky, rich, and just sweet enough without being overwhelming, it was the perfect way to end the meal, especially with a hot cup of their classic coffee. Walking into Philippe’s is like stepping into a time capsule. The place hasn’t moved since 1951, still housed in that old machine shop with a hotel upstairs. The setup is unique—ten “carvers” behind a long counter, each handling their own line. My carver was quick, friendly, and made the whole process seamless, from taking my order to handing me my food right there. It’s efficient but still has that warm, family-owned vibe that makes you feel at home. The place was buzzing with locals and tourists alike, but the line moved fast, and checking out the menu board while waiting was half the fun. Philippe’s delivers on its promise of tradition—consistent food, great service, and an atmosphere that’s as authentic as it gets. It’s a must-visit in LA, and I’m already looking forward to my next trip to try the chili or maybe the pork dip. The beef French dip alone is worth...

Philippe's French dip is an absolute delight for anyone seeking a classic and delicious sandwich experience. As one of the oldest and most renowned establishments in Los Angeles, Philippe's has perfected the art of the French dip.

The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the charming ambiance of a bygone era, with vintage decor and a bustling atmosphere. The friendly staff adds to the warm welcome, always ready to guide you through their menu offerings.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the French dip sandwich. Philippe's offers a variety of options, from succulent roast beef to flavorful lamb or pork. The meat is perfectly cooked and thinly sliced, ensuring tender bites in every mouthful. The bread, dipped in savory au jus, strikes a wonderful balance between being soft enough to soak up the flavors and sturdy enough to hold the sandwich together.

What sets Philippe's apart is their attention to detail and dedication to tradition. The au jus, with its rich and robust flavors, elevates the sandwich to new heights. You can also add their tangy mustard or pickles to complement the meat and create a symphony of tastes. The generous portions guarantee a satisfying and filling meal, leaving you with a smile on your face.

Besides the French dip, Philippe's offers an array of sides and desserts to complete your dining experience. From their creamy coleslaw to their delectable pies, there's something for everyone to indulge in.

Overall, Philippe's French dip is a timeless classic that continues to captivate food lovers with its impeccable taste and nostalgic charm. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Los Angeles, a trip to Philippe's is an absolute must. Prepare to savor a sandwich that embodies culinary history and leaves an indelible mark on your taste buds.

One last thing that I should mention is that there is a lot of FREE parking for this restaurant, there is parking behind the restaurant and...