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Philippe The Original
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Philippe The Original
8.6
A century-old French dip institution with sawdust floors and cafeteria swagger. The rolls are sturdy, the jus is beefy, and the no-frills pace makes it ideal for a fast historic bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Beef French Dip, Lamb French Dip, Pickled Eggs
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Birthplace-level French dip lore with nonstop local loyalty.
Who should go: Out-of-towners and downtown workers
When to visit: Mid-morning or early dinner for shortest waits
What to order: Roast beef dip, lamb dip, mustard
Insider tip: Ask for double-dipped if you like it extra soaked.
Philippe The Original
8.2
An LA landmark since 1908 that doubles as a nostalgic breakfast-and-brunch haunt. The morning menu is classic and fast, and the historic room makes even a simple meal feel like a city ritual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast French dip, Sourdough pancakes, Coffee & banana cream pie slice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Over a century of LA history with reliable breakfast staples.
Who should go: Out-of-towners and locals chasing old LA.
When to visit: Early mornings for minimal lines.
What to order: Breakfast French dip, pancakes, a pie slice.
Insider tip: Order at the counter, then scout a sawdust-floor booth.
Philippe The Original
8.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
A century-old counter-service institution credited with popularizing the French dip, still turning out crackly rolls soaked in beef jus. The line moves fast, the room buzzes with commuters and locals, and the whole experience feels like edible LA history.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef French Dip (double-dipped), Lamb French Dip, Pickled eggs
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: The original French dip experience in a still-family-run LA landmark.
Who should go: French dip purists and LA-history eaters.
When to visit: Weekday late-morning before the lunch crush.
What to order: Double-dipped beef dip, lamb dip, coleslaw.
Insider tip: Ask for extra jus and grab a seat upstairs for more breathing room.
Philippe The Original
8.5
The birthplace of the French dip remains wildly popular for a reason: thin-sliced roast meats, sharp mustard, and a no-nonsense old-LA dining hall vibe. It’s a quick, satisfying stop that still feels uniquely local.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef French Dip (double-dipped), Lamb French Dip, Banana cream pie slice
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: An LA original that defined the French dip sandwich.
Who should go: History lovers and sandwich purists.
When to visit: Mid-afternoon for a calmer room.
What to order: Beef dip, lamb dip, pie.
Insider tip: Add a side of pickles and extra mustard—classic combo.
Philippe The Original
8.8
A century-old LA institution known for the French dip and a no-nonsense, sawdust-on-the-floor dining room. The cafeteria-style line moves fast, making it a reliable power lunch near Union Station. Come hungry and expect classic flavors over frills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double-dipped French dip (beef), Lamb dip sandwich, Macaroni salad
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Home of the classic French dip with a storied, old-LA vibe.
Who should go: Downtown workers, history buffs, sandwich diehards.
When to visit: Weekday late morning for short lines.
What to order: Double-dipped beef dip, lamb dip, side of slaw.
Insider tip: Ask for extra jus on the side to control the soak.
Philippe The Original
8.7
Open since 1908 and still humming nightly, Philippe’s is where late eaters go for a no-nonsense French dip and a side of old-L.A. atmosphere. The sandwiches are fast, salty, and satisfying, with a cafeteria rhythm that makes midnight feel like lunchtime.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef French Dip, Lamb French Dip, Blueberry Pie
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Birthplace of the French dip, still executed the classic way.
Who should go: Anyone craving a quick, iconic late-night sandwich.
When to visit: 9–10pm for a low-wait post-event bite.
What to order: Beef dip, lamb dip, macaroni salad.
Insider tip: Ask for a double-dipped roll if you want maximum soak.
Philippe The Original
8.5
One of LA’s oldest eateries and a classic family stop near Olvera Street, serving no-nonsense French dip sandwiches in a cafeteria-style hall. Fast lines, big communal tables, and a menu that’s easy for all ages.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef French Dip (double-dipped), Lamb Dip, Banana Cream Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Historic French dip counter-service landmark since 1908.
Who should go: All-ages groups exploring Olvera Street and Chinatown.
When to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon to skip rush.
What to order: Beef dip, lamb dip, slice of pie.
Insider tip: Grab extra mustard and pickles at the condiment bar.