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ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Downtown LA
Best Brunch in Downtown LA
Best Sandwiches in Downtown LA
Best Trendy Restaurants in Downtown LA
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Downtown LA
Best Late Night Restaurants in Downtown LA
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Philippe The Original
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
The 1908 original that put French dip on the map—beef hand-carved to order, rolls dunked in natural jus at the counter, sawdust still on the floor. The communal-table, cafeteria-line format rewards decisive ordering and a willingness to elbow in during peak hours. Go for the double-dipped beef and expect the experience to feel like a working lunch counter that happens to be a monument.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef French Dip Double-Dipped, Lamb French Dip, Pickled Eggs
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Credited as the birthplace of the French dip sandwich since 1908, with meat hand-carved and rolls dipped in natural roasting juices
Who should go: Sandwich purists and LA history buffs seeking the original
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend crowds at this counter-service spot
What to order: Get the beef or lamb double-dipped with hot mustard, add a pickled egg and coleslaw on the side
Insider tip: Ask for extra jus on the side—the hot mustard at the counter is free and essential
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking in their own lot while dining—two lots available on-site
Dress code: Casual—sawdust floors, paper plates, counter service; come as you are
Noise level: Lively and bustling downstairs with communal tables; head upstairs for quieter seating
Weekend wait: Expect lines 8-10 deep before Dodgers games; lines move fast but plan for 20-35 min waits
Weekday lunch: Peak crowds 11:30am-1:30pm; lines move briskly but multiple lines can be 10 deep
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads (Caesar, mixed greens, pickled beet), sides (coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, pickled eggs), and Saturday's Vegetable Barley soup; verify broth with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a bustling cafeteria-style deli with communal seating, sawdust floors, and long shared tables where you'll sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers. Lines can be deep, it's noisy, and the atmosphere is more like a lively lunch hall than an intimate setting. Great for showing someone a historic LA landmark, but not for quiet, romantic conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - Philippe's does not accept reservations at all. It's strictly first-come, first-served. Early mornings have minimal wait. Weekends around noon expect 20-35 minute lines, though service moves fast. Before Dodgers games it gets packed. Pro tip: use the express counter on the far right if you're not ordering a sandwich.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - the casual, noisy atmosphere means kids won't disturb anyone. Counter service is quick so you're not waiting with restless children. Simple menu with sandwiches, sides, and affordable prices works well for picky eaters. Note: seating is on wooden stools at communal tables, not booths. High chair availability not confirmed - call ahead if needed for very young children.
Is it good for groups? Challenging for large groups dining together. No reservations accepted for any party size. Communal tables seat about 8 people, but finding adjacent seats for a big group during busy times is difficult since you share tables with strangers. For large parties, Philippe's recommends calling ahead to arrange takeout orders instead of trying to dine in together.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - outdoor seating is available. Specific details about the number of tables, coverage, or heating are not confirmed online. The restaurant's primary seating is the iconic indoor space with two floors of communal tables. Contact the restaurant directly for current outdoor seating specifics.
Best For
Better for: Pre-Dodgers game fuel, introducing kids to an LA institution, quick cheap eats with historic character
Skip if: You need a quiet conversation spot or substantial vegetarian options
Hours
Monday6am - 10pm
Tuesday6am - 10pm
Wednesday6am - 10pm
Thursday6am - 10pm
Friday6am - 10pm
Saturday6am - 10pm
Sunday6am - 10pm