I've been a fan of Coles for many years. They also claim to have invented the French dip. However, after returning to Phillipes last week, I think the crown is being passed here. The sandwich was the perfect warmth and not overly dipped. The potato salad was creamy yet refreshing. I wish they had fries but at least the sides are good. For dessert, the chocolate is heavenly- a perfect blend of light, fluffy and decadence in each bite. The cherry on top are the two open large FREE parking lots in the back. You can't beat that near Dtla. I will be back soon for the breakfast! (That's over at 11:00).
(5)
Ken U.
Keeping this one short, went for the beef sandwich which to me was a classic roast beef roll dipped in yummy roast beef gravy goodness. The beef was sliced thinly to avoid it being dry and the soft bun held it all together. Don't expect gourmet or hipster sambos here, as it is a no nonsense deli, keeping their sandwiches tasty and simple.
(4)
m c.
Not sure why people like this place other than the fact they enjoy eating mouthfuls of salt. Ordered a lamb and a NY pastrami dip. Both were SOOO salty and I am one that doesn't mind salt in my food. Definitely would cause your blood pressure to topple over and cause a stroke. Took one bite and that was enough. You can get better bread at the 99 cents store. We paid $20 for 2 salt sandwiches. Enough said. Rushing home so I can drink my gallon of water.
(1)
Courtney D.
Great sandwiches and a million different desserts to chose from. I went on a Thursday afternoon and there was no line and barley anyone inside. From the looks of it, it gets pretty packed and crowded on the weekends. Potato salad is great, as well as the potato soup! Great fast service! Would highly recommend!
(5)
Lost In A.
What more could be said to a historic Los Angeles landmark eatery with over 4,000 reviews? This place definitely is a no frills no fuss kind of place. I commend them for keeping their nostalgic waitress uniforms from back in the day. Food in the cold cases looked delicious. We all ordered their famous Roast beef French dip, side of coleslaw & Potato salad. The sandwich alone was just an "Ok" for me. I really expected much more flavor in the beef. I don't like the fact that the bread is dipped in the au jus for it to get soggy. I prefer my own damn jus to dip my meat in. Who on earth likes soggy bread? Just plain disgusting. Thank goodness that the top of the bread which was a french roll was nice and crusty or else it would have been a total blow. I also added some jack cheese to mine & I'm glad I did added some flavor to the sandwich. I was disappointed that we aren't allowed to request rare roast beef. It's cooked well done for everyone which is sad. The sides were my savior. The coleslaw was simple & delicious nothing extra added just crunchy, sweet & delicious. The potato salad was old fashioned style & super flavorful. The highlight were the desserts we ordered. Totally old school made Banana cream pie & Chocolate cream pie. Both were phenomenal to me. The whipped cream was not real whipped cream texture it was sort of like cool whip, but hey I'm not complaining. It's how it used to be made before all artificial stuff was bad for us lol. The custard inside for both was so good. Loved the chunks of real banana inside & the crisp crust it was on. The chocolate custard was also very good. I actually thought it would taste like chocolate pudding the filling but I was wrong it was silky, smooth, rich & light in chocolate flavor all at the same time which I loved. I would so return to try their ham sandwich. For you "Lamb lovers" I hear they have an amazing Lamb sandwich.
(4)
Jenn K.
There is a lot f history in the building and it is a great place to go to so you can say you have been but don't see myself running back anytime soon. Once every 10 years or so is enough for me.
(3)
Jeffrey L.
I heard of this place through the show "Man Vs Food". The French dipped sandwiches didn't have much flavor in them and had a neutral taste. Tasted original. But hey, that's what they're known for amirite? Staffs were friendly and constantly smiled :), because of that I decided to bump my original 3 star review up to a 4 star. The atmosphere felt retro and historical. I felt like I was eating in the 40s. The only thing that has changed might have been only the people. I can easily imagine men wearing fedoras and suits and ladies in white dresses sitting in these same exact tables 70 years ago. Overall this is one of the places you should visit atleast once. -Jeff Food Expert M.D; PhD from Harvard University
(4)
Peter D.
After trying out Coles I had to check out Phillipes. It was well worth the trip. The overall experience was great- cafeteria style and a ton of options to choose from. I went with the single dip though in hindsight I prob would have opted for the double to soak up some more au jus. Beyond that I got the pickled eggs which were great as well as a side of cole slaw which was average. If you're deciding between Coles and Phillipes hands down the is the place to go.
(5)
Jesse S.
If you are an L.A. native or just visiting the area, this is a must stop. Skip Olvera Street for dining since it's just have a block away. The French dip sandwiches are yummay! My favors is the lamb, done just right with some spicy horseradish. They used to serve $.19 coffee but I believe it's still under a dollar. The servers remember your order without taking notes, they have some good IPA beer and tasty desserts. Better stop here next time you are near China Town, Olvera Street or picking someone up Union Station.
(5)
Olin T.
Great place to meet up with people for a great lunch. Plenty of parking. Unique atmosphere. Unique ordering system. And of course a great menu. Prices have gotten a bit up in the last few years, but still somewhat reasonable.
(5)
Chris T.
Per usual....excellent!
(5)
Connor G.
Taste, Value, Fast, Easy, Friendly. What else would you look for? Philippe is a fantastic place to eat for a quick meal if you're downtown, with the sandwiches put together right in front of your eyes. Reminiscent of a Jewish Deli, this establishment has all of the good food without the traditional high price. Potato Salad: Tasty, Beef Sandwich: Moist and Filling, Chili: Full Bodied and Flavorful. Needless to say I'll be back again soon!
(5)
Michael W.
This place is a true LA legend, whether or not you believe that they invented the French dipped sandwich. I always get the pork, but all the meats are good. I always get a dill pickle and the macaroni salad. If I am there on Sunday, their split pea soup is great too. Try the baked apple for dessert or go for their creamy tapioca pudding. Even the simple brownie is good. Don't forget some hot mustard to go!
(5)
Ed U.
There's probably a foodie tour of the classic, old-timey restaurants of LA that I should take. Oh wait, I think I've done it already. After all, I've had the steakburger at the Apple Pan on West Pico, the short ribs at the Original Pantry Cafe on 9th and Figueroa, and the corned beef & cabbage at Canter's Deli on Fairfax, not to mention all those gluttonous hot dogs at Pink's. Now I'm wondering what took me so long to get to Philippe's, in particular, since Jamie W. is a renowned fan of the French dip sandwich. Founder Philippe Mathieu claims to have invented it back in 1918 when he inadvertently dropped a French roll into a roasting pan filled with hot au jus. And the rest is l'histoire as they say. However, there's another vintage competitor named Cole's who claims to have served the original French dip and it just gets ugly from there. I say there's enough room for two places to make the same claim, especially since we know the Chinese invented it anyway. They invented everything. Jamie and I ended up here after a nice walk around the newly refurbished Echo Park lake on the Fourth of July. We figured we would grab a bite before the fireworks started a fearful melee of activity on the streets. Downtown LA was fairly empty at that hour except for this place which was bustling with customers who appeared to know the drill very well. It was a good thing they have two parking lots to accommodate the masses. Inside is a deli set-up much like Katz's in NYC's Lower East Side only they are nicer here (no free samples though) and the sandwiches are frankly a lot cheaper. Jamie went for the classic $7.25 Beef Sandwich (photo: bit.ly/1G8Rgcf ). Now unlike what you get at Denny's, there is no separate cup of au jus to allow you to be the dipper. You are indeed the dippee since they serve the soft French roll "wet" with the au jus from the meat. He went with a side of mayo-saturated Macaroni Salad for contrast (photo: bit.ly/1NUYsz6 ). I decided to go premium and order the $8.75 Lamb Sandwich with the Potato Salad (photo: bit.ly/1eIbaVs ). Hearty and delicious with the lamb moist and tender from the roasting pan and with a bit of a kick from the splooge of housemade hot - and I do mean 'hot' - mustard they sell by the squeeze bottle. Somehow we couldn't leave without splitting a $4 slice of the very sweet Pecan Pie (photo: bit.ly/1D2wSta ). Nothing says cafeteria food to me more. The ambiance is nothing fancy, mostly long communal tables with sawdust on the floor (photo: bit.ly/1UDrbgu ). We both liked the casual vibe a lot, and you could tell there were a lot of regulars that evening. In hindsight, we probably would have added some Kosher pickles on the side or even their famous pickled eggs. Oh what the hell, we'll be back, we know it. Who doesn't like to get dipped? FOOD - 4 stars...old-school French dip may or may not be the originator but who cares?...it's tasty AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...casual deli set-up, no need to dress up here SERVICE - 4 stars...veteran servers know what they're doing TOTAL - 4 stars...classic LA eating for those of us who like to indulge ourselves
(4)
Korinna K.
So good. Fair warning, the spicy mustard they have on the table will rip your sinuses a new one if it hits the right spot. It burns, but it burns so good.
(5)
Josh L.
Top 5 sandwich in Los Angeles. Love both the original beef dip and the turkey dip. Old school to the max! The nostalgia factor is off the charts.
(5)
Rami M.
Believe the hype- Philippe's is that good! It was my first stop after touching down in LAX, and I'm glad it was! Of course, I got the double dipped beef sandwich with no alterations (aka no cheese). It was perfection, and the bread was a pleasant surprise. Do yourself a favor and order a lemonade to go with your meal! We also had macaroni salad, and it was pretty delicious.
(5)
Joseph A.
always get two beef double dips one with swiss cheese and a slice of cherry pie. go here for the great food and good memories of getting candy after eating some good sandwiches with my family. never dissapoints.
(5)
Jade P.
On our last visit, my BF and I got double dipped beef and lamb sandwiches with potato and macaroni salad on the side + 2 glasses of lemonade (all for 23 bucks). Their sandwiches are pretty standard- bread, meat, au jus and cheese...no ketchup, no mayo or whatever you put in your sandwiches. They have hot mustard on the tables though but be careful cuz it's a whole lot of spicy. I personally don't care for it but my bf loved it. I love their sandwiches as they are...simple, delicious and juicy! Size is just right for its price although I'd have to say that their salad portions are small. Too bad, though, because their potato salad is sooo good! Ambience is very old school, so nostalgic! Tables are communal and there's hay scattered all over the floor (think Grand Central Market before it became all hipster)! Lines can be long and confusing too especially if there are a lot of people so try to go during off hours. Attitude of those behind the counter varies. I've ordered from an old sweet lady before and I've encountered a grumpy-like-a-mean-lunch-lady as well. I don't mind it, I actually find it amusing. They can be slow too so bring a lot of patience with you. They have 2 parking lots and I imagine that it can get pretty packed during peak hours (one more reason to go during off hours!).
(4)
S V.
Solid place to check out. The cool thing is this place has 10 lines yet still packed. Sandwiches are good, but I felt it was a bit overhyped. Still great though. I do love the environment and how things are done so I rec to give this place a shot. I just don't think I will be having cravings for this place.
(4)
C K.
yes, no, maybe...you decide. It's all been said. You may like it...maybe not. For me, it just depends on what mood I am in...but definitely go there once....an L.A. original!! You really can't slam this place, no need to.
(3)
karen t.
It's ok but not worth the money or the trip to China town for it. Maybe if you are in the area and don't want anything else to eat. It's not gross or anything it's good I've been here a few times over the years and gotten the beef, turkey, and pork both double dipped and single. The turkey is dry but the other two are good. The biggest problem I have is the size the sandwiches are SMALL not worth the $7.40 for a 6 1/2 inch sandwich with only a little meat nothing else. After trying the sandwiches I didn't want to try the sides I imagined they would also disappoint.
(2)
Tony B.
It's hardly necessary to review a place like Philipe's because it is an institution in and of itself. It's one of those places you remember going to your first time when you get upon the soapbox to tell younguns what the world is all about: "Back when I was a kid coffee at Philipe's cost a nickel and I'd drink three dollars worth of it. You know, that kind of place. Except for the prices, not much has changed at Philipe's since I first came here in the seventies. Sawdust on the floor, wood booths and stools at a counter, and shared tables. There is an upstairs that I haven't seen opened in years- but it's pretty much the same thing. I have yet to arrive at this place and found no line. No big deal because they move pretty fast. I like that the servers do all the money on a little tray and don't touch it. Nasty, dirty old money..... I must be honest, I generally go to Philipe's for coffee. I go up to ten times a month depending on how much time I need to kill. I just grab a few cups- at 45 cents a pop- and a lemonade or two if I'm with my kids. Then I just sit down and read a book. What I really love about this place, though, is that you never know who you'll run into on a fluke. Not only have I met new and fascinating world travelers and tourists, I have also run into friends and foes. It's that kind of awesome. My favorites food wise are the beef dip, cheesecake, and the pickled eggs in the purple jar. Not much of a mayonnaise person so I am the wrong person to ask about the slaw and salad stuff. I am a semi-regular and a lifer. Philipe's is like home.
(3)
Jonathan A.
Wasn't crowded which was great. This was my first time coming here. I hear so much about this place from family and friends. So I had to try it and well it's OK. Nothing for me to be like WOW. The beef French dip was good but I was still hungry. I should have gotten two but the price wasn't worth it. The place has that old look which is great for being a landmark kind of place. Cash is a must! I liked the lemonade. I doubt I would come back it was a great first time. But I felt hungry still afterwards. Cash is a must! They do have a ATM there! Parking on street and a lot.
(3)
Art C.
Came in Friday morning because I happened to be in the area. I figured I get a coffee. It's $.45 after all. I ended getting a beef dip with cheese and small glass (and I do mean small) of orange juice with that. The sandwiches are kinda small so it would probably cost me only a few bucks. However, the total was over $10 with one of the items being $.45? Wow that is one expensive little sandwich. A coffee and quick bite turned into full meal prices. I know they are Phillippe's & all, and been coming since I was a kid. But really? You're not THAT special.
(2)
Dave G.
Well over rated. Beef dip was chewy and the roll over soaked took on the texture of baby food. Extra star for the horseradish sauce that masks the beef.
(2)
Erick V.
Awesome American deli that I have ever been too and will never stop coming here god willing!
(4)
Aleece T.
If I could give this place less than one star I would. I felt like it was a mess hall for the homeless. There is absolutely zero options for vegetarians. They claim to have Caesar salad but I ordered it and then they said they didn't have it. I ended up getting the only thing edible for vegetarians, which is a potato salad, the size of an ice cream scoop... They have a "cheese sandwich" so I asked if that meant grilled cheese. They said no. So I said, "So it's just cheese ... and bread ... ???" They said yes. Who eats just cheese and bread? Not even a grilled cheese? Not me. No lettuce or tomato option available either. Never have been told no when requesting a simple leaf of lettuce on a sandwich before. Don't waste your time coming here.
(1)
Jeremy K.
I first went to Philippe with my parents in 1988, and it was absolutely amazing then. It took me another 24 years to get there, and just like 24 years before, it was just as good. I went this past March for lunch, and had what I consider my usual. A French Dip beef sandwich, and this time I had the chili. The chili like the sandwich was absolutely amazing. I love the mustard, and the next time I am in Los Angeles, I am definitely buying a bottle of mustard.
(5)
Emil C.
Food: This place is super popular and there's usually long lines. Food is affordable and supposed to be good. So I came here with my friends after we ran the Chinatown Firecracker race. I found a short line and ordered my food. I ordered their roast beef sandwich and a Red Trolley Ale. It was a decent roast beef sandwich especially with their spicy mustard sauce. I personally don't see what the fuss is all about. Their food is just decent. It's not spectacular or something that I'd go out of my way to go eat. But heck if my friends want to go... sure, why not? Location: It's pretty easy to get to from the Chinatown Metro station. Just walk South on Alameda Street from the station and you'll see it on your right. The dining area is fairly large. We were able to find a spot that fit all of us. I think we had about 8 people total on this particular trip.
(3)
Joanna W.
Always amazing what can I say? :) I am definitely a double dipper!!! Great friendly service very quick and prompt. There hot mustard is the best and definitely makes this sandwich. I was too full for dessert but I know from the past that there pie is to die for!!! I live in the OC but always have to stop by here when I'm in LA!
(5)
Markus N.
There used to be a hamburger stand down the street after Alameda turns into North Spring on the old railyard when it was a railyard before State Parks bought the yard and turned it into a park. Lovely idea, this railyard to park plan but the devil is in the details and why the System had to first evict Millie and her very real hamburgesa stand was beyond me and made me very sad. The System has no feelings. The System has no heart. But possibly for the fact that Philippe's was down the street the eviction of Millie could have been a bigger calamity from which I would have never recovered. Not that the french dip was in any way a substitute for those grilled burgers sitting on overturned buckets with a Fresca; it's different and real in its own special way. Around since the beginning of time, I was taken here a lifetime ago by a fellow with whom I toiled fresh from school. He was OG LA and knew this from that and thought with from where I hailed I'd groove on the vibe as well. And I did. And I've returned as often as I could with others in tow or alone. It's fun to share Philippe's with friends, but it's fun solo too. Monitor your expectations. This isn't about delicacy necessarily, though the vittles are good. If you need to be petted and cooed to, if you need your hair brushed and soft attentive kisses to make your culinary experience feel right you maybe shouldn't come here. I'm not hating. I'm not. I'm just saying. It's old school lunch counter with lines and no time for a lot of pleasant conversation. Know what you want order it and go eat. The sammies are delicious and perfectly sized on the smaller side. There's a horsey sauce in a squeeze bottle on the table. The slaw and mac salad are tasty. One pickle. I like to get a coke. The people are just people and there's a little LA human oddity to watch but in reality it's just no pretense folks out to get a little good food in their bellies. Reminds me still of places in my old neighborhood. Old LA and old NYC are very much alike in ways. Which makes me happy and a little homesick in a nice way so thank you Philippe, for being.
(5)
Lala G.
Me and the girl stopped in Last Sunday before hitting the Brewery Artwalk we walked up to the counter I was to busy looking at everything so she ordered for me we both had the beef dip with swiss and potato salad. the sandwich was really good I enjoyed every bite and some of hers as well :) the salad was really good as well which is saying a lot since I do not normally like potato salad I will defiantly come back her again and again
(4)
Veronica V.
I saw this place on Man v. Food and had to check it out for myself. It was AMAZING. The line wasn't even too long (Adam Richman was totally exaggerating when he said it was "like the DMV"), but even if it was, it would be worth the wait! The beef french dip was so good, I see why this place is so famous. It reminded me of the Italian beefs I miss so much from Chicago. Also, I would honestly go back just for the chili. I ordered it on impulse because I am a huge fan of sides in general, and it was definitely a good choice. Sidenote: The pies and pudding were pretty much begging for me to order them, though I had to resist temptation. I'm sure they tasted even better than they looked.
(5)
Andy L.
THE HYPE IS REAL. I was starving and got a little too excited at my first time to Philippe's a couple weeks ago, so I ordered a ton of food: beef double dipped with swiss, cup of chili, side of coleslaw, side of pickle, and an iced tea. The total came out to be around $15, which honestly seemed a little bit pricey, but I'm willing to pay a little extra for good food! The beef dip was amazing, quite simple with just meat, bread, cheese, and meat juices, so I was glad to have something crunchy and tangy like the pickle and coleslaw to eat with. The pickle was slightly smaller than a deli dill pickle, so at a little over a dollar, was steep, and it was just a standard, pickle, nothing special. I think next time I'll skip that, as well as the chili. The chili did not wow me at all. I do give them a thumbs up for having bean-less chili and the option to add beans if preferred. I would definitely come back again to eat the beef dip or try the other sandwiches. Coleslaw and iced tea are a must! I heard the pies are good, but I was too full to try... The line system is somewhat confusing for first timers. Just remember that there are lines for each cash register!
(4)
George H.
I went here for the weekend and I personally thought it was great experience and an experience that you can't go wrong with the original. The authenticity of waiting in line, the authenticity of the interior and decor is pretty neat. From the top (photos) to the bottom sawdust floors lies a uniqueness that lead also to 4K in reviews. I had the lamb fresh dipped sandwich with a side of potato salad. It was tender, and the lamb didn't have a heavy lamb flavor to it. The mustard was a must have addition that added another layer of spicy-mild love. My friend had the beef fresh dipped with a side of coleslaw. The coleslaw was mediocre in my opinion. To be honest, I didn't feel like I was living in this century. It seemed like time had rewinded and I was one of the few Asians living in LA. In addition, the way it was served and in what it was served on was all just different experience. But yes, I would come here again. :D
(4)
Jonathan M.
Great prices and great sandwiches. Even have some good beer selection. Best place to stop before a dodger game
(5)
Mark F.
French Dip, the way the 1950s cafeteria lady made it. What can I say that's not already been said. Not much. So I'll make this short and sweet. 1. Cash Only 2. Must try for Dip lovers of all kind. It's historic, famous and the maker of a very nice sandwich. 3. Try your luck parking behind the building before you risk "bumper rub" on the street. 4. The lines may be ridiculously long. Like you'll want to walk out long. Don't! It moves fast. Pick a lane and stay the course. You will enjoy the experience. 5. Order a Dip and a side. I like their potato salad. I'm picky on this mustard side of choice and Philippe does a good job. 6. Put your cash in the dish, not on the counter 7. Enjoy It's that simple and totally worth it. Why else would it be a favorite of so many who batter LA traffic at lunch time just for a sandwich.
(4)
Julian A.
A feeling of nostalgia is what I got the last time I came here to eat. I remember as a kid coming here with my family just to enjoy their French dipped subs. Wow, I must say that the tastiness and the overall great vibe has not changed! Philippe's is one of the oldest restaurants located in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles. Serving customers since the early 1900's, this place has become to be known as a Dodgers haven for the loyal Los Angelenos. Everybody who is from Los Angeles or has visited here knows about Philippe's. They do have a small parking lot which is always filled up. They do have street metered parking as well as paid parking lots around the area. I came here one day after work because I was just craving eating here. Mind you that I had not come here in years. I arrived and saw that there was no line. Score! I ordered their roast beef French dipped sandwich with a side order of chips and their lemonade. Wow. What a warm, tasty and just all around beefy taste! I was told about their famous mustard. I am not a mustard fan, but would be willing to try it in the near future. They have many options to choose from- pork, beef, lamb. And yes, they also do have shirts you can purchase! This is one of those Los Angeles landmarks that everybody should try. Believe me, it is not overrated nor will you have a bad experience. Not only is it a haven for Dodgers fans, especially during baseball season, but it is a restaurant that all must try. A vintage look with ample seating(cafeteria style seating), it is located right next to Union Station and not far of a drive from Dodger Stadium. Don't knock it until you try it.
(5)
Eddie K.
Good and tasty sandwiches, but small portions and expensive for what you get. Consider it a landmark in L. A.
(4)
Michael T.
Fairly disappointing. This place must be famous because they supposedly invented the French dip sandwich not that they are actually good. The sandwiches aren't bad but they aren't worth a special trip. For $7.25 you get get a smallish pre-dipped, sandwich. Cheese and sides extra. So although it seems cheap, it will probably set you back about $12 with a side and a beverage. I'd rather pay $20 and get the absolutely divine french dip sandwich at a Hillstone restaurant. It's about double the size, grade A prime rib beef, and accompanied with fantastic fries and fresh au jus for dipping. The pre-dipped sandwiches at Phillipe are borderline soggy (the bad kind of wet). I'd be fine if Phillipe just became a footnote in the Wikipedia entry for French dip... PS it would be nice if they listed the price of a can of soda or mentioned anywhere that you can ask for single dipped, double dipped instead of finding everything out after the fact...
(2)
Cyndi L.
Not sure why I have let a review on this place go for so long. Staple for me before a Dodgers game. Love all the sandwiches except lamb. Just don't like lamb, ugh, like gym shoes to me, regardless of how many times I try it.. Lines are always hideous, but tend to move quickly and there is a ton of seating. Pies, hit and miss, berry pies cool, anything with a whipped topping tastes weird. Sides are usually ok, not fantastic. Bring on the beef and turkey, double dipped with cheese. How the people at the counter remain friendly, given the turnover I dunno, but they usually are. Bad form not to tip them :)
(4)
Jordan C.
you a tourist and don't know where to go, BOOM!!! right here!!! the pork and lamb sandwiches on the best/amazing!!! 75 cent lemonade and 10 cent coffee. best sandwich in california and los angeles
(5)
Oulie T.
Lamb, carved directly from the leg, is what comprises the lamb sandwiches of Philippe's. This fresh cut of lamb will spoil you. I ordered a lamb dish a couple days later at a British pub in Santa Monica and the low quality of that meat was evident after comparing it to Philippe's. Philippe's doles out the good stuff. Philippe's signature Horseradish mustard with its zingy bite is a must atop the lamb sandwich. I went a little overboard with my mustard serving and every single bite of sandwich went down with an intense wasabi like sear. It was simultaneously pleasurable and painful. Philippe's decor oozes old school charm with a very east diner coast feel. We previously tried coming on a weekend but a line of tourists stretched out the door and so we detoured over to Olvera street for less busy eats. The Weekday line was still long but much more manageable. There are a couple of dedicated parking lots in the back which easily fill up, but are nicely managed and greatly appreciated.
(5)
Griffin Z.
They call it the Original for a reason. The story goes, about a century ago a policeman orders a roast beef sandwich and the carver drops it in the roasting pan. The officer was in a hurry and took the sandwich as is, dripping with au jus. He enjoyed it so much, he came back the following day with a group of other officers and they kindly asked the clerk to dip their sandwich's in the rich broth. The French Dip was born, and Philippes' has been an institution ever since. The sandwich's do not disappoint. Beef, lamb, turkey are the standouts, and I recommend having them double or even triple dip the sandwich. Try some of the spicy mustard on the table, but be careful as it is quite potent. Get some lemonade for 75 cents, or a 45 cent coffee, some potato salad and a pickled egg, and just enjoy 100 years+ of atmosphere. Be warned tho, avoid this place like the plague before Dodger games. It is a zoo.
(5)
Gary L.
This place has been on my list to go ever since it was aired on Man v. Food. Now that I have finally been able to go, this place is all right. I guess I set high expectations and led myself to disappointment. The service is somewhat slow, or maybe the people in front of me had trouble to deciding what to get. I had the beef sandwich double dipped with a cup of chili on the side. The chili was actually better and had more flavor than the sandwich. I like the spicy mustard that they have and bought a bottle of that for $5.
(3)
Chantal G.
This place is great! I usually get the beef one triple dipped with some coleslaw and potato salad. I recommend mixing the coleslaw and potato salad together. Such a delicious combination!
(5)
Danory S.
Seriously stop the madness! This place is such garbage! Went here cuz of all the high ratings on yelp only to eat the driest beef dip sandwich with no Au Ju to dip with. Even asked for the beef to be "double dipped" like other people recommended.... Didn't do jack. The beef-dry, very hard, tough, utterly flavorless. Bread-stale How does this place possibly get 4000 reviews on such a baaasssic sandwich. There's nothing interesting, special, or flavorful about it. It's like buying roast beef from the deli and putting it on an old French roll, add some cheese and that's it. That's literally all it tastes like, the sauce did nothing for it. I'm in utter disbelief.
(1)
Kait R.
There's more than beef french dipped sandwiches at Philippe. Here are my recommendations: 1. Go during off hours. I don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of waiting in long lines for anything, including food. Recently stopped by around 3pm on a Sunday and it was perfect - each line had 3 to 4 people max. 2. Order the pastrami sandwich and get it double dipped with a side of potato salad. You won't regret it. 3. Do try the house made spicy mustard on the table. 4. Take time to walk around and check out the photos hanging on the wall. There's a lot of history. The restaurant was established in 1908, made it through the great depression and has been at the current location since 1951. I've heard it's a great spot for breakfast and can't wait to check it out.
(4)
Audrey D.
There's a reason why this place is always packed with people. The french dips are incredibly delicious. Most french (double) dips I order in other places get soaked and the bread becomes soggy through and through, but Philippe's bread holds it's shape even with the double dip. It was my first time here and was going to get the classic beef french dip sandwich, but since I read other reviews on here and because I absolutely love lamb, I ordered the lamb sandwich. My boyfriend ordered the beef so that I could try. To my surprise the sliced the lamb right off the bones in pretty generous cuts. The lamb paired well with the Swiss cheese and especially the mustard you can find at every table. BTW they don't allow you to order au jus on the side so remember to order double dip to get as much of the au jus in your sandwich. Cheapest drinks are the lemonade and the iced tea which were tasty but be warned, it's French style with their tiny glasses. So, order multiple if you think you'll be thirsty. Potato salad was also excellent. It isn't the chunky potato kind, but it has a lot of little bits and pieces of ingredients that make it flavorful. Besides these, we saw a variety of desserts like carrot cake, chocolate cake, and baked apples. I heard these are all good too; maybe I'll give them a try next time. That concludes my contribution of another good review to an already highly rated restaurant. I hope this business continues to please all new customers like me!
(5)
Ed E.
What can I say, this is the best dip sandwich place in town. Loved the double dipped beef sandwich and the coleslaw was the bomb.
(5)
Aiden S.
An LA landmark, the home of the french dip sandwich, Philippe is a place that any Angeleno should know. The french dips here are extremely flavorful. What may surprise you is that you don't dip the sandwich in au jus. Instead, the bread already has the au jus spread on it. Overall, the sandwich is hearty. Not fancy, just simple and flavorful. The weakest point of the sandwich here is the bread. It's not fresh and it's soggy. Normally this would tip the scales for me to give the restaurant three stars; however, there is no way this restaurant could or should change their bread. They've been using the same style for over half a century, so the tradition has to keep going. I like to order my french dip with a side of slaw and an arnold palmer. The arnold palmers here are very good and I recommend them. Ultimately, if this restaurant was not "the Original" it would be getting three stars instead of four. But the landmark status of this restaurant coupled with the fact that while there are much better french dip sandwiches out there this sandwich is pretty good, makes this place four stars. To me, this restaurant is a symbol of the city that I was born in and that I love.
(4)
Cesar Q.
Soon since moving to Las Vegas I haven't been to Los Angeles to much, when I met my wife we started doing Cali trips to the beach and whatnot. Wifey told me about this place as being an old school staple in LA. Very close to Union Station and a 5 minutes walk from Olivera street (awesome street market btw). You walk in and its cafeteria-style seating, it was super crowded but we went before a Dodger game so that explained that. So apparently you have to have the french dip, this is what there known for oh and it is the best french dip I've ever had. Make sure you bring cash, they do not take credit cards, there is an ATM machine in the store but if your like me you don't want to pay that stupid transaction fee. The seating is quaint, never been upstairs, it is a comfortable atmosphere. If your a shy person and like your privacy this place probably isn't for you due to the close proximity of other diners. We've been back numerous times, its our lunch spot before the Dodger game. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
(4)
E J.
Love the beef dips double dipped & the coleslaw with extra cream. Awesome eats! My grandmother & I always would drive out to LA just for beef dips with swiss & a coke ! Nothing better!
(5)
Neal U.
Spicy mustard best part of novelty cafeteria restaurant. Came here on a Monday afternoon for lunch to see what all the hype is about. I got the lamb dipped sandwich with a side of potato salad and blueberry pie. Paid with credit card. Food was on the whole good, lamb was tender, and juicy not seasoned in any special way. Broth was good, a little watered down and tepid for my taste but good. I would've liked a little more meat to juice it up especially for a $9 sandwich. But hey I think we'd all like a little more meat. The spicy mustard sauce available at each communal table was maybe the best part of the meal. Potato salad and pie were also predictable. The salad had traditional flavors of mustard and paprika and good mayo to potato proportions. Pie had averagely good flakey shortening based crust and filing was definitely from a can. Totally good, four stars good. Comfort food good. The cafeteria style dining and early-mid century American novelty vibe is worth checking out. Style wise loved the pulpex plates and plastic trays. Also served pickled eggs here looked pretty good too.
(3)
cindy c.
For first or even second-timers, going to Philippe's can be a little intimidating. There are multiple lines that might not be very defined and incomplete menus that may be a little difficult to read. Lots of people and lots of little signs and decor here and there. But the great thing is, you can't go wrong with anything you order here, and it is worth the wait! Took my out of town Aunt here. She and I both inhaled our beef French dips. Potato salad is the best I've had. I think mixing in pickles makes it amazing! We were so full we had to save our apple pie and custard for later. Even eaten a couple days later, the pie was still super yummy. Haven't had the custard yet but can't wait to dig into it!
(5)
Dwain C.
I ate dinner at Philippe the Original in Los Angeles, CA on 4/12/2015. Just like 2013 and 2014, it was my last meal in Los Angeles before boarding a train at Union Station. The beef French dipped sandwiches are now $7.25. The macaroni salad is $1.40 while the tapioca is $2.50. Lemonade is still 75 cents. The big news is that they now take CREDIT CARDS! (unbeliveable). Plus, I took photos.
(5)
joe s.
sorry but anyone who thinks this place has the best F.D. sandwiches has NEVER had a french dip sandwich ! this place sucks ! I have no idea how this place is "world famous" other than there must be a lot of idiots in california ! btw... the sign reads... "French DIPPED" as in PAST TENSE !! means THEY dip it for you !! NO AU JUS !! and NO EXTRAS like swiss cheese or mushrooms ... NO 'FRENCH' FRIES either !! NO REFILLS on drinks ! not even ice tea !! this place is over rated and and plain ! concrete floors and picnic benches !! NEVER AGAIN !!
Easily 4.5! Went there just past 11am on a Saturday, and it wasn't too crazy. The lady at the counter was so wonderful, and the double-dipped lamb with bleu cheese was great! Potato salad and a 16oz Angel City IPA really topped things off nicely!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Linh T.
I've been a fan of Coles for many years. They also claim to have invented the French dip. However, after returning to Phillipes last week, I think the crown is being passed here. The sandwich was the perfect warmth and not overly dipped. The potato salad was creamy yet refreshing. I wish they had fries but at least the sides are good. For dessert, the chocolate is heavenly- a perfect blend of light, fluffy and decadence in each bite. The cherry on top are the two open large FREE parking lots in the back. You can't beat that near Dtla. I will be back soon for the breakfast! (That's over at 11:00).
(5)Ken U.
Keeping this one short, went for the beef sandwich which to me was a classic roast beef roll dipped in yummy roast beef gravy goodness. The beef was sliced thinly to avoid it being dry and the soft bun held it all together. Don't expect gourmet or hipster sambos here, as it is a no nonsense deli, keeping their sandwiches tasty and simple.
(4)m c.
Not sure why people like this place other than the fact they enjoy eating mouthfuls of salt. Ordered a lamb and a NY pastrami dip. Both were SOOO salty and I am one that doesn't mind salt in my food. Definitely would cause your blood pressure to topple over and cause a stroke. Took one bite and that was enough. You can get better bread at the 99 cents store. We paid $20 for 2 salt sandwiches. Enough said. Rushing home so I can drink my gallon of water.
(1)Courtney D.
Great sandwiches and a million different desserts to chose from. I went on a Thursday afternoon and there was no line and barley anyone inside. From the looks of it, it gets pretty packed and crowded on the weekends. Potato salad is great, as well as the potato soup! Great fast service! Would highly recommend!
(5)Lost In A.
What more could be said to a historic Los Angeles landmark eatery with over 4,000 reviews? This place definitely is a no frills no fuss kind of place. I commend them for keeping their nostalgic waitress uniforms from back in the day. Food in the cold cases looked delicious. We all ordered their famous Roast beef French dip, side of coleslaw & Potato salad. The sandwich alone was just an "Ok" for me. I really expected much more flavor in the beef. I don't like the fact that the bread is dipped in the au jus for it to get soggy. I prefer my own damn jus to dip my meat in. Who on earth likes soggy bread? Just plain disgusting. Thank goodness that the top of the bread which was a french roll was nice and crusty or else it would have been a total blow. I also added some jack cheese to mine & I'm glad I did added some flavor to the sandwich. I was disappointed that we aren't allowed to request rare roast beef. It's cooked well done for everyone which is sad. The sides were my savior. The coleslaw was simple & delicious nothing extra added just crunchy, sweet & delicious. The potato salad was old fashioned style & super flavorful. The highlight were the desserts we ordered. Totally old school made Banana cream pie & Chocolate cream pie. Both were phenomenal to me. The whipped cream was not real whipped cream texture it was sort of like cool whip, but hey I'm not complaining. It's how it used to be made before all artificial stuff was bad for us lol. The custard inside for both was so good. Loved the chunks of real banana inside & the crisp crust it was on. The chocolate custard was also very good. I actually thought it would taste like chocolate pudding the filling but I was wrong it was silky, smooth, rich & light in chocolate flavor all at the same time which I loved. I would so return to try their ham sandwich. For you "Lamb lovers" I hear they have an amazing Lamb sandwich.
(4)Jenn K.
There is a lot f history in the building and it is a great place to go to so you can say you have been but don't see myself running back anytime soon. Once every 10 years or so is enough for me.
(3)Jeffrey L.
I heard of this place through the show "Man Vs Food". The French dipped sandwiches didn't have much flavor in them and had a neutral taste. Tasted original. But hey, that's what they're known for amirite? Staffs were friendly and constantly smiled :), because of that I decided to bump my original 3 star review up to a 4 star. The atmosphere felt retro and historical. I felt like I was eating in the 40s. The only thing that has changed might have been only the people. I can easily imagine men wearing fedoras and suits and ladies in white dresses sitting in these same exact tables 70 years ago. Overall this is one of the places you should visit atleast once. -Jeff Food Expert M.D; PhD from Harvard University
(4)Peter D.
After trying out Coles I had to check out Phillipes. It was well worth the trip. The overall experience was great- cafeteria style and a ton of options to choose from. I went with the single dip though in hindsight I prob would have opted for the double to soak up some more au jus. Beyond that I got the pickled eggs which were great as well as a side of cole slaw which was average. If you're deciding between Coles and Phillipes hands down the is the place to go.
(5)Jesse S.
If you are an L.A. native or just visiting the area, this is a must stop. Skip Olvera Street for dining since it's just have a block away. The French dip sandwiches are yummay! My favors is the lamb, done just right with some spicy horseradish. They used to serve $.19 coffee but I believe it's still under a dollar. The servers remember your order without taking notes, they have some good IPA beer and tasty desserts. Better stop here next time you are near China Town, Olvera Street or picking someone up Union Station.
(5)Olin T.
Great place to meet up with people for a great lunch. Plenty of parking. Unique atmosphere. Unique ordering system. And of course a great menu. Prices have gotten a bit up in the last few years, but still somewhat reasonable.
(5)Chris T.
Per usual....excellent!
(5)Connor G.
Taste, Value, Fast, Easy, Friendly. What else would you look for? Philippe is a fantastic place to eat for a quick meal if you're downtown, with the sandwiches put together right in front of your eyes. Reminiscent of a Jewish Deli, this establishment has all of the good food without the traditional high price. Potato Salad: Tasty, Beef Sandwich: Moist and Filling, Chili: Full Bodied and Flavorful. Needless to say I'll be back again soon!
(5)Michael W.
This place is a true LA legend, whether or not you believe that they invented the French dipped sandwich. I always get the pork, but all the meats are good. I always get a dill pickle and the macaroni salad. If I am there on Sunday, their split pea soup is great too. Try the baked apple for dessert or go for their creamy tapioca pudding. Even the simple brownie is good. Don't forget some hot mustard to go!
(5)Ed U.
There's probably a foodie tour of the classic, old-timey restaurants of LA that I should take. Oh wait, I think I've done it already. After all, I've had the steakburger at the Apple Pan on West Pico, the short ribs at the Original Pantry Cafe on 9th and Figueroa, and the corned beef & cabbage at Canter's Deli on Fairfax, not to mention all those gluttonous hot dogs at Pink's. Now I'm wondering what took me so long to get to Philippe's, in particular, since Jamie W. is a renowned fan of the French dip sandwich. Founder Philippe Mathieu claims to have invented it back in 1918 when he inadvertently dropped a French roll into a roasting pan filled with hot au jus. And the rest is l'histoire as they say. However, there's another vintage competitor named Cole's who claims to have served the original French dip and it just gets ugly from there. I say there's enough room for two places to make the same claim, especially since we know the Chinese invented it anyway. They invented everything. Jamie and I ended up here after a nice walk around the newly refurbished Echo Park lake on the Fourth of July. We figured we would grab a bite before the fireworks started a fearful melee of activity on the streets. Downtown LA was fairly empty at that hour except for this place which was bustling with customers who appeared to know the drill very well. It was a good thing they have two parking lots to accommodate the masses. Inside is a deli set-up much like Katz's in NYC's Lower East Side only they are nicer here (no free samples though) and the sandwiches are frankly a lot cheaper. Jamie went for the classic $7.25 Beef Sandwich (photo: bit.ly/1G8Rgcf ). Now unlike what you get at Denny's, there is no separate cup of au jus to allow you to be the dipper. You are indeed the dippee since they serve the soft French roll "wet" with the au jus from the meat. He went with a side of mayo-saturated Macaroni Salad for contrast (photo: bit.ly/1NUYsz6 ). I decided to go premium and order the $8.75 Lamb Sandwich with the Potato Salad (photo: bit.ly/1eIbaVs ). Hearty and delicious with the lamb moist and tender from the roasting pan and with a bit of a kick from the splooge of housemade hot - and I do mean 'hot' - mustard they sell by the squeeze bottle. Somehow we couldn't leave without splitting a $4 slice of the very sweet Pecan Pie (photo: bit.ly/1D2wSta ). Nothing says cafeteria food to me more. The ambiance is nothing fancy, mostly long communal tables with sawdust on the floor (photo: bit.ly/1UDrbgu ). We both liked the casual vibe a lot, and you could tell there were a lot of regulars that evening. In hindsight, we probably would have added some Kosher pickles on the side or even their famous pickled eggs. Oh what the hell, we'll be back, we know it. Who doesn't like to get dipped? FOOD - 4 stars...old-school French dip may or may not be the originator but who cares?...it's tasty AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...casual deli set-up, no need to dress up here SERVICE - 4 stars...veteran servers know what they're doing TOTAL - 4 stars...classic LA eating for those of us who like to indulge ourselves
(4)Korinna K.
So good. Fair warning, the spicy mustard they have on the table will rip your sinuses a new one if it hits the right spot. It burns, but it burns so good.
(5)Josh L.
Top 5 sandwich in Los Angeles. Love both the original beef dip and the turkey dip. Old school to the max! The nostalgia factor is off the charts.
(5)Rami M.
Believe the hype- Philippe's is that good! It was my first stop after touching down in LAX, and I'm glad it was! Of course, I got the double dipped beef sandwich with no alterations (aka no cheese). It was perfection, and the bread was a pleasant surprise. Do yourself a favor and order a lemonade to go with your meal! We also had macaroni salad, and it was pretty delicious.
(5)Joseph A.
always get two beef double dips one with swiss cheese and a slice of cherry pie. go here for the great food and good memories of getting candy after eating some good sandwiches with my family. never dissapoints.
(5)Jade P.
On our last visit, my BF and I got double dipped beef and lamb sandwiches with potato and macaroni salad on the side + 2 glasses of lemonade (all for 23 bucks). Their sandwiches are pretty standard- bread, meat, au jus and cheese...no ketchup, no mayo or whatever you put in your sandwiches. They have hot mustard on the tables though but be careful cuz it's a whole lot of spicy. I personally don't care for it but my bf loved it. I love their sandwiches as they are...simple, delicious and juicy! Size is just right for its price although I'd have to say that their salad portions are small. Too bad, though, because their potato salad is sooo good! Ambience is very old school, so nostalgic! Tables are communal and there's hay scattered all over the floor (think Grand Central Market before it became all hipster)! Lines can be long and confusing too especially if there are a lot of people so try to go during off hours. Attitude of those behind the counter varies. I've ordered from an old sweet lady before and I've encountered a grumpy-like-a-mean-lunch-lady as well. I don't mind it, I actually find it amusing. They can be slow too so bring a lot of patience with you. They have 2 parking lots and I imagine that it can get pretty packed during peak hours (one more reason to go during off hours!).
(4)S V.
Solid place to check out. The cool thing is this place has 10 lines yet still packed. Sandwiches are good, but I felt it was a bit overhyped. Still great though. I do love the environment and how things are done so I rec to give this place a shot. I just don't think I will be having cravings for this place.
(4)C K.
yes, no, maybe...you decide. It's all been said. You may like it...maybe not. For me, it just depends on what mood I am in...but definitely go there once....an L.A. original!! You really can't slam this place, no need to.
(3)karen t.
It's ok but not worth the money or the trip to China town for it. Maybe if you are in the area and don't want anything else to eat. It's not gross or anything it's good I've been here a few times over the years and gotten the beef, turkey, and pork both double dipped and single. The turkey is dry but the other two are good. The biggest problem I have is the size the sandwiches are SMALL not worth the $7.40 for a 6 1/2 inch sandwich with only a little meat nothing else. After trying the sandwiches I didn't want to try the sides I imagined they would also disappoint.
(2)Tony B.
It's hardly necessary to review a place like Philipe's because it is an institution in and of itself. It's one of those places you remember going to your first time when you get upon the soapbox to tell younguns what the world is all about: "Back when I was a kid coffee at Philipe's cost a nickel and I'd drink three dollars worth of it. You know, that kind of place. Except for the prices, not much has changed at Philipe's since I first came here in the seventies. Sawdust on the floor, wood booths and stools at a counter, and shared tables. There is an upstairs that I haven't seen opened in years- but it's pretty much the same thing. I have yet to arrive at this place and found no line. No big deal because they move pretty fast. I like that the servers do all the money on a little tray and don't touch it. Nasty, dirty old money..... I must be honest, I generally go to Philipe's for coffee. I go up to ten times a month depending on how much time I need to kill. I just grab a few cups- at 45 cents a pop- and a lemonade or two if I'm with my kids. Then I just sit down and read a book. What I really love about this place, though, is that you never know who you'll run into on a fluke. Not only have I met new and fascinating world travelers and tourists, I have also run into friends and foes. It's that kind of awesome. My favorites food wise are the beef dip, cheesecake, and the pickled eggs in the purple jar. Not much of a mayonnaise person so I am the wrong person to ask about the slaw and salad stuff. I am a semi-regular and a lifer. Philipe's is like home.
(3)Jonathan A.
Wasn't crowded which was great. This was my first time coming here. I hear so much about this place from family and friends. So I had to try it and well it's OK. Nothing for me to be like WOW. The beef French dip was good but I was still hungry. I should have gotten two but the price wasn't worth it. The place has that old look which is great for being a landmark kind of place. Cash is a must! I liked the lemonade. I doubt I would come back it was a great first time. But I felt hungry still afterwards. Cash is a must! They do have a ATM there! Parking on street and a lot.
(3)Art C.
Came in Friday morning because I happened to be in the area. I figured I get a coffee. It's $.45 after all. I ended getting a beef dip with cheese and small glass (and I do mean small) of orange juice with that. The sandwiches are kinda small so it would probably cost me only a few bucks. However, the total was over $10 with one of the items being $.45? Wow that is one expensive little sandwich. A coffee and quick bite turned into full meal prices. I know they are Phillippe's & all, and been coming since I was a kid. But really? You're not THAT special.
(2)Dave G.
Well over rated. Beef dip was chewy and the roll over soaked took on the texture of baby food. Extra star for the horseradish sauce that masks the beef.
(2)Erick V.
Awesome American deli that I have ever been too and will never stop coming here god willing!
(4)Aleece T.
If I could give this place less than one star I would. I felt like it was a mess hall for the homeless. There is absolutely zero options for vegetarians. They claim to have Caesar salad but I ordered it and then they said they didn't have it. I ended up getting the only thing edible for vegetarians, which is a potato salad, the size of an ice cream scoop... They have a "cheese sandwich" so I asked if that meant grilled cheese. They said no. So I said, "So it's just cheese ... and bread ... ???" They said yes. Who eats just cheese and bread? Not even a grilled cheese? Not me. No lettuce or tomato option available either. Never have been told no when requesting a simple leaf of lettuce on a sandwich before. Don't waste your time coming here.
(1)Jeremy K.
I first went to Philippe with my parents in 1988, and it was absolutely amazing then. It took me another 24 years to get there, and just like 24 years before, it was just as good. I went this past March for lunch, and had what I consider my usual. A French Dip beef sandwich, and this time I had the chili. The chili like the sandwich was absolutely amazing. I love the mustard, and the next time I am in Los Angeles, I am definitely buying a bottle of mustard.
(5)Emil C.
Food: This place is super popular and there's usually long lines. Food is affordable and supposed to be good. So I came here with my friends after we ran the Chinatown Firecracker race. I found a short line and ordered my food. I ordered their roast beef sandwich and a Red Trolley Ale. It was a decent roast beef sandwich especially with their spicy mustard sauce. I personally don't see what the fuss is all about. Their food is just decent. It's not spectacular or something that I'd go out of my way to go eat. But heck if my friends want to go... sure, why not? Location: It's pretty easy to get to from the Chinatown Metro station. Just walk South on Alameda Street from the station and you'll see it on your right. The dining area is fairly large. We were able to find a spot that fit all of us. I think we had about 8 people total on this particular trip.
(3)Joanna W.
Always amazing what can I say? :) I am definitely a double dipper!!! Great friendly service very quick and prompt. There hot mustard is the best and definitely makes this sandwich. I was too full for dessert but I know from the past that there pie is to die for!!! I live in the OC but always have to stop by here when I'm in LA!
(5)Markus N.
There used to be a hamburger stand down the street after Alameda turns into North Spring on the old railyard when it was a railyard before State Parks bought the yard and turned it into a park. Lovely idea, this railyard to park plan but the devil is in the details and why the System had to first evict Millie and her very real hamburgesa stand was beyond me and made me very sad. The System has no feelings. The System has no heart. But possibly for the fact that Philippe's was down the street the eviction of Millie could have been a bigger calamity from which I would have never recovered. Not that the french dip was in any way a substitute for those grilled burgers sitting on overturned buckets with a Fresca; it's different and real in its own special way. Around since the beginning of time, I was taken here a lifetime ago by a fellow with whom I toiled fresh from school. He was OG LA and knew this from that and thought with from where I hailed I'd groove on the vibe as well. And I did. And I've returned as often as I could with others in tow or alone. It's fun to share Philippe's with friends, but it's fun solo too. Monitor your expectations. This isn't about delicacy necessarily, though the vittles are good. If you need to be petted and cooed to, if you need your hair brushed and soft attentive kisses to make your culinary experience feel right you maybe shouldn't come here. I'm not hating. I'm not. I'm just saying. It's old school lunch counter with lines and no time for a lot of pleasant conversation. Know what you want order it and go eat. The sammies are delicious and perfectly sized on the smaller side. There's a horsey sauce in a squeeze bottle on the table. The slaw and mac salad are tasty. One pickle. I like to get a coke. The people are just people and there's a little LA human oddity to watch but in reality it's just no pretense folks out to get a little good food in their bellies. Reminds me still of places in my old neighborhood. Old LA and old NYC are very much alike in ways. Which makes me happy and a little homesick in a nice way so thank you Philippe, for being.
(5)Lala G.
Me and the girl stopped in Last Sunday before hitting the Brewery Artwalk we walked up to the counter I was to busy looking at everything so she ordered for me we both had the beef dip with swiss and potato salad. the sandwich was really good I enjoyed every bite and some of hers as well :) the salad was really good as well which is saying a lot since I do not normally like potato salad I will defiantly come back her again and again
(4)Veronica V.
I saw this place on Man v. Food and had to check it out for myself. It was AMAZING. The line wasn't even too long (Adam Richman was totally exaggerating when he said it was "like the DMV"), but even if it was, it would be worth the wait! The beef french dip was so good, I see why this place is so famous. It reminded me of the Italian beefs I miss so much from Chicago. Also, I would honestly go back just for the chili. I ordered it on impulse because I am a huge fan of sides in general, and it was definitely a good choice. Sidenote: The pies and pudding were pretty much begging for me to order them, though I had to resist temptation. I'm sure they tasted even better than they looked.
(5)Andy L.
THE HYPE IS REAL. I was starving and got a little too excited at my first time to Philippe's a couple weeks ago, so I ordered a ton of food: beef double dipped with swiss, cup of chili, side of coleslaw, side of pickle, and an iced tea. The total came out to be around $15, which honestly seemed a little bit pricey, but I'm willing to pay a little extra for good food! The beef dip was amazing, quite simple with just meat, bread, cheese, and meat juices, so I was glad to have something crunchy and tangy like the pickle and coleslaw to eat with. The pickle was slightly smaller than a deli dill pickle, so at a little over a dollar, was steep, and it was just a standard, pickle, nothing special. I think next time I'll skip that, as well as the chili. The chili did not wow me at all. I do give them a thumbs up for having bean-less chili and the option to add beans if preferred. I would definitely come back again to eat the beef dip or try the other sandwiches. Coleslaw and iced tea are a must! I heard the pies are good, but I was too full to try... The line system is somewhat confusing for first timers. Just remember that there are lines for each cash register!
(4)George H.
I went here for the weekend and I personally thought it was great experience and an experience that you can't go wrong with the original. The authenticity of waiting in line, the authenticity of the interior and decor is pretty neat. From the top (photos) to the bottom sawdust floors lies a uniqueness that lead also to 4K in reviews. I had the lamb fresh dipped sandwich with a side of potato salad. It was tender, and the lamb didn't have a heavy lamb flavor to it. The mustard was a must have addition that added another layer of spicy-mild love. My friend had the beef fresh dipped with a side of coleslaw. The coleslaw was mediocre in my opinion. To be honest, I didn't feel like I was living in this century. It seemed like time had rewinded and I was one of the few Asians living in LA. In addition, the way it was served and in what it was served on was all just different experience. But yes, I would come here again. :D
(4)Jonathan M.
Great prices and great sandwiches. Even have some good beer selection. Best place to stop before a dodger game
(5)Mark F.
French Dip, the way the 1950s cafeteria lady made it. What can I say that's not already been said. Not much. So I'll make this short and sweet. 1. Cash Only 2. Must try for Dip lovers of all kind. It's historic, famous and the maker of a very nice sandwich. 3. Try your luck parking behind the building before you risk "bumper rub" on the street. 4. The lines may be ridiculously long. Like you'll want to walk out long. Don't! It moves fast. Pick a lane and stay the course. You will enjoy the experience. 5. Order a Dip and a side. I like their potato salad. I'm picky on this mustard side of choice and Philippe does a good job. 6. Put your cash in the dish, not on the counter 7. Enjoy It's that simple and totally worth it. Why else would it be a favorite of so many who batter LA traffic at lunch time just for a sandwich.
(4)Julian A.
A feeling of nostalgia is what I got the last time I came here to eat. I remember as a kid coming here with my family just to enjoy their French dipped subs. Wow, I must say that the tastiness and the overall great vibe has not changed! Philippe's is one of the oldest restaurants located in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles. Serving customers since the early 1900's, this place has become to be known as a Dodgers haven for the loyal Los Angelenos. Everybody who is from Los Angeles or has visited here knows about Philippe's. They do have a small parking lot which is always filled up. They do have street metered parking as well as paid parking lots around the area. I came here one day after work because I was just craving eating here. Mind you that I had not come here in years. I arrived and saw that there was no line. Score! I ordered their roast beef French dipped sandwich with a side order of chips and their lemonade. Wow. What a warm, tasty and just all around beefy taste! I was told about their famous mustard. I am not a mustard fan, but would be willing to try it in the near future. They have many options to choose from- pork, beef, lamb. And yes, they also do have shirts you can purchase! This is one of those Los Angeles landmarks that everybody should try. Believe me, it is not overrated nor will you have a bad experience. Not only is it a haven for Dodgers fans, especially during baseball season, but it is a restaurant that all must try. A vintage look with ample seating(cafeteria style seating), it is located right next to Union Station and not far of a drive from Dodger Stadium. Don't knock it until you try it.
(5)Eddie K.
Good and tasty sandwiches, but small portions and expensive for what you get. Consider it a landmark in L. A.
(4)Michael T.
Fairly disappointing. This place must be famous because they supposedly invented the French dip sandwich not that they are actually good. The sandwiches aren't bad but they aren't worth a special trip. For $7.25 you get get a smallish pre-dipped, sandwich. Cheese and sides extra. So although it seems cheap, it will probably set you back about $12 with a side and a beverage. I'd rather pay $20 and get the absolutely divine french dip sandwich at a Hillstone restaurant. It's about double the size, grade A prime rib beef, and accompanied with fantastic fries and fresh au jus for dipping. The pre-dipped sandwiches at Phillipe are borderline soggy (the bad kind of wet). I'd be fine if Phillipe just became a footnote in the Wikipedia entry for French dip... PS it would be nice if they listed the price of a can of soda or mentioned anywhere that you can ask for single dipped, double dipped instead of finding everything out after the fact...
(2)Cyndi L.
Not sure why I have let a review on this place go for so long. Staple for me before a Dodgers game. Love all the sandwiches except lamb. Just don't like lamb, ugh, like gym shoes to me, regardless of how many times I try it.. Lines are always hideous, but tend to move quickly and there is a ton of seating. Pies, hit and miss, berry pies cool, anything with a whipped topping tastes weird. Sides are usually ok, not fantastic. Bring on the beef and turkey, double dipped with cheese. How the people at the counter remain friendly, given the turnover I dunno, but they usually are. Bad form not to tip them :)
(4)Jordan C.
you a tourist and don't know where to go, BOOM!!! right here!!! the pork and lamb sandwiches on the best/amazing!!! 75 cent lemonade and 10 cent coffee. best sandwich in california and los angeles
(5)Oulie T.
Lamb, carved directly from the leg, is what comprises the lamb sandwiches of Philippe's. This fresh cut of lamb will spoil you. I ordered a lamb dish a couple days later at a British pub in Santa Monica and the low quality of that meat was evident after comparing it to Philippe's. Philippe's doles out the good stuff. Philippe's signature Horseradish mustard with its zingy bite is a must atop the lamb sandwich. I went a little overboard with my mustard serving and every single bite of sandwich went down with an intense wasabi like sear. It was simultaneously pleasurable and painful. Philippe's decor oozes old school charm with a very east diner coast feel. We previously tried coming on a weekend but a line of tourists stretched out the door and so we detoured over to Olvera street for less busy eats. The Weekday line was still long but much more manageable. There are a couple of dedicated parking lots in the back which easily fill up, but are nicely managed and greatly appreciated.
(5)Griffin Z.
They call it the Original for a reason. The story goes, about a century ago a policeman orders a roast beef sandwich and the carver drops it in the roasting pan. The officer was in a hurry and took the sandwich as is, dripping with au jus. He enjoyed it so much, he came back the following day with a group of other officers and they kindly asked the clerk to dip their sandwich's in the rich broth. The French Dip was born, and Philippes' has been an institution ever since. The sandwich's do not disappoint. Beef, lamb, turkey are the standouts, and I recommend having them double or even triple dip the sandwich. Try some of the spicy mustard on the table, but be careful as it is quite potent. Get some lemonade for 75 cents, or a 45 cent coffee, some potato salad and a pickled egg, and just enjoy 100 years+ of atmosphere. Be warned tho, avoid this place like the plague before Dodger games. It is a zoo.
(5)Gary L.
This place has been on my list to go ever since it was aired on Man v. Food. Now that I have finally been able to go, this place is all right. I guess I set high expectations and led myself to disappointment. The service is somewhat slow, or maybe the people in front of me had trouble to deciding what to get. I had the beef sandwich double dipped with a cup of chili on the side. The chili was actually better and had more flavor than the sandwich. I like the spicy mustard that they have and bought a bottle of that for $5.
(3)Chantal G.
This place is great! I usually get the beef one triple dipped with some coleslaw and potato salad. I recommend mixing the coleslaw and potato salad together. Such a delicious combination!
(5)Danory S.
Seriously stop the madness! This place is such garbage! Went here cuz of all the high ratings on yelp only to eat the driest beef dip sandwich with no Au Ju to dip with. Even asked for the beef to be "double dipped" like other people recommended.... Didn't do jack. The beef-dry, very hard, tough, utterly flavorless. Bread-stale How does this place possibly get 4000 reviews on such a baaasssic sandwich. There's nothing interesting, special, or flavorful about it. It's like buying roast beef from the deli and putting it on an old French roll, add some cheese and that's it. That's literally all it tastes like, the sauce did nothing for it. I'm in utter disbelief.
(1)Kait R.
There's more than beef french dipped sandwiches at Philippe. Here are my recommendations: 1. Go during off hours. I don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of waiting in long lines for anything, including food. Recently stopped by around 3pm on a Sunday and it was perfect - each line had 3 to 4 people max. 2. Order the pastrami sandwich and get it double dipped with a side of potato salad. You won't regret it. 3. Do try the house made spicy mustard on the table. 4. Take time to walk around and check out the photos hanging on the wall. There's a lot of history. The restaurant was established in 1908, made it through the great depression and has been at the current location since 1951. I've heard it's a great spot for breakfast and can't wait to check it out.
(4)Audrey D.
There's a reason why this place is always packed with people. The french dips are incredibly delicious. Most french (double) dips I order in other places get soaked and the bread becomes soggy through and through, but Philippe's bread holds it's shape even with the double dip. It was my first time here and was going to get the classic beef french dip sandwich, but since I read other reviews on here and because I absolutely love lamb, I ordered the lamb sandwich. My boyfriend ordered the beef so that I could try. To my surprise the sliced the lamb right off the bones in pretty generous cuts. The lamb paired well with the Swiss cheese and especially the mustard you can find at every table. BTW they don't allow you to order au jus on the side so remember to order double dip to get as much of the au jus in your sandwich. Cheapest drinks are the lemonade and the iced tea which were tasty but be warned, it's French style with their tiny glasses. So, order multiple if you think you'll be thirsty. Potato salad was also excellent. It isn't the chunky potato kind, but it has a lot of little bits and pieces of ingredients that make it flavorful. Besides these, we saw a variety of desserts like carrot cake, chocolate cake, and baked apples. I heard these are all good too; maybe I'll give them a try next time. That concludes my contribution of another good review to an already highly rated restaurant. I hope this business continues to please all new customers like me!
(5)Ed E.
What can I say, this is the best dip sandwich place in town. Loved the double dipped beef sandwich and the coleslaw was the bomb.
(5)Aiden S.
An LA landmark, the home of the french dip sandwich, Philippe is a place that any Angeleno should know. The french dips here are extremely flavorful. What may surprise you is that you don't dip the sandwich in au jus. Instead, the bread already has the au jus spread on it. Overall, the sandwich is hearty. Not fancy, just simple and flavorful. The weakest point of the sandwich here is the bread. It's not fresh and it's soggy. Normally this would tip the scales for me to give the restaurant three stars; however, there is no way this restaurant could or should change their bread. They've been using the same style for over half a century, so the tradition has to keep going. I like to order my french dip with a side of slaw and an arnold palmer. The arnold palmers here are very good and I recommend them. Ultimately, if this restaurant was not "the Original" it would be getting three stars instead of four. But the landmark status of this restaurant coupled with the fact that while there are much better french dip sandwiches out there this sandwich is pretty good, makes this place four stars. To me, this restaurant is a symbol of the city that I was born in and that I love.
(4)Cesar Q.
Soon since moving to Las Vegas I haven't been to Los Angeles to much, when I met my wife we started doing Cali trips to the beach and whatnot. Wifey told me about this place as being an old school staple in LA. Very close to Union Station and a 5 minutes walk from Olivera street (awesome street market btw). You walk in and its cafeteria-style seating, it was super crowded but we went before a Dodger game so that explained that. So apparently you have to have the french dip, this is what there known for oh and it is the best french dip I've ever had. Make sure you bring cash, they do not take credit cards, there is an ATM machine in the store but if your like me you don't want to pay that stupid transaction fee. The seating is quaint, never been upstairs, it is a comfortable atmosphere. If your a shy person and like your privacy this place probably isn't for you due to the close proximity of other diners. We've been back numerous times, its our lunch spot before the Dodger game. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
(4)E J.
Love the beef dips double dipped & the coleslaw with extra cream. Awesome eats! My grandmother & I always would drive out to LA just for beef dips with swiss & a coke ! Nothing better!
(5)Neal U.
Spicy mustard best part of novelty cafeteria restaurant. Came here on a Monday afternoon for lunch to see what all the hype is about. I got the lamb dipped sandwich with a side of potato salad and blueberry pie. Paid with credit card. Food was on the whole good, lamb was tender, and juicy not seasoned in any special way. Broth was good, a little watered down and tepid for my taste but good. I would've liked a little more meat to juice it up especially for a $9 sandwich. But hey I think we'd all like a little more meat. The spicy mustard sauce available at each communal table was maybe the best part of the meal. Potato salad and pie were also predictable. The salad had traditional flavors of mustard and paprika and good mayo to potato proportions. Pie had averagely good flakey shortening based crust and filing was definitely from a can. Totally good, four stars good. Comfort food good. The cafeteria style dining and early-mid century American novelty vibe is worth checking out. Style wise loved the pulpex plates and plastic trays. Also served pickled eggs here looked pretty good too.
(3)cindy c.
For first or even second-timers, going to Philippe's can be a little intimidating. There are multiple lines that might not be very defined and incomplete menus that may be a little difficult to read. Lots of people and lots of little signs and decor here and there. But the great thing is, you can't go wrong with anything you order here, and it is worth the wait! Took my out of town Aunt here. She and I both inhaled our beef French dips. Potato salad is the best I've had. I think mixing in pickles makes it amazing! We were so full we had to save our apple pie and custard for later. Even eaten a couple days later, the pie was still super yummy. Haven't had the custard yet but can't wait to dig into it!
(5)Dwain C.
I ate dinner at Philippe the Original in Los Angeles, CA on 4/12/2015. Just like 2013 and 2014, it was my last meal in Los Angeles before boarding a train at Union Station. The beef French dipped sandwiches are now $7.25. The macaroni salad is $1.40 while the tapioca is $2.50. Lemonade is still 75 cents. The big news is that they now take CREDIT CARDS! (unbeliveable). Plus, I took photos.
(5)joe s.
sorry but anyone who thinks this place has the best F.D. sandwiches has NEVER had a french dip sandwich ! this place sucks ! I have no idea how this place is "world famous" other than there must be a lot of idiots in california ! btw... the sign reads... "French DIPPED" as in PAST TENSE !! means THEY dip it for you !! NO AU JUS !! and NO EXTRAS like swiss cheese or mushrooms ... NO 'FRENCH' FRIES either !! NO REFILLS on drinks ! not even ice tea !! this place is over rated and and plain ! concrete floors and picnic benches !! NEVER AGAIN !!
(1)Séamus C.
Easily 4.5! Went there just past 11am on a Saturday, and it wasn't too crazy. The lady at the counter was so wonderful, and the double-dipped lamb with bleu cheese was great! Potato salad and a 16oz Angel City IPA really topped things off nicely!
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