Established in 1908, Philippe The Original is more than an iconic LA restaurant. It’s also home of the original French dipped sandwich. A couple weeks ago, my sister aka my dining buddy, and I made our first trip to famous restaurant. Needless to say, I cannot believe it took me so long to go.
Location
DTLA (downtown Los Angeles) – Chinatown. I’m not kidding you, the original French dip can be found in Chinatown (not their original location). I live on the west side of Los Angeles which of course means I usually don’t travel outside of a 2-mile radius to eat. More so, I’ve lived in LA over 12 years now and I think I’ve only been to Chinatown maybe once or twice. After a 45-minute drive to go 10 miles (it’s LA), I arrived to a large herd of Dodger fans.
I didn’t realize how close Philippe’s was to Dodger Stadium. I immediately thought, “shoot there isn’t going to be any parking” but I was wrong. Philippe’s has not one but two parking lots and there was plenty of street parking. I pulled right in to a spot.
Philippe – Home of The Original French Dip Sandwich
Per Philippe’s website, one day in 1918, while making a sandwich, owner Philippe Mathieu inadvertently dropped the sliced French roll into the roasting pan filled with juice still hot from the oven. The patron, a policeman, said he would take the sandwich anyway and returned the next day with some friends asking for more dipped sandwiches. And so was born the ‘French Dipped Sandwich’.
If I had known the history behind the restaurant, I would have made a trip to Philippeyears ago. I mean, who doesn’t love French Dip sandwiches? And for a chance to taste the original?? I was super excited for my first trip and they did not disappoint! The place was packed. You order at the counter and find a seat. Again, even as crowded as it was, I did not a problem getting a seat.
Worth the Hype
So many options. Had to go with a French dip but which one??
The options include roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey or ham served on a lightly textured, freshly baked French roll which has been dipped in the natural gravy of the roasts. Swiss, cheddar, american, monterey jack or blue cheese may be added.
I don’t eat cheese so I had to get my sandwiches sans. While I’m sure the cheese is great, I don’t feel like I was missing out without it. It’s all about the meat in my opinion. We ordered the roast beef and the lamb, not too wet.
We also got some sides: cole slaw, homemade potato and macaroni salad, hard boiled eggs pickled in beet juice and spices, large Kosher style pickles. We ended up being a split table – I preferred the roast beef, my sister preferred the lamb. ALL the sides were good but I particularly liked the potato salad.
Save room for the pie!! I do not have a sweet tooth so for me to eat dessert in general is rare. To boot, personally I think my Mother makes the best pie in the world so I was a wee bit skeptical about ordering the pie but I’m glad I did. It was fantastic!! What I liked about the pie in particular was the crust was nice and crisp by apples themselves were a bit on the tart and underdone side. I mean this as a compliment. I don’t know if it was on purpose but each bite was a taste of crispy and crunch. My only complaint about the pie was that I like my pie served warm and this was cold. Didn’t stop me from eating the entire piece though.
I will 100% be back to Philippe. The French dip was definitely the best French dip I have ever had, but it’s more than that. The restaurant is historic and you feel that when you’re in there. I’m adding Philippe to my list of to-dos for whenever I have guests visiting. Frankly I feel it would be selfish of me not to share Philippe French dips with others. Heck my husband hasn’t been and he’s an LA native! See you soon Philippe!
- Ambiance
- Food
- Service
15 comments
This looks like a great place to visit for a yummy sandwich. My husband would love it if we visited here. He loves French Dips. I on the other hand love the meat and bread but not the dip! ha!!
I can’t believe you don’t have a sweet tooth! I think I’m envious of that. That said, we’d both make exceptions for pie! I think this looks so awesome and the crowd size in the photo shows me just how much. I’d LOVE to try their French Dip. Sign me up!
My husband love places like Philippe The Original. If we’re ever lucky enough to go I know we’d order the Frech Dip with swiss (for him) and blue cheese (for her). Oh, and we’d have to try the pie. Apple is one of our favorites. Yum! x
Well I know where I’m going next time I’m in the LA area. We love to visit and finding delicious eateries is my jam. It sounds amazing there.
I feel like I’ve heard of this place before but I can’t think of where. Those sandwiches look absolutely amazing and now I am totally hungry craving a good sandwich. If I am ever out that way I’ll be sure to check this place it. Looks like it would totally be worth it! I am not off to make a sandwich…. it’s going to be disappointing compared to these photos! lol
I haven’t eaten a french dip sandwich in many years. I always enjoyed them, so I’m not quite sure why they fell off my radar. I’m headed to Philippe’s right now to enjoy myself a sandwich.
What a great diner. Look at all of the yummy dishes. I love it looks like a great homestyle diner.
My husband loves french dip sandwiches, we will have to try this place out if we are ever in the area. My daughter also loves them so I think this would be a great place for us to try out. I would be most interested in trying that pie, yummy it looks amazing. All of the food looks great!
Call me crazy but I have never actually heard of this sandwich until I read this post!! Looks like it would make a meat-lover’s mouth water (not me – I’m vegetarian!). ?
Wow! Those pictures have my mouth watering. I’d definitely try the lamb French dip. I’ve never seen a place make something like that before. And I’d definitely have to leave room for that apple pie!!
The French Dipped sandwich does look very good. I just am not a huge fan of it. I am not sure why whether the meat and dipping it in juice was ever really my thing. It just seemed so plain. Although the apple pie you show here looks absolutely incredible. I will have to check it out when I get the chance.
oh wow the place is packed! The French dip sounds so incredible! I wonder if I can find some in Florida.
For a person who eat dessert first, I definitely go directly to the pies case.!! DTLA Chinatown surely had changed since I lived there thirty years ago. Not sure saw Philippe at that corner across from Dodger Stadium but surely will visit next time am at the game.
What a lovely review. I would love to have the French Dip sandwich .The our description made me hungry.
I love historic restaurants- you dont serve food for 100 years if its not delicious! And all those Dodger fans cant be wrong (great shot btw). Phillipe, I cant wait to meet you next time Im in DTLA