Philippe’s and Cole’s: Battle for Dip Supremacy

There are two restaurants in Downtown LA that claim to be the originators of the French Dip. Both were established in 1908 and have histories as rich as the cities in which they lay their bricks on. Think about it, they were both selling french dipped sandwiches since they were going for a quarter each. Back when horse and rail were the only means of getting around LA (then confined to just a few miles instead of the massive urban sprawl it is today).  Both claim the french dip was invented in 1908 in their restaurants, but it’s a matter that probably will never get settled.  Actually, if two restaurants in LA invented this sandwich, why is it called the “French” dip then?  Let’s just call it the beef dip sandwich for proprietary sake.

Enough about the history, more about the food. What is a beef dip sandwich anyway? It is in essence, a roast beef sandwich where the baguette which it’s served on is dipped into au jus (beef drippings from roasting).  Then the sandwich is assembled with meat of choice and an optional slice of cheese.  The juices in the bread make for a bit messier experience, but the flavors that come with it are so worth it.

Philippe’s:

Located in Chinatown, the restaurant has seen very few changes since its establishment in 1908.  Back then, it was located adjacent to the original Union Station and has much of its storied history laid out in photographs on its walls.  The store is a very throwback feel to the early 20th century: sandwich-making ladies still wear uniforms true to the times, there’s a classic candy counter, and they don’t take credit cards (because, well they just didn’t exist back in the day).  My favorite thing here to get is a double-dipped lamb dip with jack cheese, side of coleslaw, and two lemonades.  The seating is completely cafeteria style: open seating on long tables with a few booths on the sides.  There’s a large TV in the center that’s a good place to catch Dodger and Laker games.

Their beef dips are juicy and delicious.  Also well known in this store is their mustard, which has a very solid kick to it.  Be careful not to overdo yourself on mustard your first time here.  You will be crying for more lemonade, only to cry more when you see how small their 70 cent cups are.

Philippe’s – 1001 N Alameda St. – LA, CA 90012

Cole’s:

Cole’s is situated in the historic core of downtown LA at Sixth and Main.  You can find images of their sign hung up when the streets all had rails running through downtown.  It went through a lengthy reinvention of itself in 2007-2008 and now has opened its doors again to challenge Philippe’s for dip supremacy in LA.  It’s managed by the 213 company, nightlife purveyors in the historic downtown area (they run popular watering holes Golden Gopher, Broadway Bar, and Seven Grand).  Following in the style of those bars, the restaurant has a classic, roaring twenties style to it.  Providing some separation from Philippe’s, Cole’s is a half bar, half dip sandwich restaurant combo.  It opens later (til 2am some nights) and serves a wide variety of beers on tap from its bar.  It’s crowds are not as insane as Philippe’s can get (mostly because parking in the area is non-existant), but later at night, the bar crawlers show up in droves for a tasty meal to go with their pint of Spaten.

Their prices are slightly higher than Philippe’s, but the existence of their saloon hours (3-7pm) even it out considerably.  Half dips go for $4 and beers/wine are a dollar off or two for well drinks.  They don’t have long tables here or sawdust on the floors.  Seating is in comfortable, classic-looking booths or at the bar.

Au jus dip comes on the side instead at Cole’s (can be done at Philippe’s by request).  They’re also known for their “atomic pickle” that comes with it.  It must be pickled with chilies because it has a bit of a kick to it.  Here I’ve decided that their best sandwich is the lamb sandwich with goat cheese.

Cole’s – 118 E. 6th Street – LA, CA 90014

Honestly, both dips were good and it’s hard to draw a line as to which is better.  I think just about everyone would have to try for themselves.  They’re also cheap meals, both less than $10.  There’s no reason to not love either.  Great simple meals with loads of history to boot!

Wikipedia on French Dips