Philippe the Original

This was
My first trip here and it didn’t disappoint. The French dip wet was so good! Loved it.
The horseradish sauce on the table was a perfect compliment. I order a side of the Mac Salad. Not so good. Too sweet relish tasting however my friend ordered the potato salad and it was really tasty.
All in all, fantastic.

Stopped in this morning to grab Mom and I some breakfast before work. Ordered up the Corned Beef and Eggs. It comes with hash browns and Fresh Baked Biscuits. The corned beef was hot and had that crispy crust I love, but was a bit salty. Good thing my hash browns were bland. They canceled each other out. Biscuits were warm, soft and fluffy as I put my jam and butter on them. Mmmmmm…
Good way to start the day…

Best French dip sandwich in town nothing but the best I will come back time and time again

The BEST and ONLY French Dip Sandwich in LA that’s worth eating. Quality food every time, wonderful, friendly staff, and mouthwateringly delicious French Dips!
My preference is a beef, double dipped, with spicy mustard on the side. My sister prefers to add jack cheese and says it’s the perfect salty accompaniment. Don’t let the long lines fool you, they move quickly and efficiently! This place is an LA staple and I highly recommend.
It used to be cash only, but they now take cards which is a huge plus! Another tip, is we’ve always left the ladies who make the sandwich a tip. It’s customary, and it always makes them smile on a job well done!

We came here on a Friday evening and it wasn’t busy at all. Parking is easy — there are 2 lots nearby just for Phillippe and meters on the street.
It’s a cute place with sawdust on the floor, busboys dressed up like they must’ve in the 50’s, and old school phone booths on one wall. When you first walk in, you’ll notice a bunch of lines leading up to a deli-​like counter. Ordering is pretty simple and straight forward.
I asked for the pastrami dip with cheese — double dipped but the lady only dipped it once. I chalk it up to me not speaking clearly or her not hearing me. No big deal since we also asked for a side of au jus for dipping. We also got a beef sandwich, side of macaroni salad, a pickle, hot peppers, a pickled egg just because it looked cool, and 2 beers. Total was about $ 36.
The sandwich was good, not amazing. The au jus was a little on the salty side and the macaroni salad was pretty basic. Overall if I were in the area and hungry, then I’d stop by but I wouldn’t go out of my way to pay $ 36 for a couple of sandwiches and beers.

Come to Philippe’s if you want an early breakfast as they open at 6am or for lunch. There is a good breakfast selection and you can also order their sandwiches. I had the pork dip, double dipped in au jus. Juicy layers of pork on fresh bread. Their coffee is now 49 cents but that’s a deal still.
Today I ordered single dipped French dip sandwiches and some potatoe salad. The French dip has layers upon layers of juicy roast beef and the au jus makes the sandwich unbelievable. Add some of the house spicy mustard & bam, it’s a flavor explosion in your mouth.
I ordered the potatoe salad for the first time and it is so creamy and delicious that it will be my go to side dish at Philippe’s.

I love me some Roast Beef Sangwiches.
I grew up on Arby’s roast beef sandwiches and roast beef sandwich leftovers from the holiday roasts so I’m no stranger to carved meat goodness.
We saw Philippe the Original on an episode of Diners, Drive-​Ins, and Dives. And the day we had an LA adventure could not have ended better than with a classic Roast Beef sandwich.
Just a block away from Union Station in LA, Philippe the Original has got that old deli charm and has got a solid menu of hearty sandwiches and all the sides and desserts your stomach will thank you for.
I got the Doubled Dipped Beef with a side of potato salad. My husband got the Double Dipped Lamb with a side of macaroni salad. My mouth is seriously salivating as I write this. You know that they’ve been doing this for such a long time and have perfected the feeling of satisfaction and comfort into every dish they make. The Au Jus was bursting with flavors and was keeping the meat nice and juicy and getting soaked up in the bread just right. like a hug.
There were so many yummy looking desserts from fruit filled pies, cakes and puddings. I really wanted to try em but I was just so full from the sandwich. we’ll have to come back really hungry next time and save a spot for dessert.

Kind of mixed on this one to be honest. I think the restaurants longevity in business — like nearing one hundred years– is an absolute testament to the deliciousness of the double dipped beef. Trimmed to perfection, the spicy mustard sauce is also homemade .
The sweet potato salad is most definitely in contention with the best I’ve had the pleasure to have eaten in la.
What hampers this review: portions and the cost.
Ordered the double dipped beef. I had two slices of beef on one side, and sent it back to put a little more. The sandwich came naked: nothing on it except beef and juice. I’m from Chicago, and I like my sandwich with peppers and everything else. After hearing the hype, we braved the five from studio city, but it was hardly worth the trip. I’ve had better beef dips from Chicago.

Good beef dip
Just enough meat.
Light on the aju, paired it with mcsalad…
We also tried French toast loved it.
Went there early on Thursday.
No line
Starts to get busy at 11am
But they have a lot of staff

It’s history more than anything .
This place immediately gives you the feel of being back in 50’s, the ladies at the counter have the cutest uniforms on. The old phone booths and vintage décor send you on a blast to the past.
I ordered the original beef French dip sandwich and it was delicious. The meet is very thin and tender it can almost melt in your mouth, the bread is good enough to hold its form without falling apart. All the au jus from the beef is so flavorful. It’s a great bite!
I had a side of their coleslaw, it’s fresh and not too heavy on the vinegar which I prefer. Their potato salad is dynamite, I didn’t get to try to pickled eggs or the desserts.
I will definitely come back to try the NY pastrami dip, it looked amazing and the banana cream pie looks really good too.

My wife and I have been coming to Philippe’s for many years and after a Dodgers game when the Dodgers play. I love the French dip on beef or Turkey and sometimes the lamb it’s very delicious. My wife and I like our bread to dip onces. The juices of beef bring flavors the sandwiches that’s why it’s so good hands down.
My wife loves their chili because it a good flavors but like with beans but she try Texan style no beans just meats that’s Texan Style because I know my father-​in-​law is from Texas. I enjoy the beef stew it feel home style like my made for the family. This stew have plenty have vegetables and chucks of tender beef that’s melt in your mouth. They are potatos and carrots in the stew adding the flavors including the beef add so much flavors.
We will come back again to Philippe’s…

MMMMM dipped sandwiches! I never thought of coming to this place until one of my friends asked me to come (as part of their LA bucketlist before moving to NYC). It’s got a very food court feel to it inside since you wait in line and order at the front. The tables are all first come first serve with plenty of booths and tables fit for groups of 6 like ours. We were pretty comfortable! Also beware of the sawdust on the floor! I don’t know why it’s there, but it definitely makes for a very casual place to sit down, eat, and catch up with friends!
Now, for the food. So DELICIOUS. My friend and I ordered a pastrami sandwich and beef sandwich with their respective cheeses (extra, but makes the sandwiches so much more savory!), side dishes of cole slaw and potato salad, and desserts, a chocolate cream pie and carrot cake. Also, you can request for the dip on the side, so for those of you who love that dipping sauce, you can douse your sandwich with even more sauce!
I absolutely loved the pastrami sandwich, must get and devour. The meats were so tender and flavorful, and the side dishes complimented the food all so well. It was such a feel good kind of dining all around, I would love to come back and try their other sandwiches! And desserts. The chocolate cream pie was a pretty good slice with it being not too sweet but just sweet enough. This is why Philippe is the original dipped sandwiches in LA, it is all around a great restaurant to bring anyone!

If you’ve read my reviews, you’d know wifey is Taiwanese. When in LA, she’s all about saving her appetite so we can drive to San Gabriel and partake in all kinds of hot pot or toilet-​busting Szechuan cuisine. Fine by me, but sometimes, the half-​White part of me cries because LA is also the home to many delicious non-​Asian dishes. Case in point, Philippe’s.
Lucky for me, work sent me to LA to talk to colon surgeons (yay inner butts). After work I had to eat so Philippe the Original was finally going to get checked off.
Here’s what I noticed:
— The counter ordering system is a bit crazy (this old tourist lady got chewed to pieces by the locals for cutting because she had no idea where the line began! Poor Gladys. I’m calling her Gladys), but it works because you get served right then and there!
— Got my sandwich wet, which means they dunk it in the au jus. Mmmm beefy salt.
— Use the mustard! It’s hot and goes great with the beef
— Bit pricey for a French dip (~$ 9) but this ain’t Arbys
— Street parking is available on the block, but the restaurant has exclusive parking behind it and across the street in another lot
All in all, yummy. Glad I got to check it off. Can’t say I’ll fight with the wife to come back, but a man can only take so much ma la something or other.

After Langer’s I was dying to try out this place because of its history. It has a very similar old school vibe and you instantly feel like you just stepped into a different era. Cafeteria-​style, long communal tables, a merchandise sections, phone booth.
You order at the counter and they make your sandwich right in front of you. I ordered the classic Beef dip with lemonade. (appox $ 10) double dipped in au jus. I was really excited to sink my teeth into the sandwich. I hate to say this but it was a very bland sandwich even after I squirted the hot mustard. Was I supposed to get au jus on the side to dip the sandwich in? If so, the lady didn’t ask if I wanted it even though I mentioned it was my first time trying out the popular french dip. I’m sure with the au jus on the side, it would have been delicious. But if a side of the broth/​dip is not standard, then I really don’t get the hype surrounding Phillipe.

Make sure you have cash and know your order when you get up to the front!
There’s also a ton of seating upstairs.
There are two parking lots right behind the restaurant that are very clearly labeled with their logo.
Would definitely go back as a cheap lunch when I’m craving a French dip!

Pork Dip
— Ask to have it single dipped, doubled dipped, or wet.
— Doesn’t come with cheese
— Tender
— Don’t get it with anything but on a french roll
Lines can get long. Be patient. It’s worth it!

Can you smell the flavors of freshly cooked meat lingering in the air? Or the saw dust scattered on the floor? Can you hear the sound of the happy customers enjoying their French dipped sandwiches? If you can’t, then you must not be at the right place! Hurry up! You don’t want to miss out on this great food adventure.
Philippe’s offers a variety of French dipped sandwiches, that will make your tummy beyond happy. Beef, lamb, turkey & pork.
The freshly made rolls are crunchy on the outside, and warm and soft on the inside. There is an extra meat add on option. You won’t need the extra meat (it’s pricey anyway) the sandwiches are chocked full of plenty of meat. They come «dipped «but I’d highly recommend asking for a double dipped sandwich. They’ll even give you a side of the au jus if you ask nicely.
They also offer sides like coleslaw, macaroni salad, bagged chips Etc. Go for the extras if you’d like, but the sandwich will heal those hangry pains.
They have a private parking lot and street parking will vary.
**Diners note– if you’re traveling, they will wrap your sandwiches to go

++ Stop #5 in my jury duty food adventures ++
Chinatown was a mere .7 miles away, so I decided to take a bit of a trek to try Philippe’s. 4k reviews can’t be wrong about it having the best French dip sandwiches around, right? Maybe I just don’t like French dip sandwiches, but it baffles me that this place has so many 5 star reviews because it was just okay to me.
The inside looks like an old school deli, and there are a bunch of communal tables. Nothing fancy. I stood in a line on the edge for a bit before realizing that DUH, there were multiple lines open! I got into another one that was a lot shorter. I ordered a BEEF DIP ($ 7.50) + cheese ($ 0.45), MACARONI SALAD ($ 1.45), and a LEMONADE ($ 0.75). You get your food right there, cafeteria lunch line style… slapped unceremoniously onto a tray. The lady even forgot to give me my dip!
Is the sandwich good? Yes, I liked it, but it was nothing mind-​blowingly amazing to me. It definitely needed the double dip, because on it’s own the sandwich was very «eh.» I did like their super spicy Dijon; a little goes a long way! The macaroni salad was boring and tasteless. The lemonade seems like a good deal, but it’s half ice in a really tiny glass the size of most water cups.
Certainly not worth traveling great distances for, but it is a decent sandwich. I think the high reviews are mostly connected to the sentimental historical value of the place, which I don’t really identify with… but whatever floats your boat.
Food: 3, Service: 2, Environment: 4, Price: 4

I’ve heard a couple friends rave about Philippe’s, and finally had to opportunity to try it out last Friday. First off, I was surprised it wasn’t very crowded at all, for a Friday lunch hour.
We ordered the Beef Dip and also the Pastrami. We also got a slice of the pumpkin pie. Both sandwiches were tasty on it’s own. The horseradish sauce packs a lot of heat, try at your own risk.
I’ve seen pictures of how packed this place can get. I don’t know if I would wait the long lines for this though. I would definitely come back again if the wait isn’t too long.

Philippe is a Southern California institution, being one of the oldest restaurants since 1908. The restaurant is located off Alameda and Ord, at the base of LA’s Chinatown, and a stone’s throw away from the historic Olvera Street and LA’s Union train Station.
I’ve been coming here for 20+ years and stopped by last Sunday. Whoa! Prices changed!
The $ 1.75 jump isn’t much, and the sandwiches are still worth every penny, but here’s the breakdown of just the beef sandwich in the past 5 years:
5 years ago a French Dip cost $ 5.75,
4 years ago it was $ 6.00.
3 years ago $ 6 50
2 years ago $ 6.75
Just a tad over a year ago $ 7.00,
On October 2015 it was $ 7.25, and now March 2016 it’s $ 7.50
Recently added to their menu is a New York pastrami dip. We decided to give that a try, along with their tried and true Beef dip. The pastrami wasn’t as greasy or fatty as some «New York» delis, and the meat was sliced rather than shaved. My favorite is still their Beef dip, and I get it «double dipped» where both breads are dipped in the au jus. I add a side of potato salad, tapioca pudding (just like mom’s, they said), and a glass of their lemonade. it’s my perfect lunch.
The only downside is on weekends usually you will find a HUGE long line to order. Wait time is about ½ hour because the sandwiches are made to order.
If you’re open to sharing tables, communal dining makes eating here more practical and convenient. You can also use the tables where you stood in line, but people tend to gawk at you while you’re eating. If the downstairs is full, you can go upstairs and find a table in one of the many rooms. It’s typically more quiet upstairs, but IMHO its a bit stuffy and a bit spooky (especially at night).
There’s 2 lots for parking, and it’s free. If you can’t find a spot to park, there’s meter parking on the street off Ord and Alameda. This place is still my favorite place for a Beef dip sandwich. Portions are not huge, but they are satisfying. It used to be «Cash Only», but in this last visit, I didn’t see that sign posted. With the price increase, perhaps they allow credit or debit card now?

I don’t eat red meat often, so dining here for me was a bit of a treat. I loved the retro atmosphere that is reminiscent of an old roadhouse café. Strange how they cover the floor with what seems to be sawdust or shredded paper, I presume to prevent it from becoming slippery. We arrived around dinner time, yet is wasn’t as crowded as I thought it would be. The lines to the cash register aren’t marked, and with light traffic, it was a little confusing figuring out where to go so we could get started. As it got more crowded, the space between the long tables near the counter served as a guide for lining up to order. There is even a line for beverages and non-​food items only. Everyone who works here is so friendly and helpful.
I ordered a beef double dip, pickled egg, macaroni salad, and a glass of lemonade. Lemonade is less than a dollar, and cheaper than ordering a bottled water. All of the food was very good, though the macaroni salad was a tad too sweet for my taste. The sandwich was a little bland until I added some of the hot mustard. I forgot to add Swiss cheese to it when I ordered, and in hindsight, it was really missing that. The food was filling enough that I had to take some of it home. Overall this is a nice place to check out when passing through LA.

This is in regard to the FILTHY CONDITION of the men’s restroom:
I went to Philippe on Saturday 1÷30÷16 around Noon time with family that were in L.A. from out of town and looking forward to checking out a Los Angeles institution. What an embarrassment for me that one of my relatives came back from the restroom throughly disgusted with the appalling manner in which you maintain the men’s restroom. They left with a very bad impression of your establishment. I hope someone from management reads this and takes action. I am very disappointed in Philippes.

American food done right and best french dip you can ever eat! I am in love with the beef dipped sandwiches! The juicy beef is cooked medium rare, sliced thinly and draped all over a roll, dipped in au jus. Definitely get the potato salad for a side for that perfect meal. It’s good quality for half the price. Remember to bring cash! It’s always packed whenever I come, but it has ample seating. Large benches and small tables in 3 different sections downstairs and an entire floor upstairs.

The roast beef au jus proved to me that God exists, and he bequeath himself unto us thyne his sandwiches. This is truth in its purest form, meat at its most savory, bread in its chewiest abode. You may have to pass through trendy downtown to get to Philiipe’s. Eschew the sous-​vides, ignore the fusions, reject the salted caramels. Here at the edge of Chinatown on a gritty corner is a shop that says «Here’s your sandwich, no frills. Judge me cruelly.» And judge you will, and your hard exterior will blossom with a familiar longing for love lost, childhood musings, and all those wafting memories that put a knot in your throat. Back when times were innocent, there was Philippe’s. When times sped up, there was Philippe’s. And Philippe’s is still there, serving roast beef for $ 5.35. Pickle. Potato salad. Perfection.
Don’t go an hour before they close though the sides will be a little crusty.

Thursday, 3:30PM.
Quickie:
* Food quality
* Friendly staff
— Turnaround
And then???
It looks like I visited on an off-​day. Their sandwich concept sounds delicious; one more try!
**********
Stuffed my face in:
1. Beef sandwich
— Bread was stale.
— Meat had arid texture.

Ate here for the first time in about 12 years or so the other day. Used to frequent the place when I worked downtown and when I lived closer.
The sandwiches are still solid. Is it blow your mind French Dip? No, but it is very good and damn consistent. And seriously, the sandwiches are $ 7. What is there to complain about?

Love this spot! Everyone (on a normal diet) has to visit Philippe’s at least once in their life. (Vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, etc. can probably find something on the menu to consume? If not, there are always desserts!) It’s been around for ever, and at this location since about 1951. It was so nice to see them update the menu décor to keep up with the times, yet keeping the rest of the place in classic condition.
Once they got the recipe down, they didn’t mess with it. The food is just as amazing as the first time I tried it (if not better) about 10 years ago or so. (Before Unilocal was in my life.) You can choose a single or double dip for the same price, starting at $ 7.50. You get a good serving of meat with each sandwich and a decently thick slice of cheese for $ 0.75 more. The au jus is about the right amount of savory. The sides (coleslaw, mac salad, potato salad, etc.) look simple but they are seasoned just right! Pies, tapioca pudding, baked apples, soups… anything you order is pretty much a good choice. I think they’ve added more dessert and soup options over the years. I’ll be back to try the lamb next time!
Cafeteria style LONG lines but QUICK and immediate service once you’re at the counter. No waiting for someone to bring you food to your table. I’m glad they take credit cards now, but I still paid for my last meal here the old way.
Love the ambiance… everyone is friendly, both the staff and customers! If you are doubtful about the food, just let the other customers tell you about their happy experiences and learn more about LA in the process. (Yes, even if you’ve lived here your whole life.)
Seating: plenty of seating downstairs with the benches, booths in the rooms downstairs, and more rooms upstairs! I believe you can reserve a room for parties.
Parking: they have a lot directly behind the restaurant and another one across the street. Or you can park on the street if it’s available.

I dragged my boo here after seeing this on one of those Food Network/​Travel channel shows.
I thought it would have been a tourist trap, but they serve good food in a homey atmosphere.
Get the French dip sandwich. Fatty, salty juice on bread is a great idea. If you’re comparing deli sandwiches, I think Philippe’s is even better than Katz’ Deli in NYC.

Whenever I’m in the Chinatown area, I never miss out on hitting up Philippe’s! I don’t think I can name another place that serves a better french dip. I always get the beef sandwich double dipped for the extra flavor. You can’t go wrong ordering a side dish like some potato salad or a cup of chili to accompany your sandwich. They offer other things on the menu, but just trust me and stick with the sandwiches. The mustard is also a staple of Philippe’s. It is extremely spicy and has quite a kick to it!
A sandwich usually runs you a little over $ 5 or so and the meats vary from beef to pork to lamb and so on. If you get a lemonade or iced tea, it’s going to be under a dollar.
The décor inside makes you feel like you’re in an old school diner like back in the day. The waiters are also dressed to look the part. The one thing to remember is to have cash because they do not except credit cards. Also, there is a parking lot across from the building, but it can fill up quite fast.

Chose this place as my «congrats to myself for becoming a citizen meal.» Was very fitting:)
CASH ONLY. They have ATMs inside the restaurant.
Located less than a mile away from the citizenship testing location. There is ample parking behind the restaurant.
Inside is very old fashioned and feels like you stepped into a different world.
Lots of delicious food but their number ones are the dipped sandwiches. My favorite is the lamb… different choices of bread but get the original. You can pick between no dip, single (which is one side dipped in the au jus), or double (dipped on both sides.
My sandwich was bursting with thick chunks of lamb. Perfectly cooked. I got single dip but the au jus was so tasty I wish I got double dip. Make sure to use some of the special hot mustard sauce on the tables. Nice spicy taste pairs perfectly with the meat and will clear your sinuses.
Got a little glass of lemonade for 70cents, and a slice of boysenberry pie.
So I sat there, with my citizenship pamphlet next to me, eating my dip sandwich and sipping on my lemonade feeling like I was on the top of the world. It was a great day and I’m so excited to be a citizen. This is a great country!

Philippe the Original has been satisfying bellies since 1908 and that says a lot! This no muss, no fuss sandwich place has one of the best FRENCH DIPS (at least in So Cal). You can get a beef, pork, lamb, ham, pastrami or turkey sandwich which ranges from $ 7.50 to $ 9. They also charge extra for the cheese (45 – 90 cents, depending on the cheese) but you can get it dipped as many times as you want for free!
For those noobs, the process is you order from the counter, you pay, you leave a tip for your sandwich maker (unless you’re a d-​bag) and you find a seat at one of the communal tables in the restaurant. FYI, there’s also seating upstairs and they have several working pay phones just in case you’re one of «those people» with no cell phone (get your sh*t together and get a cell phone before you start dining out — JK). :)
Don’t forget to pick a side (Macaroni, Potato Salad, or Coleslaw) and add pickles (extra charge) to go with your sandwich. They also serve breakfast but I haven’t gotten early enough to try it.
WARNING, add that hot mustard to your sandwich at your own risk. It’s REALLY HOT so thread carefully, noob!
And, as a bonus, they have FREE parking lots next to the restaurant and right across the street. The only negative thing about Philippe is its REALLY busy around lunchtime, 11am to 1pm.
PRO TIP: Go after 1:00pm to avoid the lunch crowd and BRING CASH. They do accept credit cards but they charge a $ 2 fee.

Been hearing about this place for years. Here was our experience on a Saturday afternoon.
Ambiance
Parking: Street parking or garage parking. Since you’re in LA… good luck.
Seating:
* All inside seating that can seat about 100+ people. Ranging from group seating to individual bar seating. I believe upstairs is a private room for large groups.
Feels:
* Very sporty and hustle and bustle like. It wasn’t took packed when we got here and this was post UCLA vs. USC football game (USC won). Very touristy-​esque like with a lot of merchandise and information of the history of Phillippe’s. Plenty of televisions, mainly on sports channels. Oddly enough the ground is mostly covered with this hay like substance, kind of like you’re in a barn.
Food:
Lamb Tip Sandwich (Recommend)
Bread is served fresh, lamb was moist, and the sauce was flavorful. However… it wasn’t the best sandwich nor was it that unique
Potato Salad (A-​Ok)
Good and well mayo-​d and seasoned. It compliments the trip-​tip pretty well in my opinion.
Customer Service:
We were trying to hold our seats with our seats, then the waiter took them when we left to pick up our food… however they did redeem themselves well. In addition despite an occupied line they were able to supply me with a to go bag when needed. Overall pretty good.
Overall:
4 stars. I had a good experience but not the must place to be. Price was pretty chip, food was delicious and fulfilling, and the service was good. Great experience and a great LA treat however if this I would have to wait in line for 15+ minutes… it wouldn’t be worth it.
TL;DR Tips:
* Plan carefully as this can easily packed.

A billiard-​hall neon sign points to the door in case you can’t find this iconic location. Don’t worry if you’re sweaty from the heat or wet from the rain — the sawdust floor is welcoming and quite forgiving.
The style is rustic country — they have jars of all things pickled! Definitely get some hot peppers or a pickle on the side to go with the sandwich.
Watching those amazing sandwiches made right before your eyes is indescribable happiness. The crispy rolls don’t go completely soft when dipped, and both the Beef Dip and pork dip were impossibly smooth. The Lamb Dip is the best one! Leg of lamb, sliced right off the shank… omg!!!
Cafeteria-​casual and really really amazingly good. So good I’d drive an hour each way just to grab it to go!

I do not post reviews, as a rule. I’m breaking that rule for Phillippe’s because, quite simply, the food is simple, well-​priced (cheap, even), and incredibly tasty.
The original French dip sandwich (really, truly, accept no imitations), great lemonade, and the best potato salad I’ve had in years.
Simply, «WOW!»

Philippe The Original has been around since 1908 and is famous for their «French Dipped Sandwich.» Apparently the way the sandwich came to be was by accident, but it is no accident that this is their most popular item. It relocated to its current location in Chinatown back in 1951. I had taken the metro to this location so I cannot comment on the parking situation, but like most places in Chinatown metered street parking is probably your best bet. There are always lines here, but they move fast. Pick a line, order and pay at the counter, and then wait for your food. It was pretty crowded when I went so one of my friends went and found a table while we ordered for the group.
The signature «French Dipped Sandwich» comes with a crusty French roll dipped in their own authentic «jus» created from their freshly roasted meat. For meat you can choose between roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey, or ham. Cheese is extra and you can choose between Swiss, Cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, and Blue Cheese. The final choice you can make is whether it is «single-​dip», «double-​dip», or «wet». I cannot recall if I chose single-​dip or double-​dip, but I got their roast beef sandwich with Monterey Jack cheese. I was worried that the sandwiches here would be too overhyped for me, but I enjoyed it. It did not change my life, but it was pretty good at the time (then again, I had just run a 5K, so I was pretty hungry).
I got a side of their Potato Salad and I really liked that. If you like potato salad, I would recommend getting it here. This place is a landmark in LA and I am glad I finally got to try them… over 100 years after they first opened!

It was my second time there. First time was underwhelming, but after hearing all the hoopla about Phillipe’s, I thought I’d give it a second try.
Still underwhelming. I don’t really get it. You can’t even order au jus on the side, you must have them do it. Where’s the dip in the French dip?
They were out of all the bread except for the roll. Not good when your restaurant is known for sandwiches. Very disappointing.
I was there during lunch hour on a weekday. It was busy, but the line moved fairly quickly and it wasn’t too difficult to get a seat.
The highlight of the experience was one of the guys bussing tables. He was an elderly personable guy with a great attitude. He offered to take a picture with our group. He really made dining there a pleasant experience.
Phillipe’s is definitely not a place I’ll go back to unless someone who’s visiting town wants to go to the place that made the original French Dip sandwich. It might be the original, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best. You could get a French Dip this good at Denny’s…and they’d give you au jus on the side!

I highly recommend going with the French dipped lamb sandwiches «triple dipped». Its like an historical landmark that’s as old school as it gets. If this is where the French dip was invented… than they have consistently delivered on the righteous jus for all their sandos. Just stick with the sandwiches… their side like mac and potato salad just didn’t make the cut. Not worth the calories.
I love places like this where you talk to the people working have been there 30+ years. Ooooohhh go easy on their hot mustard it will clear your sinuses. Just like that time I swallowed a dollop of wasabi on a dare. Bad idea. Got to pick up a couple jars of their mustard next time.
Parking right across the street is a breeze. Weekend lines can be redonk but great things come to those who wait.

Not really much to say. An LA institution that everyone has been to and probably on multiple occasions. The history is in the building and the service also has stood the test of time. Solid, fast, and friendly.
Pick your dip: beef, pork, ham, lamb, or turkey. Make sure it’s double dipped. I go beef or lamb. They’re delicious sandwiches that never disappoint and it’s hard to drive by and not stop. Add a side: potato, macaroni, or coleslaw. It’s extra but only a couple bucks. Finish it off with a beer, which is relatively new. Figueroa Mt. IPA pint cost $ 6.50 last trip. Not bad but not great. I’m sure there are more great things on the menu that others swear by, but I’m stuck in sandwiches.
The beef dip was $ 7.70 on our last visit on ¹⁰⁄₁₅. Seems to go up on a yearly basis. Do yourself a favor and get in there soon. It’s not often you get to visit a joint that has been around so long. Order up, find a seat on a bench by yourself, with a friend, or with complete strangers.
One thing I also advise, buy some of their mustard on your way out. It’s like 5 bucks and the stuff will blow out your sinuses if need be. It’s also great on sandwiches.

The lore of this place is much greater than the actuality of the experience; I’ve been here a couple times and will come back occasionally, but I’m also a realist that it’s not as good as the legend would lead you to believe.
When this place is busy, it’s Disneyland busy! The first time I came I had to wait in line to get into the parking lot, then had to wait for a parking space to open and then had to wait by the front door because the 10+ different cashier lines were just that long. I was thinking, damn, this place must be AMAZING! From the first visual of my sandwich on the counter I had a feeling I had been duped. It wasn’t very big for the price I paid, especially considering the size of sandwiches at competing sandwich shops.
After ordering I also had to stand holding my food until a table opened up. And then sat down to enjoy the sandwich and from the first bite it was… Plain. Nothing special at all. I mean it was good, but not «historically great». Just because a location has been around forever doesn’t mean it’s good.
I just went again yesterday in the middle of the day outside of any eating hour and had no issues with parking or ordering or finding a table, but the sandwich was still only so-​so.
PS: The chili is terrible; Your Colon will thank you for not ordering this
PSS: they take credit/​ATM cars now so you don’t need to get cash out of their machine.

Cash only. Get the beef or lamb sandwich — I prefer the lamb, it was more juicy. Have some apple pie for dessert.
This place is as simple as it comes — your french dip is meat, cheese, spicy mustard, and hoagie bread that’s dipped in au jus. I thought it would be juicier than it actually was — the sandwich felt a little dry. The meat is also not as tender as other places I’ve had.

El lugar es obviamente un clásico cuando vienes a Los Angeles.
La verdad, es que nada fuera de este mundo, Los sandwiches estuvieron OK, ordenamos pork and NY pastrami y macarron and potato salad.
Un lugar al que regresaria cuando tenga ganas de un sandwich y una chela: D

Im craving a sandwich from Philippes right now…