Ресторан · Los Angeles · ⭐ 9.3/10 · 12180 reviews · $ · updated: 2026-06-30 20:04:13
Address: 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Philippe The Original — time travel with sawdust underfoot
In a city forever chasing the next opening, Philippe The Original does the opposite: it simply refuses to change, and that is exactly its magic. Push through the doors near Union Station and you step onto what feels like a 1940s film set — sawdust floors, long wooden tables, carvers in aprons calling out orders — except nothing here is staged, and everything is edible.
The concept
Opened in 1908 and run by the same family for generations, Philippe’s is the self-proclaimed birthplace of the French Dip sandwich — the result of a happy accident in 1918, when a French roll tumbled into a pan of hot roasting jus and the customer decided he liked it better that way. Today it is one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles and one of its most democratic: hard hats, suits, tourists and Dodgers jerseys all share the same tables.
What to order
Start with the beef French Dip, double-dipped, and be brave with the legendary house-made hot mustard. The lamb dip with blue cheese is the insider move, and pork, turkey, ham and pastrami cover everyone else. Add a pickled egg for the photo, potato salad or coleslaw for tradition, and save room for a slice of pie — or come early for coffee and doughnuts, the old-school breakfast of downtown commuters.
The space
A sprawling, bustling hall with sawdust scattered across the floor, walls covered in vintage newspapers and memorabilia, and a charming candy counter by the entrance. Upstairs rooms add quieter corners, but the ground floor by the carving counter is where the show happens.
Who it’s for
Nostalgia lovers, families with kids who need space and speed, first dates that could use a built-in story, and anyone doing a historic-downtown day around Union Station, El Pueblo and Chinatown.
Frequently asked questions
Is it kid-friendly? Very — it is fast, loud, casual, and there is a candy counter by the door for the grand finale.
Is there a dress code? None at all. Come as you are; half the room is in baseball gear on game days.
How much time should I plan? Around 45 minutes: the line moves fast and the sandwiches arrive in minutes.
What makes it famous? It claims to have invented the French Dip in 1918, and it has been serving it virtually unchanged ever since.
Does it work for big groups? Yes — the communal tables are made for crowds, though you may need to split up at peak lunch.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 06:00–22:00 |
| Tuesday | 06:00–22:00 |
| Wednesday | 06:00–22:00 |
| Thursday | 06:00–22:00 |
| Friday | 06:00–22:00 |
| Saturday | 06:00–22:00 |
| Sunday | 06:00–22:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
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A wonderful place to eat, because it's a historic spot. If you haven't tried it, give it a go so you can decide for yourself whether it's good or not. I have to say I adore all the eras of Los Angeles and the photos of t…
If Philadelphia has the Philly cheesesteak and Chicago has the Italian beef sandwich, then Los Angeles has the French dip. The prevailing theory is that it was invented by Philippe Mathieu, a French immigrant who founded…
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 20:04:13
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: losangeleska.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
Philippe's The Original is an essential part of Los Angeles. I love coming here before a Dodgers game. Before a Dodgers game there's always a line at the door. This place is huge. There's plenty of seating. The atmospher…
I heard I had to visit this place during my trip to Los Angeles, so I did. I parked for free in Chinatown and walked over to Philippe's. The staff were very friendly, even to a new and unsure customer like me. I got the…
It's wonderful that they've managed to preserve this wonderful spot. It's like a time capsule: servers in 1940s uniforms, sawdust on the floor, a row of old phone booths, classic wooden booths and a fantastic period menu…
Honestly, it was such a lovely place. Old-fashioned and very simple. It's one of those regular spots where you can eat cheaply. I actually only ordered the breaded item with jam when I was there, but a few people in my g…
We stayed at a hotel nearby and had breakfast there. The restaurant is very spacious and cosy. In Japanese terms, it's like a traditional diner where people gather for breakfast. My wife and I ordered sandwiches for two,…