Philippe The Original

I'm not sure if they really "invented" the French dip sandwich but who really cares? They just don't make places like this anymore. $4.60 for the standard beef, pork, ham or turkey dip. Pennies more for lamb. 10 cents for a cop of coffee.

Make sure you get your sandwich double dipped. A bowl of stew or chili is mandatory. Great slaw, pickles and macaroni/potato salad.

And don't forget to tip your counter person. Trust me, they will remember.

Pros: Dips!, Beef Stew, Chili

Posted 07/18/04

We have eaten at Philippe's numerous times over the past few years, and have never really been disappointed. The french dip sandwiches are really good, provided you eat them before the rolls get too soggy, and the amount of meat per sandwich seems reasonable to us. Rich really loves their mustard and pickles, although Chris thinks the coleslaw is too sweet. We also always enjoy the extremely retro decor. All in all, a very fun place.

Pros: food, ambiance

Posted 07/11/04

THIS RESTAURANT HAS RECEIVED ALOT OF HYPE. I WAS VERY DISSPPOINTED WITH THE AMOUNT OF MEAT OF THEIR "WORLD FAMOUS BEEF DIP"LONG LINES..I ASKED FOR EXTRA BEEF..$3.50, THAT ALMOST ANOTHER SANDWHICH.NOT ALOT OF FLAVOR. WON'T GO BACK

Pros: CUSTOMER SERVICE

Cons: , MORE GENEROUS PORTION, PORTIONS

Posted 05/24/04

I live right down the street from this place and I feel so blessed. It's got the best sandwich around.
You can get a sandwich, chili, lemonade and a slice of pie for around $10.00!!! How can you beat it and it all tastes fabulous!

Pros: Great Parking, Close, Inexpensive

Posted 05/07/04

You haven't lived in L.A. if you haven't gone to Philippe's! I'm the fifth generation of my family to eat there, and I can't wait to introduce it to the sixth! The french-dip sandwiches are fantastic-- try pork or roast beef. Everything is reasonably priced, and the pies are delicious! This is the cheapest coffee on the planet. The seating and service are egalitarian, but in a way, that's also appealing. It's right by Chinatown and just north of Olvera Street, and across from Union Station. A good place to eat before or after sightseeing, train trip, or just because! The mustard is quite spicy though, so if spicy isn't your thing, enjoy but use sparingly.

Pros: delicious, inexpensive

Posted 04/28/04

Maybe the past reviewers don't get it, maybe the people who like Philippe's are nostalgic , but whatever this place has i LOVE it. I highly recommend the following meal: double dipped lamb sandwich( perfectly gamey, paired with the hot mustard at the table? DIVINE.) Next of course is the coleslaw, which is a must have. if it's cold outside get a cup of the stew, lovely and tender chunks of beef, carrots,and potatoes that fall apart on your spoon. Get the ladies to pull you a pickled egg and grab a bottle of bud and your set! How is this a dinky meal? There is nothing better then this before heading over to Staples for a Laker game.
I heart Philippes!

Pros: lamb sandwiches, cold beer, great mustard!

Posted 03/10/04

I have been going here since the 60's when I was a child and it's always been awesome!

Pros: inexpensive, great food, hot mustard!

Cons: crowded, not enough parking

Posted 01/26/04

Although the lines are long at lunch, the wait is worth it. The sandwiches are great and the sides are excellent.

Pros: good food, friendly staff

Cons: long lines at lunch

Posted 11/12/03

Along with Pink's and any other LA landmark... Phillipe's is terrible. Sure they've served the same food for decades, maybe it's time to revamp... say INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE SANDWICH. So i'm waiting in line behind grandma and grandpa (mind you, the average age of the regular is 67), and the service could not be any slower. i finally get to the cashier after about 15 minutes and order. i'll take the Beef Dip. she dips the bread into the vat of au jus and lays down a far-from-generous portion of beef. Bam, $5. Don't even bother asking for a side of Au Jus because they won't give it to you. Although the atmosphere is kind of cool, just try it so that you can say you've been there. I'm a value eater... and i actually think that The Hat serves up a better beef dip than here.

Pros: LA Landmark

Cons: Ripoff, Long lines

Posted 10/23/03

The best part of Philippe's is the atmosphere. The sandwiches are small, the quantity of meat pales in comparison to other places, nothing like the plate shown in the photograph. Half the experience is watching the regulars. Still, it's good for an occasional visit.

Pros: ambience

Cons: parking, portions

Posted 09/03/03

Even at a "cheap eats" place, nostalgia and low prices are not enough to earn my favor. For me, watered down Tang would conjure up a lots of lovely memories about breakfasts at my thrifty grandma's house. However, as an adult, I don't drink Tang because it doesn't taste good. I won't be eating at Phillipe's again for the same reason. The sandwiches are *BLAND*. The good homemade hot mustard helps, but even that will not save the sandwich because it's lacking intense meat flavor. The side dishes are decent at best, certainly not special. The blueberry pie was also decent, but nothing special. I had high hopes for this place, and I was prepared to embrace the atmosphere and protocol of this quirky establishment, but I was sorely disappointed because the food lacked FLAVOR, and that's the bottom line for me.

Pros: Inexpensive, Good Mustard, Old-School Atmosphere

Cons: Huge Lines, Bland Food, No Air-Conditioning

Posted 08/17/03

Anybody over the age of 50 will love this old style establishment.

Pros: cheap food, quick service, homestyle

Cons: location

Posted 08/03/03

This place offered 35 cent lemonades and wonderful lamb sandwiches for a reasonable price. If you want a quick meal, try to stay away from this place during lunch hr when the place is crowded with city professionals and tourists.

If you're expecting to have a nice sit down lunch with linen napkins, stay away from here. This is a great place for ultra casual, ultra cheap meals.

Posted 07/15/03

I've heard the hype, I've eaten at the place twice, the second time was only because A friend Wanted to go, The Food Sucks, The Atmosphere (what Atmoshphere? crappy building, and I Cant Say Again How Much the food sucked, Cant remember the exact prices but I remember them being Way high for such little portions...
steve

Cons: expensive, terrible food, Ugly Building

Posted 07/10/03

As a child, my grandfather would bring me to Philippe's for a Lamb Sandwich. He would always bring home a jar of their Hot Mustard. Recently, I took my children to Philippe's and was able to introduce them to my grandfather's favorite Lamb Sandwich. Philippe's is just as great if not better today than my first Lamb Sandwich.

Pros: fast service, great prices, try the lamb

Posted 07/10/03

I've only been to Philippe's once, and it was around closing time so I did not get to sit with any fellow Angelenos. Still, the surroundings gives you this feeling of nostalgia. The details from the sawdust to its train station friendly location gives off this vibe. Although it was delicious, the sandwich is not fulfilling. Order two if really hungry. It's a bit pricey for its size, but the 30 cent tea makes up for it!

Pros: Location

Cons: Price

Posted 07/08/03

Not quite was I expected when I walked in and had the SLOWEST service at a sandwich bar that I could remember, but then I took my first heavenly bite of my Double Dipped. MMMMmmm, this is what our boys are fighting for, the right for me to live in a land where I can have such a magnificent Freedom Dip. The slaw that stood by its side was amazing, so much so that the potato salad went untouched. I had two- one single and one double dipped, beefs and am glad that I did. This place is great and all that it is known to be. Pats on the East and Philippes on the West. PCS and Freedom Dips, Perfect Bookend sandwiches!!

Pros: Dip, Double Dip, Triple???

Cons: Blue Stuff, on my beef???

Posted 03/31/03

I've eaten at Philippe's since I was a little girl, in town with my father to visit his workplace (808 Spring Street) in the '50s; he enjoyed eating lunch there with all the judges and politicians. I now live in northern California, but eat at Philippe's EVERY time I'm in LA, a couple times a year to see family and friends. The food is GREAT, the lines long but quick, the waitstaff warm and accommodating, the place big enough for every and all kinds of diners. It's a place to truly LOVE to visit and eat at. Only complaint was lemon merique pie wasn't tart/lemony, as it's been in the past. Pudding & custards are smaller, but coffee is only 10 cents! Go back to generous-sized desserts - you can surely afford it!

Pros: consistent, good food, happy, friendly staff, happy customers

Cons: tart up that pie!, parking can by iffy, shrunken puddings

Posted 02/10/03

Long lines and lunch and hard to find parking but pretty unique food and place. Worth a visit.

Posted 01/28/03

Each and every dipped sandwich that Philippe's has is wonderful. I have also enjoyed the soups and stews there, as well. You'll be surprised at the low, low prices of coffee and lemonade that they have. I believe that a cup of coffee is 10 cents, and a glass of lemonade is 15 cents. Phillipe's is easily found off of both the 101 Hollywood and the 110 Harbor Freeways. Free parking is not only found around the building, but also across the street.

Pros: Dipped sandwiches, Inexpensive, Free parking

Cons: Crowded order area, Small main parking lo

Posted 01/28/03

I think the sandwiches are too small and do not hold enough meat to feed a grown man. A 7 year old might like the portions but not me. I can buy a small sandwich like that one in Atwater Village for $2.00 at the same neighborhood market that has been making sandwiches for more than 40 years. IMHO.
Rdgsr

Posted 01/12/03

I've eaten at Philippe 2 times and they portion their meat like they were giving you gold. The bun was good but small. The place is way over priced for what you get. Yes they were the first, But I'm not going back. There are much better places for a Hot Beef Dip. I'm a chief so I know when I'm being ripped off. They are getting a lot of press so they can dig into everyones wallet. I'm sorry this place is on the list at all. The Pantry is a better place in that part of town Atmosphere wise and food value but their quality is just good not great.

Pros: old time atmosphere

Cons: Dwarf size portions, little to no beef, small Bun

Posted 01/09/03

24 hour greasy spoon that's insanely cheap for the portions you get. How can you go wrong?

Pros: price, clientele, 24 hours

Cons: neighborhood

Posted 12/12/02

Philippe's is the best! Great, cheap sandwiches, yummy potato salad and pickles...ummm, I'm drooling thinking about it. Definitely check it out if you're visiting LA!

Pros: Cheap!!!, A classic LA spot, Great sandwiches

Cons: slow service

Posted 11/18/02

yummy, good food, especially for the price. the coffee was a big bargain

Posted 11/07/02

Had lunch here today, and I'm impressed! Sandwiches are a bargain at $4.25, and when you add the mustard, something special happens on your plate. Definitely worth the visit.

Pros: fast, inexpensive, delicious

Posted 11/05/02

If you have never been here it is a must. Sawdust and the best lamb sandwiches. fun fun fun and then some

Posted 10/30/02

Recently went to Philippe's and wondering if they forgot the beef or pork or lamb. I mean the sandwiches are soooo skimpy now. What happened? You get more meat from a $.99 burger.

Pros: ambience, rich history

Cons: portions, taste

Posted 10/27/02

An LA Tradition!
They've raised the price of coffee to a dime but the food is still one of the best values in LA. The atmosphere is functional; sawdust on the floor and order over a tall refrigerated deli case; then eat on long tables with a cross-section of the city. The French dip sandwich was invented here and its still my favorite. I also love the home-made lemonade and apple pie. I don't think you'll find a bad meal here no matter what you order.

Pros: Food, Parking, Price

Cons: location, crowded at lunch

Posted 10/25/02

The french dip sandwich is excellent. I had the beef. The potato salad is as good as it gets. The prices are very reasonable. I will definitely return. Even the coffee and orange juice are well over par. I highly recommend the joint!

Pros: free parking, inexpensive, tasty

Posted 10/19/02

Best food in LA for the value. I don't eat all day if I know I'm going to Phillipe's for dinner. Service can be slow, but it's definitely worth the wait. One place you CAN'T miss if you're in LA.

Pros: Awesome food, Great atmosphere

Cons: Very crowded, Service can be slow

Posted 10/15/02

What can you say about a place that has been around as long as this place.... They do everything well and the potato salad is to die for, (try mixing a little bit of the hot mustard with it). From my kids as they were growing up to my grandparents, everyone has loved this place, you know what you're going to get everytime.... GREAT FOOD!!!

Posted 10/06/02

Double Dip your French dip. If you like french dip, pickles, macaroni salad, and non-alcoholic drinks-- you've got to go to this place.

Posted 10/04/02

These are by far the best sandwiches around! I got my beef dip with bleu cheese and coleslaw. This was probably the best coleslaw I have ever tasted. If you live in the valley and don't feel like driving - take the Metro. Get on at Universal and off at the station in Daowntown. It is a very short walk from there!

Posted 08/12/02

They are known for the French DIp beff but you want something great try the Lamb Sandwich and for an extra bit of taste have it with Blue Chesse the best.........

Posted 08/12/02

We had the French Dip sandwich during lunch hour. It was over priced, and not all that great to be raving about. It's better than Arby's, but not by much.

Pros: Convenience, Parking

Cons: Crowded, Family Seating

Posted 08/07/02

The French Dip is the BEST at Philippe's and you can tell, it is always packed with out-of-towners and people who make a special trip downtown just to eat there. I love Philippe's!

Posted 08/07/02

I love to go to Philippe's when I am in the area. It brings back fond childhood memories, especially at a time when so many of the places from my childhood have succumed to the the devlopers' ideas of "progress"

Pros: selection, history, price

Cons: always crowded

Posted 07/27/02

I seen this place on an episode of Huell Howsers KCET show! After watching it on T.V i was intrigued. Then my father treated me to a sandwich there and I couldn't understand what all the hype was about?! The sandwich is so dry you'll need to disect a camel to quench your thirst! The dipping sauce tastes like the nation of nausea! And the price is ridiculous for the amount of sandwich your getting. Theres history but who cares?! How does the history affect your life?! It doesn't in anyway! So just bulldoze the place down and build an IN-N-OUT! But go ahead and see for yourself. Everybody should try atleast once to make there own judgements.

Posted 07/25/02

We love Philippe's....the french dips are wonderful, not to mention the potato salad! It's just nice and kind of takes you back in time. It makes me feel like I'm not in LA.

Pros: great food

Posted 07/23/02

Showed up for an early dinner before a Dodger game on a thursday. Found that there was enough staffing to keep the lines to 2-3 people maximum. Definitely recommend double dipped.

Pros: enough parking, great food

Cons: watch the mustard, basic creature cmfrts, dont bring first date

Posted 06/20/02

We have been going to Philippe's for over 20 years. Yes the place looks pretty much the same, and I don't think the price of coffe has changed either. Most importantly, the French Dip tastes the same today as it did when I was a kid - the only difference is I have developed a taste for that MUSTARD. We pile it on and eat those great sandwiches until the mustard makes us cry. Great LA tradition - it's good to see that some things don't change.

Pros: French Dip, MUSTARD

Posted 06/19/02

I have heard about Phillipes for a long time so I finally tried it. It was OK. I think the atmosphere and history behind the establishment has fooled people into believing the food is better than it is. the food was average and I probably would not go back. If you have not been there I do recommend you go at least once.

Posted 06/10/02

I don't get to Philippe's enough. Fantastic dipped sandwiches and painfully delicious mustard. Sooo good. Expect long lines at lunch during the week, and whenever the Dodgers are playing at Chavez Ravine.

Pros: Sandwiches, Mustard

Cons: Long Lines

Posted 06/10/02

Whenever a friend or relative comes to LA, I try to take them to Philippe's. With a deliscious dip sandwich, mustard and coleslaw on the side and fine cup-o-joe, it's a great way to get someone into the history of Old Los Angeles, before you start on any of the fantastic adventures Downtown. Don't forget to buy a t-shirt

Pros: PICKLED EGGS!!

Cons: Pickled Eggs?

Posted 06/06/02

Great place for a delicious sandwich if you are in the downtown Los Angeles area. Not too pricey, but why have fast food when you can have a Phillipes style dipped sandwich. The location is excellent down the street from Union Station. I most certainly would recommend it to anyone who loves sandwiches.

Posted 05/21/02