Philippe the Original – Los Angeles, CA (Since 1908)
Philippe’s original location in the 1910s. The French dip was born here by accident in 1918.
Founded in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, this downtown LA deli has become a legend for inventing the French dip sandwich by happy accident. As the story goes, Mathieu dropped a French roll into roasting juices in 1918, and a customer loved it enough to request the “dipped” sandwich again the next day – thus birthing the iconic French dip. By 1927 the shop passed to new owners (the Martin & Binder families), who kept Philippe’s traditions alive even after relocating in 1951 due to freeway construction. Over a century later, Philippe’s is still family‑run and going strong, having survived world wars, the Great Depression, and countless fads. It’s not unusual to see lines snaking out the door as 2,000–4,000 sandwiches fly across the counter daily. History buffs enjoy the sawdust‑strewn floors and walls decked in memorabilia that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The classic French dip au jus at Philippe’s, with their eye‑watering hot mustard on the side.
The must‑order here is, of course, the original French dip sandwich – tender roast beef or lamb piled into a crusty French roll pre‑soaked in savory jus. Each bite is rich and juicy, especially when slathered with Philippe’s famous sinus‑clearing hot mustard that loyal fans can’t get enough of. The recipe for the jus is a point of pride: prime beef drippings are collected and simmered to a concentrated broth that gives the sandwich its succulent flavor. While beef is the classic, the menu still offers the same other simple comfort foods it did decades ago – chili, stew, pickled eggs – at prices that remain budget‑friendly (coffee was 5¢ on their 100th anniversary). It’s this consistency in quality and tradition that earned Philippe’s a reputation as a true Los Angeles culinary institution.
Crowds line up at Philippe’s bustling cafeteria‑style counter during the lunch rush.
Stepping inside, you’ll likely find every stool at the long communal tables occupied by hungry locals, from suits to Dodgers fans. Patrons clutch paper plates as bow‑tied servers carve meats to order behind a long deli counter, keeping up a brisk patter as they’ve done for generations. The atmosphere is a charming mix of hustle and nostalgia – the aroma of roasting meats wafts through the air, and the din of chatter is punctuated by orders shouted for “double‑dip” sandwiches. Despite serving thousands of customers a day, many of the staff have been at Philippe’s for decades, treating newcomers and regulars alike with warm efficiency. Whether you’re a history lover or just in search of a great sandwich, Philippe’s offers an authentic taste of old Los Angeles – literally soaked in the city’s culinary history.