Philippe The Original

As a local, I recently visited Philippe The Original, and it’s every bit the iconic LA spot it’s known to be—the birthplace of the French dip sandwich with a story that started in 1918. The tale of Mathieu accidentally dropping a French roll into a pan of hot roast beef juices, only for the policeman to love it and come back with friends, is practically legend. That history alone makes eating here feel like a step back in time. I ordered the beef French dip sandwich, coleslaw, and cheesecake. The beef dip was, as expected, phenomenal. The soft, slightly crusty French roll soaked up the rich, savory juices just enough, and every bite was packed with tender, flavorful beef. The house mustard added a nice spicy kick that paired perfectly, and they nailed the “dip” level I asked for—not too soggy, just right. The coleslaw was crisp and refreshing, with fresh cabbage and a creamy dressing that balanced the heaviness of the sandwich. It was the ideal sidekick. The cheesecake? A total surprise. Silky, rich, and just sweet enough without being overwhelming, it was the perfect way to end the meal, especially with a hot cup of their classic coffee. Walking into Philippe’s is like stepping into a time capsule. The place hasn’t moved since 1951, still housed in that old machine shop with a hotel upstairs. The setup is unique—ten “carvers” behind a long counter, each handling their own line. My carver was quick, friendly, and made the whole process seamless, from taking my order to handing me my food right there. It’s efficient but still has that warm, family-owned vibe that makes you feel at home. The place was buzzing with locals and tourists alike, but the line moved fast, and checking out the menu board while waiting was half the fun. Philippe’s delivers on its promise of tradition—consistent food, great service, and an atmosphere that’s as authentic as it gets. It’s a must-visit in LA, and I’m already looking forward to my next trip to try the chili or maybe the pork dip. The beef French dip alone is worth coming back for!