Philippe, The Original, Chinatown Photos

Philippe, The Original

Chinatown · Takeout

4.8/5

Been Here

Phone number

(213) 628-3781

Cuisines

Breakfast, Sandwich

Philippe, The Original, Chinatown

Cost

$$$$

Opening hours

(See more +)

Opening hours

· Open now

Today 6 AM to 10 PM

Address

1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Philippe, The Original address, Philippe, The Original location

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Highlights

Breakfast

Takeaway Only

Serves Alcohol

Featured in Collections

Cheap eats
Old school L.A.

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PUBLISH REVIEW

This place has plenty of parking! Saw this on TV, so made the trip out there. Place has that old diner/butcher shop vibe, and the floor had sawdust. Counter staff were friendly enough, and had to switch lines as the person in front of us had a big order. Ordered the french dip, on a french roll double dipped. Simple ingredients, and the au jus was flavorful. Roast beef could have used something, not sure what. Even with the spicy mustard it was not worth the $10 paid. I can only speak on the french dip, but it had better be top tier if that is what you are famous for. The one we had was benchwarmer good. Rather disappointing. Rating .5 higher for fame only.

31 Reviews , 60 Followers

4 months ago

Let's say I was on death row and I was allowed one last meal. I'd probably take a French Dip sandwich from Philippe's. I first came here in 1991 as a 16 year old New Zealander on holiday. Despite doing a whole bunch of amazing stuff on that holiday, it's the taste of Philipe's that I found myself thinking about whenever my mind was drawn to Los Angeles. Last month I had the pleasure of taking 24 New Zealand teenagers to LA as part of a high school trip. When planning the itinerary I made sure we'd be passing through DTLA around dinnertime, just so I could inflict my own teenage nostalgia on a new generation. The restaurant itself was pretty much unchanged from how I remember it 25 years ago. Sawdust on the floors, big communal tables and counter service. The food, however, was even better than I remembered. Can't wait to bring another bunch of NZ teens through in 2018.

54 Reviews , 4 Followers

4 months ago

Philippe's quality and eating experience is matched by few. The wonderful menu is varied and extensive. My interests are in foods I cannot get in ordinary restaurants. Here is my favorite order: Lamb dipped sandwich, a pickled pig's foot (yes I really order and eat this vinegary delicacy), and a pickled egg. The HOT mustard is really HOT and very addictive. Start with a sparingly small amount and work your way up. This mustard is hot in the same way horse radish is hot.

Philippe is normally quite busy, but don't let that slow you down. The lines move fast and the counter personnel are wonderful.

If you have never been to Philippe, you have missed a wonderful LA institution. Plan to go soon! You won't be disappointed!

55 Reviews , 10 Followers

4 months ago

Where else can you eat the best french dip sandwiches, coleslaw, macaroni and potato salad,plus ice tea, lemonade or coffee, even for breakfast, and hang out with the old timers from Chinatown and Dodger fans. The sandwiches are made in front of you by the long time employees who are skilled and always in a good mood- it is like a big family. The hot mustard will clear your sinuses- it is lots of garlic that is the secret weapon ingredient. The candy shop is packed with vintage favorites. This place is one of L.A.'s true treasures.

+31 photos

231 Reviews , 82 Followers

5 months ago

Legend says that Philippe Mathieu (who emigrated from France) accidentally dropped a sliced french roll into a roasting pan filled with juice in 1918. The patron took it home anyways and brought back friends to try this new delicious "French Dipped Sandwich" and history was born. Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet also claims to have invented the sandwich. It doesn't matter which legend is true or who invented it, Philippe's has been serving roast beef, lamb and pork since 1908. They relocated to the present location in Chinatown in 1951. Philippe's is an old-fashioned traditional delicatessen-type restaurant. They have rows of tables to eat at family style with sawdust scattered all over the floor. Basically you order your food at the counter from a Carver (server) and it is prepared right in front of you. In addition to their sandwiches, they serve breakfast in the mornings, have a variety of desserts to choose from and serve coffee for 45 cents. They... read more