A glimpse at a typical day back in the "old days"--and nothing's changed--Philippe's is still packin' 'em in.
A common scene at Philippe's, then and now--two strangers striking up friendly conversation while enjoying a meal together.
Nostalgic crowds line up to celebrate 85 successful years of Philippe's--and to enjoy 10 cent french dip sandwiches.
Georgina (the cashier) and John Binder (owner) take a quick and well deserved break out of their busy day at Philippe's.
Philippe's
1001 N Alameda St
Los Angeles
CA
90012
Tel: (213) 628-3781
Philippe (The Original) is one of the oldest and best known restaurants in Southern California. Philippe's was established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, who claimed the distinction of having created the "French Dipped Sandwich" and serving the 10-cent cup of coffee. One day in 1918, while making a sandwich, Mathieu inadvertently dropped the sliced french roll into the roasting pan filled with juice still hot from the oven. The patron, a policeman, said he would take the sandwich anyway and returned the next day with some friends asking for more dipped sandwiches. And so was born the "French Dipped Sandwich," so called either because of Mathieu's French heritage, the French roll the sandwich is made on or because the officer's name was French. The answer is lost to history. The way the service works is unique. There is a long display counter with 10 servers, (we call them "Carvers"), many of which have been working at Philippe's well over 20 years. Each Carver has everything she needs to prepare your meal. You get into one of the 10 lines, and when you reach your Carver, she can take care of your whole meal; make your sandwich or fix your hot dish, serve salads or soup, give you coffee or a glass of wine, add it all up and take your money. The plates are paper, the service is fast. There are ceiling fans, neon soft drink and beer signs, sawdust on the floor, a few booths and long wooden tables with stools. Seating is family style.
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the best sandwiches ever!!!
Worth the drive, worth the walk, worth the long line.... I think I'll go tonight
Philippe’s has been a part of my life since birth. I can definitely say that I know the place inside and out like the back of my hands. My father now 60, began his career at Philippe’s as a bus boy at the age of 19. He worked his way up the ranks and has been managing the whole operation since the mid 80’s. I like to believe that he’s helped make this place a land mark. The smells from the kitchen remind me of my days as a little girl running in to find her daddy mixing the ingredients for that weeks mustard supply, and waiting patiently in the warehouse for 2:00pm so my dad and I could share a double dipped beef sandwich with American cheese. The simplicity of it all is nostalgic. At one time or another, my siblings and I have all worked there as well. In fact, my first job was at Philippe’s. My last two years of college were paid off with tips I earned while working on days when the Dodgers were in town, during Laker games, before and after a USC game, etc. Philippe’s is like home. Philippe’s is a place where families gather to share laughs and make memories. Philippe’s is a place for first dates and where love is found… if only those walls could talk. Philippe’s is an extension of me…Philippe’s IS home.
The food is great and at very affordable prices. Their homemade mustard is one of a kind. A definite deli experience.
Philippe's is an LA classic. The beef dip can't be beat and their mustard has a great kick to it.
Philippe's is the best! where else can you get a glass of world class wine to go along with your lamb dip sandwich?
Great place. Not far from home. Easy parking.
Great sandwiches and going there is an experience.
A family tradition goes back generations in my family. When you go there you can see that many families share the same tradition. Waiting in line is half the fun, and there is always a line!
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Best Sandwich Shop in the Los Angeles area