American
Philippe’s - French Dip done right
1001 N. Alameda St. Los Angeles CA. 90012 -
(Downtown LA, close to Union Station, Chinatown and Olivera Street)I’ve been craving a decent french dip sandwich for awhile. And not any old french dip sandwich (french dip from IHOP is not my idea of fufilling a sandwich craving…much less any kind of craving for anything edible) - something transcendent, something life-changing - well okay, I can just settle for something filling and delicious. Philippe’s fills that need nicely.
Philippe’s has been around for awhile (that’s an understatement - hardly do I get to eat at any restaurant that was established before the 1990’s, Philippe’s started in 1908…) and seems to do pretty well for itself, sticking to what it knows best - good quality food, cash only, sawdust on the floor, cafeteria style service.
Everyone waits in line for their sandwich, to give their orders to waitresses who prepare your sandwich or anything else you order behind the counter. They all wear spiffy uniforms, and have that “tough as nails” vibe - but don’t be afraid, they are so polite and nice! Order what you want, they put everything on disposable cardboard plates (so high school cafeteria!), pay them (CASH only, yep, I know this is the second time I mentioned it) and do remember to TIP them (they give you change on this little tray, leave them their tip on there.)
Scuffle on the sawdust (to hide…what I’m stepping on underneath the sawdust? Unsettling..), roll up to a bench and gaze upon…
The french dip. I got a beef french dip. At each table there’s their famous mustard (hot hot hot, but I love the stuff - not unlike chinese hot mustard, I could drink it if I needed to), give your sandwich an extra lashing or two of this mustard if you dare. The first bite…is perfect. Meat and meat juice are contained sufficiently within the bread - and not too soggy! A small bite of the potato salad scoop, with its’ dusting of paprika, is a good balance. It’s not the best potato salad I’ve had but definitely ranks up there with “potato salads I’d eat again”.
Here’s a lovely close up - waiting to be eaten!
Philippe’s lemonade is notorious not for its’ taste, but for its’ price - 60 cents! Lemonade from a kids’ lemonade stand is not that cheap anymore! And that’s the great thing about this place - everything is super cheap and good quality. My beef dip sandwich ran me $4.90. Scoop of potato salad? 95 cents. This is UNHEARD of anywhere else! If you haven’t gone, take in some of the scenery and food over at Philippe’s. Take advantage of their hospitality (and free parking!)
By heysandra (see more of her posts). You can find more of heysandra's writing at her own website ...and eat your greens
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My parents started taking me to Philippe’s when I was a kid, and we still go together. We make the drive up from Long Beach/Lakewood around once a month. And I get the same thing everytime–beef with swiss cheese dipped, coleslaw, and lemonade. Their chili with beans is really good also.
I think it’s simply one of the best places, let alone restaurants, in Los Angeles.
Lemonade is 60 cents, but the coffee is 9 CENTS! Took an uncle there recently and he presumed the “9 cent cup of coffee” sign was just a novelty.
The mustard is the magic. I’ve had better French dip but that mustard is what I crave on my double-dipped sammich.
No love for Cole’s? I’ve eaten at both places a bunch of times and I finally decided that Cole’s is the better of the two. I’d love to hear what you think!
I am embarrassed…I haven’t been to Cole’s yet! (hangs head in shame) but I will go SOON now that you mentioned it. It was rather unfair to not mention Cole’s, but at the same time, there was already a posting that highlighted both the qualities of Cole’s and Philippe’s. In any case, I will try it soon!
the mustard IS magic, Tim! I completely agree!
the sandwich goes to a whole new level when propped with a cupful of their homemade coleslaw. sweet, crisp and spicy. I know it sounds weird but try it next time.
man, oh man, do i love me some philippes! that food is good for your soul. after spending my whole life as a beef sandwich with mustard purist, i just branched out recently to try bleu cheese on the beef sandwich, not too bad!
I will be the lone dissenter so far. I love philipes for convenience of parking and easy access from the freeways, but we can never seem to get out of there under 6 bucks. Usually my s.o. and I need about 2 sandwiches and potato salad between us to fill up. Even then it’s more a snack time full. Maybe I remember their $2 days so I’m cynical now that the prices are higher.