Philippe's Menu 2026: French Dip Sandwiches, Sides & Drinks

Philippe's claims to have invented the French Dip in 1908, when owner Philippe Mathieu accidentally dipped a French roll into the roasting pan drippings while making a sandwich for a police officer. A rival claim comes from Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, also in downtown Los Angeles, which opened the same year. Both restaurants hold their claims proudly, and the debate has never been conclusively settled — but Philippe's is by far the more famous and heavily visited of the two.

Philippe the Original is located at 1001 N Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, in Chinatown adjacent to Union Station. It has been at or near this location since 1908. Parking is available in a lot directly behind the restaurant. It is also accessible from Metro Rail (Union Station is a short walk away).

Yes. Philippe's drip coffee is famously priced at 9 cents — a price the restaurant has maintained for decades as a matter of tradition and civic identity. It is one of the most celebrated cheap meals in Los Angeles dining history. The coffee is standard American drip coffee, refills available.

A double-dipped sandwich means the roll is submerged twice in the pan drippings (jus), resulting in a thoroughly saturated, moist roll. Standard dipped means the roll is dipped once — still moist but holds together better. Double dipped is the preference of regulars who want maximum jus absorption. Ask for it when ordering at the counter.

Philippe's serves beef, lamb, pork, turkey, and ham French Dip sandwiches, all hand-carved from whole roasted cuts. The beef dip is the most popular and the original. A combination dip allows you to mix two meats on one roll. All meats are roasted in-house and carved fresh at the counter.

Philippe's house-ground hot mustard is a fiery, coarsely ground condiment that has been served alongside French Dips for decades. It is much hotter and sharper than standard yellow or Dijon mustard. It is served free at the condiment counter and is also sold by the jar to take home. Regulars consider it essential to the French Dip experience.

Philippe the Original is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. These hours have been consistent for many years, though it is always worth confirming via the official website at philippes.com before visiting, especially on holidays.

Philippe's accepts both cash and credit cards. The restaurant's cafeteria-style ordering means you pay at the counter before sitting down. The communal seating and ordering process are part of the experience — it moves quickly even during peak lunch rushes.

Philippe the Original has been operating continuously since 1908, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles. The sawdust-covered floors, long wooden communal tables, cafeteria-style ordering, 9-cent coffee, and the French Dip sandwich itself are all part of a living, unchanged tradition. It has been visited by generations of Angelenos, celebrities, politicians, and tourists alike. The James Beard Foundation recognized Philippe's with an America's Classic award — the highest recognition for restaurants that have stood the test of time.