Philippe The Original

1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
+1 213-628-3781
$$$ Sandwich shop
(11,815 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Discover Philippe The Original: A Timeless Sandwich Haven in Los Angeles

Nestled at 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Philippe The Original stands as a historical gem in the heart of LA, renowned for its classic American diner experience and as the birthplace of the legendary French dip sandwich. Since its inception, this beloved eatery has been serving up delicious meals that never compromise on taste or authenticity, making it a must-visit for both locals and newcomers alike.

The ambiance at Philippe's is a delightful throwback to traditional diner culture, with sawdust on the floor and charming decor that echoes its storied past. Step inside, and you’ll be instantly transported to a time when good food was paramount and each meal was crafted with care. The casual yet welcoming atmosphere invites you to sit back, soak in the vintage charm, and enjoy hearty conversations over delectable dishes.

Cuisine Type and Menu Highlights:

  • Breakfast: Start your day right with selections like the Two Eggs breakfast—freshly cracked eggs any style paired with seasoned potatoes for only $7.50. Or opt for The Combo, a satisfying blend of pancakes or French toast, bacon or sausage, and eggs, all for a mere $10.95.
  • Classic Sandwiches: Philippe is famously known for its French dip sandwiches. Indulge in the succulent beef with cheddar, as noted by patrons like Chisco Valdés, who recommends taking it slow with the signature mustard—it's deliciously spicy!
  • Decadent Desserts: Treat yourself afterward to a slice of Chocolate Overload Cake or a creamy slice of New York Style Cheesecake, both affordably priced at $3.95.
  • Beverages: Complement your meal with a selection from their beer and wine list, with options like Budweiser and Stella available for just $4.50-$5.50.

As Larry Kemp recalls, enjoying a meal here not only satiates your hunger but immerses you in the rich history of dining in LA. It’s a rare place where you can indulge in great food while appreciating a slice of the city’s past.

Customer Experiences:

Customer reviews speak volumes about what you can expect. For instance, Jeffrey R highlights the charming atmosphere and the must-try magical mustard, while hughtube88 official notes that despite the slight uptick in price, the taste and overall experience are well worth every penny. Vanessa, on the other hand, fondly remembers Philippe as her mother’s favorite spot, proving that this establishment has a way of leaving lasting impressions.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a legendary dining experience that combines rich history with delicious food, then Philippe The Original is your go-to. Whether you’re before a Dodgers game as Chisco did or reliving cherished family memories like Vanessa, this sandwich shop has something special for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to savor one of Los Angeles's culinary icons. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience you'll cherish!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours

Monday

06:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

06:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

06:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

06:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

06:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

06:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

06:00 AM - 10:00 PM

11815 Reviews
Chisco Valdés

09 Nov 2025

Pro Tip : Try the beef with cheddar—but go easy on the signature mustard, it’s hot (in the best way). Also, free parking is a win! When I Visited: We stopped by Philippe’s before a Dodgers game, based on a solid rec from a stadium employee. Food/Drink Details : This place is a classic American diner—simple, tasty, and affordable. I had the French dipped beef with cheddar and it was on point. Ingredients were fresh, flavors hit just right. For dessert, the cheesecake was old-school and delicious. Service : Friendly and fast. Perfect for grabbing a bite before the game. Atmosphere/Decor : Retro diner vibes with a timeless feel. There’s just one TV if you’re hoping to catch the game, but it did the job. Overall Experience ⭐: Philippe’s is a hidden gem just 10 minutes from Dodger Stadium, with two free parking lots and that no-frills, good-eats energy. Great spot for a pre-game bite or a casual meal with flavor and history.

Vanessa

07 Nov 2025

This is my mother old time favorite places to eat in LA. And this time my brother treated me today. (9/17/2025) I got something different this time and loved the pastrami sandwich with coleslaw. I highly recommend this place if you’re new to LA! Enjoy!

Larry Kemp

07 Nov 2025

Enjoyed the experience at one of the oldest eating establishments in Los Angeles today! The supposed birth place of the world famous French Dip sandwich. It has history, even still using sawdust on the floor! The food is of course absolutely delicious, they wouldn't stay in business this long otherwise. The prices have been one thing to change for sure, it's about $15 now for a sandwich, without any sides. They do have plenty of home made potato or macaroni salad and cole slaw available for around $4 each and a variety of drinks from sodas to juices to beers. Parking in the downtown area is usually hard to come by, but Philippe's has 2 parking lots available for customers - complimentary! Well worth the visit, no doubt at all

hughtube88 official

06 Nov 2025

For being an old restaurant, the quality and vibes all around were very impressive. Great value on the drinks and the sides, and although the sandwiches were a LITTLE bit pricey for the size, the taste made up for it. They had sports on the TV as well, and the ambiance felt very unique. Not many places like it for sure. Definitely would come back, but it may cost a penny or two.

Jeffrey R

02 Sep 2025

Nice place great coffee omelet was great size and filling fresh and many cheese options. The mustard in squeeze bottle on tables is magical. Cool train stuff and vintage nice open atmosphere. People are super nice and the place is pretty clean.. I'll have to come back someday ..

RivailsLogan

13 Aug 2025

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!

Dennis Tang

04 Aug 2025

Saw it on a food review channel on YouTube and did not disappoint. Went during the Dodger's celebration Parade in Nov 2025. Pretty busy but lines went extremely fast. I enjoyed the quick turnover in regards to order vs receiving the meal. Staff were prompt, helpful and friendly. Well priced and great selection.

Jerome Melgar

03 Aug 2025

Went here on a Sunday morning. Parking was easy to find since the establishment has 2 parking spaces for patrons. The line was pretty long, but with the amount of workers at the register the line moved pretty quick. The menu is somewhat extensive, so being in line for a long time is a plus. I ordered a beef single-dipped sandwich with a side of au jus, pickled eggs, custard and their house lager. The cashier prepared everything for you and they give you a tray to take to a table. Everything was delicious. Personally, I'd have more meat on my sandwich, but now I know to ask for extra. The pickled egg was delightful along with the custard. The beer was delicious and refreshing. The house hot mustard is definitely something not to mess with. Enjoy in light portions, but I did take some home. Overall, a great experience! Historical, the atmosphere is a cafeteria environment, and the food was delicious. Definitely worth coming to the inventors of the French dip sandwich.

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