Los Angeles' Best Original French Dip Sandwiches

by Jhon Lennon 49 views

The French dip sandwich, a Los Angeles culinary icon, features thinly sliced roasted meat – typically beef, but sometimes lamb, pork, or turkey – served on a French roll or baguette. The sandwich is then dipped in the natural juices (“au jus”) from the roasting process. Some prefer to dip each bite, while others drench the entire sandwich for maximum flavor. Two legendary restaurants in Los Angeles, Philippe The Original and Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, both claim to be the birthplace of this delectable sandwich, leading to a friendly, ongoing rivalry. Join us as we dive into the history, the flavors, and the unique experiences offered by these two LA institutions, along with other notable contenders in the city's vibrant French dip scene.

Philippe The Original: A Pioneer of the French Dip

Philippe The Original, often referred to simply as “Philippe’s,” stakes its claim as the originator of the French dip sandwich back to 1918. As the story goes, Philippe Mathieu, the restaurant's founder, accidentally dropped a French roll into a pan of roasting juices. A police officer, who was a regular customer, saw the mishap and asked Mathieu to serve him the sandwich anyway. He loved it, and the rest, as they say, is history. The restaurant, with its sawdust-covered floors and no-frills atmosphere, exudes a historic charm that transports you back in time. The communal seating encourages interaction and a sense of shared experience, as you might find yourself sharing a table with locals, tourists, and everyone in between. Ordering at Philippe’s is part of the experience. You step up to the counter, place your order with one of the carvers, and watch as they expertly slice the meat and assemble your sandwich. You can choose from beef, pork, lamb, turkey, or ham, and specify whether you want a single-dip, double-dip, or wet sandwich. Don’t forget to add their famous spicy mustard for an extra kick! The menu at Philippe’s is simple and straightforward, focusing on quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Their French rolls are baked fresh daily, providing the perfect vessel for the succulent meats and flavorful au jus. The beef is tender and juicy, the lamb has a rich, gamey flavor, and the pork is savory and satisfying. Each sandwich is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to tradition and quality. Beyond the French dip, Philippe’s also offers classic sides like potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw, as well as hearty soups and chili. And, of course, no visit to Philippe’s is complete without a glass of their signature lemonade, made fresh daily. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Philippe The Original offers a truly authentic and unforgettable taste of Los Angeles history.

Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet: An Art Deco Gem

Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, located in the historic Pacific Electric Building, presents a different, yet equally compelling, French dip experience. Established in 1908, Cole's also lays claim to being the birthplace of the French dip, with a story that revolves around a chef who created the sandwich for a customer with a sore throat. While the exact details may differ from Philippe's narrative, the result is the same: a delicious and iconic sandwich that has stood the test of time. Cole's boasts a stunning Art Deco interior, meticulously restored to its former glory. The dimly lit space, with its ornate ceilings, vintage fixtures, and classic bar, creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance. It's a place where you can imagine yourself stepping back into the Golden Age of Hollywood. The menu at Cole's offers a modern take on classic American fare, with the French dip taking center stage. Their French dip is made with slow-roasted beef, carved to order, and served on a freshly baked French roll. The au jus is rich and flavorful, and the sandwich is finished with a generous dollop of horseradish cream. Cole's also offers a variety of other sandwiches, salads, and entrees, as well as a full bar with an extensive selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. One of the unique aspects of Cole's is its focus on craft cocktails. The bar staff are skilled mixologists who can create classic cocktails with a modern twist, using fresh ingredients and premium spirits. Sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail while enjoying a French dip in the elegant surroundings of Cole's is an experience that is both sophisticated and satisfying. Cole's is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in history, admire the stunning architecture, and enjoy a delicious meal and expertly crafted drinks. Whether you're a history buff, an Art Deco enthusiast, or simply a lover of good food and drink, Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet is a must-visit in Los Angeles.

The French Dip Experience: What to Expect

Regardless of which establishment you choose, experiencing an original Los Angeles French Dip is more than just eating a sandwich; it’s a cultural immersion. Both Philippe's and Cole's offer unique atmospheres that contribute to the overall experience. At Philippe’s, expect a bustling, no-frills environment where the focus is squarely on the food. The communal seating encourages conversation with strangers, and the sawdust-covered floors add to the old-school charm. Cole’s, on the other hand, provides a more refined and elegant setting, with its Art Deco interior and sophisticated ambiance. The lighting is dim, the music is mellow, and the overall atmosphere is conducive to a more leisurely dining experience. When ordering a French dip, you'll typically have the option of choosing your meat (beef, lamb, pork, turkey, or ham), and specifying how “wet” you want your sandwich. A single-dip means the sandwich is lightly dipped in the au jus, while a double-dip gets a more thorough soaking. If you order it “wet,” expect your sandwich to be practically swimming in the flavorful broth. Many people have strong preferences about the “wetness” of their sandwich, so don’t be afraid to experiment to find your perfect balance. Another key component of the French dip experience is the condiments. Philippe’s is famous for its spicy mustard, which is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a bit of heat. Cole’s offers horseradish cream, which provides a creamy and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the meat and au jus. Both condiments add an extra layer of flavor and complexity to the sandwich. Beyond the sandwich itself, consider the sides. Philippe’s offers classic deli sides like potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw, while Cole’s has a more diverse menu with options like fries, onion rings, and salads. Ultimately, the best way to experience the French dip is to visit both Philippe's and Cole's and decide for yourself which one you prefer. Each restaurant offers a unique and memorable experience, and both are deserving of their legendary status.

Beyond the Big Two: Other Notable French Dips in LA

While Philippe The Original and Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet are the undisputed kings of the Los Angeles French dip scene, several other establishments around the city offer their own takes on this classic sandwich. These restaurants may not have the same historical significance or iconic status as Philippe's and Cole's, but they are still worth checking out for their unique flavors and creative interpretations. Here are a few notable contenders:

  • Nickel Diner: Located in Downtown Los Angeles, Nickel Diner is a retro-style diner that serves up classic American comfort food with a modern twist. Their French dip is made with thinly sliced roast beef, caramelized onions, and Gruyere cheese, served on a toasted baguette with a side of au jus. The addition of caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese elevates the sandwich to a new level of flavor and richness.
  • Langer's Delicatessen: Famous for its legendary #19 pastrami sandwich, Langer's also offers a delicious French dip made with their signature pastrami. The pastrami is thinly sliced and piled high on a French roll, served with a side of au jus for dipping. The combination of the smoky, peppery pastrami and the savory au jus is a match made in heaven.
  • The Hat: A Los Angeles institution known for its massive pastrami sandwiches and chili cheese fries, The Hat also offers a solid French dip made with thinly sliced roast beef and served with a generous portion of au jus. The Hat is a great option for a quick and satisfying French dip fix.
  • Guisados: While not a traditional French dip, Guisados' cochinita pibil taco can be seen as a Mexican-inspired variation. The slow-roasted pork, marinated in achiote and citrus juices, is incredibly tender and flavorful, and the tortillas are perfect for soaking up all the deliciousness. It's a creative and delicious alternative to the classic French dip.

Making Your Own French Dip at Home

If you're craving a delicious French dip but can't make it to Los Angeles, you can easily make your own at home. While it may not have the same historical significance as the sandwiches from Philippe's or Cole's, a homemade French dip can still be incredibly satisfying. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

  • 1 (3-4 pound) beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • French rolls or baguettes
  • Spicy mustard or horseradish cream (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned.
  4. Remove the roast from the pot and set aside. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Return the roast to the pot, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
  8. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender.
  9. Remove the roast from the pot and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before shredding or slicing it thinly.
  10. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids. This will be your au jus.
  11. Slice the French rolls or baguettes and lightly toast them if desired.
  12. Assemble the sandwiches by piling the shredded or sliced beef onto the rolls and serving with a side of au jus for dipping.
  13. Offer spicy mustard or horseradish cream as condiments, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade French dip! Feel free to experiment with different meats, cheeses, and toppings to create your own unique version of this classic sandwich.

The Los Angeles original French dip is more than just a sandwich; it's a culinary tradition that has been enjoyed for over a century. Whether you prefer the historic charm of Philippe The Original, the Art Deco elegance of Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, or the creative interpretations offered by other restaurants around the city, there’s a French dip experience waiting for you in Los Angeles. And if you can't make it to LA, you can always try your hand at making your own French dip at home. So go ahead, dive in and savor the flavor of this iconic Los Angeles creation!