Tucked away near Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, Philippe The Original has been feeding hungry locals and curious visitors since 1908. Famous for inventing the French dip sandwich, this legendary spot has stood the test of time with its no-frills charm, sawdust-covered floors, and incredible food at prices that feel almost too good to be true.
With a rating of 4.6 stars from over 12,000 reviews, it is clear that Philippe’s has earned its place as one of California’s most beloved sandwich shops. Whether you are a first-timer or a longtime regular, there is always something worth trying at this one-of-a-kind LA institution.
The Classic Beef French Dip Sandwich
Legend has it that Philippe’s accidentally dropped a sandwich roll into the roasting pan drippings back in 1918, and the French dip was born right there in that kitchen. The Classic Beef French Dip is the dish that put this LA landmark on the map, and it still delivers something special with every bite.
Tender, slow-roasted beef is piled onto freshly baked Frisco bread, then dipped into savory au jus that soaks into the bread just enough to make it gloriously juicy. Customers rave about the light, airy crunch of the bread and the melt-in-your-mouth quality of the meat.
Ordering it double-dipped takes the experience to a whole new level. At under $15, this sandwich is an absolute steal for the quality and history packed into every single bite.
The Double Meat Option
For the seriously hungry, the double meat option at Philippe’s is basically a love letter to sandwich enthusiasts everywhere. Twice the roasted beef means twice the flavor, and regulars say it is absolutely worth every extra cent on the already wallet-friendly price tag.
The bread holds up surprisingly well even with the extra load of meat, which speaks to how fresh and sturdy Philippe’s house-baked rolls really are. Several reviewers mentioned that the double meat pastrami version is big enough to share, making it a smart pick for anyone watching their budget.
Dipped generously into the au jus, the double meat sandwich becomes a full, satisfying meal without needing much else on the side. If you are treating yourself to the full Philippe’s experience, skipping the single and going straight for double is a decision you will not regret.
The Lamb French Dip
Not every sandwich shop offers lamb on the menu, but Philippe’s has always done things a little differently. The Lamb French Dip is one of the most talked-about items among regulars, and for good reason — the meat is tender, rich, and carries a depth of flavor that sets it apart from the standard beef version.
Multiple reviewers called it “perfection,” and one visitor paired it with blue cheese for a combination that sounds almost too fancy for a casual lunch spot. The contrast of the savory lamb and the tangy, nutty blue cheese against the warm au jus is genuinely something special.
If you are someone who likes to try something a little adventurous without stepping too far outside your comfort zone, the lamb dip is the perfect middle ground. Order it and prepare to understand why Philippe’s fans keep coming back for more.
The New York Pastrami Sandwich
Pastrami lovers, this one is calling your name. Philippe’s New York Pastrami sandwich is the kind of meal that makes you slow down and actually pay attention to what you are eating — well-seasoned, tender slices of pastrami layered onto fresh bread with just the right amount of chew and flavor.
One reviewer who ordered the pastrami on rye described leaving the restaurant feeling “extremely satisfied and energized,” which is high praise for a lunch spot that charges under $15. The seasoning on the meat is bold but balanced, and the bread freshness makes a noticeable difference in every bite.
Whether you get it dipped or prefer the au jus on the side, the pastrami sandwich holds its own as one of Philippe’s strongest menu offerings. Grab some pickles and a glass of their famous lemonade to round out a meal worth remembering.
The Famous Hot Mustard
One reviewer said it best: Philippe’s mustard is “what other mustards want to be when they grow up.” That is high praise for a condiment, but anyone who has tried this fiery, wasabi-like spread on a French dip sandwich completely understands the excitement.
Served in squeeze bottles right on the tables, the hot mustard at Philippe’s has developed its own cult following over the decades. It packs a serious punch — one visitor joked that it “cleans your sinuses” — but the heat fades into a warm, lingering flavor that somehow makes every sandwich taste even better.
First-timers should start with a small amount to test their heat tolerance, because this is not your average yellow mustard from a ballpark stand. It is bold, unique, and totally free with your meal, making it one of the best no-cost upgrades you will ever experience at a sandwich shop.
The Potato Salad
Potato salad might sound like a simple side dish, but Philippe’s version has earned its own fan base over the years. Creamy, well-seasoned, and made with a classic recipe that has not changed much since the early days, it is the kind of comfort food that tastes like it came straight from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen.
Multiple reviewers specifically called out the potato salad as a highlight of their visit, with one even saying it saved their meal after the coleslaw did not hit the mark. That is the power of a perfectly made potato salad — it can carry the whole experience.
Pair it alongside any of the French dip sandwiches for a complete, satisfying meal that still comes in well under $15. Simple, reliable, and delicious, this side dish is proof that Philippe’s knows how to do comfort food right every single time.
The Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad at a sandwich shop might not sound like headline news, but Philippe’s version has been winning over customers for generations. Described by visitors as “delicious” and deeply satisfying, it carries the same old-school charm as everything else on the menu.
The recipe feels timeless — creamy dressing, tender pasta, and just the right balance of seasoning to complement the bold flavors of a French dip sandwich. One group of visitors who ordered the beef and turkey dips called the macaroni salad a standout part of their entire meal, which says a lot given how strong the sandwiches are.
For anyone building the ultimate Philippe’s tray, a sandwich plus macaroni salad plus a pickle is practically the official combination. At the prices Philippe’s charges, loading up your tray with a side or two still keeps the total bill remarkably low and the satisfaction level remarkably high.
The Pickled Eggs and Pickles
Pickled eggs might raise an eyebrow if you have never tried them, but at Philippe’s they are a beloved tradition that regulars swear by. Tangy, firm, and packed with a briny punch, they are the kind of old-fashioned snack that fits perfectly into the time-capsule atmosphere of this historic diner.
The cucumber pickles are equally popular — crisp, refreshing, and the perfect counterbalance to the rich, savory au jus of a French dip sandwich. Several reviewers specifically mentioned the pickles as a must-order item, with one calling them an essential part of the Philippe’s experience.
Pickled beets also make an appearance on the menu for those who enjoy that earthy, sweet-and-sour flavor combination. All of these pickled sides are priced so affordably that adding a couple to your tray barely makes a dent in your budget, making them easy, low-risk additions to any order.
The 45-Cent Coffee
You read that right — coffee at Philippe’s costs just 45 cents, and it is genuinely good. In a city where a basic cup of coffee at a trendy cafe can run you five or six dollars, Philippe’s pricing feels like a delightful throwback to a simpler era.
Reviewers consistently mention the coffee as a highlight, with one visitor calling it “really good” and another praising it as part of what makes Philippe’s such an exceptional value. It is served in small, classic glass cups that match the vintage aesthetic of the entire restaurant perfectly.
Whether you grab a cup during breakfast or pair it with a late lunch, that 45-cent coffee is a small but meaningful reminder of what Philippe’s is all about — honest food at honest prices in a setting that feels like stepping back in time. It is one of LA’s great simple pleasures.
The Breakfast Menu
Most people know Philippe’s for its French dip sandwiches, but the breakfast menu is a hidden gem that deserves far more attention. Open from 6 AM every single day of the week, Philippe’s serves up a full morning spread that includes pancakes, French toast, omelets, and more.
One reviewer who ordered an omelet described it as “great size and filling, fresh, and with many cheese options” — solid praise for a breakfast spot that also happens to be one of LA’s most historic landmarks. The homemade salsa served alongside eggs has also earned fans for its fresh flavor with just a little kick.
For anyone staying near Union Station or exploring downtown LA in the morning, starting the day at Philippe’s is a smart and affordable move. A full breakfast here costs a fraction of what you would pay at most downtown LA restaurants, making it a genuinely great morning deal.
The Atmosphere and Historic Decor
Walking into Philippe’s feels like stepping through a time machine set to mid-century Los Angeles. Sawdust on the floors, penny-tiled surfaces, servers in vintage-style uniforms, old wooden booths, and a row of classic telephone booths create an atmosphere that no modern restaurant could replicate, no matter how hard they tried.
The walls are covered in historic Los Angeles Times clippings, photographs of the city, and an impressive collection of Dodgers memorabilia including bobbleheads that bring out the baseball fan in everyone. A model train display adds a quirky, charming touch that kids and adults alike find delightful.
Several reviewers described the experience as a “time capsule” and a “step back in time,” and it is easy to see why. The atmosphere alone is worth the trip, turning what could be a simple lunch stop into a genuine cultural experience rooted in over a century of Los Angeles history.
The Lemonade Under a Dollar
Finding a glass of lemonade for under a dollar anywhere in Los Angeles feels almost mythical in 2024, but Philippe’s has kept its lemonade priced at less than a dollar for years. One reviewer admitted they could not remember another place in the city where lemonade was that affordable, and it is hard to argue with that observation.
The lemonade itself is described as tasting “really nice” — not too sweet, not too tart, and served cold enough to be genuinely refreshing after waiting in a busy lunch line. It pairs naturally with the salty, savory richness of any French dip sandwich on the menu.
Small details like this are what make Philippe’s feel special beyond just the food. The commitment to keeping prices low across the entire menu, from the 45-cent coffee to the under-a-dollar lemonade, reflects a genuine respect for the community that has supported this place for over a century.
Location, Parking, and Getting There
Philippe The Original sits at 1001 N Alameda Street in downtown Los Angeles, just a short walk from LA Union Station. That location makes it incredibly easy to reach by Metro, which is a huge bonus in a city where parking can turn any outing into a stressful ordeal.
For those driving, Philippe’s offers two free parking lots — a rare luxury in downtown LA that multiple reviewers specifically celebrated. One visitor even parked for free in nearby Chinatown and walked over, proving there are options for every kind of traveler.
The restaurant is open every day from 6 AM to 10 PM, giving you a wide window to visit whether you are grabbing a pre-game meal before a Dodgers game, fueling up after a morning of sightseeing, or stopping in for a late dinner. Accessibility, free parking, and long hours make Philippe’s one of the easiest great meals in all of Los Angeles.
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