The French dip is one of those simple sandwiches that keeps people coming back for generations. Thinly sliced beef, a soft roll, and a cup of warm au jus for dipping is all it takes, and California has some of the best spots to try it.
From a Los Angeles landmark that claims to have invented the whole thing to smaller neighborhood shops in San Diego and Santa Barbara, this list covers eight places that have earned loyal fans over the years. Save this one, because you will want to hit these stops the next time you are hungry and driving through the state.
1. Philippe The Original, Los Angeles, CA
Few places can claim to have started an entire sandwich category, but Philippe The Original does exactly that. Open since 1908 in downtown Los Angeles, it is widely known as the birthplace of the French dip.
The roast beef version is the classic order, dipped in savory jus and stacked on a soft roll. You can also try it with blue cheese, and Philippe’s own hot mustard has its own following.
The setting is part of the draw. Sawdust covers the floor, seating is communal, and orders move quickly at the counter with no table service.
Beyond the French dip, the menu runs deep with beef stew, tapioca pudding, fresh fruit cups, and slices of cheesecake. Prices land in the $10 to $20 range per person, and the doors stay open from 6 AM to 10 PM every day.
Find it at 1001 N Alameda St. Parking is usually easy, but expect a wait during the Saturday rush.
2. Tommy’s Joynt, San Francisco, CA
Right when you walk into Tommy’s Joynt, a carving station greets you to the right of the entrance, complete with a pickle bar. That hands-on hofbrau setup has made this a San Francisco institution for meat lovers.
Carved meats get dipped and served on soft rolls, and the portions here are famously generous. The Hof-Brau sandwich is a standout, and the rotating menu includes items like Tommy’s famous meatballs, clam chowder, and a large turkey leg with a side.
The interior leans kitschy and historic, with a location right in the heart of the city on Geary Boulevard. It is casual, friendly, and welcoming to groups and families alike.
Hours vary by day, running from noon into the evening most days and stretching to midnight on Thursday through Saturday. Prices stay in the $10 to $20 range per person.
Street parking can be tricky, so plan a little extra time when you head to 1101 Geary Blvd.
3. Adamson’s French Dip, Sunnyvale, CA
Some shops dabble in French dips, and then there is Adamson’s, where it is the whole reason to show up. This Sunnyvale spot specializes in oven-roasted beef sliced to order and served with hot au jus.
The Prime Rib Dip and the Top Sirloin Dip are the headliners, with smoked sirloin and other cuts rounding out the lineup. Pickled jalapenos add a kick that regulars swear by, and the bread holds up well to the dipping.
To wash it down, the shop pours microbrewed root beer, which makes a root beer float an easy add-on. Sides like jalapeno fries and warm chocolate chip cookies keep things interesting.
Hours are short and specific here, running 10:30 AM to 2 PM Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday. Prices sit a bit higher at $20 to $30 per person, reflecting the quality of the meat.
You will find plenty of parking at 806 W El Camino Real, and reservations are accepted if you want to skip the wait.
4. The Hat (The Original), Alhambra, CA
Since 1951, The Hat has been feeding East Los Angeles and Alhambra with heaping plates of comfort food. The original location on Valley Boulevard is where it all started.
While the pastrami gets a lot of the attention, the hot roast beef piled onto a French roll with au jus dipping broth is a serious contender. Order it with wet fries and you have a plate that has kept people coming back for over 70 years.
The vibe is retro and no-frills, with counter service, outdoor seating, and dogs welcome outside. There is no restroom, so this is more of a grab-and-go stop.
The menu also covers pastrami burgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and wild cherry root beer. Prices land in the $10 to $20 range, and the doors stay open from 10 AM all the way to 1 AM.
Parking is plentiful at 1 Valley Blvd, though evenings and weekends bring a steady crowd.
5. Bradshaw’s Sandwich Shoppe, Sacramento, CA
Dutch crunch bread changes everything, and that is Bradshaw’s secret weapon. This Sacramento shop builds its French dip on that fluffy, crackly-topped roll and serves warm au jus on the side.
Made-to-order sandwiches are the name of the game here, with fresh ingredients and plenty of customization. The chicken pesto and veggie options are popular, and the French dip travels well enough that it arrives warm even on delivery.
Soups deserve a mention too. The broccoli cheddar is hearty, and the tomato bisque and chili round out a comforting menu that also includes salads like the Greek and the California Club.
Open long hours, running 9 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and slightly shorter on weekends, it fits into just about any schedule. Prices stay friendly at $10 to $20 per person.
Parking is easy at 3591 Bradshaw Rd, and the shop is casual and good for groups.
6. Big Jim’s Roast Beef, San Diego, CA
Tender beef, great rolls, and au jus that tastes like the real deal have made Big Jim’s a favorite in San Diego’s Pacific Beach area. Roast beef is the specialty, and the French dip is the sandwich people come back for.
The famous Super Beef is the other must-know order, a roast beef sandwich stacked to satisfy a serious appetite. Some fans even combine the French dip juice with a Super Beef for the best of both.
The setting is casual and family-friendly, with outdoor seating and a welcome mat for dogs both inside and out. Hot and cold subs and sides fill out the menu alongside the beef.
Note the schedule, since the shop is closed on Tuesdays. Otherwise it opens at 11 AM daily, staying open until 8 or 9 PM depending on the day.
Prices run $10 to $20 per person.
Find it at 4508 Cass St, Suite B, with paid parking nearby.
7. Rubicon Deli Mission Hills, San Diego, CA
The Dapper Dipper has a reputation for spoiling people for French dips anywhere else. That is the calling card at Rubicon Deli in Mission Hills, and it lives up to the hype.
Billed as an elevated French dip, it comes with warm au jus and creamy horseradish, and regulars often ask for extra jus on the side. It is the kind of sandwich people order without even scanning the rest of the menu.
Still, the rest of the menu is worth a look. Specialty sandwiches like the Rich Boy on garlic cheese bread, the Super Mario, and the Achin’ 4 Bacon are all built on freshly baked breads, and a warm cookie is a nice finish.
Located on India St in a walkable stretch of San Diego, it works well for a quick visit. Hours run 10 AM to 8 PM most days and later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Prices stay in the $10 to $20 range, and parking options include both free and paid spots.
8. South Coast Deli-Carrillo, Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara puts its own spin on the French dip, and South Coast Deli nails it with tri-tip. The signature order here is the dip your tip sandwich, featuring slow-roasted tri-tip and rich au jus.
The au jus has a reputation for being good enough to sip on its own, which tells you something about the care that goes into it. The bread tastes fresh and homemade, soft on the inside with a crisp crust.
This is a deli that takes sandwiches seriously across the board, with gourmet hot and cold options, scratch-made spreads, and even gluten free choices. Portions run generous enough to stretch into a second meal.
The setting is laid-back and casual, right on E Carrillo St in the heart of Santa Barbara. It is open 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday, so plan your visit around lunch.
Prices stay in the $10 to $20 range, with free street parking and a paid lot nearby.
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