Philippe the Original

1/12/2016

Chose this place as my "congrats to myself for becoming a citizen meal." Was very fitting:)

CASH ONLY. They have ATMs inside the restaurant.

Located less than a mile away from the citizenship testing location. There is ample parking behind the restaurant.

Inside is very old fashioned and feels like you stepped into a different world.

Lots of delicious food but their number ones are the dipped sandwiches. My favorite is the lamb...different choices of bread but get the original. You can pick between no dip, single(which is one side dipped in the au jus), or double(dipped on both sides.

My sandwich was bursting with thick chunks of lamb. Perfectly cooked. I got single dip but the au jus was so tasty I wish I got double dip. Make sure to use some of the special hot mustard sauce on the tables. Nice spicy taste pairs perfectly with the meat and will clear your sinuses.

Got a little glass of lemonade for 70cents, and a slice of boysenberry pie.

So I sat there, with my citizenship pamphlet next to me, eating my dip sandwich and sipping on my lemonade feeling like I was on the top of the world. It was a great day and I'm so excited to be a citizen. This is a great country!!

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  Lamb single dip, boysenberry pie, 75cent lemonade!!

  Lamb single dip, boysenberry pie, 75cent lemonade!!

1/12/2016

Philippe the Original has been satisfying bellies since 1908 and that says a lot!  This no muss, no fuss sandwich place has one of the best FRENCH DIPS (at least in So Cal).  You can get a beef, pork, lamb, ham, pastrami or turkey sandwich which ranges from $7.50 to $9.  They also charge extra for the cheese (45-90 cents, depending on the cheese) but you can get it dipped as many times as you want for free!  

For those noobs, the process is you order from the counter, you pay, you leave a tip for your sandwich maker (unless you're a d-bag) and you find a seat at one of the communal tables in the restaurant. FYI, there's also seating upstairs and they have several working pay phones just in case you're one of "those people" with no cell phone (get your sh*t together and get a cell phone before you start dining out - JK).  :)  

Don't forget to pick a side (Macaroni, Potato Salad, or Coleslaw) and add pickles (extra charge) to go with your sandwich.  They also serve breakfast but I haven't gotten early enough to try it.  

WARNING, add that hot mustard to your sandwich at your own risk.  It's REALLY HOT so thread carefully, noob!  

And, as a bonus, they have FREE parking lots next to the restaurant and right across the street.  The only negative thing about Philippe is its REALLY busy around lunchtime, 11am to 1pm.  

PRO TIP: Go after 1:00pm to avoid the lunch crowd and BRING CASH.  They do accept credit cards but they charge a $2 fee.

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  Pastrami with American Cheese and Macaroni Salad...$11.90!   Sorry, I couldn't wait and took a bite. haha

  Pastrami with American Cheese and Macaroni Salad...$11.90!   Sorry, I couldn't wait and took a bite. haha

1/10/2016

Been hearing about this place for years. Here was our experience on a Saturday afternoon.

Ambiance
Parking: Street parking or garage parking. Since you're in LA...good luck.

Seating:
* All inside seating that can seat about 100+ people. Ranging from group seating to individual bar seating. I believe upstairs is a private room for large groups.

Feels:
* Very sporty and hustle and bustle like. It wasn't took packed when we got here and this was post UCLA vs. USC football game (USC won). Very touristy-esque like with a lot of merchandise and information of the history of Phillippe's. Plenty of televisions, mainly on sports channels. Oddly enough the ground is mostly covered with this hay like substance, kind of like you're in a barn.

Food:
Lamb Tip Sandwich (Recommend)
Bread is served fresh, lamb was moist, and the sauce was flavorful. However...it wasn't the best sandwich nor was it that unique

Potato Salad (A-Ok)
Good and well mayo-d and seasoned. It compliments the trip-tip pretty well in my opinion.

Customer Service:
We were trying to hold our seats with our seats, then the waiter took them when we left to pick up our food...however they did redeem themselves well. In addition despite an occupied line they were able to supply me with a to go bag when needed. Overall pretty good.

Overall:
4 stars. I had a good experience but not the must place to be. Price was pretty chip, food was delicious and fulfilling, and the service was good. Great experience and a great LA treat however if this I would have to wait in line for 15+ minutes...it wouldn't be worth it.

TL;DR Tips:
* Plan carefully as this can easily packed.

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  Lamb tip and potato salad

  Lamb tip and potato salad

12/29/2015

Philippe The Original has been around since 1908 and is famous for their "French Dipped Sandwich." Apparently the way the sandwich came to be was by accident, but it is no accident that this is their most popular item. It relocated to its current location in Chinatown back in 1951. I had taken the metro to this location so I cannot comment on the parking situation, but like most places in Chinatown metered street parking is probably your best bet. There are always lines here, but they move fast. Pick a line, order and pay at the counter, and then wait for your food. It was pretty crowded when I went so one of my friends went and found a table while we ordered for the group.

The signature "French Dipped Sandwich" comes with a crusty French roll dipped in their own authentic "jus" created from their freshly roasted meat. For meat you can choose between roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey, or ham. Cheese is extra and you can choose between Swiss, Cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, and Blue Cheese. The final choice you can make is whether it is "single-dip", "double-dip", or "wet". I cannot recall if I chose single-dip or double-dip, but I got their roast beef sandwich with Monterey Jack cheese. I was worried that the sandwiches here would be too overhyped for me, but I enjoyed it. It did not change my life, but it was pretty good at the time (then again, I had just run a 5K, so I was pretty hungry).

I got a side of their Potato Salad and I really liked that. If you like potato salad, I would recommend getting it here. This place is a landmark in LA and I am glad I finally got to try them... over 100 years after they first opened!

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  Roast Beef French Dipped Sandwich with Potato Salad

  Roast Beef French Dipped Sandwich with Potato Salad
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  Close-up of the Potato Salad

  Close-up of the Potato Salad
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  Close-up of my Roast Beef French Dipped Sandwich with Monterey Jack Cheese

  Close-up of my Roast Beef French Dipped Sandwich with Monterey Jack Cheese

1/9/2016

A billiard-hall neon sign points to the door in case you can't find this iconic location. Don't worry if you're sweaty from the heat or wet from the rain - the sawdust floor is welcoming and quite forgiving.

The style is rustic country - they have jars of all things pickled! Definitely get some hot peppers or a pickle on the side to go with the sandwich.
Watching those amazing sandwiches made right before your eyes is indescribable happiness. The crispy rolls don't go completely soft when dipped, and both the Beef Dip and pork dip were impossibly smooth. The Lamb Dip is the best one! Leg of lamb, sliced right off the shank...omg!!!

Cafeteria-casual and really really amazingly good. So good I'd drive an hour each way just to grab it to go!

12/20/2015

It was my second time there. First time was underwhelming, but after hearing all the hoopla about Phillipe's, I thought I'd give it a second try.

Still underwhelming. I don't really get it. You can't even order au jus on the side, you must have them do it. Where's the dip in the French dip?

They were out of all the bread except for the roll. Not good when your restaurant is known for sandwiches. Very disappointing.

I was there during lunch hour on a weekday. It was busy, but the line moved fairly quickly and it wasn't too difficult to get a seat.

The highlight of the experience was one of the guys bussing tables. He was an elderly personable guy with a great attitude. He offered to take a picture with our group. He really made dining there a pleasant experience.

Phillipe's is definitely not a place I'll go back to unless someone who's visiting town wants to go to the place that made the original French Dip sandwich. It might be the original, but that doesn't mean it's the best.  You could get a French Dip this good at Denny's...and they'd give you au jus on the side!

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• See all photos from Nick A. for Philippe the Original

11/25/2015

Not really much to say. An LA institution that everyone has been to and probably on multiple occasions. The history is in the building and the service also has stood the test of time. Solid, fast, and friendly.

Pick your dip: beef, pork, ham, lamb, or turkey. Make sure it's double dipped. I go beef or lamb. They're delicious sandwiches that never disappoint and it's hard to drive by and not stop. Add a side: potato, macaroni, or coleslaw. It's extra but only a couple bucks. Finish it off with a beer, which is relatively new. Figueroa Mt. IPA pint cost $6.50 last trip. Not bad but not great. I'm sure there are more great things on the menu that others swear by, but I'm stuck in sandwiches.

The beef dip was $7.70 on our last visit on 10/15. Seems to go up on a yearly basis. Do yourself a favor and get in there soon. It's not often you get to visit a joint that has been around so long. Order up, find a seat on a bench by yourself, with a friend, or with complete strangers.

One thing I also advise, buy some of their mustard on your way out. It's like 5 bucks and the stuff will blow out your sinuses if need be. It's also great on sandwiches.

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  Beef dip $7.70, potato salad $1.40, hoppy poppy IPA $6.50

  Beef dip $7.70, potato salad $1.40, hoppy poppy IPA $6.50

1/3/2016

I do not post reviews, as a rule.  I'm breaking that rule for Phillippe's because, quite simply, the food is simple, well-priced (cheap, even), and incredibly tasty.  

The original French dip sandwich (really, truly, accept no imitations), great lemonade, and the best potato salad I've had in years.  

Simply, "WOW!"

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  Hi!

  Hi!
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  Easy to spot the classic neon sign.

  Easy to spot the classic neon sign.
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  Don't forget to try the lemonade; it's delicious!

  Don't forget to try the lemonade; it's delicious!
• See all photos from Chris S. for Philippe the Original

1/5/2016

I'm not really impressed with this sandwich.  It's roast beef on bread with cheese and it's not melty cheese.  It's nothing exciting and it's pretty plain to me.

This makes me sad that I'm disappointed.

I'm sure I'm not getting this right but I don't feel this is LA's Best.

Someone tell me what I should be looking for.

11/17/2015

The lore of this place is much greater than the actuality of the experience; I've been here a couple times and will come back occasionally, but I'm also a realist that it's not as good as the legend would lead you to believe.

When this place is busy, it's Disneyland busy! The first time I came I had to wait in line to get into the parking lot, then had to wait for a parking space to open and then had to wait by the front door because the 10+ different cashier lines were just that long. I was thinking, damn, this place must be AMAZING! From the first visual of my sandwich on the counter I had a feeling I had been duped. It wasn't very big for the price I paid, especially considering the size of sandwiches at competing sandwich shops.

After ordering I also had to stand holding my food until a table opened up. And then sat down to enjoy the sandwich and from the first bite it was... Plain. Nothing special at all. I mean it was good, but not "historically great". Just because a location has been around forever doesn't mean it's good.

I just went again yesterday in the middle of the day outside of any eating hour and had no issues with parking or ordering or finding a table, but the sandwich was still only so-so.

PS: The chili is terrible; Your Colon will thank you for not ordering this

PSS: they take credit/ATM cars now so you don't need to get cash out of their machine.

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  The standard options

  The standard options
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  Not busy for once!

  Not busy for once!

12/21/2015

I came here to get a quick sandwich before a Laker's game! I had the beef douple dip sandwich. I did enjoy the sandwhich but, I just wish that there was more included in the sandwich. For $7.90 you would think you would get more than just bread and meat...

On the bright side, there is FREE parking! There is a lot behind the restaurant and another one across the street.

I would probably not make it a point to come back, but I would return if I had a friend who really wanted to try this place.

10/26/2015

Cash only.  Get the beef or lamb sandwich - I prefer the lamb, it was more juicy.  Have some apple pie for dessert.

This place is as simple as it comes - your french dip is meat, cheese, spicy mustard, and hoagie bread that's dipped in au jus.  I thought it would be juicier than it actually was - the sandwich felt a little dry.  The meat is also not as tender as other places I've had.

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  Lamb. Beef is better

  Lamb. Beef is better

12/17/2015

I highly recommend going with the French dipped lamb sandwiches "triple dipped".  Its like an historical landmark that's  as old school as it gets.  If this is where the French dip was invented....than they have consistently delivered on the righteous jus for all their sandos.  Just stick with the sandwiches...their side like mac and potato salad just didn't make the cut.  Not worth the calories.  

I love places like this where you talk to the people working have been there 30+ years.  Ooooohhh go easy on their hot mustard it will clear your sinuses.  Just like that time I swallowed a dollop of wasabi on a dare.  Bad idea.  Got to pick up a couple jars of their mustard next time.  

Parking right across the street is a breeze.  Weekend lines can be redonk but great things come to those who wait.

12/15/2015

Philippe's been on my bookmarks for years, and I'm glad I finally got to try it! Restaurant is super casual and old school with a candy counter in the front, phone booths on the side, and the main food at the back. There's peanut shells or shavings all over the floor, and you line up as you wait for one of the ladies to call you from behind the counter.

I got the French dip sandwich with a side of pickle, which came out to be around $8. The sandwich itself was very plain, and the meat quality was okay. It was as tender or juicy as I expected it to be, but it was good. Nothing special though; I've definitely had better out there. We also used the horseradish mustard sauce we saw on the table, and that helped a lot. I loved how spicy the sauce was, and I feel like this sauce was the redeeming quality of Philippe.

I don't see what the hype about this place is, but it is a solid place for good food at a fair price. Maybe I'll come back to try the other dishes here, but the beef wasn't anything out of the ordinary.

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  French dip sandwich with a side of pickles

  French dip sandwich with a side of pickles

10/7/2015

I didn't know about this place until it was pointed out to me. Since it's such a Landmark, it moved its way to the top of my List!

The sawdust on the floor is amusing. First impressions are everything,  right?  Yes...This place has character!  From the huge fish hanging on the wall to the row of vintage payphones, the decor is remarkable!

It's cafeteria style and food is served on disposable plates. Simple and old school. Go up to any line and order when it's your turn. Service is quick and helpful.

As of 10-6-15, it's $3.95 for a slice of pie. I had the Peach - enjoyed the crust, but not the amount of gel. Wish that there was more fruit.  Same with the Cherry pie.  Fruit to gel ratio seems about 50/50.  I also had the tapioca - yum! - and the Lamb French Dip Sandwich - so tender!  The French Onion soup was delicious - seemed like the cheese was on the bread instead of on the top of the soup.

For sure,  I'd go back again, especially since they have 2 lots of free parking and 2 levels of dining area!  So spacious and charming (look for the graffiti on the walls upstairs). Thanks to Yuri who made my visit here more fun and memorable!

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  Yummy French Onion Soup!

  Yummy French Onion Soup!
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  French Dip. ..tender Lamb!

  French Dip. ..tender Lamb!
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  Peach pie

  Peach pie
• See all photos from Nadine C. for Philippe the Original

12/6/2015

Let me say that I have been to Philippe before and I was not impressed at all. Today was no exception as well. The reason for going back is my curious out of town visitor, who read all the hype about this Los Angeles 'ICON" sandwich place.

I just hope that Philippe is not turning in his grave as am writing this review. Let me begin:

This place is very busy. Long lines that gives you the impression this place is the last food place standing with good food. We talked to people while waiting inline.Most are out of town visitors wanting to try out this place for all the hype and reviews it was and still receiving. Does the food, quality, prices justify all the hype? No way in hell, for me and my friend at least, who ended up saying " F that!" I replied to him "Now you know."

+++PARKING+++
They have their own parking lot across the street. There was no problem finding parking on Saturday.

+++THE FOOD+++
Beef Dip on roll===$7.95, I have to say the sandwich might look big in pictures but it is actually small. Maybe 6 inches or less in length. The sandwich does not really have enough meat in and the meat was really dry and tasteless. The size and portion does not really justify the price.

NY STYLE PASTRAMI=== $7.95, my friends had this and did not like it that much. Small portion as well. I don't know if this pastrami at the same level of real NY pastrmi!! I doubt it.

Lamb sandwich=== $8.95, another disappointment. Small portion, dry and tasteless meat.

Potato Salad===This was good and I really enjoyed it.

+++THE VERDICT+++
Like I have said before, if it was not for my friends I would have never came back here. Portions are small, prices are high and not as cheap as some people think. The taste of the meats is not all there at all to make me go back. $37.00 for 3 sandwiches, 2 bottles of water and side of potato salad is way too much.

I hate to mention other restaurants name but I have to say I enjoy Arby's French Dip way much better than this place...Sorry Philippe!!

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• See all photos from Aj A. for Philippe the Original

11/30/2015

My husband was watching reruns of DDD on Netflix and found this on one of their episodes. So we ended up coming here when we were in the area. It was a bit overwhelming being there the first time. There were multiple lines and sawdust all over the floors.

You get into any of the lines. It may take awhile because once you order, you wait there for your food to come out before exiting the line. That way you don't have to go through the hassle of folks standing around and getting in the way. It's open seating.

For the food, we got the beef dip and lamb dip. Both pretty good. I thought the "one dip" was a bit dry. The "double dip" was better. We gotta try the "wet" next time we're in. I usually like my sandwiches with some sort of veggies so I ordered coleslaw since a woman behind us told us it was really good. I agreed with her. I like it better than most places because I could actually completely finish it and it was more favorite side. The potato salad was pretty good too. It was small chunks of potato, eggs, sweet relish, onions and some other good stuff. The macaroni salad I wasn't too crazy about. It was more tart than I'm used to. All three of these sides were $1.40 each. We also got thick slice of chocolate cream pie. The pie was actually pretty creamy and I actually liked it. I don't usually eat cream pie but the only other one I've ever had tasted more like a pudding (which I liked). The crust was my favorite part. Yummm! At last, we got lemonade for $0.75. You saw that right, 75 cents! How can you say no to that?!

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  Chocolate cream pie!

  Chocolate cream pie!

1/5/2016

Yes, it's a sandwich, but for me the one I get is very good! They have lamb!  You can't not go many places and grab a lamb sandwich dipped in goodness and for a decent price.  They have other sandwiches, which I think are just okay.  But the lamb makes me happy.  The side dishes are mediocre.  Beware around lunch time this place is very busy, but still they are pretty quick with getting your order to you.  

The place has a lot of character and even old school telephone booths which is pretty cool.  Lot's of history here.

12/1/2015

Long lines, but oh so delicious.

Stick with the standard beef French dip- you can't go wrong. Sides are cheap - potato salad & coleslaw for $1.40 each, pickled eggs for something like $1.25...you can afford to try a bit of everything.

Their famous mustard is super horseradish-y, and so hot, but it's delicious! Don't go crazy with it, or you'll be choking down your sandwich.

Service is quick and they make most things right in front of you.

There's actually quite a lot of seating in several rooms, including one upstairs. Most tables are communal.

An LA classic!

9/2/2015

To me, Philippe is like a long lost lover. When we reconnect, the feels come back and it seems like we never departed.

Credit cards: In the past, they did not accept credit cards. To keep current, they finally accept them. Very good!

Locatioin/Parking: Located in Chinatown. You can park across the street or park in the back.

Ambiance/decor: Chill place to hang out with friends and eat. So much dodger pride! Decor kinda resembles a big mess hall with communal wooden tables.  If you want more intimacy with your small group, there are smaller tables to sit at also.

Service: So I notice they have a new way to end the transaction. In the past, you would pay the staffer that you place your order with. Now, the money is handed off to a cashier located in back of the front line to be processed. Service is still great. Expect to wait during peak hours.

Food: Come for the roast beefi or lamb french dip sandwiches with jack cheese. Make them double dip and apply some hot mustard. Add potato salad, a pickled egg, pie, and a drink to make your order complete.

-Courtesy tip: Sandwich will get soggy due to the au jus (juice from the roasted meats).

Happy eating!