Cole’s

1/20/2017

Awesome Awesome vibe! It's fairly small but that makes it great in my opinion. There is a bar area and a dining area. The bar is where I spent my time and it was a great time. You do have to order at the bar which can make it a little tough to get quick service but it's also very nice not having someone ask if you need something every 5 mins. I loved the decor and style of the place itself and the drinks were made perfectly! They don't have everything behind the bar which I really enjoy because I think that is what makes their drinks so good, they have perfected them. I ordered a Moscow Mule which I usually don't order but they donate to help homelessness every time someone orders one so I did and it was delicious! By far the best Moscow Mule I have ever had. The ginger beer they use is what I think really makes a difference.

Highly recommended!

1/19/2017

• 1 check-in

2/22/2014

Today we embarked on a "French dip crawl" which amounts to going to Cole's and Philippe's in the same evening.

Results: Liked the beef better at Philippe's than here at Cole's.
But I prefer controlling my au jus factor, which is not allowed at Philippe's. The fact that I can dip the sandwich myself is a huge plus here.
Mustards are similar, but Cole's has a more potent horseradish essence which I prefer, while Philippe's has a honey mustard thing going on.
Bread crust had a nicer crunch at Philippe's. But the atomic pickles at Cole's were crazy better with a nice crunch and flavor profile.

1/16/2017

• 1 check-in

hanging out with friends and the ambience was exquisite. The feeling was mutual as we took a seat, warm greetings from the bartender. 1908 was still much alive and the classic French Lamp Dip accompanied with the Au Jus, for sweet savory perfection caresses the tastebuds with a tender touch. So tender, that the energy of Cole's itself is embedded within the French Dip's aura thus concluding a speechless of words to describe the experience.

Another quick add and shout out to the spicy sweet potato garlic fries. Just transported to another dimension. Basically it was courteous for the fries to lay there and say "hey, how are you? We're nicely done and ready for your enjoyment. So, why don't you start and enjoy the taste of us all?" Telling you, another dimension from the start. It was good.

1/21/2017

Beef French Dip Sandwiches are delicious here. Great customer service. Staff was awesome. Sat at the Bar and they took care of me. They refilled my drinks and everything was great. It's a definite must try place. This place has been here for over 100 years.

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  Beef Dip Sandwich with Fries

  Beef Dip Sandwich with Fries
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  Coke

  Coke
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  Orange Juice

  Orange Juice
• See all photos from Saul R. for Cole's

12/5/2016

• 1 check-in

More than just a French Dip spot... it's Los Angeles' oldest restaurant still in operation - since 1908!

Cole's is awesome for many simple reasons:

In a giant city like Los Angeles, it's one of the restaurants that has accurate historical value which can only be imitated. The moment you step in, the decor and ambiance transports you to the late 1930's post-prohibition era.  

Food is great here, you can't go wrong with a French Dip. It's a simple meat sandwich with au jus flavor that hits the spot. Overcomplicating it with ingredients like a burger ruins it, so I like that Cole's provides options for choice of meat, cheese, and side. I went with the classic PORK with PEPPERJACK with TOTS (large $9.57). Damn, did it hit the spot. I had forgotten my love for a good dip and this was the best reminder.

Lastly, if you're not relaxed by now with the atmosphere and grub, try out one of their cocktails at the bar. With fresh fruits and complete bar tending equipment, I'm sure they'll have something that suits your taste.

Take your experience further when 7pm hits and head over the the speakeasy. An unlocked door gives way to a completely different bar with different drinks and menus.  With a piano on the center floor, loud music when not in use, and much darker lighting, this space is ideal for for your nightlife crawl. I ended my night here in the oldest restaurant in LA with a drink once considered the oldest cocktail ever created: SAZERAC (cognac, absinthe, sugar, bitters). Good night.

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  Rules posted on the entrance to the Speakeasy, The Varnish

  Rules posted on the entrance to the Speakeasy, The Varnish
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  Large Pork with Pepperjack ($9.57)

  Large Pork with Pepperjack ($9.57)
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  Me too! But I'm no LA mafia gangster

  Me too! But I'm no LA mafia gangster
• See all photos from Richard N. for Cole's

1/6/2017

• 1 check-in

Can't officially call yourself an Angeleno until you have participated in the Cole's vs Philippe's debate!

Cole's is one of a few the landmark restaurants in Los Angeles that stood the test of time. Of course they are known to be one of the originators of the French dip sandwich. In my opinion their sandwiches are not as good as Philippe's. When I got my sandwich it felt like it was sitting out for 20 minutes and the meat was a bit dry, even with the au jus. I do however really like their atomic pickle!

One thing they have over Philippe's is that they have a full bar! Articles you read online call it a dive/secret bar, but it really isn't that hidden. The drinks here are pretty standard nothing really blows your mind; I think I can make a better Moscow Mule than they can.

Cole's isn't located in the good area of downtown either; it is actually pretty close to skid row. The restaurant has the trendy, hip post-prohibition decor; but it still feels a bit outdated. It's like they actually went in their storage and pull out furniture from the 1930s. Overall, the only reason I would go back is if I was making a trip to The Association (bar next door).

12/17/2016

• 1 check-in

One of those dive bars that doesn't try to be flashy but for some reason it is; weird right?

I was transported to the late 70's walking in here.  Brown wooden counters with a dark brown glow to it.  And you walk down some stairs to get there.  Happy hours went until 8.  We got beers, sliders, and a pretzel.  My bro-in-law enjoyed the sliders.  The pretzel came with a spicy mustard that would cure any sinus infections you might have.  It smelled like..... Burning!  My bro-in-law didn't believe me so he dabbled in it.  A few minutes later his face looked like a sponge.
Be weary of how hot it is.  It sneaks up on you.

As for beer, they've got a few hand crafted ones.  Balaste Point is popular as their location is in San Diego so you'll see a lot of their selections here.  Large glasses pack a punch and you'll feel like you got rocked after downing one.

I didn't order the french dip but next time I'll give it a shot.  But light on that mustard; don't wanna get burned again!

9/14/2016

• 2 check-ins

This is possibly one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles. It originally opened in the 1900s, it has run ever since. The decor definitely reflects turn-of-the-century style, and some patrons (those who also go to Varnish located within) here come well dressed much like people did in that time era. It really added to the experience.
My buddy and I sat down here and checked out their offerings. Apparently, this is the place where the French Dip was invented. Pretty interesting and nice to learn a piece of culinary history.
The staff here was super cool, making sure our drinks were always filled (free refills), and checking up on us often. The seats were comfortable, and the experience was relaxed.
We sat here until our time came to check out Varnish. We caught some good sights here.
I would recommend this place if you heart food and it's history.

9/7/2016

• 1 check-in

After going to Philippe the Original, naturally I had to come here to compare the two French Dip sandwiches. They are both legendary L.A. restaurants established in 1908 and both establishments claim to have invented the French Dip.

Parking is better at Philippe's in China Town with two free parking lots. Cole's is in Downtown L.A. You have to pay for parking unless you're lucky to find free parking on the streets on Sundays. We gave up after driving around a few times and paid $7. I believe there is a $5 lot but we just parked closer. You will have to ignore the crazy bums on your way to the restaurant.

The atmosphere is vastly different. Philippe's is bright and open with a communal cafeteria setting. Cole's has a classy, old Hollywood, speakeasy atmosphere with waiter service. No complaints regarding service. We were greeted and sat immediately. They are a little slow at times but not too much where it's aggravating.

I ordered the Skinny Dip which is half a sandwich and a side. The Big Dipper is just the whole sandwich and no sides. Unfortunately, the fryer wasn't working so I couldn't try the spicy garlic fries and went with a bacon potato salad instead. Of course, I had to order my Bloody Mary for a Sunday brunch.

So whose French Dip do I like better? I will have to go with Cole's. Toasted bun, au jus on the side, and the meat was more tasty. I'm not sure which spicy mustard I like better. The Bloody Mary and bacon potato salad were OK, nothing special. It is more expensive here too. Ahhh. I wanted to like Philippe's better because they have free parking and it's closer to Dodger Stadium.

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  French Dip w/ bacon potato salad. (Skinny Dip w/ a side).

  French Dip w/ bacon potato salad. (Skinny Dip w/ a side).
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  Bloody Mary

  Bloody Mary

9/22/2016

• 3 check-ins

Super embarrassed to say that I am a native Angeleno and out of my 24 years of living on this planet I had never been to Cole's before today.

I instantly fell in love with the place. From the moment you walk in, you are taken back in time. You feel as if a time machine took you back to the 1930's! We sat at the bar because we were confused on how things worked in there and it definitely was a good choice!! Our bartender/waiter was awesome (shoutout to Sean) who put the cherry on top of our experience. He is what you call a true, old school bartender (but one who is stuck in a mid-20's body). The boyfriend got an old fashioned and I got a prickly pear cocktail. I hate old fashions, but I have to admit this one was good. It was definitely made right. My prickly pear was good too - wasn't too sweet and you could definitely taste the alcohol.

For our entrees, we got the skinny combo with beef. My side was garlic sweet potatoes (absolutely TO DIE FOR!!!!) and he got the tater tots (who doesn't love these guys?) and he also got a cup of chili. Chili at Coles? Weird right? Do yourself a favor and order a cup. That thing was amazing!! Totally old school and had large chunks of meat inside.

So I still believe that Philippe's was the first one to come up with French dip (sorry!!!) but Cole's has definitely perfected it!

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  Happy hour French dip slider trio and fries!

  Happy hour French dip slider trio and fries!
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  Prickly pear, pickled egg, and an old fashioned. Perfection

  Prickly pear, pickled egg, and an old fashioned. Perfection

12/6/2016

• 1 check-in

LA classic question... Coles or Phillipes. First of all, this is a bar with food..not a big selection.

The meat is much better here than phillipes, but the au jus is much better at Phillipes. This is also open til 2a

Check it out and enjoy

12/19/2016

The food here is terrible. TERRIBLE.

I had half the big dipper with garlic tots. The garlic tots were oily, which fine, tots can be oily, but the oil tasted old. The beef for the dip was dry and cold, the bread felt more stale hard than toasted. The au jus was the only thing good, and it was very good. Couldn't redeem the meal though, because good beef juice barely counts as a condiment.

I also had the fried pickles. They were gross.

The stars are for the friendly service. I came at around 5pm on a weekday and there was only one bartender working who took all drink and food orders, he could have used some help.

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  Beef dip with cheese. If this is what they invented, then they should be ashamed. Yuck.

  Beef dip with cheese. If this is what they invented, then they should be ashamed. Yuck.
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  Fried pickles. Ate one, and only one. They weren't good.

  Fried pickles. Ate one, and only one. They weren't good.

8/24/2016

• 1 check-in

• Listed in DTLA Faves

FINALLY stopped in at this historical landmark, the originators of the French Dip! I've NEVER had a french dip in my life, so to try my first one here was perfect.

Coles' transports you back into the early 1900s... because the decor has NOT changed. The flooring is original, the walls/panels, pictures, etc. Maybe the furnishings have been updated SLIGHTLY, but most everything is restored to resemble the 1908 establishment.

I ordered the beef skinny dip (half sandwich) which came with beef au jus, and an atomic pickle, and the bacon potato salad as my side. My bf ordered the pastrami big dipper, with spicy garlic fries on the side. The french dip came on a focaccia type roll (soft, to absorb the au jus!) and there was plenty of meat! Even with just the half sandwich, it was more than filling for me. The bacon potato salad was delicious, and a perfect pairing for the spicy garlic fries (because it cooled my mouth down!) The spicy garlic fries are EXTREMELY spicy and EXTREMELY garlicy. So don't order that if you're on a date. In fact, dont come here on a date if you're not ready to get dirty with your food LOL.

The service was ok, a bit slow (however I was STARVING so time stood still) but overall nice and friendly.

Will certainly come back here (or order take out because they have FREE delivery!)

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  The iconic sign

  The iconic sign
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  Beef skinny dip

  Beef skinny dip

11/18/2016

My stars:  (5=epic "best of") (4=really tasty and want to go again and again) (3=good and will go back once in a while) (2=fair, might return for a visit if there was some glimmer of hope) (1=avoid at all costs)

Go or No?  Go!

Tease:   It's an LA all time classic...and created the French Dip!  (Well, Phillipes has a claim on that too!)

Why I went:  We had an out of town guest, and wanted to treat her to a classic in LA!

When:  11/5/16

Food:  We all god French Dips.  Surprise surprise!  Cole's lays claim to having created the sandwich.  Theirs is the way most know it...take the sandwich and dip it in au jus.  (Phillipes, is the other institution with a claim...but they take the sandwich, dip it themselves and give it to you.)  I always get mine with cheese...just because.  Well, the sandwiches are superb!  Arguably the best I've ever had.  The bread is good.  The meat - good.  The au jus -  good.  But, all together...excellent!   We also got some tots (very good) and spicy fries (Stupid stupid good!  Really some of the best fries I've ever indulged in.)  Also, if you are a pickle person...their atomic spicy pickles are epic!  On top of that, their bar is excellent.  The all had some cocktails that were either unique or classic.  All, well crafted.  They also have a very good beer list on tap and in bottle.  

Service:   We ate in the bar area at a table.  So you go to the counter to order.  All the folks we dealt with were great.

Hints/Final thoughts:   It's an institution!  Just go and get a dip!  You can get beef, lamb, etc...but the classic is the beef.  Also, if you are so inclined...check out the Varnish in back.  It's a hidden speakeasy that's really outstanding.

9/7/2016

• 1 check-in

This place has been on my list of old time eateries for awhile.  We arrived just as they opened.  We weren't really sure if they were open or not.

Walking in you are taken back to a time when L.A. was in its beginnings. Penny tile floors, dark wood, low lightening,a long wooden bar.  Just really cool! So my thing!

We were greeted by the bartender and handed menus and told we could sit anywhere. We just had to place our order at the bar.  Bonus...Tuesday is all day happy hour! So we checked out the menu and everything sounded amazing. We opted to order a variety of happy hour meals to get a taste of COLES.  We tried the turkey, pastrami and French dip as well as the homemade pretzels.  

My sister got the spicy fries and got regular tots. First of all... OMG,I WOULD DRIVE TO DTLA just for the potatoes! Both were so good. Like, no, mind blowing! Add the spicy mustard that's in the table and you are in fried food heaven!

I wasn't a fan of the atomic pickle. And the turkey was super tender.  I loved the au jus, and sliders and French dip were good... But I just didn't like the bread much. It was a bit chewy. But once dipped it took that initial thought away.

I would definitely come back! Hopefully next time to enjoy a few of their cocktails...And maybe sit at the bar. I'm totally down for this downtown eatery!

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• See all photos from Kim K. for Cole's

1/3/2017

My personal all time favorite bar in LA.  It has a very neighborhood vibe here.  You will often see the same regulars here.  Bar tenders are skilled and the French dip sandwiches are so good.  I love the lamb with goat cheese.

10/20/2016

• 3 check-ins

I really enjoy the brunch, and most of the staff are great.  But how's this for fucked up?  I ask the bartender for a clean glass for my Mimosa because it's sticky and she says.  "No I'm sorry, one glass per person."  Have you ever heard of that?  Is that even compliant with Health Department regulations?  I then asked her if she could at LEAST rinse it off for me and she asked me "Imagine if everyone did that?".

Some people shouldn't be in a service business... how someone like that even gets hired is beyond me.

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  When you can't decide what to order... order it all. #brunch #thisiswhyimfat

  When you can't decide what to order... order it all. #brunch #thisiswhyimfat

10/9/2016

Never order their Easy Peasy. It is one awful drink..that I had to down because we got called into The Varnish.

Their mac and cheese was very cheesy..yet dry. It came out extremely fast, too. Is it just chillin in the broiler?

The cashier was drinking behind the register..lovely.

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  Meh

  Meh
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  NASTINESS

  NASTINESS

12/20/2016

• 1 check-in

Bartenders a tool. Living in L.A. Don't make you native and your additive towards costumers needs to drop a few notches. I cannot recommend this place do to the aggressive pompous additive of this hipster bartender. Minus 2 stars for his service.  Turd!

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  The device here pissed me off!

  The device here pissed me off!

12/18/2016

• 1 check-in

Read about this place in a haunted pub book somewhere.  As I'm giving tours of L.A. and doing a lot of research, I absolutely HAD to stop here.  
Love the underground entrance, beautiful historic ambiance, service (bar) was great,  the  food was !  I love that you can choose your meat. And Sunday's they have a "half  sandwich" deal.  Warning the pickle is $&@ing spicy!!!!  
As it was a Sunday it was slow, so I can't complain about anything.  And they gave a half shot of their "Pickle Back"  which is Bourbon with  pickle juice chaser !!!  
Overall my experience was grand :)

Thank you.