CHRIS BACKLEY Philippe the Original in downtown Los
Angeles is well known for its French Dipped Sandwiches.
By Antero Garcia
Daily Bruin Contributor
With long, orderly lines of hungry patrons, old fashioned phone
booths, and cups of coffee that cost only a dime, the ambiance at
Philippe the Original recalls that of a diner from America’s
yesteryear.
Famed for allegedly inventing the French Dipped Sandwich,
Philippe the Original has been serving a wide variety of delectable
deli-style dishes since 1908. Patrons travel to Philippe The
Original not only for juicy sandwiches and flavorful breakfasts,
but for the experience that only a restaurant as classic as
Philippe the Original can offer.
Part of the atmosphere comes from the unique seating. Long
cafeteria-style tables are spread throughout the entire floor,
leaving room for traditional booths in only a few small corners.
The long tables are the ultimate social equalizer, and it is not
uncommon to see dapper businessmen eating next to rugged
construction workers.
Also adding to the bohemian atmosphere is the fact that the
floor is, and always has been, covered in sawdust. For reasons
unknown, Philippe the Original has made it a tradition to ensure
that its floors are covered in the debris, and this only adds to
the indelible wonder each customer has as they patiently wait in a
line for their delicious meals.
RESTAURANT INFORMATION Philippe the
Original Address: 1001 North Alameda Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: Open Daily
6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone Numbers:(213) 628-3781
Price Range: $5.00 – $10.00
Original by JENNIFER YUEN/Daily Bruin Senior Staff Web
Adaptation by HERNANE TABAY/Daily Bruin Senior Staff
Food at Philippe the Original is both diverse and extremely well
prepared. Ordering is simple, servers take orders at the front of
each line, and prepare the meals one at a time. Although the
process may seem tedious, the end product is well worth any hassle
a patron experiences.
Of course, any meal usually contains at least one of the famous
French Dipped Sandwiches. The basic premise of “the
dip” is simple: pick a meat and watch the server put it in a
bread bun that was dipped in the collected roast beef drippings.
Cheese is extra. With meat ranging from traditional roast beef to
lamb, and a variety of cheese including cheddar and blue cheese,
French Dipped Sandwich combinations are almost limitless. No matter
what type of meat is chosen, however, each sandwich is going to be
both juicy and memorable for it’s one-of-a-kind flavor.
Sometimes, though, even the flavor-packed sandwich isn’t
enough for the palette of a food connoisseur. For those that fit
into this category, as well as the few brave souls undaunted by the
spiciest of foods, there is the option of adding Philippe the
Original’s famous mustard. Like Japanese wasabi on steroids,
it adds a delightful and unique touch to the already delicious
sandwiches. Despite the large quantities of this mustard available
at each table, let the small size of the serving spoons serve as a
warning. Too much of the mustard on any given sandwich will not
only ruin the flavor, but will send one running into line for
another beverage to extinguish the spicy burning inside his
mouth.
Even when patrons need drinks in a hurry, deciding which drink
will best complement a meal is a trying task. With a large
assortment of juice, soda, milk, coffee, tea, and fresh lemonade,
Philippe the Original has more than enough beverage variety to
accommodate even the most picky of eaters.
Philippe the Original’s wide selection also extends to its
menu of side dishes. Whether they are craving potato salad,
coleslaw, beef soup or pickled eggs, customers are rarely
disappointed with the vast number of side dishes available.
For famished diners longing for even more food, even after
devouring “dips” and all the sides they could possibly
carry, Philippe the Original also serves tasty desserts. Highlights
of the dessert menu include chilled fresh fruit salad and apple
pie. Touting such a large menu of food items, Philippe the Original
doesn’t let its patrons walk away hungry.
Philippe the Original also does not let its customers walk away
broke. Sandwiches only cost about four dollars, and sides are about
one or two dollars each. A hearty meal, including sandwich,
beverage, side dish, and dessert, should not cost more than eight
or nine dollars. Of all of the items on the menu, though, the
coffee is the cheapest at only a dime per cup. Philippe the
Original is ideal for the caffeine-addicted student on a
budget.
Philippe the Original is also easy to find, within walking
distance of a Metro Station and the Union Depot Train Station.
The one major problem with Philippe the Original is a lack of
parking. The restaurant has two parking lots designated
specifically for its patrons, yet it is often difficult to find a
parking spot. Due to the old diner’s popularity, the area is
usually busy.
But don’t be discouraged. It may be frustrating trying to
find a place to put the car for a little while, but the food at
Philippe the Original is just too good to let such a small nuisance
drive its customers away.