Philippe’s is well known for continuously operating since 1908, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles. It is also renowned for claiming to be the inventor of the French Dip sandwich.

There are many versions of how Philippe’s French dipped sandwich originated. The most common story is that the owner, Mathieu, accidentally dropped a roll in pan drippings, and the police officer who had ordered the sandwich agreed to eat it anyway because he was in a hurry. The next day the police officer came back and ordered his sandwich dipped.  In 1951, Mathieu told a Los Angeles Times reporter, “One day a customer asked me if I would mind dipping one side of the French roll in the au gus. I did, and right away five or six others wanted the same.”  Originally, Mathieu aka “Frenchy”, referred to this as a dip sandwich, and this gave birth to the French dip sandwich.

Philippe’s is a traditional delicatessen, has rows of long tables being shared by several parties, and wood shavings scattered on the floor.  You can get your sandwich single dipped or double dipped with the au gus. The spicy hot mustard will make your nose hairs burn. The lines are long but move fast.  Philippe’s truly is an iconic LA eatery, where every cross section of the city is represented.