In L.A., Sit near a celebrity, sip 10 cent coffee
Written: Aug 05 '00 (Updated Oct 01 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: GREAT FOOD, THE BEST FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES, GOOD CONVERSATION, AND A 10 CENT CUP OF COFFEE
Cons: None that I can think of.
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| markjfeueresq's Full Review: Phillipe's Original Sandwich Shop |
This restaurant is very old, my guess is ninety to a hundred years. It is the HOME of the french dip sandwich. Near the turn of last century, a policeman ordered a classic beef sandwich on french roll. The owner, Phillipe, accidentally dropped the french roll in the au ju(natural beef juices from the roast). He did not want to waste the sandwich so he put the beef on the "juiced" roll and served it, hoping for the best. The policeman loved it so much he ordered another. The french dip sandwich became very popular and the rest is history.
EASY TO GET TO
The restaurant is located at Alameda and Ord. Not far from the Central (Train) Station. The subways also go to Central Station. So, there is good access to public transportation to get to this fabulous eatery. When in Los Angeles, it is best to have use of a car.
YOU GOTTA GO
When you come to Los Angeles, if you are not a vegetarian, you must enjoy an "out of this world" French Dip sandwich at Phillipe's. The restaurant is located in a red brick building that was once a "speak easy". The floors are covered in saw dust. The parking lot is filled with a mixture of wrecks and the most expensive luxury cars. There are some booths, but mostly long tables with bench seating. Generation after generation of Los Angelinos have feasted at Phillipe's. It is a Los Angeles Landmark. And, it was here long before Hollywood was a big deal.
A CHANCE TO MEET THE PRESIDENT OF A FORTUNE 500 COMPANY
Los Angeles is a good place to live anonymously. You may never know your neighbor. But, Phillipe's get strangers together. The big time executives and the factory workers sit side by side at Phillipe's and enjoy each other's company. It is a magic place.
THE BEST FRENCH DIP EVER
The food is heavenly. My personal favorite is the Lamb dip. All of the sandwiches are generously filled with hand carved meat. You can see the carving take place. Turkey, Lamb, Pork, Beef ...it's all good.
DON'T FORGET THE CONDIMENTS
The spicy mustard goes well with the gastronomic works of art created at Phillipe's.
WOW...A 10 CENT CUP OF COFFEE!
When other restaurants charge $1.25 to $3.00 for a cup of coffee, its nice to get a good cup of hot coffee for 10 cents. The price of coffee was five cents a cup but they had to raise the price some years ago.
WELL WORTH THE WAIT
You can see movie stars and the down and out. It is a great place to people watch. Everyone waits in lots of long lines at a huge counter. When you get to the counter you make your order. Often you can recognize employees that have been there 10, 20, years or more.
When I came home from the war, this was almost the first place I went. Once you go to Phillipe's you will be hooked forever. LOVE IT.
Food:
THE FRENCH DIP SANDWICH is the best in the world. Hand carved in front of you. Lamb, Turkey, Beef, Pork.... YUMMMMY. I love the Lamb Dip. This is where the sandwich originated and nobody does it better. This food is simple but unforgettable.
Service:
You pick up the food at the counter and have a seat. The employees are mostly old timers who aim to please. Once you take your seat with your food, the service is adequate. The counter service is worth waiting for. Expect to stand in line. You won't be sorry.
Decor:
Sawdust on the floor. Simple. Down to Earth.
A taste of turn of the century Los Angeles. Mostly bench style seating. A great place to meet celebrities, corporate executives, the average joe/jane, or the man on the street. A real melting pot. This is an American Restaurant, equality for all. You won't find a table reserved here for a VIP.
The parking lot will have a Rolls Royce next to and old clunker. Its a Fun place to have a modest but delicious meal.
Special Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations:
YOU CAN'T COME TO THE BIRTH PLACE OF THE FRENCH DIP SANDWICH WITHOUT ORDERING A FRENCH DIP. IT JUST WOULD NOT BE RIGHT.
THE ROASTED LAMB DIP IS TO DIE FOR. BUT ALL OF THE FRESH, HAND CARVED, MADE TO ORDER FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES ARE TERRIFIC.
I have a friend who likes the pickled pigs feet. You may too.
The deli mustard goes well with the sandwich, gives it a little kick.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
markjfeueresq
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Location: Tarzana, California
Reviews written: 106
Trusted by: 75 members
About Me:
I am a lawyer, teacher, writer, and artist.
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