Philippe The Original is one of the most beloved and oldest restaurants found in Los Angeles.
The restaurant was first established in 1908 by a French immigrant, Philippe Mathieu, who was known for his famous sandwiches. However, the real story of Philippe’s begins in 1918 when a total happy accident occurred.
It is said that one fine day a policeman walked in and asked for a sandwich. While making it, Mathieu accidentally dropped the French bread into the flavorful meat juices found in the oven. The policeman accepted the sandwich without complaint and went on his way.
The very next day he returned with friends requesting the exact same dipped sandwich. It was a serendipitous moment that would change the legacy of Philippe’s forever, and as they put it, “The rest is history.”
In 1927, Mathieu sold Philippe’s to Henry, Dave and Frank Martin. Since then the business has survived through the 1929 depression, World War II, and even the recent pandemic—by sheer perseverance and dedication.
In 1951, they were forced to relocate to their current home on Alameda St. when the Hollywood Freeway construction displaced them, and Philippe’s has remained at that same address ever since. The restaurant is now run by fourth-generation owner Andrew Binder, the great-grandchild of Frank Martin.
Although there is much debate over who created the original French-dip, Philippe’s is often given that credit after all these years. It is also worth noting that their sandwiches are pre-dipped, whereas others often come with a side of sauce. Sandwiches aren’t the only thing they serve up though. Their menu is full of hearty food that satisfies any craving. From homemade chili to a slice of sweet carrot cake, they have it all. And if you want to wash it all down, a cup of coffee will only set you back 45 cents (it was previously a whopping 5 cents), a bargain that’s become as legendary as the sandwich itself. It’s no wonder why generations of Angelenos have loved this place for over a century.
“They consider it their home… their restaurant, and that’s such a charming, cool aspect of the restaurant itself,” said Binder on the Philippe The Original site. “We have our regulars: At 6A.M. when the doors open, we know what half of the people are ordering and it’s already made for them.”
Location: Philippe The Original, 1001 N. Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Originally published by Sophie Len.
