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Cole's
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants Sandwiches Bars, Sandwiches
118 E 6th StLos Angeles, CA 90014
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(213) 622-4090
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Thu 11 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 1 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
972 reviews for Cole's
Review Highlights
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"Can't stop dreaming about the french dip I had at Cole's." In 401 reviews -
"and, don't forget to share some spicy garlic fries." In 77 reviews -
"I highly suggest the bacon potato salad." In 64 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
972 reviews in English
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Review from David W.
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Haha, if I had to choose between this and Phillipe's, I would have to say they're almost tied.
I can see this as a tourist to-do attraction but not as a go to place for lunch.
You pay a fortune to not be full.
The speakeasy in the back looked so interesting. They open at 7PM though...=/ -
Review from Alma P.
5/25/2012
After hearing about Cole's for awhile I finally got here and of course, had to order the french dip sandwich bit sad to say it was kinda forgettable -- the meat seemed very dry - maybe even a smidge overcooked and dipping it in the au jus didn't really help much. However, the pork sandwich my friend ordered was delicious and the mac n cheese was yummy as well -- super creamy and cheesy. The spicy fries were also really good, and I'd definitely order those again.
The Service was meh but ambiance was fun and love the kitschyness of the location.
I'd come back again but order the pork sandwich and lots of their yummy sides! :-) -
Review from G. I.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
5/17/2012
My review is from the ancient days of yore before the make over that gently gentrified Coles. It seems that for decades there was a rivalry of which restaurant invented the French Dip Sandwich, and since both eaterys date back to the early 1900's, we probably will never know when and exactly how it was invented. It is now lost to the mist of time.
I went down into Coles back in the late 90's when it still was a down home joint to put it mildly. The clientele for the most part was very close to being on the edge of skidrow and the space was dark and dungeon-like. In the dim lit semidarkness, I could see large framed black and white pictures of the Pacific Red Cars that used to have hundreds of miles of track to provide good public transportation throughout Los Angeles. The last urban trains ran in the late 1950's and then the freeways were built tearing out large swaths of our destruction bent city. Only now we are recreating urban trains again when we had them to begin with. Many of our boulevards with wide medians are what is left of the old train tracks. Such is the wisdom that is Los Angeles. But hindsight is better than foresight by a long shot.
At the time, the bartender was also the sandwich maker, and you got a choice of beef, pork, lamb. I took the lamb which was moist, tender and had a nice herbed flavor. Comparing it to Phillip's, I liked the Coles' version of the French Dip Sandwich a tad better. Going once to Phillip's was enough. For me it was at most a 2 star experience. Maybe the 10 cent coffee at Phillips is what drives its customers to go there.
Now I hear that Coles is updated for the better with alcoholic beverages that always enhance the food experience. Perhaps a good red wine, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux, Rhone, or Barolo from Piedmonte can pair with the French Dip as well as a well constructed beer or ale. The red booths and the Speakeasy feel of the place sounds like a time machine to go back to an L.A, which like the origin of the French Dip is a halycon memory.
Congratulations to Cole's. Very few restaurants ever make it beyond the century mark in our city enamored with the new, hip and trendy. May you be here for a hundred more!!! -
Review from Saskia N.
Orange, CA
5/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I'm always torn when I try to decide which French dipped sandwich I like better, Cole's or Philippe's. This week I was able to go to both places within days of each other and it occurred to me, they are both great but two entirely different dining experiences, I can love them both equally. I don't have to choose, whew!
Here's the deal, Philippe's is a fast food, help yourself, no frills kind of place. Paper plates, older than the hills silverware where you plop your cafeteria style tray down anywhere you can and enjoy, sometimes with total strangers but that's half the fun. The sandwiches are dipped for you.
Cole's is a sit down, someone will take your order and bring it to you kind of place and is surprisingly small inside. Its dark and old and wonderful with a great bar area that serves all the usual stuff and drinks like Sidecars, Manhattans & Old Fashions (was that Don Draper sitting in that dark corner booth?) You can eat in the bar too and we usually do. The sandwiches come with a bowl of au jus so you can dip your own.
I get the skinny plate, that means a half dip (pork for me) with a side. That usually holds me at lunch. The sides are awesome and they have it over Philippe's here, the cole slaw is excellent and the mac&cheese will bring tears to your eyes, don't miss this. Warning before you take a big crunchy bite out of the pickle that comes with all sandwiches, it's friggin hot, I mean chili hot so beware. The garlic fries are good but equally hot and I'm still not sure why. In any event it's all delish.
Parking on 6th is a challenge so either bring some plastic or a shit load of quarters.
Bottom line I would be happy to go to either place but Coles has a slight edge for me because its a sit down place, nice full bar (with super friendly bartenders) have better side options and they take credit cards . -
Review from Jessica C.
Montebello, CA
5/19/2012
I love this place! I accidentally found place after the Red Zebra event at art walk and man were we hungry! The French Dip is amazing! Along with the garlic fries and OMG the macaroni!! I've taken almost ever family member back here since I've discovered it and am completely satisfied with the great service and the fun atmosphere. NOt only did I love this place because of the food but inside of the restaurant there is a speak easy called Varnish ( which will be my next review). I'm obsessed with Speakeasys! Great place to bring people who are visiting out of state. Have fun!!
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Review from Evan Y.
Los Angeles, CA
5/1/2012
The point of a double dip or WET FRENCH DIP is to have it wet. It was still dry as @#$%.
... go to Phillippes. I know you feel like eating at Cole's anyways just to try it? Eat Phillippes first then do it. #shouldvelistenedtome -
Review from Jenny P.
Redondo Beach, CA
5/10/2012
Tried this place to compare it to Philippe's, the other French Dip place downtown. Aside from Philippe's having ample free parking, Cole's is the winner in my book.
Cole's is located in a historic railroad building and it is so much fun to look at all the old pictures. The ambiance here is great. You get table side service and can use credit cards here, unlike Philipe's.
Their bacon potato salad was the BOMB! And their spicy pickles were unlike anything I've ever tried before. My fiancée doesn't even like pickles but he liked Cole's. Great cole slaw and fresh squeezed lemonade too.
Their French dip is one of the best I've ever had, from the bread, to the meats, to the actual dip. -
Review from Jamie D.
Los Angeles, CA
5/9/2012
I go to Cole's at least once a month, if not more. Their pork dip is pretty delicious. If I want something a little more healthy I go with a Turkey dip. The beef dip is okay, but nothing special. I love the blue cheese spread they use. I always order extra for dipping the spicy garlic fries (which are delicious). They also have a good selection of drinks, made by good bartenders. Be careful though because some drinks might not be to your liking. They also have a decent happy hour.
The only reason I won't give this place 5 stars is that sometimes they have weird service. One waiter disappeared for a while when I was at a table. Another waiter ignored the table I was at for a while, as if it wasn't his table to serve. If you order take out, sometimes they forget who ordered it and don't always check the order. The service is usually good or great, but every once in a while you get something off. -
Review from Míkéy L.
Los Angeles, CA
Honestly, this place has got to have the crappiest service in the world. I showed up and told the hostess that I had 2 other people coming late to dinner. Their policy is that they don't seat incomplete parties, so she told me to sit at the bar despite the dining area having many booths and tables that were empty.
The bar was packed and had no seats, so I informed the waitress and she decided to sit me at a table for two, despite there being many available booths for 4 and her knowing that 2 more people would join me.
So I sat down, ordered my meal and started to eat. While in the middle of my meal, my friends showed up. So I had to get up and move my meal and drinks to a booth. Even the waitress said, "that was dumb of me for making you sit at a table for two." No shit Sherlock. -
Review from Ada L.
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here on a Saturday night, and the place wasn't that crowded. My bf and I shared a Prime Beef Dip and Spicy Garlic Fries. The sandwich didn't have much taste to it, but I guess the focus was on the dip, which I didn't care for. The fries weren't bad.
Service wasn't very good. My friend got there before us and was seated all the way in the back at a small table, even though he told the hostess we were coming. He then had to get up and carry his food to a bigger table when we got there.
It's nice that this place has a lot of history to it, but aside from the history I didn't find anything special about Cole's. -
Review from Ken C.
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Located on 6th st between Spring and Los Angeles St, you'll find this French Dip place. On their menus and the walls you'll see their impressive history. They claim that they're the ones who created the "French Dip". Cole's and Phillipe's have had a longstanding rivalry over that claim.
I don't know whether or not Cole's made the first dip, but I have long wanted to visit them. I got to try their lamb french dip and their pastrami dip. The lamb and pastrami cuts are thin. They give you a side of the au jus. Like Philippe's, you can pair some spicy horseradish mustard with your meats. It works well.
I thought that the french dip was okay, but it was nothing to write home about. There was just no depth to the flavor of the meat.
Surprisingly, my favorite thing from their place was their garlic fries. They also have a decent beer menu. If I ever come back, I'll be sure to try their bacon potato salad. Their Mac and Cheese is just okay.
For the battle of french dip between Philippe's and Cole's, I'd definitely go with Philippe's because I love the atmosphere of the place. It also has ample parking and it is in a more convenient location (I hate venturing into downtown LA). But the best french dip I've ever had can't be found in Los Angeles....I believe it to be over in Seal Beach in Orange County at a place called "320 Main". Or, if you have the opportunity to go to Chicago, go try some "Italian beef" at Al's Italian. -
Review from JR C.
4/18/2012
The best part about this place is that it's next to The Association Bar. There are often transients that stride back and forth on the side walk, but security does a fair job of keeping them off the customers. There's a full bar and plenty of indoor seating, but I'm typically a fan of eating on the patio regardless, even if it is a sidewalk. I stopped by here to throw back a few beers to start a night of bar hopping.
-=- Pastrami French Dip -=- It was smaller than I thought, but then again I need to get The Hat out of my mind, because the amount you get there is just outrageous. Exhale. Ok. Switching gears. Visiting Cole's, I had actually hoped for more flavorful pastrami. Dipping it in the au jus gave it the flavor I was looking for but to the soft baked bread. I was just unimpressed at this item as a whole.
-=- Garlic Fries -=- I'm a fan of garlic fries wherever I go. The more garlicky the better and this place packed it on. It was more clovey garlic than buttery garlic, but I was ok with that. I can't have drenchy butter with everything I eat, so this was a good departure into the lighter side of garlic fries.
The next time I am around, I will be trying the bacon mac & cheese. It will probably be soon, because The Association is calling my name again. -
Review from cat c.
Pasadena, CA
4/15/2012
I like this place for the sides - tomato soup, mac & cheese, etc. Oh, and the cream pies. The drinks are fabulous, too, especially because they have some terrific whiskey creations.
As far as french dip sandwiches go, though, I'm still Team Philippe's, with the caveat of "only good if you order double dip." -
Review from Jonel E.
Los Angeles, CA
5/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I'm a real fan of Cole's not because it a cool joint located in Downtown LA. But because of its character. As soon as you go in you will automatically know what I'm talking about. The bartenders at Cole's are the most legit bartenders. Manhattan's on the rocks are on point. But seriously, it all goes down to the Lamb Dip with goat cheese and garlic fries. That is the best meal their my friends. I mean it's worth a shot. I highly suggest not to come here at night just cause it will ruin the first bite for you.
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Review from Risa Y.
3/26/2012 1 photo
Hmmm I'm still not too sure about what to make of this place... I finally got to try Cole's French Dip... and what I really mean by finally is that I been here 2 time before but for some reason I didn't get to eat there. The first time I went, the hostess was rude so we didn't get seated... and the 2nd time I went, they could not serve food because their water wasn't running (very odd)?
For the amount of food you get, and for what they serve, I feel like their sandwiches are a bit overpriced. I ordered the pork french dip with Swiss Cheese but I thought it was a bit too dry even after drenching the sandwich in the dip. The bread was dry, the pork was dry and the cheese was even hard and dried out... It did TASTE good, but I wished there was some moisture.
I may come back and try their Pastrami... Pork may have been a dry choice to begin with but the pork at Philippe isn't as dry!Listed in: Discovering Downtown LA…
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Review from Laura R.
Whittier, CA
5/4/2012
I was taking my friend to Union Station when we decided to go eat somewhere first. Olvera Street just across or maybe Philippe's down the street. She suggested Cole's. Apparently there is this huge rivalry between the two restaurants with each claiming they invented the dip sandwich. My sister and I are always game for new places so we picked Cole's. It's in Downtown on 6th street so parking is a mess and that took a while but we finally headed to it. It's a really dark cool little restaurant and bar. It's mainly filled with early 20's-mid 30's clientele. My friend recommended the pork dip which is what I usually get at Philippe's. My sister ordered the same with the exception of the cheese. We ordered one with pepper jack and one with goat cheese. It was obvious from the first bite that the cheese made all the difference. The pork dip with goat cheese was spectacular! Unlike the dip at Philippe's that already comes dipped, this one gives you a little cup to do your own dipping. I found that this worked just as well and it already having it dipped. If people thought it was still dry they obviously didn't dunk it enough. My sister also got the garlic fries which were really good and my friend had the cesar salad which was also good. She likes her salad with lots of dressing and lots of croutons. The wait staff was ehhh, and my arnold palmer wasn't very good but that sandwich was so good I would definitely go back. In fact I sent out the Foodie Brigade signal when I came home last night and we already have another trip planned. Mmmmm.
So which one did I like more...I will need to make a side by side comparison...For the sake of science the foodie brigade and I will have to take that food challenge. -
Review from Anita L.
4/27/2012
I finally had the chance to visit Cole's to try the French dip sandwich. I had wanted to do it after Philippe's and wanted to do a comparison. I don't like the one at Philippe's because they insist on dipping the bread and I hate soggy bread. So when Cole's served their's on the side, I was thrilled..... that was until I tried the au jus. BLEH, the au jus was so watery and bland. The sandwich itself was also unmemorable. It was just your regular French dip sandwich, nothing that would make me go "WOW, I seriously thought it was a great sandwich and would definitely come back for it". What I really liked was the spicy pickle spear they served with the sandwich, now THAT was seriously memorable. Ohhhh and the price was definitely memorable for the portion size.
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Review from Joyan C.
Los Angeles, CA
4/17/2012
This place is not bad, but it feels like it has the potential to be so much better. I got the turkey dip which was kind of bland. I wouldn't recommend it, I kept dunking it and putting hot mustard on it to give it taste. I tried my friend's pastrami dip and it tasted so much better. Get that. I felt like the bun can be improved on the sandwich, there was nothing special to it and so refined. The garlic fries are great, there's actual chunks of garlic on top of it, you have the aftertaste for a day. The mac n' cheese was not good, it was bland and soggy.
The ambiance is dark yet interesting, an old time feel to it. You'd have to do street parking on the crazy streets, we just walked over so that helped. Overall, worth a try. -
Review from Erika M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/23/2012
The grilled cheese and tomato soup sobers me right up after a long night of bar hopping. The pastrami dip just gets me drunk all over again with all its juicy glory.
Oh, and it's nice to lunch alone here and make friends the old fashioned way. -
Review from Bran V.
Los Angeles, CA
4/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
An absolute favorite of mine...
I'm a sucker for darkened setttings. More often than not it just seems to suit my mood...
To be honest, I don't come here for the French Dip sandwiches. I usually order the grilled cheese combo. Which is basically a grilled cheese sandwich (obviously) and side cup of tomato soup.
It's a basic meal... nothing spectacular, but it's never dissapointing. There something inherently lacking in that nowadays and it is underappreciated.
The highlight (for me at least) is the drinks from the bar. I tend to favor their Sazerac. It's one of best in Downtown in my opinion. So yes I eat a grilled cheese sandwich with a Sazerac. An unlikely combo, but it works everytime.... for me at least.
Other menu items of note are the sweet potato fries and house pickles. Very good side options if you find that any one of sandwiches don't fill you up. -
Review from Edwin S.
4/2/2012 1 photo
Thia place is dog friendly!!! They brought out a bowl of water for our dog. Their price point is much higher than Phillipe's unfortunately though. Parking is tough in this part of town. They have a full bar, which is a nice touch. Come here during their happy hours.
The neighborhood is very marginal. We got panhandled and then approached by some crazy people.
Lamb Dip
Tender and shredded. I prefer it coarse chopped as they do at Phillipe's. Not enough meat
Pastrami Dip
Again, not enough meat.
Garlic Fries
Good, but I have better -
Review from K H.
West Covina, CA
5/11/2012
Historic speakeasy
Chill hangout at 3pm-7pm
For happy hour prices
Half dip w/ fries $5
Pork, pastrami, beef, etc.
Take your pick
French/spicy garlic fries
Russet/Sweet Potato
$3 PBR, $5 well drinks
$8 Cocktails
Daily specialty drink
Enticing historic recipes
Great to hide from life -
Review from Kimberley C.
Beverly Hills, CA
4/4/2012
Not my kind of place.
Had a ceasar salad, one of my favorite meals, however the salad AND the chicken was A-OK.
It's a historical gem in downtown LA but that's that.
It's like going to Katz's or Carnegie Deli in Manhattan. It ain't "all that and a bag of chips". -
Review from Kyla C.
Seattle, WA
5/9/2012
One of my most favorite things in life is French dip so I'm glad my friend remembered that and took me here while visiting LA. This place has got an old timey vibe with very low lighting (your eyes will adjust after a few minutes), dark wood, great cocktails and fabulous food. We ordered the spicy sweet potato fries with garlic to share and they were some of the best fries I've ever had, soooo good! I got the half sandwich with beef and the side mac n'cheese and it was great as well. The mac was really cheesy and the French dip had a really salty au jus (just the way I like it) and a nice crusty roll. If you love this sandwich as much as I do, you have to check this place out and I suggest that after dinner you stop in the speakeasy type bar in the back of the restaurant and get a bartender's choice cocktail whipped up - you won't be disappointed!
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Review from D R.
South Pasadena, CA
5/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yelper Evan Y. has it exactly right. The only reason to eat here is because you know about the crosstown rivalry with Philippe's, which is clearly superior. The only good things about Cole's is the service (one star) and the cocktails (another star, but waaaay overpriced). The beef in their French Dip tastes practically rancid, with the spicy mustard and au jus being welcome for cloaking its taste.
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Review from Aly S.
Los Angeles, CA
3/17/2012
Twice I have gone here. The front is always packed at the bar. The back restaurant is open totally for seating, but they won't let you sit there. I asked nicely to remain seated with my party in the back, but was denied and told to go wait up front for an open table. Bullocks.
I will not return to this annoying place. Their servers are rude and oblivious. Their food is not worth the aggravation. -
Review from Priscilla Z.
Los Angeles, CA
4/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Tried their pastrami sandwich. Maybe I should have eaten there instead of taking away. I didn't really feel it is extraordinarily. The potato salad was actually really tasty. I like the bacon in it.
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Review from Scott G.
Los Angeles, CA
3/9/2012
Come On Cole's, you have to do better than that!
I went to Cole's last night with a buddy. We were sorely disappointed with the food. The beers were good but you can;t really mess up beers. If your going to charge that much for a large sandwich, it better earn its $$$.
Sandwich: stale bread. Really? Have to do better than that. The amount of meat on the large order was Meh!. I did like the blue cheese touch but the there is no way I'm going back for that sandwich at that price.
Fries: skinny and crispy. Great
Cole Slaw - sour, average
Ambiance: - cool retro speakeasy. Love the decor. Great place for drinks.
If I'm downtown, I'm heading to Philippe's for a french dip.
Cole's, please step up the sandwiches! -
Review from Jaime W.
2/13/2012
Cole's can suck a duck. Yes, it's my fault for having expectations. No thanks to the rave reviews on Yelp and cable television showing hot, juicy french dip pictures. Yes, I had a dream. Cole's has killed the dream I dreamed.......
We get there, party of four and the bug- eyed hostess just stares at us for a second. I smell my armpits to make sure I am fresh. I AM. I look at my friends. Damn, we look good. Why is this bitch just looking at us like we are naked or something? Not cool. Then in her barely audible voice she asks my name and how many. You know she knows how many, but I hold up my fingers and say FOUR for the tard. Ughhhh.
We wait. 5 minutes, 10 minutes, we wait while taking notice of several empty booths. Did I mention we had a preggo with us? Unacceptable. I step up to her bug-eyed highness to get the scoop. She says that they just had three huge parties leave and the kitchen is overwhelmed trying to re-prep. At this point I insist on being seated so preggo's cankles don't look anymore like meatloaves. (Shhhhhh)
We sit, we wait. I would give this fucking place 5 Stars if we were suppose to wait. They've got that shit down!
The food: I order a half prime beef, grilled onion no cheese and side of crispy garlic fries extra waiting (jk).
They bring food to our table and my animal instincts make me grab a few fries and shove them in my mouth. SIKE. The food runner thinks he put the wrong food on our table! I lift my bun and do grilled onion check. No bueno. I touched everything and yet they continued to bring all of that food and put it on another table. SORRY GUYS. I did use hand sanitizer so you should be safe.
Then we had to wait ten more minutes before our real food was brought out. At this point I am ready to go Kill Bill on this place. My food was nothing great. The meat was tender, yet flavorless and the au jus was quite bland and cold. The garlic fries were the best part, but I'm sure 30 minutes later my masseuse didn't enjoy smelling my breath even after the stick of gum.
All that glitters is not gold. Cole's is as shiny as the hooker's piss glimmering on the sidewalk in front of it's doors. Do yourself a huge favor and avoid this place if you want to eat anytime this year, eat something that hasn't been touched by randoms or hear the people you are with. ZERO STARSListed in: I LOVE LA
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Review from Fred V.
San Gabriel, CA
4/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
After going to several spots to look for food and drinks on a Saturday night to no avail, my group decided we would head here since it was busy, but had no line outside. It was a good decision because we were seated immediately and greeted by a tough, but friendly waitress by the name of viola. Gave us a hard time jokingly about some stuff, but it added to her character and it was good to be around a server who didn't act like she hated her job. Tried the French dip which had a good au jus and the beef was just as good, but the roll could've been better. Bourbon pecan pie was really good, and the spicy garlic sweet potato fries weren't too bad either. Doormen there had some crappy attitudes, but viola made up for it inside. Definitely turned our night around.
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Review from Gabriela G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
i don't EVER eat sandwiches, but these "french-dip" (is what they are called) are an intense explosion of flavors in your mouth! I tried a bite dipped in the "jus" (meat juice) and it was delicious though slightly on the salty side for my preferred palette pleasures; then i took a bite without the meat juice and i was head over heels in love, my tongue salivating with delight and anticipation begging for a third bite that never happened! (it was my friend's sandwich and he had offered a bite, not half his meal!)
It's worth noting, the sandwich comes wrapped creatively, adding to a unique Cole's experience, French Dip gourmet hoagie all tucked inside a newspaper-like packaging, as a butcher might wrap a meat order at a deli!
Also didnt order it but little bird told me the bacon-potato salad is to kill for! (that's right, I said to kill for, not to die for. If you died for it you couldnt come back for seconds)!
Sandwich is not huge, so you won't be overwhelmed by the size and might even be left with a slight desire for more, ensuring that you will dream about your return for a sequel!
Add a beer into the mix, and you might find yourself apartment hunting in Downtown so you can be in close proximity to heaven in your mouth! -
Review from Lawrence Y.
Los Angeles, CA
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is loud. Uncomfortably so.
I have enhanced hearing (really!) and couldn't even hear the people at my table.
The sandwiches they boast about were not great. The bread is unremarkable, the meat relatively flavorless, and the au jus is pretty salty. I guess it has to be to mask all the flavors.
The sides were mixed. The mac n' cheese was horrible. I love when a mac n' cheese is thick and gooey, this was watery. Instead of just broiling breadcrumbs on top, they were mixed throughout the entire dish, resulting in a wet, stuffing-like consistency.
The fries, however, were delicious. The garlic fries were so garlicky that I still had an aftertaste after chewing some gum and brushing my teeth. My drink -- some lime ginger thing -- was good too.
Not sure it's worth another trip downtown and 15 minutes of trying to find parking. -
Review from Amy G.
Long Beach, CA
3/11/2012
Early 1900s decor with that characteristic minimal yellow lighting, easy going atmosphere with classic/pop rock playing in the background, and decent food. It's not one of my regular nightly bars mainly because of the location, but I wouldn't mind visiting again for lunch and a bourbon on a weekend.
I had the little beef dip with cheese, which also came with a pickle and a side of au jus. The beef was moist on its own, but not that flavorful without the au jus. The roll was crusted on the outside and soft on the inside. I would have preferred a beef to bun ratio that favored the meat, but I understand I wasn't eating at Houston's. Cole's makes its own mustard, which is of wasabi caliber. I loved how strong it was and wished that I could smuggle a bottle to smear onto a dip from Houston's.
Spicy garlic fries were delicious, but had a limp, almost stale texture. I may have caught an off batch. However, the spicy garlic sweet potato fries, I thought, were better prepared and were also yum.
Dark chocolate cream pie was all right--it had a chocolate crust, and the whipped cream layer was thicker than the actual chocolate cream layer. Because of the chocolate crust, it felt less like a pie and more like a cookie topped with chocolatey goodness.
Notables: bar/table/booth seating as well as outdoor seating. Went on a Saturday night and the place started to fill up a little after 9pm. The food service, at least in the bar area, was slow, but the servers were nice. Small flat screen TV at the bar was tuned to CBS. -
Review from Johanna C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/2/2012
This is our home. Me and my husband love it! The old fashion is to die for. the bar tenders are awesome and lay back. The happy hour is great. you get a half sandwich with fries and have a great drink. Best bar in LA hands down. A place you can call home.
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Review from Beauty by Grace I.
Burbank, CA
Updated - 3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Again! It's all about the bar crew at Coles! Especially Leandro! He is the man.. He makes the best cocktails there ever. Here are a few to list:
Pancho Smoking Gun
The Midtown
Soledito
Their Mac n Cheese
Deserts Galore and more!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/25/2011
This is by far my favorite place ever! Great food, good old fashion cocktails. My favorite is the… Read more »
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Review from Daniel C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/3/2012
Before being proclaim as "lob city" by a group of bandwagon losers, LA was originally known as "Dip City" (ok, maybe not). Our fair city is home to many fierce rivalries: USC v. UCLA, MS v. 18th, Pinkberry v. Yogurtland...but no rivalry is quite as compelling as Cole's and Phillipe's
The Great French Dip Derby: Cole's or Phillipe's. Each establishment's respected fan-base claims superiority over the other. And the debate as to who struck au jus gold first remains as controversial as paper or plastic (Decision 2012). As far as Cole's goes...
The architecture to the building is worth the trip alone. Originally built on the ground-level floor of the Pacific Electric Railway Building, Cole's was recently renovated by 213 Nightlife to recapture the essence of it's past lore. The locale has been restored to it's previous form (as far as photo archives are concern) with a nice touch of urban modernization. Now don't get any ideas, I'm not here to give total cred to the developers behind 213 (after all, have you been to the Broadway Bar?)
But enough on that, lets move onto the feature star of the hour: Cole's French Dip. Cole's offers a variation of meat choices at your disposal: Prime Beef (first choice), Lamb (pretty good), Pork (Meh), Pastrami (go to Langer's) & Turkey (have yet to try).
I recommend the happy hour $5 plate special -- a half dip, fries (spicy garlic) and an atomic pickle (not as hot as advertised, but still worth your bite).
Their Mac N' Cheese (serve with two cheeses) is a good sidekick to complement your order. Cold Slaw is Cold Slaw. However, fair warning with regards to the Hot Mustard. Let me put it this way, it's an "acquired taste" ...as if someone melted down a Spalding Basketball.
The bartenders & waiting staff provide reasonable service throughout the peak hours (the former more so than the later). Happy hours special's include $5 a brew, $8 for specialty cocktails & $3 a can (schlitz or pbr). I recommend the Black Butte to coincide with your dip or the Ol' Fashion Cocktail (if your not that into suds). With that being said...
Regardless of who you believe threw the first punch, I think we can all agree that both Cole's and Phillipe's are each iconic eateries situated within the City of Angels (channeling my inner Huell Howser there). As for my choice of dip, let just say that we are all entitled to our own opinion's. -
Review from Satoshi H.
Pasadena, CA
2/10/2012
So Cole's is supposed to be somewhat special and historic and all, but why does Philippe seem to get more attention? To be honest, I didn't know about Cole's until 10 years or so after my first visit to Philippe, thinking that THEY served the original French Dip sandwich. Sounds like Food Feuds or Food Wars needs to pay the two of them a visit!
Cole's version of the French Dip sandwich seems like a more refined food, whereas Philippe has a comfort-food like feel to it. I like comfort. But Cole's has a good sandwich too, otherwise I wouldn't be giving them 4 stars. The potato salad is nice as well.
There's more interaction when it comes to service here at Cole's though, but they don't have a parking lot like Philippe. Wash...
So, in my books, Philippe edges out Cole's. BUT, the Varnish is a nice joint to hit up, so having a bite at Cole's at the same time is a great plan for a night. -
Review from Joyce V.
Monterey Park, CA
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Review for the Delicious Bloody Mary only.
I must say, this is one of the best Bloody Mary that I've had in L.A. Nice, savory and spicy garnished with a celery stalk and a spicy pickle. Other notable Bloody Marys were at Browns in Vancouver, British Columbia and Mother's in New Orleans but being on vacation could have contributed to them being memorable. Cole's Bloody Mary is memorable on a regular Saturday in our hometown. -
Review from Cristina H.
Montebello, CA
3/22/2012
HUGE fan of this place. The sandwiches are deeeeeelicious. I usually get the lamb with goat cheese...UH-MAZING! The last time I went, we were celebrating my birthday and I got a shot of Jameson whiskey which had to be followed by a shot of spicy pickle juice. i have to say, I was a little hesitant at fist, but once I did it, I LOVED it! So I totally recommend to do that shot.
The staff is amazing and they all look super cute in their little vests. And their Old Fashioned drink is pretty damn good as well. -
Review from Marisol G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/27/2012
Love their Mac n cheese. Sandwiches are decent. Drinks are a hit or miss (depends on bartender). Prices are somewhat high fro the amount of food they serve.
I first saw this place back in the 90's when downtown was really dirty and bums were sleeping outside of this location. Although it seemed like crap from the outside they still had a good amount of locals eating there (mainly old folks). I remember waiting for the bus and pocking my head in - I saw a carving station with about 5 types of meat and a buffet area.
It is really amazing what that are looks like now.
