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Philippe The Original Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch
1001 N Alameda StLos Angeles, CA 90012
Neighborhood: Chinatown
(213) 628-3781
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
2568 reviews for Philippe The Original Restaurant
Review Highlights
"cant beat their unique style of french dip."
(in 904 reviews)
"I highly recommend the potato salad and the coleslaw."
(in 473 reviews)
"The banana cream pie was heaven sent."
(in 45 reviews)
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2567 reviews in English
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Review from Charles L.
Arcadia, CA
2/11/2012
DAT HOT MUSTARD.
was freaking ridiculous. the double dipped lamb sandwich was solid, but the potato and macaroni salads weren't very good.
3 for the food, 5 for the mustard, so i'm giving this joint a 4. -
Review from Lem C.
Anaheim, CA
2/11/2012
ROAST BEEF DIP
--always serviceable
--but I've never had a bad one or a great one--anywhere
ROAST LAMB SANDWICH
--satisfyingly tender, tasty, good
--better than roast beef--unless you don't care for lamb
ARCHI-CULTURE
--I come here--& bring students here
--& to Grand Central Market
--for the ambiance of mid-1900s LA
--too many USC alums
--but not ernough to discolor the nostalgia -
Review from Bryan A.
Santa Ana, CA
2/10/2012
I love Philippes! Almost every time I come to Los Angeles, I want to come here!
This is usually a required stop when going to China Town.
When you first walk in, you notice a very long deli counter and a huge crowd! I typically get the Turkey French Dipped sandwich, a bowl of straight chili (no beans) and a glass of lemonade! The chili is amazing considering it is very simple!
The turkey is sooooooooooooo good! It is juicy and perfectly flavored. I also like that bread is dipped in the juice! This makes the bread soft and juicy.
While I have never tried the eggs, potato salad or other deli items, I hear they are very good.
There is also a ton of seating in Philippe's! There are long tables everywhere and more on the second floor! The staff here is very nice! If you want to make them mad though, ask for fries and see what happens! -
Review from kat m.
2/5/2012
Sorry but in this never ending Los Angeles Battle, I'm giving it to Coles.
Not a fan of the thick cuts of meat here, and bread soggy in a bad way, crappy sides.
Also I like to dip my french dip....
I'd rather be at Coles with a bad ass cocktail and those amazing sweet potato fries -
Review from Frank S.
Rowland Heights, CA
2/3/2012 1 photo
I'm probably the last person in LA to try Philippe's, but I can't say it was worth the wait.
I got the lamb (w/ swiss) everyone seems to be raving about with a side of macaroni salad and a cup of chili. Total $14.
The double dipped lamb was... just okay. It was a little salty, a little gamey, and a little dry. I should've done a single dip to see the difference. The macaroni salad was meh and too much for one person but chili was okay. Forgot to try the picked egg though.
I should've gone to Yang Chow instead. -
Review from Sing T.
El Monte, CA
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I like the french dip sandwiches there because sometimes I have a craving for one. I think you really have to find the right counter lady to make you a good sandwich. I am still searching for the right one. I always like the roast beef french dip (I get it Double Dipped). The sides are pretty good. The Cole slaw, potato salad, and macaroni salad are all pretty tasty. They do not feel heavy or too light at all. They each have their own flavor to it. I always like to get an apple pie for dessert. The apple pie is not to sweet and not too bland. It has a good texture to it and you can taste the sweetness and cinnamon from the fillings they add to it. The apples are real apples when you actually look at the pie slice. Make sure to bring cash because this place does not accept any other forms of payment except for cash!!!
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Review from Laura G.
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you love French Dips you will LOVE this place. Old school charm, simple menu and they obviously have a following. Do it well and they will come....
VERY spicy horseradish sauce on the tables, the french dip is a simple dish, make with good meat, excellent bread and the Au Jus that it was dipped in was great.
For those wondering why only 3 stars - I'm not a french dip fan at all - to me it's soggy bread - I'm more of a tomato, onion and pickles gal - BUT this is a VERY GOOD French Dip. -
Review from Emily N.
Los Angeles, CA
2/12/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place. I like to either get the turkey or the beef, double dipped. Lamb reminds me too much of that "The Simpsons" episode so I don't order lamb. Get both the iced tea and lemonade and carefully mix your own Arnold Palmer. The pies are perfect old school cuisine. A good day is to take the subway down town to Union Station and walk over to the edge of Chinatown for this historical and culinary institution. You can't say you live in L.A. unless you've eaten at Philippe's in my opinion. Bring cash and don't be such a baby about how you need to use the plastic. There's an ATM literally feet away from the ordering counter.
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Review from Rachel S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Woohoo for french dip & the great prices!
My vote goes out to Philippe restaurant as far as flavors go & prices as opposed to coles.
I get the beef dip, with the potatoe salad on the side. I'm not a big fan of potato salad, but I like the flavor combination. I get a lemonade on the side & since my recent of age celebration from now on I'll be ordering a beer! The brownies for dessert are heaven sent.
I'm so glad my significant other took me to this place! It's one of my favorite restaurants!
The lines are long but they have plenty of seating. They also only accept Cash. -
Review from Ed S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/11/2012
Ever heard the expression "the older I get, the better I was". The french dip reminds me of this. It's a place for people who like to say "they don't make things like they used to". I think of the place as a food museum, like the Ripley's Believe It or Not" on Hollywood Boulevard and think about how most people visit museums once in along while and usually with out-of-town guests. Considering the huge number of sandwich options that we have in L.A., the vietnamese, the cuban, father's office, Tommy's, etc, etc, you can drop the rank of Phillipe's on your '1001 sandwiches you must eat before you die' list.
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Review from Tiffany L.
Manhattan Beach, CA
This place is freakin outstanding. Be prepared, you're going to stand in line.
We went on a Monday afternoon and it was packed (seems like it always is). The line went fast but gave us time to decide what to order. I'm a coleslaw and potato salad junkie so I had really high hopes! SCORE! The salads were amazing. The man and I both ordered roast beef double dipped, him cheese me no cheese. Sandwiches were out of this world!!! They also serve beer so of course we order 4 for two of us.
My favorite part of the Philippe's experience was the lady taking our order was very patient and efficient. She explained everything in a very friendly tone and didn't roll her eyes when we told her how excited we were to try their food and how we saw them on TV.
It seems like the parking kind of sucks in this area. We parked in a small underground garage for 3 or 4 bucks. Philippe's lot looked full. There is also metered street parking. Watch out for some of the homeless dudes roaming around too... -
Review from James M.
Los Angeles, CA
2/12/2012
Seriously. How does anyone find this place edible. I get the historic nature of it, but I think it's one of the grossest places I've ever eaten. I had to go here for a business meeting, and had to fight the urge to upchuck the whole time we ate. The guys I went with were both large obese men, and they loved it. They eat there regularly. I guess it appeals to that sort of crowd (the "I want to eat whatever I want and die early" crowd).
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Review from Nancy T.
Anaheim, CA
2/5/2012
Delicious sandwiches. I went her for my friends birthday celebration. Lines were LONNGG, but well worth the wait. I got the beef sandwich (6.50), side of mac salad (1.50) , iced tea (65 cents). The sandwich was single dipped, the beef was very lean, not fatty whatsoever. The french roll was nice and crusty on the outside, middle was a bit soggy, but hey it's a FRENCH DIPPED SANDWICH...what are you expecting? If you like horseradish, than you must add a little of Phillipe's hot mustard, mmmm:) . Has a nice kick to it, so be careful, don't squeeze a bunch of it on your sandwich. The mac salad, was pretty simple, mac/ mayo/ relish. Simple, but good. The iced tea, nice and strong, unsweetened, exactly the way I like it, but it's in a really small cup..than again it is only 65 cents aha.
Cheap, and good food.
Gotta admit my friends and I were really confused on the system of how the restaurant worked out considering it's hella crowded. In the end everything's pretty straightforward, go order what you want, pay and that it's. Don't know what you want? Look around what everyone else might be ordering, I didn't even know they had chili or soup till I saw other people order it. Menu is really hard to see once it's crowded, so figure out what you want to eat before you come is my advice to you.
Parking's free though, so no need for a long walk! -
Review from Ting S.
1/29/2012
I'm a sucker for a piece of juicy meat, but unfortunately the sandwiches here were a complete turnoff. Anything but juicy, despite the dip, and completely seasonless, necessitating careful application of the horseradish-powered mustard.
The french onion soup consisted of canned broth and a negligible pinch of cold shredded cheese dropped into the bowl before serving. The sides were forgettable. The best things here? The iced tea, and pickles!
The lines become a jumbled mess pretty quickly, and there's a parking lot with some metered street parking as well. The restaurant is located on the fringe of L.A.'s chinatown, and walking distance to Olivera St. -
Review from Emily B.
Santa Monica, CA
1/27/2012
I have to admit...I didn't love Philippe's. I feel like a traitor to LA. But I just have had better French Dip Sandwiches, regardless of whether this is the original or not.
The bun is dipped for you, so you don't get to control how soggy your sandwich is (which is how it ends up--soggy, instead of lightly moistened). The meat has almost no flavor, a cold slice of cheese is slapped on and there isn't any horseradish to put on them. There is spicy mustard, which is very hot (I loved it), but it absolutely masked any of the beef flavor, no matter how little you put on. I did do a few tiny dabs on the lamb sandwich and the mustard complimented it MUCH better without masking the flavor.
The one thing I did love? The coleslaw. It's nothing special, and is even a little runny, but tastes just exactly the way I like it.
We got there around 8pm on a Thursday night, so the Chinatown area was dead and a little ghetto creepy, but inside the restaurant my boyfriend kept talking about how "cozy" it felt.
Like I said, I hate to admit it, but I think I prefer other French Dips..... -
Review from Liz T.
Loma Linda, CA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
YUM, the french dip and the great mustard (housemade) was delish! Such a great sandwich and great prices - lemonade was yummy and quenches your thirst after a nice wait in line. they have banana cream pies and peach pies. I think it's a must go just for the historical side of the restaurant, it's a great little find that's been around for over a hundred years. Great to talk to older adults while in line stating that they have been there since they were born?! So cool. Lotsa community tables so you can get to know your neighbors :)
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Review from carolyn g.
San Diego, CA
1/25/2012
I definitely see the appeal of this place. I would def come back to try it again. I just had a random first experience. I got the beef french dip and it was pretty good but a bit dry. I was told they would ask me how many times I wanted my bun dipped, but my server/cashier was not on her game and never asked me. I wanted it double dipped but I only received a single dip. My sandwich was good once I added the hot mustard and my side of potato salad was tasty too. I also tried a cup of the tomato bisque and it was watery and flavorless.
I heard they have awesome pie but the varieties are not listed, so I asked my cashier what types of pie they had that day. She grunted and sighed, and said, Blueberry...10 seconds went by and she grunted again and said, Apple. She let out a deep breath and looked at me. I was like, Umm I saw people with creamy pies, what kinds of those do you have? She groaned again and said Coconut Cream. Waited 15 seconds to breath deelply again and said, Chocolate Cream. I couldn't take it anymore, so I ordered the chocolate, just so she would stop groaning. It was actually really funny...
Overall the food was pretty good. The prices add up though. I racked up a $15 order b/f I knew it! -
Review from Joy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
2/2/2012
Having heard lots of great things about this place, I was super excited! Sadly, I was not impressed.
They have their own parking lot, so parking wasn't too difficult. However, the lines were super long! I think I waited for about 40 minutes, slow service.
I ordered a double dipped Lamb sandwich with swiss cheese. The meat was dry and after half, I just couldn't eat anymore. i wish I had gotten claw slaw to go along with it. Might have made it better.
I also ordered their pineapple pie (b/c they ran out of banana cream) and it was mostly jelly.
Overall, wasn't worth the wait, but at least the price was reasonable. -
Review from Tiffany P.
Chino, CA
1/30/2012
I'll just add my two cents here...
The roast beef sandwich, as a whole, is delicious! The soft french roll, the au jus, the beef. Yes, the beef, when comsumed by itself, isn't very flavorful, but the combination of the above ingredients makes for a well prepared sandwich.
The hot mustard, to me, is like icing on the cake. I dollop so much on the sandwich that I'm practically tearing and trying to not breath in the fumes, but after a few seconds, am still able to crack a smile and say "ohhhh.... that's good stuff!". -
Review from Kristen C.
Newport Beach, CA
2/2/2012
The guy I was dating took me here and I think he just hyped it up so much that I ended up being disappointed with what I got. I got the beef dipped sandwich and just found it too soggy for my liking.
Meat was good and I did like the flavoring, I just prefer that my bread isn't that soggy. Maybe I'm just a hater because I'm not a huge fan of dipped sandwiches. -
Review from GluttonforPunishment O.
Sunland, CA
2/6/2012
Mmmmmmm...love this place, it has been around forever, started going when I was just a wee lad with my grandma. I love the French Dip sandwiches, horseradish mustard, coleslaw, lemon merique pies, etc. Great nostalgic feel to the place, lots of old photos, sawdust floors, and colorful characters. Go once, and you'll be a fan for life.
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Review from Mike L.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
I went during a trip, it was late afternoon, I skipped Lunch and was starving.
I started with a Beef (it was the best sandwich I'd ever had) and a Coke, I scarfed it down quickly and went back for a Pork. It was even better than the Beef.
Being a tourist as soon as I finished I bought a T-Shirt and a Coffee Mug.
I will visit whenever I am in the area. -
Review from Jesse J.
San Gabriel Valley
1/24/2012 1 photo
Anyone who knows anything about LA history and classic LA eating joints, knows about Phillippe's! The best spot to grub before a Dodger game indeed...on Opening Day this place is a tradition for me and my friends. They keep it Ol' School with wood shavings on the floor and Wooden Tables. The Turkey and Pork are my fave's but you can't go wrong with the Lamb or Beef, either way make sure you have a side of Cole Slaw because they some of the best around, maybe even better than KFC!! Simply put this is a must for anyone visiting LA, or just passing by...you won't regret it.
Honorable Mention: Pork, Double Dipped, with a side of Slaw and 2 Lemonades!! -
Review from Deidre R.
Fresno, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Since childhood the French Dip has always been one of my favorites sandwiches, so of course it has been my wish to try the place that it all started. On a whim my boyfriend and I ended up driving to LA for the day. Normally I like to plan and prepare in advance before I go anywhere so I was totally unprepared when we ended up in LA. When I asked myself what can we get in LA that is truly special a few things came to mind: Pinks Hot Dogs, Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, or something from "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" but none of those seemed appealing at the moment. Then a light bulb went off in my head, Philippe's. The place that gave us all the gift of the French Dip, a place where where culinary history happened. A place that any French Dip lover should visit at least once in their life.
The beef french dip is a very good, though it is not t best that I have ever had. I got mine with Swiss cheese which complemented the flavor of the meat. The meat itself was very tender and perfectly sliced. Even though I had my sandwich double dipped there were a few bites that were on the dry side. The bites that were saturated with Au jus were just perfect though. Potato salad was very yummy. The potatoes were chopped very small and had a nice ratio of eggs mixed into them. Prices were very reasonable, and you can't beat 75 cents for a glass of lemonade. Even the kids selling lemonade on the corner don't sell it that cheap, if you can find them anymore.
Philippe's is worth checking out and a must if you love french dips. A place where there is history and good food that won't leave you with an empty pocket. LA has a lot of great food so don't settle on something less than legend- wait for it -dary. -
Review from Shaynee S.
Whittier, CA
1/21/2012
How can you turn down an original french dip sandwich??? The answer is: you can't. Philippe's has always been a favorite amongst the old timers, but still remains with with the new emerging foodies of our time.
Always get the lamb french dip, 2 pickled eggs, a beer, and if I'm feeling frisky I'll get a pice of pie or cake:)
When you walk in, the lines may seem to much to handle, but they are pros at fast servicing and know had to feed their guests in a timely manner. Split up into two floors, you have the option of grabbing lunch with all the hustle and bustle of all the hungry customers or you can head on up stairs for a more intimate affair. Don't get me wrong, Philippe's didn't make their name because of the fabulous ambience and decor so don't get your hopes up. However, your stomach won't be disappointed after filling it with the one of the best French dips around and don't forget dousing on the spicy mustard!
One complaint though: they won't give you au jus on the side! Asked every single time and they just won't do it.... -
Review from L T.
North Hollywood, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
1st visit to this LA landmark after the 2012 Chinese new year parade. All I can say is I'm glad I visited as everything is homemade and delicious.
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Review from lil s.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Superb! I always heard of this place but waited till now to come here. Why did I wait so damn long?? This is definitely very old school LA, and the crowd--and what a large crowd it was--totally represented LA in its mass diversity. The lines were really long and every single one of them reached the back wall, BUT they moved quite fast. We got the pork and beef french dips, the lemonade, and a slice of boysenberry pie. The pork was absolutely delicious, the bread had just enough crunch, and the meat was nice and juicy. The beef was kind of dry, but maybe that was just a fluke on that day. The pie was also very good... buttery and probably absolutely bad for you.
There's plenty of space upstairs so make sure you head up and check out the various rooms for seating.
Definitely an LA favorite and will be back for more! -
Review from Michelle F.
Irvine, CA
2/2/2012
I'm sure my review amongst the 2000+ adds nothing here, but still worth a little chime. Philippe's is one of those neat little iconic places that you rarely find in southern california. Reminds me somewhat of Katz Deli in NYC, but not as clean or cool, however, it has it's own charm and appeal. All I had was the roast beef double dipped. It was indeed a pretty good sandwich. I don't remember the price, but it was pretty fair. I would say I hadn't had a proper french dip sandwich until I ate it here! I would like to go back to try some of the other meats, but it would have to be at an opportune time, when in downtown LA, non lunch hours. I went there at 4pm on a Saturday, not a terrible crowd and plenty of free parking.
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Review from Claire M.
Orange County, CA
1/15/2012
I love this place, one of the best restaurants in LA. The environment is very relaxed, i think I remember it having sawdust on the floor - one of those places, haha. But I went after the lunch craze.
The beef dip is amazing SERIOUSLY. The sides are good as well, the tapioca pudding was delicious, well if you're a tapioca freak like me. The servers were mostly all older woman with that kind of blunt attitude, very endearing :) -
Review from Stev T.
Santa Ana, CA
1/18/2012
My friends and I were strolling around china town feeling hungry so we decided to go to Philippe since it was only a 4 minute walk from our parking area. We went inside and the look of it caught my attention. It felt really old school walking in with the wood chips on the ground.
ANYWAYS. time to talk about he food. I tried all flavors and what I found the juiciest and tastiest was the pork sandwich. it was pretty damn good i have to admit. the lemonade was okay but good enough for its price.
It's a nice place to come kick it for lunch and chill with your friends if you're around the los angeles area -
Review from Andrew S.
2/5/2012
This place really meh, which was disappointing because it's supposed to be this LA landmark. The french dip was really standard and my bread got all soggy. =(. It wasn't that expensive but the line was really long. Probably will never ever come back.
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Review from Cheryl V.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've only been to Philippe's once, and only recently, which I think is a shame. I think there are remnants here of an old, famous Los Angeles eatery, but a lot of that seems to have gotten lost.
Their specialty is the french dip, which comes in various meats. The sandwich, for $6, is smaller than expected. The ambience is almost non-existent ... the building is getting older and less attractive. Service is friendly, but more interested in getting you served and onto the next customer. Parking is easy (adjacent private lot).
If you crave a french dip and are in the area, check them out. Otherwise, stay in your part of town. You can probably find an equally good French Dip at Denny's. -
Review from Dietrich S.
Orange, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I think this is one of those places in LA that just sort of rests on its laurels and its "old school" appeal. The decor is cool, there is something to be said for eating in a place that has been open since the dawn of human civilization. Or at least since people still had use for multiple phone booths in a restaurant.
But, the french dip and potato salad I got were just ok, nothing special. In my opinion, this place is cool to go check out once if you've never been, but there is nothing enticing enough for me to make a second visit. -
Review from Evan Y.
Los Angeles, CA
2/8/2012
Verdict: GO!
both double dip and wet are delicious! wet is super juicy! -
Review from Jess P.
2/4/2012
Phillippe's will change your life. Do yourself a favor and try them. There's a reason it's a LA institution. I always get the single dipped roast beef with HELLA horseradish. There are benches and sawdust on the floor, so come dressed accordingly. If I remember correctly, it behooves you to bring cash. I think there was an ATM but it looked shady, so just bring ca$h. You need to try these sandwiches. Damn, I wish I had one right now.
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Review from Tommy K.
1/18/2012
We made the plan to eat dinner here and then I would take the Flyaway to LAX.
The roast beef sandwich is great. Soft, tender roast beef in a soft bread with the flavorful dip sauce poured all over it.
GET THE CHILI. I loved it so much that it inspired me to make some last night. Theirs is perfect for chili dogs, cheddar cheese all gooey and white onions. I wish I knew what they put in it and it must cook for days.
Lemonade was delicious too.
Cheap, cheap and cheap. -
Review from Linda T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/29/2012
Hmm..... love the idea of this place.... and some of the food items are indeed delish... but overall... it's a "go only once in a blue moon" type of restaurant....
- like the mustard and the spiciness of it
- not a fan of the pies - too heavy
- the sandwiches are OK... but not great. Could do better with the seasoning and the bread just OK.
all in all..... if no for the history and its icon status.... this place would be "just OK" -
Review from Kasey S.
Laguna Niguel, CA
1/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Been going here for years!
They have a variety of foods to choose from, but don't stray far from the french dip sammies! All you need to know is "DOUBLE DIPPED" and order more than one iced tea or lemonade if that's your drink (the glasses are small and there are no refills).
Use the hot mustard on the table! I despise mustard but this is more like horseradish than anything (not much mustard flavor). It's hot, it will clear your sinuses, and it's a must. You can always buy a jar for $4.25 and take some home with you.
Couple things to take note of:
The lines can be long, but they have several and are worth the wait!
Cash only (they do have an ATM).
Beware peak lunch time hours and this place does get PACKED.
Many people aren't aware but there are some hidden tables to the left of the counters through a doorway under the stairs. -
Review from Guy N.
San Pedro, CA
1/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Another LA Institution. So many reviews so I will keep this short and sweet.
The lamb is thickly sliced and well seasoned. The beef is thinly sliced and stacked high. Get both double dipped and slather on the mustard if you can handle it.
Order some cole slaw and a bowl a chili and get dipping. They have about six beers on tap, mostly microbrews. Water is self serve on the dining room floor.
Don't sit on the benches unless you absolutely have to since you will be bumped a few times at least by the people standing in line. Look for a line that is moving quick before choosing a line to stand in. There are definitely faster moving attendants working the line.
3pm seems to be the time when the lunch crowd leaves and it empties out until around 5pm when the early dinner people show up. Plan accordingly if you don't like the crowd. For example, do not go after a Laker or Dodger game lets out.
Enjoy the atmosphere, the friendly workers, the great crowd, and of course, the epic food experience. -
Review from Erik R.
Los Angeles, CA
1/26/2012
Good = ummm free parking.
Con = tastes like plain old roast beef in a French roll.
No condiments?
Pay for a slice of cheese?
Sandwich size made for a child.
$6!!! Seriously! !!
Insanely slow service. Slice a french roll and put meat in it...15 minutes?
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