Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant, Bar |
| Founded | 1908 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Founder | Henry Cole |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Food, beverages (notably French dip sandwich) |
Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, also known simply as Cole's P.E. Buffet, is a dining establishment and bar situated at 118 East 6th Street within the Historic Core of downtown Los Angeles. It holds the distinction of being the longest-operating restaurant in the city that remains at its original site.
History
Established in 1908 by Henry Cole on the ground floor of the Pacific Electric Building—the central hub for the Pacific Electric Railway—Cole's featured tabletops crafted from varnished doors salvaged from decommissioned Red Cars.
Cole's asserts that it originated the French dip sandwich in its inaugural year, a claim contested by nearby Philippe's. According to Cole's account, Henry Cole invented the sandwich by dipping French bread into jus to accommodate a customer with dental issues, a method that quickly gained popularity among other guests.
Recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1989, Cole's closed its doors for renovation in March 2007. Although it was anticipated to reopen by January 2008 to mark its 100th anniversary, unforeseen delays postponed the reopening until December 2008. During this period, original tables were reportedly transferred to the developer’s corporate offices.
On July 7, 2025, Cole's declared it would cease operations permanently on August 3, 2025, without plans for future reopening. Following this announcement, a surge in customer visits led to multiple extensions of the closing date—from September to November 1, and finally to December 31, 2025.
In popular culture
Cole's is recognized for its resemblance to the bar featured in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, including a nod to the “French dip” sandwich on its menu.