Philippe's
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1 January 1908 in Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Founder | Philippe Mathieu |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | Los Angeles, California |
| Products | French dip sandwiches, soups, beef stew, chili con carne, baked apples, pickled pigs' feet, salads, beverages including coffee and wine |
Philippe's, also recognized as "Philippe the Original" (), stands as a landmark eatery in downtown Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1908, it ranks among the city's most enduring dining establishments and claims to be the originator of the French dip sandwich.
Since 1951, Philippe's has operated from its location at 1001 North Alameda Street, positioned near Chinatown and Union Station within the Historic District of Los Angeles.[1]
History
Philippe Mathieu, the restaurant’s founder, emigrated from France to the United States in 1901 and had settled in Los Angeles by 1903. He initially opened a delicatessen with his brother Arbin before launching the first Philippe's restaurant at 300 N. Alameda Street in 1908, specializing in roasted meats and traditional French dishes. This original site was situated in L.A.'s Frenchtown neighborhood, which was later demolished to make way for City Hall.[2]
In 1911, the Mathieu brothers established the upscale New Poodle Dog French Restaurant but soon transitioned to more affordable dining options with locations on North Alameda and Aliso Streets. It was at the Aliso Street location in 1918 that Philippe’s signature French dip sandwich first appeared.[2]
To secure stability amid increasing rent costs, Mathieu acquired property at 364 Aliso Street in 1925 but sold the business shortly afterward to an owner who struggled to maintain it. In 1927, Mathieu sold Philippe's to David and Harry Martin, achieving his retirement plans; he died in 1960. Since then, the Martins and their relatives, the Binders, have overseen operations, with John and Richard Binder taking over after William "Bill" Binder retired in 1985.[1]
Between 1927 and 1941, Philippe's operated around the clock. The restaurant moved to its current Alameda Street address in 1951 due to freeway development.[1][2]
Although competitors such as Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet claim earlier founding dates, Philippe's maintains that it is Los Angeles' longest continuously operating restaurant.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
The establishment has preserved a strong position in the market by offering distinctive menu items and holding significant historical value within the local culinary scene.
Philippe's was featured on Visiting... with Huell Howser Episode 413.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
French dip sandwich
The invention of the French dip sandwich is subject to several versions linked to Philippe’s founder, Mathieu. One narrative from 1951 credits a customer’s request to have a French roll dipped in roast meat gravy, which quickly became popular. Another story suggests it originated from an effort to salvage stale rolls by dipping them in jus. The most widely accepted tale recounts an accidental drop of a roll into pan drippings that was served to a police officer customer. Initially referred to simply as a dip sandwich, it later became known as the French dip sandwich as Philippe’s—sometimes called "Frenchy's"—gained popularity.
Menu
Philippe's operates as a classic delicatessen-style sit-down restaurant featuring communal seating arrangements, wood shavings scattered on the floor, dark wood interiors, and walls adorned with historic U.S. newspapers. Situated near Union Station in Los Angeles, it attracts a diverse clientele spanning various socioeconomic backgrounds. During busy periods, lengthy queues form while waitresses prepare meals cafeteria-style behind the counter; food is served on paper plates and patrons carry trays to shared tables—creating an atmosphere noted for its democratic spirit.
The menu primarily highlights French dip sandwiches but also offers traditional dishes such as soups, beef stew, chili con carne, baked apples, and pickled pigs' feet. Side dishes include potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw; jars of pickled eggs are prominently displayed on the counter. After Bill Binder’s retirement in 1985, healthier choices like turkey sandwiches and salads were added.
Beverage options include soft drinks, freshly brewed iced tea, lemonade, coffee, select wines, and beer. Thanks to the owner's enthusiasm for wine, California wines were incorporated into the selection. Notably, Philippe's maintained one of the lowest coffee prices historically—9 cents—until it was increased to 45 cents in 2012 after remaining unchanged for decades. To commemorate milestone anniversaries from the 85th through the centennial celebration, French dip sandwiches and coffee were temporarily offered at nostalgic prices as a tribute to its longstanding presence and influence in the market.
See also
External links
- 1908 establishments in California
- Chinatown, Los Angeles
- French restaurants in the United States
- French-American culture in California
- History of Los Angeles
- America's Classics winners
- Restaurants established in 1908
- Restaurants in Los Angeles
- Landmarks in Los Angeles
- Culture of Los Angeles
- American companies established in 1908
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment