Philippe the Original

Philippe the Original has been famous for their French Dipped Sandwich for over 100 years. Why? Because they invented it. No joke, back in 1918 the owner, Philippe Mathieu clumsily dropped a roll in the pan drippings by accident and a customer decided to eat it anyway. Soon his friends were asking for them dipped. A new sandwich was born!

They've been in the current location since 1951 after being forced to relocate to make way for the 101 freeway and it looks the same as it did back then for the most part. According to our older friends - the food is the same too and the prices? Pretty darn close!

Obviously, if you go, get the French Dipped Sandwich. Served up on paper plates, these sandwiches are juicy and flavorful and cheap! You can choose between single dip, double dip and wet.

Other classic favorites are their pickles, coleslaw and of course the pickled pigs feet. Yes, apparently actual people still eat those...including us. Don't forget to try their homemade hot mustard on your sandwich too!

This is an old school establishment, a classic counter style place where you stand in line and order and pay at the counter then try to find a seat. It is nearly always busy but there is a very large seating area so you'll usually find a place very fast.

There is much to see inside, like the wall of telephone booths which are great for taking some touristy shots if you are into that sort of thing. Lots of signs and other vintage goodies clutter the place and give you something to look at as you stand in line and try to decipher the menu. Make it easy on yourself - just get the French Dip, silly!