Philippe the Original

Philippe the Original has served sandwiches since 1908 and is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Los Angeles, California. It stands on North Alameda Street beside Union Station, on the edge of Chinatown, and claims to have invented the French dip sandwich, a dispute it shares with a rival downtown establishment. Whatever the history, the format here is the standard others are measured against: roast beef, pork, leg of lamb, ham or turkey is carved to order and served on a crusty roll that is dipped in the house jus, with the option of double-dipping for a soaked bread. The house hot mustard is a distinctive companion and is notably sharp, so a little goes a long way. Side dishes include potato salad, coleslaw, pickled eggs and beets, and the pie and baked apple are popular finishes. Coffee has long been sold at a famously low price. The dining room is a large, high-ceilinged hall with sawdust on the floor, long communal tables, and wall-mounted photographs and memorabilia, and the character is bustling, democratic and loud. Service is counter style: diners queue at one of the carving stations, order from the person who slices the meat, and carry a tray to a table. There is a modest beer and wine selection, with no cocktail programme. Reservations are not taken, and the restaurant is oriented around large crowds, including commuters, office workers, sports fans heading to Dodger Stadium, and tour groups. Lines often move quickly even when long. Prices are among the lowest of any landmark restaurant in the city, with a typical meal costing about 10 to 18 US dollars. Its location beside Union Station, the Metro rail hub, makes it an easy stop for arriving and departing travellers, and the surrounding Olvera Street and Chinatown districts are within walking distance.