Skip to Content

Sad news today as one of LA's most revered restaurant owners has died. William "Bill" Binder, recognizable to older patrons of his most excellent Chinatown spot Phillipe's has died at the age of 94. His sons continue to manage the business. An excerpt from the LA Times article:

Binder, who retired in 1985, died Jan. 28 of natural causes at a care facility in Pasadena, said his son John, who runs Philippe's with his brother, Richard.

"He had a real mild temperament; he always tried to treat everybody with respect," John Binder said. "He had a very, very deep religious belief. He felt we were just so blessed to have the business."

Philippe’s -- or as it's officially known, Philippe the Original -- has been a fixture on Alameda Street near Olvera Street and Union Station since 1951 and has been in Los Angeles for more than 100 years.

Thank you to Kevin from WheresMyHippo.com for the tip.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Weekend Eats: Think You Could Handle L.A.’s New Five-Pound Burger?

If not, there are always the purse-shaped flatbreads from the streets of Lebanon, Indonesian ribs and espresso in Hollywood, and Armenian smashburgers in our weekly roundup of killer food finds.

May 29, 2026

Daily Memo: ICE Is Detaining People Who Show The “Know Your Rights” Red Cards

It appears that ICE sees "Know Your Rights" cards and makes the immediate assumption that people trying to use the cards are undocumented. They have essentially become little red targets.

The 19 Best Moles in L.A., from SFV to South L.A., Ranked

This is L.A. TACO's guide to the best motherf*cking moles paying homage to centuries-old recipes and sticking the landing in L.A. County.

Investigations Newsletter: The Restaurants Feeding L.A’s ‘Most Wanted’ Journalist

A tasty meal and cold beer hits differently when you’ve just narrowly avoided arrest, even if you’re covered from head to toe in a chemical substance banned in warfare.

May 28, 2026

L.A. TACO’s 2026 Voter Guide

Here's a guide to all the heavy hitters running on L.A. County's 2026 ballot, and what they're all about.

A Completely Interactive Guide To L.A. Voter Guides

We've compiled the endorsements of 14 different progressive organizations, including advocacy groups, local media outlets, progressive politicians, and unions, in one interactive page, to help you decide who to vote for.

May 27, 2026
See all posts