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

Why did LA Public Library cancel its ‘Read Palestine Week’ talk?

The controversy over the cancellation has grown since December, with several national legal groups accusing library administrators of censorship. LAPL has also received more than 7,000 protest letters.

April 12, 2026

Sunday Taquitos #23: Cold As ICE

Sunday Taquitos! Art by Ivan Ehlers.

April 12, 2026

The Borderless Legend Before The WWE Mask

Rey Mysterio Sr. gave wrestlers a name, a style, and a future in both Californias. A new PBS documentary tells his story.

April 11, 2026

Daily Memo: ICE Keeps Targeting People at Rancho Cucamonga Court

Meanwhile in Crescenta Valley, a car chase by ICE ended with the driver fleeing on foot after colliding with a pole near a 210 freeway on-ramp.

April 10, 2026

Weekend Eats: James Beard-Winning Lakota Chef Sean Sherman Is Coming to Town

Plus, a new burger with Lebanese roots in Culver City and the world's biggest dry-aging facility with its own hand roll bar in DTLA.

April 10, 2026

Scoop: City of L.A. Facing Over 120 Claims For Damages Related To Anti-ICE Protests Amid Financial Crisis

Since 2019, the city of L.A. has paid out more than $430 million in liability claims related to policing, according to Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia’s office. More than 40 percent of those payouts are listed as “civil rights/excessive force” claims.

See all posts