Cole's, the downtown landmark bar and restaurant, and claimed inventor of the French dip, is set to close on August 2nd. No official statement has yet been made on the reason, but members of Cole's staff, who wish to remain anonymous, have confirmed the plans with L.A. TACO.
Located on the ground floor of the Pacific Electric building since 1908, Cole's is deeply intertwined with L.A. history, serving as a hangout for infamous figures like writer Charles Bukowski and crime boss Mickey Cohen.
Philippe's often gets much of the glory when it comes to representing the French dip, the sandwich famously invented in L.A. But Cole's is more than just a footnote.
After all, they are different kinds of establishments that offer different kinds of experiences. Philippe's is a cafeteria-style restaurant located in a cavernous, but sparsely-adorned, dining hall. Its saw-dusted floors, old wooden phone booths, and wall-mounted sturgeon contribute to a rustic, informal feel, while its sandwiches, soups, and pickled eggs are simple, old-fashioned comforts.
Cole's, on the other hand, is more of a saloon; a little darker and decorated in the manner of a 19th-century pool hall. Unlike Philippe's, it offers cocktails and historically caters to a seedier clientele.