[dropcap size=big]O[/dropcap]ne of L.A.’s perennial debates concerns the French dip sandwich. Was it first cobbled together at Philippe the Original (more commonly called Philippe’s), or in another part of downtown at Cole’s? The answer is probably that people had been dipping their bread in basting juices for as long as sandwiches had existed, but it is fun to get all riled up about the issue. (But it was definitely Philippe’s, at least in terms of L.A. restaurants.) The restaurant hasn’t changed much: you still order at the counter, coffee is less than a dollar, and there are jars of pickled eggs on the counter, should you want one. In fact, the whole menu is a retro delight, with items like tapioca pudding and cream of spinach soup available. But you’ll get a sandwich, of course — and after you’ve tried the traditional beef, you’ll graduate to lamb with blue cheese, the connoisseur’s choice.
1001 N. Alameda St., Chinatown
(213) 628-3781
philippes.com
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