Philippe's: Where L.A.'s famous French Dip sandwich was born

In downtown Los Angeles, Philippe the Original serves a sandwich that began with an accident in 1908. The restaurant, which claims to have invented the French dip sandwich, has become widely recognized in Los Angeles and beyond, appealing to food critics, local residents and visitors including the late chef and television host Anthony Bourdain.

Founded in 1908 by Frenchman Philippe Mathieu, the restaurant caught the attention of the late Anthony Bourdain, who featured it on his travel show "No Reservations" in 2007. Bourdain, known for his preference for authentic, unpretentious food establishments, ordered a lamb French dip with beer during his visit.

Philippe's is best known for its signature French dip sandwich – roast beef on a French roll dipped in meat drippings. According to restaurant lore, Mathieu accidentally created the sandwich when he dropped a roll into a pan of roast beef juices while preparing food for a police officer. The officer took the wet sandwich anyway and returned with friends the next day requesting the same.

"The interior of Philippe, with sawdust on the floor to perhaps capture spilled gravy, evokes nostalgia for a different time," the Islands.com article noted about the restaurant's vintage ambiance.

The spacious establishment offers a variety of protein options for its French dips, which come single-dipped, double-dipped or wet. Customers order from "carvers" who prepare the sandwiches on the spot.

Cole's, another downtown LA institution also founded in 1908, disputes Philippe's claim as the French dip inventor, creating what Islands.com calls "a heated rivalry" between the two historic restaurants.

Los Angeles has established itself as a premier food destination, featuring everything from fine dining restaurants to popular taco trucks. The city has attracted top chefs from around the world, establishing itself as a global culinary powerhouse.

Bourdain's appreciation extended to other unpretentious Los Angeles eateries. He once named In-N-Out Burger his favorite restaurant in the city, praising their burgers that many consider "the best fast food cheeseburger money can buy," according to Islands.com.

Philippe the Original has become an essential culinary experience for locals and tourists alike, serving as a bridge between Los Angeles's food history and its contemporary dining scene. Its longevity and continued popularity demonstrate its significant contribution to the city's culinary heritage.