Philippe The Original

Chinatown, Los Angeles · Deli · $

Philippe Mathieu invented the French dip by accident in 1918, dropping a roll into a roasting pan of meat juices, and the sandwich became Los Angeles history. The place has run continuously since 1908 on counter service, communal tables and a house made hot mustard that is an institution of its own. The lamb version, double dipped, is the order the regulars quietly defend; the century old sawdust floor was finally pulled up in March 2026 to satisfy insurers.