Phillipe The Original - Los Angeles

Just two blocks from Union Station, Philippe The Original is the home of the French Dip sandwich, which was created here in 1908. This cavernous sawdust floored joint is agreeably retro in feel, right down to the wooden clock advertising "Veterinary and Livestock Services."

Get your sandwich (Beef, Pork, Lamb or Turkey) double dipped - the roll is quickly dipped in au jus gravy, the meat so meltingly tender a baby could eat it. (My preferred sandwich is a double dipped pork with jack cheese.) All the side salads are great in that unassuming diner style, low key but surprisingly complex.

The Philippes' mustard is GREAT. It's oddly identical to my Grandmother's, a much beloved family condiment of great renown.

The pies are delicious too. My favorite being the coconut cream, with banana cream pie a close second. The coffee here is 9 cents (.55 cents for that newfangled decaf.)

If you ever want to feel like you're eating in an Edward Hopper painting - this is the place.

Address: 1001 North Alameda Street Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.