Philippe's - Los Angeles, CA

Philippe's (1001 N. Alameda St.) has been a Los Angeles dining tradition for over 100 years. It has been at its current location - one block north of Union Station - since 1951.

Philippe's "French Dipped Sandwich" is the specialty of the house and consists of either roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey or ham served on a lightly textured, freshly baked French roll which has been dipped in the natural gravy of the roasts. Swiss, American, Monterey Jack or Blue cheese may be added. To accompany your sandwich they offer a tart, tangy cole slaw, homemade potato and macaroni salads, hard boilded eggs pickled in beet juice and spices, large Kosher style, sour dill or sweet pickles, black olives, and hot yellow chili peppers. Philippe's also prepares and serves close to 300 pounds of pigs feet every week. About 40 gallons of their own hot mustard is prepared twice weekly. They advise it to be used sparingly as it is a truly very hot French mustard.

The place was very busy over the weekday lunch hour when we visited. Several lines extend from the counter between long tables with stools. Sawdust covers the floor. Other tables and chairs are on the side or second level of the building.