Who Makes LA's BEST French Dip? Philippe The Original vs Cole's

[@patshozo9158]

I have been a die hard fan of Phillipe's since 1982. Always loved their roast beef and ham double dipped sandwiches w/ pickles, cole slaw and potato salad. Hot mustard is a must and always ordered a 8oz bottle to go. Funny thing, never knew about Coles. Will have to try it out! Thanks for this excellent video!

[@TheOfficialThompson]

I appreciate your thoroughness, honesty, and relatability. Keep it up man.

[@LarryGonzalez00]

I've been a Philippe's fan since I was a little kid (I'm 58 now). My Mom used to work at the Registrar Recorders which was down the block. True, the sandwiches are smaller and the prices are bigger but I still love them. They have a great breakfast, too. I've never tried Cole's. Looked good though.

[@Arthur-nr5ci]

You know the air's bad when youre in LA and being like, "Ahh, fresh air!"

[@jeffgordon2199]

How is your cholesterol?

[@k_e3735]

I was going to type pretty much the exact same thing.

[@ypw510]

I haven't been to Cole's, but Philippe’s is a specific experience beyond just their sandwiches. There's the fresh sawdust on the floor every day. They also serve breakfast. For a long time Philippe’s were known for having really inexpensive cups of coffee, although no refills and not that price to go. It was only 5 cents from about the 1920s to 1977, when the price went up to 9 cents. Then it spiked to 45 cents in 2012. I went there once just because I wanted a side of potato salad and a cup of coffee. Supposedly they have a line at the end for anyone not ordering anything from the kitchen (like a sandwich). As far as how to pronounce the name, this is what's on their website (two syllables). "The French pronunciation is “Fileep’s”." I don't recall anyone pronouncing it "fill-eep-ays".

[@bradleyheck7204]

Did Philippe's used to do venison, too? I seem to remember reading that somewhere.

[@americanmeteoritefan9670]

Phil-leep-aaaaas 😃. You MUST have the horseradish sauce. A pickle spear is also a must. California born and bread hahaha...never heard of Coles...until your video. Was traveling on the train once and had just enough time to grab a beer and a sandwich at Phillips, even in a hurry theyre the best. Thanks for posting this.

[@josepherhardt164]

Public Service Announcement: Most claw machines have a setting that in effect turns them into slot machines, i.e., skill becomes irrelevant and whether the claws become strong enough to lift a prize is a random event.

[@b7h3b]

Roast beef is overcooked. The meat is grey. They probably keep the sliced beef in the au jus before serving causing it to overcook. They should be slicing it fresh off a cooked roast beef and putting it directly on the roll. Am sure it tastes ok but its just not the best way to serve this sandwich.

[@davidha8874]

Been living in LA my whole life and I agree Cole's is better but much more expensive. Felippe's is an impulse take out sandwich. Cole's is a planned night out dinner.

[@SV-lk3ki]

You rock man. Keep up the great content. I’m going to LA next week and I will be going to Coles.

[@suzieq4750]

Just from the looks of it, I think I'd prefer Cole's. The cheese was thicker, the beef wasn't as dead and thinner sliced, the bread looked better and the mustard looked like it had more horseradish.

[@alant.541]

I've always pronounced it, Fee-leep's. Never been to Cole's. Thanks for the delicious, sinus-clearing recommendation. 👍

[@mcstraviganza]

Just an fyi that they pronounce their name: Phil-ee-peez.

[@Fattony6666]

they reall don't@@mcstraviganza

[@scottgollahon3681]

Sir I'm new to your channel and I'm really enjoying your videos. This is because you actually are doing reviews opposed to just eating and saying how GREAT something is. I hope you keep up your hard work I believe you will reach your goal I know I'll be watching!!! The main reason I'm posting something is to point out if you feel it is necessary to still be wearing a mask the one you are wearing is honestly useless you mind as well put a napkin over your face it's essentially the same thing. You need to wear an N95 mask or a KN95 mask if youre genuinely worried about protection wearing one is like night and day compared to the one you had on in this video anyways good luck and God bless......keep up the good work!!!!!

[@caditech16]

Love your reviews!!

[@tony_25or6to4]

Philippe's lamb or pork are really good too. The hot mustard is great, but use sparingly. It's hot.

[@Lawomenshoops]

Cole’s has always been at that location you went to. They did close down for two or three years in the mid 2000s, then re-opened. Philippe’s did open in 1908, but even their website stated that “they invented the French dip in 1918“ The location you went to, opened in the 50s. Their original location is now the 101 freeway.

[@johnkovalicky3389]

So it's pronounced Fee-Leeps ! First mistake was not getting it dipped or dunked I like mine wet. They will do whatever you want a light dip or a full dip. You ordered it dry no dip that's why they gave you the sauce on the side. As far as the peppers it's a Southwestern thing you were in SoCal they like those things here LOL spicy hot it's a Mexican influence. You were one block away from Chinatown right up the street from Felipe's you should have walked around there maybe next time and you still have to go to Brent's Deli in Northridge 4 pastrami❤❤❤

[@Lawomenshoops]

You must be blind, or clueless! In the video it clearly shows that his sandwich was dipped at around 3:35.

[@mcstraviganza]

FYI that UA is mispronouncing the name in this video. The restaurant says it as: Phil-ee-peez.

[@bradleyheck7204]

@@mcstraviganza Only if you are a Spanish speaker.

[@pamfeinstein8742]

It was always Philippe's, as pronounced in French. People started mispronouncing it when a reporter did a story and asked a Spanish speaker who works there. It's spelled in the French spelling and there is no accent ague over the letter "e" at the end. The correct pronunciation is French as in French dip.

[@jaad9848]

phillipes also has swiss cheese. should have had it on the sandwich. also they have lamb

[@2Wheels_NYC]

Excellent comparison! I may have to use some jet blue points to hit LA for the weekend! I love all things mustard, and it looks like what you would get from Chinese takeout here (the fresh, not the packets)! They both look great, but per you, I'll be hitting up Cole's for sure! The air was bad again yesterday here (30 June) but hopefully is better this weekend #blamecanada

[@Fred-xo3ku]

Amazing videos! 👏

[@KLee-Canada]

I've eaten at Philippe's and didn't think it was great. Solid 7. I will make sure to eat at Cole's next time. Great review! Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@dylanvazquez9374]

Hands down Coles has the superior sandwich. Spicy pickle backs at Cole’s is always the move. And you really hit the nail on the head when you said Philippe’s is the touristy spot. Getting food there before a Dodger game is nuts

[@uaeats]

Yes their spicy pickles are to die for!

[@annabeltheduchessofdessert7700]

I’m not a crazy fan of the atomic pickles at Cole’s. They are to die for if you mean their heat will kill ya! 🥵 just personal taste, though. Kind of bummed they aren’t open for lunch anymore. Another casualty of COVID I guess. Fun fact: The Cole’s building used to be the horse barn for the Pacific Electric Cars before they became motorized.

[@dylanvazquez9374]

@@annabeltheduchessofdessert7700 they serve a shot of just the brine with a shot of whiskey and it’s fantastic. But I will admit I’m a big pickle fan

[@benjaminstarks4071]

"Taste is always gonna be king on this channel". I couldn't agree more UA. Thanks.

[@genebigs1749]

Great video, UA! I love watching your videos, only problem is now I'm starving!

[@Galactic123]

Phillipe's mustard is legendary.

[@crash.override]

It should be classified as a chemical weapon 😂

[@emichin7010]

It gave him Chinese eyes !

[@irene1655]

Those masks are just fine to wear. That's what nurses and dentists and lab workers wear. Sure KN 94 and N95 are good also. I still wear a mask in public when ever I leave the house and I am the only one I know who has not had Covid. Even vaccinated persons have gotten it, including my brother who lives near me Have been to Phillipes, but not Coles.

[@skatexgurl]

Never had one of those, but may have to give it a shot one day! Thank you for the reviews! Also, I applaud you for stilling wearing a mask in crowded places. I still do the same and feel no shame, no matter if I hear someone talking crap about it as I walk by. People just need to mind their own business!

[@Alex-ye1br]

Next trip - House of Prime Rib in San Francisco. It just has to happen.

[@diggingmystyle]

Even this guy won't go to that democ-rat hellhole.

[@VercumPraeses]

I lived in California for ten years, the Bay Area to be exact, but every time I went to LA, this was always my first stop. Love Felipe's. I was in L.A. over the summer. I was flying back to St. Louis from the Philippines and had an eight hour layover in L.A. My wife's cousin picked me up from the airport, he asked me, where to, I said Felipe's without hesitation.

[@SolWaid1965]

It's Phillipe's pronounced: "FILEEP'S" (They have a FAQ page on their website that shows the correct pronunciation) : )

[@melaneymattson3733]

You should always order the beef French dip at Phlippes "double dipped". I'm sure Philippes is busier cuz it's across the street from Union Station. I'm a native of SoCal for 74 yrs and never heard of Coles except for the old Cole's Cafeteria, Melaney from SoCal

[@Pushing_peso_los_angeles_ca]

Same here

[@ErnestGoesToMadeas]

Philippes became popular because of its close proximity to Union Station, and because it became the spot for Dodger fans to go before and after games.

[@lesliesawyer4640]

Another great video. When I first saw the Cole's sandwich, I had to agree, it immediately looked so much better than the Phillippe's, and where did you learn about smellovision? I thought that was a joke from my generation. And I agree, a key factor for judging the sandwich is that dipping in the jus actually improves it. Oh, my mouth is watering. Also I think although Cole's was dark and noisy like a pub, I think I would have preferred to eat there than at Philippe's.

[@aap2827]

I love your videos, dont stop the grind!!!

[@bigvito69]

Grind on this pal

[@mikeramirez4405]

No one calls it Felipe's, that guy had no idea. UA, you need to get that sandwich double dipped at philppes. They led you astray. Coles looks great, though gotta try it.

[@findingpeacedailyfpd6064]

Nothing like a good Sammy, you do you don't late haters hate on your health habits. Your smart there's a different strain of the flu on the west coast. Your smart in my book but only matters how u feel 💜

[@garay7826]

Great content bro

[@mdedal]

I used to live between the 2, and preferred Philppe's. But did you know Cole's has a real speak-easy in the back. (At least they used to. Don't know if it's still there.) Hidden behind a door in the back is a full bar that serves the best drinks. It's dark, and smokey and gives off a great vibe. If it's still there, it's worth visiting at least once.

[@annabeltheduchessofdessert7700]

That’s a tough call. They are both delicious but in different ways. Worked in DTLA prior to COVID telecommuting, right between Cole’s and Philippe so ate at both frequently. I will be looking forward to the video and your take on them.

[@uaeats]

Let me know if you agree with my take in the end!

[@annabeltheduchessofdessert7700]

Yes, I do. I love the tradition of Philippe’s but I actually prefer the Cole’s sandwich. Better meat, better roll. The beef dip is sublime and the turkey dip is really good too at Cole’s. Oh, and we Angeleno’s do dip our sandwiches in delicious au jus! I don’t know why no one at Philippe’s was dipping when you were there. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Lawomenshoops]

Philippe’s has made some changes. First is just one line. Before you got in line in front of each of the ladies making them sandwiches. Obviously, if one lady went slower, it would take more time. They also now give you a side of au jus. Before they only did that for takeout. If you eat the sandwich there, they were dip it for you. They use bottom round. Cole’s uses ribeye, a much better cut of beef.

[@VIM731]

You were saying it correctly the whole time. I go most times I go to a Dodgers game and I sorta recently started getting mine double dipped with bleu cheese. Careful with the mustard buddy. Actually the mustard is a really hard hit but only for like 5 seconds then it starts to fade pretty quickly.

[@rmarkley79]

Looks awesome, I never tried those places when I lived in SoCal, but I used to go to Norm's Restaurant in OC and loved their french dip sandwich, the au jus was fantastic.

[@revqueenbee5809]

The food looks great!!

[@hbomb_101]

Haha bro- you gotta eat a tiny bite of the peppers after you take a bite out of the sandwich so it compliments eachother :) Take a bite of the French dip and then take a small nibble out of the pepper- great flavor ! It’s kind of like the Giadinera of west coast I love those yellow peppers- but ya they pack a punch

[@MrWhiterunGuard]

I never had Cole’s but Philippe is my go to hell sometimes I just go there to buy mustard.

[@uaeats]

Their mustard is awesome! I took some home

[@MrWhiterunGuard]

@@uaeats After watching this video I'm gonna go try Cole's now.

[@dkgong]

I've been the Philippe's but never to Cole's. Now I have a new place on my restaurant bucket list.

[@xc7525]

Another great review UA!

[@pamfeinstein8742]

I'm from Chicago when the only places that served Italian beef sandwiches were just little mom & pop stands. There weren't any corporate chains. When I moved to California years ago, I discovered French dips. I love them both! It's Philippe's not Felipé's!!!

[@lamesbond0077]

my sinuses are clearer just watching this!

[@anthonylewis8253]

Never use any mustard or ketchup bottles sitting on a table at a restaurant. Anybody can do anything to that mustard.

[@tested123]

UA always gets me hungry before dinner.

[@uaeats]

You can always eat while watching!

[@dkthunder10000]

@@uaeatsthat’s what I do!

[@atomicbrainz]

Been going to Philippe's since the 70s. It is simple, elegant perfection. Cole's sandwiches were dry and lacking in every way in 2019. This video seems to suggest they’ve started emulating Philippe's, not remembering them ever having mustard before and had become more of a hipster bar than an LA institution. Cole's is the tourist attraction for sure. Philippe's also has parking and isn't on the periphery of skid row.

[@accobra4272]

Coles it'd way better...hands down

[@jyee2217]

LOL...when i saw how much mustard u put on, i thought, uh oh!

[@islandrepublic9166]

PHILLIPES in all my visits I never thought of it as the best. It was good. Need to try Coles. But LANGERS deli is rated A and their Trinity of PASTRAMI CORN BEEF n TUNA sandwiches are A PLUS PLUS (dont wven like tuna:’😂) When I did my cross country Trip. Even though San Diego has the best Pizza I have had… New York hands down has the best collective best PIZZAS. Any spot down South has the best Fried Chicken and for BBQ TEXAS for Beef and CAROLINAS for pork. Also if your in LA you cannot find any other better MEXICAN food besides going to Mexico. Chinese food Im very bias in this NEW YORK is very good with their fast casual but collectively the San Gabriel Valley has some of the best aunthentic Chinese food besides Asian countries.

[@alexchainey.]

Had to be extremely good to charge $12,60 for a roast beef sub.

[@johnkovalicky3389]

I hear what you're saying but it's not 1990 anymore it's the year 2023 that's pretty reasonable and it is good have you been there before. What the heck if you go to your local Deli or Sub Shop for an Italian sub sandwich a good one it's at least $15 or more for a large.!! All the best I don't mean no harm or fowl❤

[@xc7525]

13 bux for a beef sandwich is about the going rate for a local house made beef. It varies across the US I suppose tho.

[@SandmanFightingSys]

Real roast beef of high quality isn’t cheap. Real roast beef isn’t Arby’s bro.

[@caseywilson812]

Good job on this vlog

[@Aussieman997]

No way, that Philipe’s French Dip was selling for $10,95 in March. Coles Sub is leaps and bounds better and restaurant quality food. Philipe’s is way over rated one tier above Arbys! It is not even close to a Hot Italian Beef Sub with dark gravy and Gardenaire. Some guy compared this to Wegmans Large sub- what a joke. Wegmans large can feed two. Folks , come to Nyc and go to a Bodega!

[@spat7982]

Its nice that the germs from everyone know not to bother when your mouth is wide open shoving food down

[@MrHir2012]

Great recommendations

[@Abunai50]

Can you not catch Covid when you are eating? Asking for a friend.

[@annabeltheduchessofdessert7700]

The way you pronounced Philippe is correct!

[@samuraidoggy]

I havent eaten neither New York Pastrami sandwich (at Katz!) or this, but I gotta say that pastrami looks way more appetizing to me. Sure I would give this a try too, but Katz is way higher on list of things I would want to try in USA.

[@ernestedwards4073]

1.6 k+ 👍! Hi UA! MMMMMM MMMMM OOH WEE! Sure do enjoy your detailed descriptions. Sure am digging your vibes as you review

[@yPickMe]

Good stuff but please turn the background music down.

[@zloungeact]

I love your channel. Are u trying to become a full time youtuber?

[@tigerpinky]

I got very excited to see the peppers, then found out they were 'extras. I love those. I am going to say I would be in the dipper column, I would much rather have the task of dipping the sandwich myself, and have more control over the wetness of my bread. I have never put mustard on a french dip before, but that mustard sound lovely.

[@angelabowman1072]

Philippe's is the original French dip I've been going there since I was a kid 🔥

[@richardspinner7708]

I have dined many times at Phillipe's but never at Cole's. Guess what I'm going to try next? As an aside, I recently tried the original Pioneer Chicken on Soto. I didn't think it would be a good bite but I was wrong! Perfectly cooked fried chicken. What more can I say?

[@thepatester]

Please don’t touch the cheese like that again, and of course “the cheese was better” on the Cole’s. Philippe’s didn’t have cheese in theirs! 🤣

[@Aussieman997]

Would not making ones own roast beef or buying the deli roast beef and constructing the sandwich be just as good? Your Costco sells very good rolls. It sure would be cheaper. Why is this KZbinr even promoting them? They clearly have great business; should promote a local Mom n Pop deli.

[@spidersinspace1099]

A Philippes fan beginning in the 60's. Always ate there before going to the Dodger games a couple miles away. Never heard of Coles until a few years ago but the reviews I read didn't excite me, so I've never tried it.

[@bradleyheck7204]

I understand you wanting to be alone and off camera with the rest of the Cole's sandwich, and I respect your choice.🤣

[@holycowtube]

I used to live next to Coles and went there like 4 times a week. Great drinks also! Can’t go wrong with a French dip and beer!

[@Statizy]

I liked that little vlog bit. Maybe you should dab a little into doing a little vlog travel in the middle of your vids!

[@pulykamell]

Regarding the pronunciation: on KZbin there is a video from the official restaurant channel recalling Phillips’s history. The narrator says “fill-EEPS.” One of the members of the family who owns it says “fill-EEP-ayz.” Another says “fill-EEP-eez.” So who the hell knows. I guess all three are acceptable.

[@Spartacus547]

If you go to Cole's make sure you sit down, and when you get the sandwich make sure you order the steak fries with it and at least two pints of beer

[@paulc4040]

you should try Houstons/Hillstone French Dip. shaved prime rib medium rare. served with au jus on the side. the best!

[@personofinterest2024]

Came here to say this

[@chandlerthompson3491]

Similar to the Cuban Sandwich which you'd think was invented in Cuba but was actually made in Tampa, FL.

[@Lawomenshoops]

At Philippe’s they never used to give you a side of au jus!

[@jonsher7682]

Philippe's meat looked over-cooked, which is why it is dried out. Cole's had a bit of pink in the meat, a better Jus, and a much better crusty bread.

[@JohnVC]

That Cole's bread looked like some of the best regional U.S. sandwich bread I've ever seen.

[@citizendissidentiv2488]

You forgot their hot mustard!

[@tommystix87]

I've lived in So Cal my whole life and been going to LA pretty frequently since I was kid but never been to Philippe's or Cole's ever. I really want to try both but I'm a kind of worried that I'm gonna be disappointed.

[@kintsugibjjproject3623]

Coles is my favorite as well. But you forgot one of the best compliments to the French dip at Cole’s and that’s the german pickles on the side. There’s also a hidden speakeasy bar inside. You used to have to know the secret password to get in.

[@Teightrsalad]

I'd go to Phillipe's just for the mustard.

[@eds1116]

I love Cole's. You should try their pickled eggs and spicy garlic fries 😋

[@piddles11]

For me Philippe’s was a one and done. Never been to Cole’s. After paying a good price I was not happy with the taste or value. I prefer to cook a rump roast down for 3 to 4 hours and make my own deliciousness! I will try Cole’s when I visit LA. Thanks for your honest reviews! Enjoy your videos

[@TheSanityMachine33]

when UA's head starts shaking and he says "MMMmm" you know it's good.

[@ryanbrown938]

So..... this episode is the French Dip War between these two establishments... Kinda like the Cheese Steak War between Geno's and Pat's???

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

Yes

[@jimmymcnutty4844]

The paper wrapping had the name of the Speak Easy bar in the back of Cole's called Varnish. You know if you know.

[@beefbowlparty77]

cole sandwich looks way better. I have eaten the Phillips. It’s nothing to write hole about

[@alainlalonde]

Shout out from Canada! You're welcome! Lol. Not sure if this is helpful but the name Philippe is a boy's name of French origin meaning "lover of horses". Also, just saw. It's definitely not pronounced Philippè (Philipp'eh) Nope. That's false local information

[@trigganometry168]

Adamson’s in Sunnyvale California has the best French dip. They use prime rib and also bake their own bread.

[@ThisisDustin]

Love that place always get them double dipped.

[@GarC170]

Telling someone from LA whether they can put cheese on their French Dip is like telling someone from Philly they can’t use provolone on their cheesesteak. Good luck.

[@kevinnorris6558]

Man, the food at the first joint just looked kinda meh but Cole's appeared to be appetizing. I myself am not a huge fan of wasabi or horseradish sauce but now I have to try that mustard if I ever go to the West Coast. I appreciate your honest reviews and you not hyping up every restaurant you visit like some reviewers.

[@mavwrik4605]

Cole's did not invent the "french" dip. Phillipe's is hands down better. So, a long time ago in early LA a Police Detective was in Phillipe's to order his usual roast beef sandwich & the server dropped the bread in the "au jus" When she went to replace it he said it was fine, just use that one dipped in the au jus. And, just like that the sandwich was invented at Phillipes. Why is it called a "french" dip? The Detective's last name was French, Detective French. He even had her dip the other half too, hence the double dip.

[@Lawomenshoops]

Wrong! That’s the stupid fairytales that Philllipes has been spreading.

[@CohibaJoe]

Just by the presentation, bread, all meat (not thin or fatty at Philippe)...WINNER Cole's.

[@jeannine1991]

There are tables upstairs. Phillippe’s is the BEST! If it’s called a French Dip, wouldn’t you think it would have been originated by the guy from France (Phillippe)? Sorry, Cole’s. Get it double dipped. You compared $19 vs $11.50 sandwiches, & a sit down restaurant vs deli style. Major fail.

[@Lawomenshoops]

Clueless! The most common fairytale about Philippe’s is that the cop who ordered the sandwich was named French!

[@jamalhayat1919]

UA , I don't ever want to hear you call yourself dumb. Keep up the good work.

[@christianhansen3292]

or blind!

[@williamjackson9788]

You have best food reviews out of these KZbinrs hands down, love the content!

[@Mickcotton]

He’s a 😵‍💫🤡 and knows absolutely nothing about Food 🤢👎

[@TheSanityMachine33]

"kick you in the face mustard" hehhee.

[@humdumdiggdy]

I never heard of a French dipped sandwich but I could see the second one was way better

[@Rhaspun]

Even the bread looked enticing.

[@sangeronimoband9018]

When I go. You have to buy the lamb also. And pork

[@petergoldberg6293]

You’re talking too much the sandwich is getting cold UA You should only review stuff when you’re in the restaurant and you can eat it right away when it’s served

[@mrxman581]

That's peak time. Those yellow chilies are not hot according to LA standards. Even In n Out has them.