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

While LA has a rich culinary scene, one of its most iconic foods is the French dip sandwich. Not from France or Montreal, the French dipped sandwich was actually invented in LA by either Philippe The Original or Cole's French Dip. Both Philippe The Original and Cole's French Dip claim to have invented the French dip sandwich and both also claim to be the best French dip sandwich in LA. Also called a beef dip, both Philippe The Original and Cole's French Dip make not only beef dip sandwiches, but also lamb dip, pork dip, ham dip, turkey dip, and pastrami, all dipped in au jus of course, or meat juices and meat drippings.
While both the Philippe's french dip sandwich recipe and the Cole's french dip sandwich recipe are excellent, there can only be one best restaurant in LA, so we're setting out to find out which one is better. We also will try the famous Philippe The Original mustard, as well as the Cole's french dip mustard as well!
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Restaurant Deets:
Philippe The Original
1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Cole's French Dip
118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@caditech16]

Love your reviews!!

[@TheOfficialThompson]

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

[@joelb.2685]

I’ve been going to Phillipe’s before Dodger games since 1977. The sandwiches are just as good as they were 40 years ago, just 3 times the price and about half the size. I hope you got a pickled egg to go along with your Beef Dip and Lamp Dip with the stinky blue cheese. Heaven!

[@uaeats]

Wow 3X the price today? What a deal back then!

[@johnkovalicky3389]

I've had the lamb dip many years ago now it was delicious they also have pork right besides the beef❤

[@johnkovalicky3389]

​@@uaeatseverything was a deal back then in the day UA❤❤

[@dabearcub]

Not a fan of Philippe's. It's okay, but nothing special. I'll try Cole's next time.

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

With help from cgpt , if the sandwich today is 12.50, it would be 3.83 back in 1980, 3.26x , so it’s the same purchasing power, but if sandwich was bigger back then, that’s another discussion

[@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.

[@genebigs1749]

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

[@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.

[@SV-lk3ki]

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

[@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

[@Galactic123]

Phillipe's mustard is legendary.

[@crash.override]

It should be classified as a chemical weapon 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@Fred-xo3ku]

Amazing videos! 👏

[@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!!!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@MrHir2012]

Great recommendations

[@garay7826]

Great content bro

[@benjaminstarks4071]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@itscoleonyoutube]

I lived walking distance to Phillipes and so Cole's was like 1 mile away. I went to both pretty often but I prefferred Cole's. They also have a speak easy in the back for private events if you can get in. Once we were kicked out a bit early because Leonardo Dicaprio and his friends rented out the speakeasy.

[@lamesbond0077]

my sinuses are clearer just watching this!

[@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.

[@dkgong]

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

[@revqueenbee5809]

The food looks great!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@jyee2217]

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

[@johnjuarez8005]

Pro Tip UA: order the dipped sandwich with Swiss cheese, and a smidge of their mustard. A perfect sandwich at Phillipe's

[@jaad9848]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@tony_25or6to4]

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

[@zloungeact]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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?

[@tested123]

UA always gets me hungry before dinner.

[@uaeats]

You can always eat while watching!

[@dankwon100]

@@uaeatsthat’s what I do!

[@DDScomps]

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

[@annabeltheduchessofdessert7700]

The way you pronounced Philippe is correct!

[@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 💜

[@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.

[@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!

[@MattDV]

Thanks UA good stuff im learning . #mattdv

[@Lawomenshoops]

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

[@chandlerthompson3491]

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

[@anthonylewis8253]

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

[@citizendissidentiv2488]

You forgot their hot mustard!

[@TheSanityMachine33]

"kick you in the face mustard" hehhee.

[@ernestedwards4073]

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

[@mistergrendel32]

“Kick You In The Face Mustard?” I need some. 😜

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@paulc4040]

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

[@wineharvestintern]

Came here to say this

[@trigganometry168]

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

[@angelabowman1072]

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

[@sangeronimoband9018]

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

[@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! 🤣

[@mrxman581]

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

[@aap2827]

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

[@bigvito69]

Grind on this pal

[@Pushing_peso_los_angeles_ca]

Felipe is also has a pastrami French dip. Super good, but next time you're in LA. You have to try the hat world's famous pastrami french dip different compared to langers its la hamburger style

[@patrickwong4824]

Yes, UA blames us Canadians 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@michaelzheng6231]

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

[@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.

[@TheSanityMachine33]

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

[@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.

[@Teightrsalad]

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

[@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

[@eds1116]

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

[@peterquartararo3249]

always need the dip! french dip means dip the sandwich!!!!

[@joenovak6393]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@Lawomenshoops]

I wouldn’t steer you wrong!

[@SandmanFightingSys]

When I’ve been to Philipe’s I’d put a bit of mustard on it then dip it.

[@htdang6075]

The lamb at Phillips’s is much better.

[@ericrhodes1622]

Another Steller Video UA you are theee man

[@JohnVC]

I guess I'll put Phillipe's under the umbrella category of "historic restaurants", which means they're worth a visit but not the best in their category. Similar to Peter Luger's, Katz's, Union Oyster House, Louis' Lunch, Pat's /Geno's etc. Absolutely historic, a bit overpriced, fun to say you've been there, but not the kind of place you go for just the food.

[@ahmadalgaree506]

Great job. Philippe’s (Feleepays) is an iconic spot in L.A. Ps, please stop apologizing or explaining yourself for wearing you mask. Do as you want brother.

[@potusthepotatooftheuniteds1034]

If he's so concerned about catching something, he would be wearing an N95 mask and not the face diaper he has on

[@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.

[@Lawomenshoops]

No mention of the atomic pickle for Cole’s?

[@xc7525]

Another great review UA!

[@user-er8kz2jg6o]

Now I want a French Dip!!!

[@Abunai50]

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

[@frankluna1592]

Coles is a Hipster joint now, since they changed everything 20 years ago??? They used to have hand carved Pastrami

[@yPickMe]

Good stuff but please turn the background music down.

[@acrophobe]

Did Phillipe's get rid of the sawdust? They used to have a thick blanket of sawdust covering the entire floor.