1001 N. Figueroa
Philippe Website
One of the classic places to eat in Los Angeles, Philippe is the home of the "French dipped" sandwich, and seems to be as popular today as it was when owner Philippe Mathieu invented the famous sandwich after he accidentally dropped a sliced French roll into a roasting pan, or so the story goes. Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, also in downtown lays its claim to having originated the dish, but no matter who did it first, the sandwich is the same: the cut surfaces of a French roll are dipped into hot meat juices, filled with sliced meat and served. If you want yours really wet, ask for a double dip.
In other regions, French dipped seems to be synonymous with roast beef, but at Philippe you can order chicken, lamb, ham, pork or beef. Cheese is optional and the pickled eggs are a good accompaniment, if you like that kind of thing as much as I do. Regulars like to add a little of Philippe's special mustard, but one small taste left my tongue burning for several minutes. Take it easy until you get an idea of how hot it is.
Join any of the lines that snake from the counter into the dining area, order and pay, and take your tray to one of the long, communal tables. It's inexpensive, the sandwiches are delicious and the place is unparalleled for people-watching as every imaginable kind of local and tourist traipses in for a bite to eat.
A little further south on Alameda, you'll find one of the great structures of the twentieth century.