Cole's French Dip - A Los Angeles Story
There's a place in Los Angeles that holds a special spot in the hearts of many who enjoy a good sandwich, and that's Cole's French Dip. It's a spot that has been around for a very long time, opening its doors way back in 1908. This place, you see, is not just a restaurant; it’s a piece of the city's past, tucked away in what was once a very busy building, a railway hub, as a matter of fact. It’s got that feel of stepping into another time, where the walls could tell stories of over a hundred years of folks coming through for a bite and a drink.
For many, the mention of Cole's brings up thoughts of a certain kind of sandwich, the French Dip, a dish that has a reputation for being quite the local favorite. It’s a simple idea, really, a meat sandwich with its own juices for dipping, yet it has sparked quite a bit of discussion over the years about where it truly came from. People often wonder if Cole's was the first to create this particular meal, or if another well-known spot in the city might have been the actual originator, which is, you know, a pretty common thing with famous food items.
This old establishment, Cole's, seems to offer more than just food; it offers a bit of history with your meal. It’s a spot where you can appreciate the thought of dipping your own sandwich, making each bite just the way you like it. Whether you are someone who regularly seeks out a French Dip or someone who is just curious, this place has a way of drawing you in, perhaps because of its long story, or maybe it’s the taste of its incredible offerings. So, it's almost a place you have to experience for yourself to really get a sense of it.
Table of Contents
- What's the Real Story Behind Cole's French Dip?
- The Birth of a Classic - Cole's French Dip
- What Makes Cole's French Dip a Must-Visit?
- The Unique Atmosphere of Cole's French Dip
- How Does Cole's French Dip Stand Out?
- The Menu Beyond the Original Cole's French Dip
- Is Cole's French Dip the True Originator?
What's the Real Story Behind Cole's French Dip?
When you talk about Cole's French Dip, you are, in some respects, talking about a bit of a local legend. The story goes that Cole's invented the French Dip sandwich. This claim is, apparently, something they state right there on their own website, which gives it a certain weight, you know? It suggests a strong belief in their role in creating this popular meal. The idea of a sandwich where the bread gets softened by dipping it in savory meat juices is, you know, quite a clever one, and it certainly makes for a distinctive eating experience. This idea of an interactive meal, where you dip the sandwich yourself, is a part of what makes it memorable for many people, I mean, it adds to the whole experience.
The Birth of a Classic - Cole's French Dip
Cole's, as a place, first opened its doors in 1908. It was set up in the Pacific Electric Building, which was, at the time, a really busy spot because it housed a railway terminal. This location, you could say, put Cole's right in the middle of things, drawing in a lot of people passing through. The little diner, as it was in its early days, quickly gained a good name for itself. It was at this spot that Cole's is said to have become the originator of the French Dip sandwich. The tale often told is that a house chef, Jack Garlinghouse, dipped the bread in the meat juices to make it softer for a customer. This simple act, they say, is what led to Cole's being known as the "originators of the French Dip sandwich." This bit of history is, you know, a pretty big part of the place's identity, and it helps explain why it's considered such a landmark.
What Makes Cole's French Dip a Must-Visit?
Cole's French Dip is often described as a true treasure in the middle of Los Angeles, offering a dining experience that stays with you. It’s a place that brings to mind the feeling of saloons from the early 1900s, like those places that were scattered across the American West back then. This feeling is not just a vague idea; it's built into the very look of the place. You'll find original glass lighting, floors made with tiny penny tiles, and old photographs that show a lot of history. These elements were kept safe when the place was given a new look, so they are, you know, still there for everyone to see and appreciate. It’s like stepping back in time, really, which is a big part of its draw for many folks.
The Unique Atmosphere of Cole's French Dip
The overall vibe at Cole's French Dip is something people often talk about. It has that old-school feel, a sense of history that you can, more or less, touch. The place itself is a historical landmark, functioning as both a restaurant and a bar. For those who enjoy a bit of history with their meal, this spot truly delivers. It's a place where you can sit and imagine what life was like when it first opened its doors. The original glass lighting and the penny tile floors, for example, are very much a part of that feeling, offering a glimpse into a past era. It's not just about the food; it's about the entire setting, which, you know, really adds to the charm.
How Does Cole's French Dip Stand Out?
While the French Dip is the main reason many people visit Cole's, the place offers more than just that one item. Even if you are someone who might not typically go for a French Dip sandwich, you might find yourself loving Cole's anyway. People often say that their dips are truly remarkable, and that goes for the rest of their food and their drinks as well. It’s a spot that has a good reputation for its entire menu, not just the famous sandwich. It’s considered a really good place in the city center for both drinks and a satisfying meal, which is, you know, a pretty good combination for a night out. They even have things like frequent pool tournaments and rent relief day every first of the month, which makes it a bit more than just a place to eat.
The Menu Beyond the Original Cole's French Dip
When you visit Cole's French Dip, you have a selection of about six different versions of the French Dip sandwich to pick from. This means there's a bit of variety for your taste, which is good. You can, for instance, choose from turkey, which comes as a big piece of breast meat, or braised pork, among other choices. This selection allows people to try different kinds of their signature dish. But as mentioned, the offerings go beyond just the French Dip. Their other food items and their cocktails are often praised. It's a place that aims to create flavorful and filling meals, which, you know, seems to be a big part of their approach to food. They also have "small foods" options, which are, you know, good for sharing or for lighter appetites.
Is Cole's French Dip the True Originator?
There is, you know, a bit of a friendly debate about who truly came up with the French Dip sandwich. While Cole's states it was the originator, another well-known Los Angeles restaurant also says it invented the dish. There's no real argument that the French Dip sandwich started in Los Angeles, but where in the city it began is, you know, where the discussion comes in. Some people have suggested that Philippe's, another classic LA spot, is the original. They say the sandwich got its name, French Dip, because of Philippe Mathieu, the original owner, who had French family roots. So, it's a bit of a back-and-forth, with both places having their own stories and reasons for claiming the invention. This ongoing discussion is, you know, part of the charm of the sandwich's history in the city, making it a bit more interesting.
Cole's French Dip, in a way, represents a significant piece of Los Angeles dining history. It’s a place that has been serving its unique take on the French Dip sandwich for well over a hundred years. Whether it was the very first spot to create the dish or simply helped make it famous, its story is certainly a rich one. From its beginnings in a busy railway building to its current status as a beloved spot with a historical feel, Cole's continues to offer a distinct dining experience. The menu, too, goes beyond just the famous sandwich, providing other good food and drinks in an atmosphere that takes you back in time. It’s a place that, you know, holds a special place for many people who appreciate a bit of history with their meal.
Coles Supermarkets
COLES MAKES CUTS - Supermarket News
COLES COMMUNITY HOUR EXTENDS TO HELP MORE AUSTRALIANS - Supermarket News
