Cole's French Dip

Highly recommend a visit before they close at the end of the year (a true crime). The lamb sandwich with feta is fantastic, atomic pickles have a kick, mac and cheese yummy, and drinks are craft made. Great bartenders too!

I went here to check it out before it closes down. They've been threatening to close it for at least 6 months. Lol I went at around 430pm, there were only 8 people there. Food was good, a lil expensive for the portion you get. I had the classic beef dip, it was good- not great, opted for tomato soup, tasted tinney. It's more of a bar than a restaurant- a Nice bar. Inside is an old school vibe - classic old LA pictures on the walls. Bartender was very nice. Place was clean. Area is a lil sketchy, parking not easy. Mainly pay lots. 'Gritty LA' ;)

I went a few years back and loved it. How they are closing soon they have fallen a bit. I'm trying to recall if they always used paper plates. Or had no waiters. The men's restroom signs are gone. Food was good.

Best french dip on the planet. Spicy garlic fries and lamb with cheddar were even better today than ever. Cocktails are always on point. Service was phenomenal and it always is. Don’t forget to tip staff. They work really hard and the experience is well worth it. I’m always come back.

We had beef dip, garlic fries, and a pickled egg. Their bread is absolutely delicious ( wish they would share where it's from ) . The beef dip lacked flavor , needed improvement. The garlic fries were delicious and best I have ever had. Pickled egg was good , but costly.

Originator of the French drip. Great martini at bar. Delicious and quick food. Enjoyed special too, which was braised beef pot pie.

Cole’s Original French Dip in Downtown Los Angeles feels like walking straight into a lovingly preserved time capsule. This place is very dated, but in a way that feels intentional—like if they updated anything, the walls would revolt. And honestly, that’s part of the charm. Cole’s famously claims to have created the very first French dip back in 1908, and whether or not that debate ever gets settled, you can feel the history here. This is the kind of spot where you half-expect a guy in a fedora to slide into the booth next to you and whisper about “business.” The menu is super simple, which I appreciated. I ordered the half French dip and it was very good—the meat was tender, the bread held up, and the au jus had a slightly tangy kick that kept things interesting. I also got the butter garlic fries, which were rich, garlicky, and dangerously easy to finish. The bartender was genuinely nice and even gave me a quick history lesson—apparently Cole’s has new owners as of August, and the local community really came together to help save the place. It honestly made the experience feel even better knowing this historic spot didn’t disappear quietly. I have a strong feeling the owners will never read this review and wouldn’t care if they did. I’m also a little nervous posting it because the place gives off serious “historic LA bar where the mafia definitely held meetings” energy, and I don’t want any problems. All in all: dated, full of character, good food, and worth a visit if you want a French dip with a side of history and mild paranoia.

Do you love French Dip Sandwiches? Did you know it was made in the heart of Los Angeles in a historic bar (formerly frequented by the old mobsters from the 50s). This is one of the few surviving historic places in LA that hasn't turned hipster, overpriced, or lost its charm and quality. My friend took us to her favorite bar with this cool history. The food as delicious, and the old fashioneds were smooth as hell. Definitely recommend checking this piece of history in case it ever closes down. (the varnish: which was the Coles restaurant prohibition era speakeasy is now forever closed) Make sure you come to where they invented the French Dip!