Thursday Treats #5

Thursday Treats #5: Cole's French Dip Sandwiches

Cole's is located in the Historic Core District of Downtown Los Angeles and has the honor of being the oldest restaurant and bar in Los Angeles. Founded in 1908, Cole's is also the location of the original french dip sandwich, a title also claimed by Phillipe's French Dip Sandwiches (another restaurant in Downtown founded in the same year).

The restaurant itself if just worth the visit. Sitting slightly below street level, there is a small strip of patio for high stools and tables if you want to eat outside. Inside, it has a dark look and a feeling reminiscent of the 20s, 30s and 40s at the height of the prohibition period and when gangsters were smooth talking gentlemen. You're first faced with the beautiful stained wooden bar, which has been around since the original opening of the building. There are plenty of wooden tables in the back, and cozy booths made of brown leather tucked into the walls. The lighting is all original, which probably contributes to the dimness of the restaurant, but adds to the historic feeling of the place. The floor is all tile - none of that carpeted stuff for the original! Finally, pictures of all the celebrities that have frequented the restaurant or made it their haunt line the walls.

Now, onto the food. As speculated from the title, the restaurant is famous for its sandwiches. Served on french bread with your pick of deli meats and a cup of dip on the side, the sandwich is the main attraction on the menu. Other food includes other sandwiches, salads and the like. But if you're coming to Cole's, why would you get anything except for what its famous for? I'm personally a big fan of the roast beef french dip, which seems to me the most original sandwich you can get. The bar is a popular place if you're just looking for a drink - and Cole's is quite famous for its bar - but if you're underage like me, I wouldn't say no to the lemonade.

Enjoy!

Address:
118 East 6th Street, Downtown L.A, 90014