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Here is a list of the top frequently asked questions and answers at Philippe the Original.
We are closed on Thanksgiving & Christmas Day. We also close early at 8 PM on Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve. Otherwise we are open normal hours, 6 AM – 10 PM.
The French pronunciation is “Fileep’s”.
Roasrio Villasenor, also known as “Chayo” worked for Philippe’s for 46 years before retiring
We currently do not accept reservations for any size parties. Our seating is available on a first come, first serve basis.
A large variety of pies are available – apple pie, pineapple, cherry, berry, blueberry, peach, pecan, chocolate cream, pumpkin, lemon meringue, banana cream, coconut meringue and custard.
No, Philippe’s has been owned by the same family since 1927 – the Martin/Binder/Downey family.
Yes, from 1927-1941.
No, Philippe Mathieu opened his first restaurant in 1908 at 300 N. Alameda Ave. Roasted meats were served, but no sandwiches. In 1918, it moved to 246 Aliso Street where the first French dipped sandwich was served.
We moved to 1001 N. Alameda St. in 1951, due to the 101 Freeway’s construction and have been here ever since.
Philippe’s accepts all major credit cards and cash.
When the building was purchased it was a machine shop on the bottom floor and an Inn on the second floor.
It is a tradition to Philippe’s.
Breakfast is available at Philippe’s every day until 10:30 am
You can get a beef or ham sandwich when Philippe’s opens, and the pork, lamb and turkey sandwich are available after 9:00 a.m. and served all day until we run out.
The original owner, Philippe Mathieu, from 1908 to 1927, was a French immigrant. The current owners are not of French ancestry.
No, Philippe passed away in 1960.
No, it’s just a logo.
No, our pies are baked fresh at Martino’s Bakery and are delivered daily.
We are serving “French Dipped” sandwiches, not hamburgers.
Our hours are 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily. We are only closed on Thanksgiving day and Christmas day
Between the hours of 11:30 am and 1:30 pm Monday through Friday. And most of the day on weekends and before Dodger home games.
Our mustard contains no preservatives, therefore having a short shelf-life. We like the ability to control our inventory and ensure that fresh mustard is being sold.
it just tastes like it. “The plant that produces mustard seeds, the basis of all mustard, belongs to the Cruciferae family, as does horseradish, turnips, radishes, cabbage, and watercress, all noted in varying degrees for their sharp flavor.” (Cook’s Illustrated, “Is French Dijon Mustard Best?”, by Erika Bruce and Adam Ried).
Yes.
In 1940, David Downey, Frank Martin’s son-in-law, gave Frank the model when he worked for the Douglas Corporation in Long Beach.
The train display is located in the room prior to the restrooms. It features a rotating display of trains and descriptions of their history. It is maintained by The Los Angeles Railroad Heritage Foundation. Philippe’s agreed that it would be an interesting display due to our proximity to Union Station.
Parking is free and is available only while you are in the restaurant eating. Otherwise your car can be towed.
FUN FACTS
1. We have XXXL T-shirts available.
2. Employee with the most time worked at Philippe’s is 46 years.
3. Happy Time Circus used to meet every Monday at 12:00 pm.
4. Number of rolls used daily ranges between 2,200 – 4,500
5. Pounds of meat used weekly = 7000 pounds of beef, pork and lamb
6. Dozens of eggs used weekly = 300 dozen for breakfast and pickling
7. Number of customers weekly = approximately 25,000 customers
8. Our area code has never changed
Experience the tradition and taste that makes Philippe’s a local favorite for over a century.