Cole's French Dip cover
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Cole's French Dip

Cole's French Dip: Historic LA bar and sandwich spot for beef dip and old-school charm.

4.6(5 reviews)
bar
$$
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About

Located at 118 E 6th St in downtown Los Angeles, Cole's French Dip blends a sandwich shop with a historic bar and landmark once frequented by mobsters in the 1950s. Guests praise the beef dip and lamb with feta, garlic fries, and craft cocktails like Old Fashioneds. The old-school atmosphere—vintage LA photos, a lively bar, and friendly staff—defines the experience, along with its storied past and notes of a possible closure.

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Cole's French Dip
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Location

118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA

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Information
118 East 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA, 90014
colesfrenchdip.com/

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Services

Classic French Dip Sandwiches

Signature beef and lamb French Dip sandwiches served on delicious bread with au jus for dipping.

Craft Cocktails

Expertly made drinks like Old Fashioneds in a historic bar setting with a classic vibe.

Historic Dining Experience

Immerse in LA history with old-school decor, photos, and stories from the 1908 era.

Sides and Appetizers

Tasty options including garlic fries, atomic pickles, mac and cheese, and pickled eggs.

Event and Group Visits

Ideal for tourists and groups looking to experience a piece of LA's culinary history.

4.60 · 5 reviews

Overall rating

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C G

via Google
· 6 months ago

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' ;)

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dawn sebastian

via Google
· 7 months ago

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.

J

John Larson

via Google
· 7 months ago

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!

M

Michelle Mariano

via Google
· 9 months ago

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!

K

Keith Moore

via Google
· 12 months ago

Update - You had better try Cole’s soon, as it has just announced it will be closing for good in Sept! Cole’s gets a 5 star across the board review from me. I went for the French Dip, but stayed for the Old Fashions! This place can seem a bit touristy, but the sandwiches live up to the reputation. I would rate them as better than the equally famous place near by. Notably, the ‘dip’ is better here. Plus the atmosphere is more old school, and the bar is an added plus. Overall, a good place to spend a little time when in downtown LA.

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