When it comes to mouthwatering eats and the Dodgers, it isn’t always about hot dogs, nor the other concessions inside Dodger Stadium. A host of ballpark regulars plan their chow from the outside looking in—and leading off the alternative Dodger menu is Philippe’s.
Philippe’s is nothing less than the global home of the French dip sandwich. Established in 1908 in the lost-to-history Frenchtown section of downtown Los Angeles, Philippe’s (or officially, Philippe the Original) moved to its present location at the corner of Alameda and Ord, up the street from Union Station, 11 years before Dodger Stadium opened. Though the details are disputed, the consensus is that founder Philippe Mathieu invented the French dip, intentionally or accidentally dipping a roll in his delicious gravy. Whatever the truth, the savory beef, pork, lamb or turkey inside the dipped rolls, with Philippe’s own hot mustard a side option, can hardly be topped. In 2008, the restaurant’s 100th-anniversary year, sandwiches were between $5.35 and $6.50, with lemonade 70 cents a glass and a cup of coffee 9¢. That’s right: nine cents. If French dips aren’t your style, the Philippe’s menu is actually quite expansive, with customers topping off their meal by choosing one of the many pie options.
From Philippe’s, you need only take a short drive up Ord to Broadway, then north a few blocks to College Street, then west a few blocks to Chavez Ravine Place, and from there you’re primed to join the lineup of cars to Dodger Stadium. So a number of Dodgers fans will get their Philippe’s to go; the sandwiches becoming a little soggier in transit but no less tasty. However, the downtown institution has a character all its own, and it’s worth budgeting the time to eat in house. Either way, Philippe’s is popular with baseball fans in the know, so allow yourself 20–30 minutes just to get your order completed. The wait will be worth it.
Alternative Alternatives
In addition to Philippe’s, a major dining spot for Dodgers fans (and employees) is Yang Chow (819 N. Broadway), famous across the city for both its slippery shrimp and its collection of business cards from more than 100 past and present Dodger executives. Here are some other pregame dining choices to consider, as suggested by Dodger Stadium regulars Martin Leadman and Craig Minami:
Leadman Loves:
• Langer’s Deli (7th and Alvarado): “In my opinion, the best sandwich in town is Langers’ No. 1,” Leadman says. “It’s a pastrami on rye with coleslaw and Russian dressing in the sandwich. Best pastrami in the country. They have great crinkle-cut fries too.” (Closed after 4:00 pm and on Sundays, Langer’s is a pregame option for any day games Monday through Saturday.)
• Tacos Baja Ensenada (Whittier, east of Atlantic): “This is the only place I’ve found that makes fish tacos just like you get at the stands in Baja Mexico.”
• East Side Italian Deli (1013 Alpine Street): “This is probably the closest place to Dodger Stadium. It’s practically on Stadium Way. Good sandwiches. The combo beef and pastrami is a gutbuster.”
• Grand Central Market (Broadway). “Terrific place for fruits and vegetables. But I also go there for Ana Maria’s Mexican food. Huge burritos, gorditas and tortas.”
• Nickel Diner (Main Street, between 5th and 6th): Great diner food and hip vibe. Try the maple-bacon donuts.
• Wurstkuche (800 E. 3rd Street in the Artist District): Great artisan sausages (alligator!) and numerous Belgian beers on tap.
• The Pie Hole (across the street from Wurstkuche): Once you’ve had your sausage, go here for great pies (both sweet and savory).
• Far Bar (Little Tokyo, part of Far East Café): Great burgers and beers. They also do artisan whisky flights.
• Lazy Ox Canteen (241 S. San Pedro): A little higher-end, but great food and drinks.
Minami Morsels:
• Mohawk Bend (2141 W. Sunset Blvd.): Nearby beer pub that is open late, with 72 taps of craft beer and a menu featuring pizza, burgers, and several vegan selections.
• Masa (1800 W. Sunset Blvd.): Good before the game or on a weekend, features Chicago deep dish pizzas made with masa (cornmeal) crust.
• UMAMIcatessen (852 S. Broadway): Downtown location of Umami Burger also offers a deli menu along with full bar.
• The Oinkster (2005 Colorado Blvd.): Home of a very good pastrami sandwich along with burgers, chicken, salads, and small list of craft beer.