Skip to content

Farewell Iconic Cole’s French Dip after 117 Years!! DTLA

Photo of Lorena
Hosted By
Lorena
Farewell Iconic Cole’s French Dip after 117 Years!!  DTLA

Details

🛑NO HOST EVENT🛑

Join for cocktails or dine-in

LA in a minute
https://youtu.be/cs0id3saUTM?si=pQxZXioc9lwxHiae

News clip of closing
https://youtu.be/xHXQNKHJGBY?si=gGTWy0BSFO3BJFW_

PLEASE KEEP YOUR RSVP UPDATED SO OTHERS CAN FIND YOU AND LOOK FOR SEATING.

🔺IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER PLEASE READ
This is the final week before Cole’s closing. Lines are predicted to be very L-O-N-G; about a hour+ wait. NEW CLOSING HOURS: They open from 12 PM to 12 AM. I suggest arriving by 11 AM to ensure timely entry and seating.

**NOTE: I have scheduled back to back both Cole’s and SPIRE 73 for DineLA. Sunday is the least traffic day for a trek to DTLA. It’s your final opportunity to visit Cole’s before they close. If you also care to join us at SPIRE 73 you can enjoy dinner or just a cocktail at either one. If interested in Spire 73 please RSVP here: Join me at “The Most Epic Rooftop in L.A.” DINE LA (or Full Menu) at Spire 73 DTLA https://meetu.ps/e/Pdbf3/nBbVb/i**

What’s happening Vintage LA?
In the past few months it was first The Original Pantry (1924), then Papa Cristo’s (1948) and now Cole’s (1908); last operating day is August 2nd. And if that wasn’t bad enough the Mayan Theatre is closing too!! We are losing one by one the most iconic LA institutions that make-up this City!! Who’s next? As a Vintage lover and preservationist at heart this is truly devastating!! Come join for one final hurrah!

Cedd Moses, owner of Cole’s, and other preservationists are hoping for a buyer to save legendary Cole’s. If you’re a big Vintage LA follower chances are you already know the three biggest names who run and operate “Vintage LA” hotspots are Cedd Moses, the Houston Brothers and the partners at 1933 Group.

Who is Cedd Moses and what does he own?
Cedd Moses is the Founder and CEO of Pouring with Heart, a hospitality company that operates 25 bars, historic restaurants, and beer halls in Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, San Antonio and Denver. Moses and his company have garnered national recognition for their part in the revitalization of Downtown LA, circa 2002. https://www.pouringwithheart.com/locations

Whether you’re a fan of French Dipped Sandwiches (see full menu) or not come join us as we say farewell to an LA ICON!! Personally, I have always preferred Cole’s French Dip over Philippe’s. At Cole’s the au jus is on the side and I can do the dipping myself for a less soggy sandwich. They also have a yummy grilled cheese sandwich if you don’t care for French Dip.

MENU
https://www.colesfrenchdip.com/menus

# Cole's History

https://www.colesfrenchdip.com/history

Cole's is an institution of historical LA food and drink culture. Guests are immediately transported back in time as they see the historical marque upon arrival. Cole's has a history of being the local watering hole for historic poets and mobsters alike. As a pillar of the working class, Cole's is a melting pot of blue collar culture and offerings. History and hospitality are the main attraction, but most stay for their classic Old Fashioned paired with the Original French Dipped.

Cole's French Dip, a landmark in Downtown Los Angeles, has a rich history dating back to 1908. It's renowned for claiming to be the birthplace of the French dip sandwich and for its long-standing presence in the historic Pacific Electric Building.

Here's a more detailed look at its history:

  • Founding and Location:
    Cole's was established in 1908 by Harry Cole in the Pacific Electric Building, a transportation hub for the city's Red Car trolley line.
  • The French Dip:
    Cole's has a long-standing rivalry with Philippe's over who invented the French dip sandwich. Some say it was invented at Cole's when a customer with dental issues requested a softened bread, and Cole dipped it in the beef jus.
  • Historic Significance:
    The restaurant is a designated Los Angeles Historical Landmark and a State Point of Historical Interest.
  • Red Car Legacy:
    The restaurant's original tables were crafted from the varnished doors of retired Red Cars, reflecting its ties to the Pacific Electric Railway system
  • 2008 Renovation
    In 2008, Pouring With Heart purchased and renovated Cole's, focusing on preserving its historic ambiance.
  • The Varnish:
    A popular speakeasy, The Varnish, was opened in 2009 within Cole's, contributing to the resurgence of Los Angeles nightlife.
  • Closure:
    After 117 years, Cole's is closing due to a combination of factors, including the pandemic, economic challenges, and rising costs.
  • Legacy:
    Cole's has been a gathering place for Angelenos for generations, featured in movies and TV shows, and is remembered for its historical significance and French dip sandwiches.

PARKING
Street metered. Sunday may be free. Check all posted signs.

MEETUP POLICY
🔺 No drop-ins. RSVP Meetup members only
🔺 3 under 24-hr cancellations/3-months out
🔺 3 failures to pay (fee events)/6-months out
🔺 2 no-shows/1-year out
🔺 Excessive cancellations perm. removed

Photo of Ladies Who Love Vintage ❤️ group
Ladies Who Love Vintage ❤️
See more events
Cole's
118 East Sixth Street · Los Angeles, CA
Google map of the user's next upcoming event's location
FREE
8 spots left