Cole’s is a classic Downtown LA dive serving up legendary French dip sandwiches, killer cocktails, and a vintage vibe with pool tables and historic charm.
"Along with being the oldest bar in the city—originally opened in 1908—Cole’s is best known for being the “other” inventor of the original french dip, though that's technically a matter of debate with Philippe's. Sandwich legacies aside though, Cole's is foremost a solid DTLA drinking den with well-made classic cocktails, a few pool tables, and $6 picklebacks during their weekday Happy Hour. Even after a renovation in the early 2000s, Cole's still feels like a genuine relic—one with faded subway tile floors, a scuffed bartop, and a plaque in the men’s bathroom where Charles Bukowski once relieved himself. As special as history may be, the ease of walking into Cole’s to order a cold beer and sandwich at the bar is the best thing about this place. Their signature beef dip is by no means life-altering, but if you can get past the dryish bread and make use of Cole’s “atomic mustard” that singes your tear ducts, it’s an ideal post-pickleback meal. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Food Rundown photo credit: Jakob Layman French Dip Look, there are better french dips in the area, but we won’t name names because we’re not trying to stir the pot. You won’t be disappointed by Cole’s version either. The beef is sliced on the thicker side and is juicy enough to moisten up the stale bread, but the not-too-salty au jus is what really gets the job done. That, and the atomic mustard—use sparingly." - Sylvio Martins
"This 107-year-old Downtown icon is more of a noirish cocktail bar than a full-on restaurant. Cole’s kitchen is open until 2 a.m. daily serving pork, roast beef, turkey, braised lamb, and pastrami dip sandwiches that rival Philippe’s, as well as pie by the slice." - Eater Staff, Matthew Kang
"We'll always be team Phillippe's when it comes to LA's french dip debate—Phillippe's was first, and Phillipe's is better, OK?—but it's pretty nice that Cole's serves sandwiches (and stiff drinks) until close, which is somewhere between 1-2am. And if thinly shaved roast beef, french bread, and salty au jus aren't your thing, you can always opt for grilled cheese and tomato soup. Next time you're planning a big night out Downtown, ending the night at Cole's is a rite of passage. " - brant cox, arden shore, nikko duren, sylvio martins, garrett snyder
"Cole’s is probably best-known for being the “other” home of the original French Dip sandwich, but during their weekday Happy Hour (3-7pm, or Tuesdays all day), it contains something much more important - $1.50 tots. A heaping pile of the world’s most blessed food for only 150 pennies. The $6 beer list and French Dip sliders don’t hurt either." - brant cox
"The French dip sandwiches at this DTLA institution are good, but at Happy Hour you’re really here for the $1.57 serving of tater tots. The $6 Old Fashioneds don’t hurt, either. The Deal: Food discounts, $9 Manhattans, $6 Old Fashioneds, well drinks, and beers When: Weekdays 3 - 7pm, all day Tuesday" - brett keating
