Philippe The Original
Sandwich shop · 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States · United States
★ 4.6 on Google · 12,235 reviews · View on Google Maps
Manipulation score
CleanCompleted Aug 5, 2026 · 59 reviews flagged
How this score works
The score estimates how strongly this place's review record matches known manipulation patterns, from 0 (no signs) to 100. Verdicts: Clean below 40, Suspicious from 40, Likely Manipulated from 70; Review Drive when the flags are mostly staff asking customers for named reviews. It rises with the share of reviews flagged and how suspicious each one is.
- Burst
- — an abnormal spike of five-star reviews in a single day compared to the place's usual pace.
- Low activity account
- — the reviewer has almost no other reviews, photos, or Local Guide history; throwaway accounts look like this.
- Duplicate text
- — the wording is nearly identical to another review of the same place.
Verdicts are statistical estimates based on public review patterns, not accusations. Full methodology, signal definitions and known limits →
Case conclusion
What the numbers say
1,000 reviews examined
- Google rating
- 4.6★
- Not-flagged average
- 4.6★
- Flagged
- 6%
- Coverage
- 8%
All reviews shown by Google
941 examined reviews
59 of 1,000
1,000 of 12,235 Google reviews
“Not flagged” means no configured Revdict signal matched; it does not prove a review is genuine. Data fetched Aug 5, 2026.
Review brief
What reviews not flagged by Revdict say
Philippe The Original is a historic, counter-service Los Angeles institution famous for its traditional French dip sandwiches and old-school atmosphere. Reviewers consistently praise the fast service, nostalgic charm, and signature items like the beef and lamb dip sandwiches paired with house hot mustard.
+ Repeated strengths
Iconic French Dip Sandwiches
Reviewers frequently highlight the delicious beef, lamb, and pork French dip sandwiches, especially when ordered double-dipped or wet.
3 supporting reviews
5★ · 2025-03-17
It was my first time here and it is different from Coles which has more of a Pub feel and look to it. Coles beef was much more rare and leaner meat, but Phillippe's has much more to offer food wise. You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner...
5★ · 2025-03-19
Best place for a beef sandwich
5★ · 2025-10-03
Now this is a French dip! Unlike the overpriced place in skid row that's about to close (good riddance). Thanks to my little daughter who convinced me to try it out since I kept thinking it was that other whack French dip place. Like I said...
Fast and Friendly Service
Despite long lines during peak hours, reviewers report that the staff works quickly and efficiently to keep the counter moving.
1 supporting review
5★ · 2026-06-19
Philippe's is an iconic LA diner/cafeteria and a must-visit for an old-school authentic Los Angeles experience. The menu is simple and simple works great! It has continuously operated since 1908 and claims to be the inventor of the French d...
Nostalgic Atmosphere
The retro diner vibe, communal seating, and historical memorabilia provide a classic, memorable dining experience.
2 supporting reviews
5★ · 2025-08-22
There is only one Philippe The Orignal. If you live in Los Angeles, you have to go here once a year for the French Dip. The French dip sandwich and potato salad was delicious and sitting in one of the old booths surrounded by framed photo...
5★ · 2026-07-17
Philippe The Original is a true classic! The famous French dip sandwich was incredibly flavorful, with tender meat, fresh bread, and rich au jus. The service was quick and friendly, the historic atmosphere was full of charm, and every bite...
− Repeated complaints
Rising Prices and Portion Sizes
Several reviewers report that prices have increased while sandwich portions have become smaller.
1 supporting review
3★ · 2026-07-22
I can't quite put my finger on what is different about the food here. But I have been coming here for a good 25+years. And even tho I live out of town now. I still like to try and come here when im in town. But the last dozen times its just...
Dry or Lacking Flavor
A subset of reviewers note that the meat can occasionally taste dry, chewy, or lack sufficient seasoning.
2 supporting reviews
2★ · 2025-07-26
I visited while on vacation after coming to this specific restaurant based on reviews. Ordered the pastrami dip sandwich and was thoroughly underwhelmed by how dry, chewy, and lacking in flavor it was. Frankly, if I were blindfolded, it wou...
3★ · 2026-03-07
I heard a lot about this place and my expectations were high. They did not deliver the experience I wanted. The sandwich was small and very dry. Certainly not the French Dip experience I was hoping for. I did not take a photo of the food -...
Crowded Conditions
Reviewers frequently mention that the restaurant gets very busy, leading to long lines and challenges finding seating.
1 supporting review
5★ · 2026-08-01
Amazing restaurant. You need to be patient because the lines can be long. The best French dip sandwiches you will ever have. Great breakfast.
Good for
- Pre-game meals before Dodgers games
- Classic French dip sandwiches with house hot mustard
- A historic Los Angeles dining experience
Avoid if
- You are looking for a quiet, uncrowded dining environment
- You expect large, budget-friendly portions at low prices
- You follow a strict vegan diet
Recent pattern — Newer reviews occasionally mention the gradual removal or discussion of traditional sawdust from the floors alongside ongoing concerns about rising menu prices relative to portion sizes.
Review anatomy
Reviews per month
| Month | Reviews | Flagged |
|---|---|---|
| Mar ’25 | 47 | 1 |
| Apr ’25 | 70 | 2 |
| May ’25 | 62 | 4 |
| Jun ’25 | 31 | 3 |
| Jul ’25 | 78 | 2 |
| Aug ’25 | 74 | 3 |
| Sep ’25 | 70 | 2 |
| Oct ’25 | 61 | 3 |
| Nov ’25 | 47 | 4 |
| Dec ’25 | 45 | 1 |
| Jan ’26 | 53 | 2 |
| Feb ’26 | 50 | 3 |
| Mar ’26 | 53 | 5 |
| Apr ’26 | 66 | 3 |
| May ’26 | 71 | 5 |
| Jun ’26 | 59 | 6 |
| Jul ’26 | 54 | 9 |
| Aug ’26 | 9 | 1 |
Rating distribution
Evidence
- low activity account 56 reviews flagged weight 0.8
- generic account 3 reviews flagged weight 1
Flagged reviews
Showing the 10 most suspicious of 59 flagged reviews.
Jonathan Lechuga
427 reviews · Local Guide
★★★★★
2025-08-06
Just as good as back in the day
Christina Flores
97 reviews · Local Guide
★★★★★
2025-10-04
Been coming to Philippe’s for many, many years - still has really good food. The sandwiches are all delicious and the salads too!! Favorites are the pork and lamb dips and coleslaw and potato salad. Not inexpensive but good value for money. Love the atmosphere too! Highly recommend!
M. Johnson
52 reviews · Local Guide
★★★★★
2025-12-03
Can't go wrong with the French Dip from Phillipe's...get the double-dipped for classic sandwich excellence
Jim W.
2 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
2025-04-09
Stopped by Philippe's today for lunch. The good news is that the line to order food was very short - perhaps that was the first inkling that Philippe's the Original ain't what it used to be. They have raised their prices 💲💲💲💲and reduced the amount of beef on their signature sandwiches. My wife a...
Michael Kirwin
1 review
★★★★★
2025-04-12
Terry Mooschekian
2 reviews
★★★★★
2025-05-10
Rick P
1 review
★★★★★
2025-05-20
J Perez
2 reviews
★★★★★
2025-06-23
Love this place it’s so good
Edward Nathaniel Lockett
1 review
★★★★★
2025-06-26
Wes Macdonald
2 reviews
★★★★★
2025-07-17
Report generated Aug 5, 2026. Reviews change — you can request a fresh investigation.
More investigations in United States
Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - Indianapolis
26Indianapolis · United States
Clean
Melvin "Hog Town" Tavern
9Melvin · United States
Clean
Ackerman Gutters
36Utica · United States
Clean
J&A Exterior Seamless Gutters
84Macomb · United States
Likely Manipulated
Preferred Seamless Gutters
35Imlay City · United States
Clean
Flex Moving & Storage
25Fort Lauderdale · United States
Clean