Cole's French Dip, a historic restaurant in downtown L.A. established in 1908, will close on August 3, 2025. Recognized as L.A.'s oldest continuously-operating restaurant, it is famed for inventing the French dip sandwich for customers needing softer bread. The establishment is more than just a restaurant; it serves as a gathering place for artists and has historical significance. Named a historic landmark in 1974, Cole's features vintage decor and has been frequented by notable figures, making its closure a poignant loss to the local culture.
Walking into Cole's French Dip in downtown L.A. is as dredged in history as the French dip sandwiches the restaurant purportedly invented to help soften crusty bread for a customer with weak teeth.
The restaurant, which opened its doors in 1908 under the name Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, aka The Red Car Bar, has recently announced that it will be closing on August 3, 2025.
Although the restaurant's signature sandwich—made with quality meat and 12-hour braised au jus—is certainly worth visiting for, the place is much more than its self-proclaimed title of the 'Originators of the French Dip.'
The upcoming closure of Cole's French Dip brings major grief to the L.A. community, as the restaurant signifies much more than just an incredibly good dipped sandwich.
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