Randyforgt

Just got back home from a few days in Chicago,where I had my 1st AL's beef sandwich,which was really good.Being a Dodger fan and that this is Vin Scully's last season on the mike,Next trip could be or should be--- to LA.So is Philippe's original French Dip worth all the effort (ATL-LAX flight,rent a car,ect?)

120aks

Can't speak for Al's but Philippe's is great. I have been going there for fifty years and have never tired of the sandwiches. You can get beef, pork or lamb and be sure to ask for it to be double dipped. The mustard is blazing hot and the side dishes(cole slaw, potato salad, etc. ) are excellent Also, I love the atmosphere there.

maitaitom

Hi Randy, Enjoy Philippe's. Here's a little bit about it that I wrote on my website to give you a little background and history. To be fair, I also included my story on Cole's (the other place in L.A. that claims to have invented the French Dip). I used to work in downtown L.A. and have enjoyed each place, but for different reasons. There are also photos from both Philippes and Cole's.


http://web.me.com/tomfielding1/Tom_%...s_Angeles.html

http://web.me.com/tomfielding1/Tom_%...s_Angeles.html

JJ5

Oh, my. Al's is not bad- but you deserve to have the much better Italian beef sandwiches. There are at least 10 that are much, much better than Al's.

See if they ship:

Rubino's Italian Exports Market & Deli
16635 Oak Park Ave
Tinley Park IL 60477

I have no connection to these people. But they have the best Italian beef sandwich (1/2 the price of Al's and twice the size)- with much better quality of meat. Make their own giardiniera and sell that too. In many different sizes and two different heat levels.

Don's, Nicky's, Chicago Ridge's Maxwell St. stand (111th & just west of Austin- South burbs)- all over the city. Better.

They'll dip the entire- if requested, of course.

Every American city that I have visited for baseball or whatever- probably at least 30 to 40, plus Toronto- no french dip is close. I'm going to have to hit LA Angels and see about that next year. Can't say I've tried that one.

But seriously, Al's isn't the standard. There are MUCH better.
Rubino's beef is so thin- but TENDER and more of it and it just melts in your mouth.

JJ5

Rubino's and some others that make this are not restaurants primarily, but grocers.

mlgb

Phillipe's is enjoyable and worth a visit if you have the time, but it isn't a destination. (Actually I'd rather go for breakfast). Langer's is a destination.

http://www.langersdeli.com/the-langers-story

bachslunch

I liked the Chicago Italian Beef sandwich at Al's #1 Beef, and was also very much fond of the version served at Mr. Beef. Haven't tried the other spots JJ5 suggests.

Randyforgt

Wow! Thanks everybody for all the good info.BTW I hope we can try Pink's in LA also,Time out there may be short,so we'll have to see.(Now everybody knows the Varsity,in ATL has the #1 hot dog,anyway-right? ...lol)

120aks

Hey Randy,

If you have a little more time in L.A. try the Original Pantry on Figueroa at 9th. Never been closed since 1924 and great food.

AAFrequentFlyer

Al's No.1 on W Taylor St.

Boston's on the corner of Chicago and Grand Ave

Johnny's Beef on W North Ave in Elmwood Park

That's the ones you should have visited.