Cole’s French Dip, the oldest restaurant in Los Angeles, is sadly closing its doors after 117 years of serving up delicious French dip sandwiches. The iconic eatery, which claims to have originated the French dip sandwich, cited vandalism, sky-high rent, and “general crime” as reasons for its closure.
Founded in 1908, Cole’s has been a staple in downtown LA and is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the city. However, the challenges of unchecked crime and vandalism, rising rents, and an ineffective city government have taken a toll on the once-thriving downtown area.
The staff at Cole’s had to deal with cleaning up feces off the property every other day, a grim reality that highlights the struggles faced by independent restaurants in Los Angeles. The pandemic, recent writer and actor strikes, mounting bureaucracy, and legal exposure have also contributed to the restaurant’s decision to shutter its doors.
Despite its closure, Cole’s leaves behind a lasting legacy in LA’s culinary scene. The restaurant’s dusky, mahogany interior and stamped-tin ceilings created a unique ambiance that combined elements of a high-end bistro, local saloon, and late-night cocktail lounge.
While Cole’s back-room cocktail lounge, Varnish, closed last year, there is still hope for the restaurant’s future. A farewell message on its website indicates that the restaurant is open to potential buyers, offering a glimmer of hope that someone may revive this local legend.
As Cole’s bids farewell to its loyal customers, it leaves behind a century of influence and culinary tradition in Los Angeles. The legacy of the French dip sandwich lives on, and perhaps one day, Cole’s will once again grace the streets of downtown LA with its delicious creations.
