LOS ANGELES — Cole’s French Dip, one of Los Angeles’ oldest and most storied restaurants, will reportedly close its doors in August after more than 115 years in business, marking the latest in a string of historic dining institutions shutting down in downtown Los Angeles in 2025. The closure was first reported by DTLA Insider.
The closure of Cole’s follows the loss of two other longtime staples — The Original Pantry Cafe and Pacific Dining Car — earlier this year, signaling the end of an era for the city’s historic culinary core.
Founded in 1908, Cole’s is widely credited — along with Philippe the Original — as the birthplace of the French dip sandwich. The restaurant, located in the Pacific Electric Building on Sixth Street, was known for its dim lighting, vintage bar, and loyal following that spanned generations. The speakeasy-style bar The Varnish, hidden inside, became a nationally recognized cocktail destination after Cole’s restoration in 2007.
The decision to close was not accompanied by a detailed explanation, but rising costs, downtown’s ongoing challenges, and shifting foot traffic post-pandemic have contributed to a growing number of closures in the area.
In March, The Original Pantry Cafe, a 24/7 diner that had operated continuously since 1924, closed after a breakdown in labor negotiations between the Richard Riordan family trust and union workers. The sudden shutdown sparked outcry, with hundreds lining up on its final day to pay their respects to the beloved greasy spoon.
Just weeks later, Pacific Dining Car — another 100-year-old institution once known for serving steak and eggs at 3 a.m. to everyone from judges to celebrities — was destroyed in a fire. The restaurant, which had been closed since 2020, was demolished by the Los Angeles Fire Department after flames gutted the historic train car structure in the early morning hours of March 20.
With Cole’s scheduled to close in August, downtown Los Angeles will have lost three of its most iconic eateries in a matter of months — all of which had survived wars, economic downturns, and social change over the last century.
No future plans have been announced for the Cole’s space. Fans of the French dip still have a few more weeks to savor one last bite of history before the legendary eatery becomes another memory in the city’s ever-evolving landscape.