The French Dip is a classic American sandwich, though it’s not believed to be from France despite the name. Two restaurants have long claimed responsibility: The folks at Philippe The Original in Los Angeles, say the sandwich originated there in 1918, and the name has been rumored to refer to the owner’s French heritage, the French roll it’s served on, or even that the person who ate the original sandwich was named French. The recently shuttered Cole’s also claimed it was where the sandwich originated. Opened in 1908 in the Pacific Electric Building, a landmark railway hub and office building, the restaurant’s chef, Jack Garlinghouse, is believed to have dipped bread in au jus for a customer with sensitive gums, and it took off from there.
No matter who is responsible for it, the French Dip joined the ranks of classic American sandwiches like the po’boy and the Philly cheesesteak. The celebration of savory simplicity is featured on menus everywhere from upscale steakhouses to friendly neighborhood taverns, served on crusty French bread, softened by slow-cooked jus from tender roasted meat.
Guy Fieri tried a variety of French Dip sandwiches on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, describing the version he remembers enjoying as a kid: “I want hot roast beef, a little bit of cheese, a really good roll, and some au jus that you want to drink just like a soup … right out of the old-school recipe book.”
Here are a few popular places to dip.
Maison Pickle (New York City)
Courtesy of Maison Pickle
The retro-style Maison Pickle clearly delineates what it’s known for: cocktails and French Dips. Along with other American classics on the menu, the Upper West Side spot serves a variety of options on house-baked French bread with pickles. The classic Dip has beef sirloin and horseradish aioli, or you can try the Reuben and cheesesteak styles. Of course, the Maison frites are the ideal pairing. Visit Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to sip mini Martinis alongside your sandwich.
Original Joe’s (San Francisco)
Courtesy of Original Joe’s
Croatian immigrant Tony Rodin opened Original Joe’s as a 14-seat tenderloin joint in 1937. It expanded over the years to include red sauce favorites and abundant seating, with locations in North Beach, Walnut Creek, and Westlake. The spicy rigatoni and hamburger may be among the top choices, and French Dip lovers come here for the thinly sliced prime rib on a buttery roll with horseradish and au jus.
Philippe The Original (Los Angeles)
Courtesy of Philippe the Original
The Philippe: The Original in question is Philippe Mathieu, who opened his namesake restaurant in 1908. According to legend, 10 years into his ownership, he accidentally dropped a French roll in a pan filled with juices from cooking meat. The customer wanted it anyway and enjoyed it so much he came back for another the next day. The classic eatery near the Chinatown neighborhood has remained relatively unchanged, with sawdust-covered floors and family ownership since 1927. The menu includes several Dip varieties, but for the classic experience, opt for roast beef with Swiss cheese and sides of coleslaw and potato salad. Join tens of thousands of weekly customers to see for yourself.
Bar Blanc (Atlanta)
Courtesy of Rocket Farm Restaurants
In late 2025, Bar Blanc opened for weekly lunch service with one thing on the menu: the French Dip. The only choice you’ll be forced to make is East Coast–style, for melted Gruyere and caramelized onions, or West Coast–style, with the classic shaved meat and horseradish mayo. The bags the sandwiches come in have the images of the rap artists from their respective coasts, Biggie and Tupac, and include the all-important jus. The rib-eye is cooked for 12 hours and pairs perfectly with housemade frites, a cocktail, and a playlist of classic hip-hop. It’s offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays.
Darling Jack’s Tavern (Philadelphia)
Photo by Jason Varney
In the land of the cheesesteak, Darling Jack’s Tavern sets itself apart with its Tavern brisket dip. Made with braised wagyu brisket, it’s topped with a cheese blend, griddled onions, and horseradish crème fraiche on a seeded Hoagie roll from Sarcone’s, the more than 100-year-old Italian bakery in South Philly. The sandwich is available on the brunch and lunch menus daily, paired with fries and the housemade tavern sauce.
Hillstone (10 locations)
Courtesy of Hillstone Restaurant Group
Whether you’ve been to Houston’s, Hillstone, or any of the other brands, this multi-state restaurant group serves a classic version of the sandwich. Yes, it’s a chain, but the brand’s cult following should be studied. The sushi and Thai noodle salad have their followers, and the French Dip is a thing of beauty on its own. Made with thinly sliced prime rib on a French roll, it’s my personal favorite and was my first introduction to the sandwich.
Dining and Cooking