July 6, 2005 Do the Dip Being the original can put you on top. And what's more original than Philippe's French Dips downtown? Except maybe Cole's French Dips. Hmmmm... Philippe's and Cole's. Rival eateries. Each has stood firm on its claim to have invented the French Dip for going on a century. With nearly four million hungry people in the city, does it really matter which came first? Both spots opened their doors in 1908. Both keep the old school vibe with antique signage and sawdust floors. Both serve their French Dips with the sauce on. Philippe's has some distinct advantages, parking being the main one. It's also big and open, with a huge dining hall sporting long cafeteria tables. Clean, cheerful and distinctly old California. Cole's takes on old California from the other side. Small, dark and dripping with turn-of-the-last-century decor. Mahogany bar. Authentic Tiffany stained glass. Trolley car side tables. Cole's is worth a visit now, before the place is overrun with Lofties. It's in the Pacific Electric Building which is undergoing the same conversion to lofts as so many historic sites downtown. Not that Philippe's can escape the downtown explosion. Our suggestion: Philippe's for lunch, and Cole's for dinner and a drink. That way you can choose which Dip is better and debate who came first. Cole's P.E. Buffet 118 East 6th Street Los Angeles, California, 90014 Mon - Sat 9am - 10pm. Kitchen closes 8:30pm. Philippe The Original 1001 N. Alameda St. Los Angeles CA. 90012 Open 7 days. 6am - 10pm.