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Cole's

American Restaurant$$$$

Fashion District, Los Angeles

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Cole's

8.8^/10

669

ratings

Ranked #3 for cocktails in Downtown Los Angeles
Has a stamp of approval from Eater and LA Weekly
"It's all about the lamb french dip & spicy garlic fries."(10 Tips)
"Try the pastrami French dip with pepper jack cheese!"(48 Tips)
"There's a speakeasy (Varnish) in the backroom!"(7 Tips)
"Get the Bourbon pecan pie a la mode."(5 Tips)

191 Tips and reviews

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French Dip sandwiches
happy hour
spicy food
varnishes
good for dates
bar
casual
trendy
good for a quick meal
good for singles
tomato soup
pickles
tater tots
Irish coffee
tequila
beef
great value
pies
historic sites
meats
(15 more)

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PatrickJuly 10, 2011
Happy hour from 3 to 7 is great. 5 dollars got me half a french dip with lamb and goatcheese and side of spicy garlic sweet potato fries. Amazing
charlynne moyerFebruary 26, 2016
Cocktails, for sure. Garlic Tater tots, tuna sandwiches
StickyDramaOctober 19, 2009
A 100-year-old hidden treasure in the "Historic Core" of downtown LA. The french dip sandwiches are delish (I recommend the pastrami and chedder). And the decor is like a brothel from the Wild West. Read more
Rachel S.November 14, 2010
The mac and cheese is awesome...you people are on crack. And the sweet potato fries are amazing. Ah may zing! Dip was ok...philipe's was better. Also loved the spicy pickle!
JoseNovember 10, 2019
Been here 5+ times
The French Dip here is a must-order.
Jason RosenbergAugust 16, 2011
This is a french dip place, but it has a great grilled cheese. When you're done, walk past the unmarked door and you've discovered The Varnish.
Angie WNovember 4, 2011
Try the pastrami French dip with pepper jack cheese! and make it a large. Because it is so amazing you will want more.
Ioannis PapapetrouSeptember 2, 2018
Not something special but nice sandwiches and classic American style...
Jussi HäyhäJanuary 7, 2016
I like to drink as much as the next guy, unless the next guy is Mel Gibson. As Ricky Gerwais said it.
Big T.February 10, 2014
Bloody Mary is good & spicy with pickles & no olives. Modest flavor, but underdeveloped. I was told the mix marinates for 24 hours. Tastes like 2 to 4 hours
Furry Beanbag OrangeCityManMay 4, 2013
Really good food and drinks
cellphone trackerappsJune 22, 2015
This place makes the best mixed drinks with tequila! I keep an eye on my teens while i'm here with Highster Mobile. Read more
@JaumePrimeroNovember 7, 2012
Besides the French Dip Sandwiches (a must), I can't resist the Old Fashioned. Epic!
Lisa EJanuary 18, 2018
Mon-Fri: 3-7pm, Sat-Sun: 11am-3pm & Tuesday all day/night
DowntownLA.comApril 27, 2011
Cole's has been in the Pacific Electric Building since 1908! It may cost a bit more, but don't hesitate to add cheese. And, please, taste the hot mustard first.
BubsyMay 13, 2013
Been here 10+ times
I like the lamb French dip and the craft cocktails. Old school vibe.
Mario L.August 22, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Get the spicy garlic fries...and don't waste the atomic pickle spear garnish on your plate. Also, best classic drinks ever....EVER.
Darin JohnsonAugust 14, 2014
Good dip sandwich. Not awesome. Kinda pricey. Philippes is better for 1/2 the price. But coles is cool and they have a full bar.
Nina RoccaJune 6, 2015
Beef dip, pastrami dip, spicy garlic fries, old fashioned
Amanda ShafferMay 18, 2010
Order the french dip with lamb and goat cheese. If you want beef and swiss, go Phillipe's instead. Cole's also serves Guiness floats and bourbon pecan pie. Great decor, food is a bit overpriced. Read more
Jen JacoJune 13, 2011
Historical site with a great atmosphere. Try the prime rib dip with garlic fries. So delicious! Sidenote: watch out for the spicy pickles! Read more
RodJune 29, 2010
Sadly this was not the best French Dip in LA, though I really wanted it to be. Great vibe with the renovations. Our waitress was cool and friendly. Try Phillipe's for the French Dip.
Review GirlMarch 6, 2013
Such a great Dirty Martini here. They have 3BAR OLIVE JUICE, make sure to ask.
Angela ZydekJune 14, 2016
The french dip is meh the service however is always nothing short of fabulous, efficient with an attitude of we can make whatever you want happen.
IInaane4now MeSeptember 26, 2018
Place is extremely busy in the bar area. The dining area is small. And the flavor is not is good as Philippe’s.
Ryan NoslerAugust 21, 2015
Maybe the best old fashioned ever? The Big Dipper of course.
Jeff SFebruary 28, 2012
Been here 5+ times
The atomic mustard is no joke use very little at first. Oh yea the potato salad is the best in LA.
Karl HobartJanuary 25, 2015
Excellent bar to have a cocktail and nod off for a while.
Caroline On CrackMarch 3, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Apparently at Cole's at 10pm they take the stools from the bar and move them outside. Bew!
Roger MaMay 10, 2015
Super bomb French dip!
Los AngelesJuly 14, 2011
Classic LA sandwich anyone? Philippe the Original or @HarryCole1908. Go @metrolosangeles 2 Union Station & Pershing Sq #dtla
Logan E.November 26, 2013
Tuesday is Happy Hour all day. $5 for half a dip sandwich and fries!
Todd SeligmanSeptember 5, 2011
Yet to have something I don't like here but, save room for a Guinness Ice Cream Float! Right on!
Aling ZhangJanuary 23, 2012
Been here 10+ times
They brine the pickles with habaneros so make sure you pick those off before taking a bite :)
Jon BerryAugust 29, 2011
For a new place pretending to be an old place, this isn't half bad. The french dip doesn't compare to Philippe's, but its perfectly good. Nice, friendly waitstaff.
Alison Byrne FieldsJuly 7, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Great bartenders. Front bar lacks air conditioning. Need token for bathroom.
Roger HinkleNovember 17, 2010
The Manhattans are made the way they are supposed to. Oh yea, the dips are great. Got to have the atomic mustard on them though.
Jason CFebruary 4, 2017
No joke, the French dip is amazing.
Jeromy ParkMarch 17, 2018
Been here 25+ times
Great French dip
Roger MaMarch 10, 2015
There's a speakeasy (Varnish) in the backroom!
Erica GutierrezSeptember 7, 2013
Ask about the old 'secret' door that used lead to an old landing
Dave ElsensohnJune 20, 2010
The potato salad with bacon is possibly the best on the planet... and a Ginger Rogers accompanies a Big Dipper perfectly.
Abi PanickerNovember 2, 2014
Great happy hour food and drinks.
MarkoJanuary 21, 2012
I have days where I can't stop thinking about the Spicy Garlic Sweet Potato fries.
Edgar RamirezMay 19, 2011
Been here 5+ times
You gotta have the garlic fries and you have to get an extra order of atomic pickles. Dank!
John ParenteauMay 4, 2013
Eat in the bar for the classic Cole's experience!
Galen StoeberJuly 28, 2013
Get the potato salad and macaroni and cheese!!!
Anika BobbJanuary 16, 2012
The Moscow and Irish Mules are very impressive. Order one!
William CarterFebruary 20, 2013
Speakeasy in the back -- prefer french dip to Philipe's!
Brandon NuckeltSeptember 24, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Everything!

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