 Philippe's French Dip
Los Angeles, CA
Photos courtesy Peter Duras
Sometimes a kitchen mishap works out rather well. At Philippe's French Dip in Los Angeles, the restaurant’s famous origin story involves a French roll accidentally landing in hot roast drippings. The customer accepted the sandwich, returned with friends, and gave that little accident a future. 03-07
Philippe Mathieu established the business in 1908. According to the restaurant’s account, the dipped-sandwich episode happened in 1918, with a policeman on the receiving end. That’s a pretty good outcome for a dropped roll, although deliberately repeating the accident probably made the kitchen work easier.
Freeway construction prompted the move to Alameda Street in 1951. The new home had previously housed a machine shop, with a hotel upstairs. Near Union Station and Olvera Street, Philippe’s became a familiar stop for travelers and generations of local customers.
 Philippe's French Dip
Los Angeles, CA
Photos courtesy Peter Duras
Inside, the communal tables, sawdust floors, and long ordering counter give the place an atmosphere that doesn’t depend on the latest restaurant fashion. Customers line up before the “carvers,” who take the order and prepare the meal right at the counter. The sandwiches might disappear quickly, but the surroundings encourage a little looking around.
And then there’s the house mustard. A cautious squeeze might be wise. This is one condiment quite capable of making its own introduction.
UPDATE: Philippe the Original remains open at its longtime Alameda Street location, continuing the French-dip tradition in the building it has occupied since 1951. 10-26 |
 The Derby
Arcadia, CA
Photo courtesy Marilynn Hendrie
Horse racing gets more than a passing mention at World Famous Derby in Arcadia. Near Santa Anita Park, this longtime restaurant carries the sport into the dining room through memorabilia and its connection to one of racing’s famous jockeys. The roadside sign supplies the introduction, while dinner comes with a little turf history on the side. 12-07
The business traces its beginnings to 1922, when it operated as Proctor Tavern, and moved to its present location in 1931. George Woolf became a co-owner with Bill Peterson in 1938, the same year Woolf rode Seabiscuit to victory over War Admiral in their celebrated match race. That certainly gave customers something to discuss over dinner.
 The Derby
Arcadia, CA
Photo courtesy Marilynn Hendrie
Known as the “Iceman” for his cool judgment on the track, Woolf envisioned a gathering place for jockeys and racing fans. He also hoped the restaurant would provide income after his riding career ended. Away from the starting gate, he could welcome customers into a place celebrating the sport that made him famous.
The racing memorabilia carried that connection forward. Photographs and mementoes give diners plenty to inspect before the steaks arrive, recalling horses, riders, and finishes that kept spectators on their feet. Even someone unfamiliar with the racing form can appreciate a restaurant with this much history around the tables.
 The Derby
Arcadia, CA
Photo courtesy Marilynn Hendrie
Woolf died following a riding accident at Santa Anita in January 1946. The Derby’s own history mentions a belief that his spirit still watches over the restaurant. Think this is true? Perhaps the “Iceman” never quite gave up his favorite gathering place.
UPDATE: The Derby remains open on Huntington Drive. An approved redevelopment includes a larger, two-story restaurant, but management currently gives no construction start date and plans to operate at a temporary location during the work. 10-26 |
 In-N-Out Burger
Temple City, CA
Photo courtesy Marilynn Hendrie
As the sun sets, the sign at In-N-Burgers in Temple City gets ready for another evening of directing hungry motorists toward dinner. The familiar arrow has become a Southern California landmark of its own, pointing the way to burgers without requiring much explanation. 12-07
The chain began in Baldwin Park in 1948, founded by Harry and Esther Snyder. Its early use of a two-way speaker helped customers order from their cars, tying the business to the region’s growing drive-thru culture.
That roadside identity has proved remarkably durable. The arrow, the red-and-white appearance, and the straightforward menu remain familiar to generations of travelers. Sometimes the biggest decision is whether the fries need company from a shake.
UPDATE: In-N-Out’s Temple City restaurant remains open on Lower Azusa Road. The official location listing identifies it as Store No. 13. 10-26
 Taco Lita
Arcadia, CA
Photo courtesy Marilynn Hendrie
The lettering gives Taco Lita a roadside introduction with a decidedly vintage flavor. Before the tacos enter the picture, the sign offers a salute to the days when a small food stand could announce itself with a little typographic personality. There’s more character here than a plain restaurant name pasted over the door. 12-07
That distinctive styling makes it the kind of place sign hunters notice on the way past. A quick meal stop comes with something extra outside, and admiring the lettering doesn’t require ordering another taco. Although an appetite might help settle how long the inspection lasts.
 Taco Lita
Monrovia, CA
Photo courtesy Marilynn Hendrie
Taco Lita belongs to the San Gabriel Valley’s tradition of neighborhood stands serving familiar, straightforward Mexican fast food. Hard-shell tacos, burritos, and the house hot sauce have helped give customers reasons to return beyond the roadside display.
There’s something appealing about a place where the sign and the food each have their own following. One customer remembers a favorite burrito, while another remembers the lettering. Fortunately, both interests can fit into the same stop.
UPDATE: Taco Lita continues operating on East Duarte Road in Arcadia. 10-26 |
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