Iconic Los Angeles Restaurant Cole's French Dip to Reopen After Brief Closure
The historic eatery, which claims to have invented the French dip sandwich, will return with new ownership and a refined menu.
Cole's French Dip, a landmark Los Angeles restaurant that closed its doors in March after 118 years of operation, is slated for a comeback. The historic establishment, famed for its French dip sandwich, will reopen under new ownership with a revamped menu and an upgraded dining space.
Founded in 1908, Cole's has long been a significant part of downtown Los Angeles' culinary history. The restaurant claims to be the birthplace of the French dip sandwich, a dish that has become synonymous with the city. The establishment reportedly served a diverse clientele over the decades, from gangsters to poets.
Hospitality entrepreneur Jeremy Fall and former Mozza Restaurant Group executive Sean Maloney are leading the revival. While the classic French dip will remain a staple, the new menu is expected to incorporate elevated French fare and sophisticated cocktails, including an au jus-infused martini. The eatery's transformation aims to blend its gritty, old-school charm with a more refined dining experience, drawing inspiration from New York's 4 Charles Prime Rib, Paris' Pastis, and Los Angeles' Musso & Frank Grill.
Plans for the revamped menu include dishes such as fresh ravioli, prime rib frites, and salmon with trout roe. The signature French dip sandwich will be upgraded with dry-brined prime rib, a 24-hour au jus, and rolls from local bakery Clark Street Bread.
The return of Cole's comes seven months after its closure, which was attributed to rising labor and insurance costs, the impact of the pandemic, and the Hollywood strikes. The initial closure prompted a surge of patrons eager to visit the restaurant for a final meal, with lines extending down the block.
Despite the challenges that led to its previous closure, the new owners are betting that a combination of upscale offerings and nostalgic appeal will ensure the restaurant's success. They intend to preserve elements of the restaurant's past, including a plaque that notes Charles Bukowski's patronage, while updating the interior with vintage-style ceiling tiles and a piano. Pool tables have been removed to accommodate more dining space. The restaurant is tentatively aiming for a November reopening.