The historic  Cole’s French Dip will be holding its last service on Sunday, March 29. Founded before Prohibition, Cole’s wasn’t just a restaurant — it was a fixture of downtown Los Angeles and a second home to generations of Angelenos. 

For 118 years, it served up comfort food, community, and memories. It was the kind of place where you could find a warm meal, a good drink, and a friendly face, even in the late hours of the night.

The storied spot downtown that hosted everyone from Mickey Cohen to Charles Bukowski has faced the same debilitating challenges as other independent restaurants –  the pandemic, rising crime, increased operating costs, and an ever-growing tangle of bureaucracy.

The final farewell this weekend will include a lineup of iconic chefs and brands to create their own collaborative homage to Cole’s dip sandwiches and sides. Proceeds will go to the Independent Hospitality Coalition, in support of their efforts to save LA’s independent operators.

Cole's French Dip

Courtesy Cole’s French Dip

Here’s who and what to expect for the last hurrah:

Saturday, March 28

  • Jitlada (Beef Curry Dip)
  • Father’s Office (FO Burger Dip)
  • Little Fatty (Wagyu Pho Dip)
  • See’s Candies (a special complimentary treat for the first 59 dips sold each day, 118 total over the course of the weekend)

Sunday, March 29

  • Bay Cities (Surprise Dip)
  • Guelaguetza (Red Mole Loaded Fries)
  • Found Oyster (Po Boy Dip)
  • See’s Candies (first 59!)

Each collab offering will be capped at 118 portions, in honor of Cole’s 118 years of life.

Cole's French Dip

Downtown LA, 1909 (Courtesy Cole’s French Dip)