All Aboard! Well little pippins it’s time for your sweet selves to slip into the gloaming and hook it to Downtown already isn’t it? So settle in, you beloved raggers and relax. Why? Because it’s time to modernize do you hear? What? Hear. Where? What? Ah. Sufferin’ Suffragettes you aren’t blotto on the satinette already? No? Oh…good. SSshhh! Then sweet little pippins make mumchance your mouths and listen closely to this little tale:
Once upon a time, before the dark time known as The Prohibition; pippins such as your selves gussied up in their frou-frou and sought out a snuggery smack dab in the middle of the city of angels. Thousands passed through the snuggery’s doors. Some, deevie, were passing though from far away. Some were there to stay. It’s said nothing was ever truly expie and this, in part made said snuggery popular. Some were there to imbibe the sack and some the satinette. Regardless, it is known, that whether they were young or old, or simply needed their payroll, many a pippin passed their time at the snuggery called Cole’s.
Open since 1908, Cole’s is a venerable Los Angeles institution. One of two heavy contenders vying for the title of originator of the French Dip Sandwich, Cole’s is a place you won’t want to miss. Especially dear pippins, since Cole’s is now owned and operated by the 213 group. This swank snuggery has been renovated and decor is from the turn of the century. As you approach walk down the stairs; as Coles’ sits slightly below the street, in the old Pacific Electric building. Inside you’ll find Cole’s is cozy and resplendent with original lighting, penny sized tiles on the floor and a large Mahogany Bar.
In said bar, The Red Car Bar to be exact, mosey up and order off their menu of signature cocktails. Heavy hitters include The Old Fashioned, The Red Car, and the Irish Mule. Coles also puts together a mean Pins Cup. There is a detailed list of Whiskeys and Beers. Don’t forget to check their chalk board for wine offerings.
The food menu is limited consisting mainly of sandwiches (French Dip and otherwise), salads and pie. The French Dip is both renowned and tasty and comes with a spicy pickle spear. You can choose from beef, turkey or pastrami. Sandwiches can be ordered as either whole or half and you can order sides. Word to the wise, the side of Cole’s slaw is deevie.
If you’re done filling your belly with Cole’s glorious sandwiches and pie, you can slip, for a spell, back into the dark dark time known as The Prohibition. To do so, just ask your server about Varnish. It’s a speakeasy accessed through the door in the back. And Varnish dear pippins serves cocktails whipped up by a wicked team of mixologists.
So……..
Who? Pippins far and wide…
What? Cole’s
Where?118 E. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.colesfrenchdip.com 213-622-4090
When?
Kitchen – 11am – 9:30pm Sun-Wed, 11am – 10:30pm Thurs, 11am – 12:30 am Fri-Sat
Saloon – Daily 11am – 2am, Happy Hour Mon- Fri 3-7pm
Varnish
8pm- 2am Mon- Tues
7pm- 2am Wed – Sun
Sustenance:
Food: $5-15
Drink: Whiskey – $7-24, Beer – $5-8, Cocktails; $9 – 11, Wine; $7-8
Why?
It’s fittums…