Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet |
|
|---|---|
Sign above the restaurant
|
|
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1908 |
| Food type | Diner |
| Dress code | Casual |
| Street address | 118 East 6th Street |
| City | Los Angeles |
| County | Los Angeles |
| State | California |
| Postal/ZIP code | 90014 |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 34°02′41″N 118°14′58″W / 34.04478°N 118.24943°W |
Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet, often called Cole's P.E. Buffet, is a famous restaurant and bar in downtown Los Angeles, California. It is located at 118 East 6th Street in the Historic Core area. Cole's is special because it has been open in the same spot since 1908, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles.
Henry Cole started the restaurant in 1908. It was on the ground floor of the Pacific Electric Building. This building was once the main station for the Pacific Electric Railway, which ran electric trains called Red Cars. Cole's used to have unique tables made from the old, varnished doors of these retired Red Cars. These special tables were later moved during a renovation.
Contents
The Famous French Dip Sandwich
Cole's is well-known for claiming to be the birthplace of the French dip sandwich. This delicious sandwich is made with sliced meat on a French roll, dipped in the meat's own juices, called jus. Another restaurant, Philippe's, also claims to have invented it.
How the French Dip Might Have Started
According to stories from Cole's, the French dip was created by accident. A customer who had just had dental work found the French bread too hard to chew. Henry Cole, the owner, dipped the bread in the meat juices to soften it. Other customers saw this and asked for their sandwiches to be dipped too. This is how the French dip sandwich became popular! The debate about its true origin continues, but Cole's has a great story.
A Historic Los Angeles Landmark
Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet was officially recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1989. This means it's an important part of the city's history and culture.
Cole's in Pop Culture
You might even recognize Cole's from a movie! The restaurant's look is very similar to the bar seen in the classic film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The movie even mentions the "French dip" on a menu, just like Cole's!
Changes Over the Years
For many years, Cole's proudly said it was the oldest restaurant and bar in Los Angeles that had always been open in the same spot. However, it closed for a big renovation on March 15, 2007.
The restaurant's new owner, Pouring with Heart, wanted to reopen it by its 100th anniversary in January 2008. The project took longer than expected, but Cole's finally reopened its doors in December 2008. It continues to be a beloved spot in Los Angeles.
