"Cole’s is probably best known for being the “other” home of the original french dip sandwich—the lore is scandalous enough to fill an entire HBO miniseries. But it’s also a popular neighborhood dive with pool, SportsCenter, and $6 picklebacks during their weekday Happy Hour. This Downtown establishment is over 100 years old, and even after a renovation in the early 2000s, it still feels like a relic—one with faded subway tile floors, a scuffed bar, and a plaque in the men’s bathroom where Charles Bukowski once relieved himself. As special as history may be, the ease of walking into Cole’s to order a cold beer and french dip at the bar is the best thing about this place. Their signature beef french dip is by no means life-altering, but if you can get past the stale bread and make use of Cole’s “atomic mustard” that singes your tear ducts, it’s an ideal post-drinking meal. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Food Rundown photo credit: Jakob Layman French Dip Look, there are better french dips in the area, but we won’t name names because we’re not trying to stir the pot. You won’t be disappointed by Cole’s version either. The beef is sliced on the thicker side and is juicy enough to moisten up the stale bread, but the not-too-salty au jus is what really gets the job done. That, and the atomic mustard—use sparingly." - Sylvio Martins
