Est. 1908: Widely known as just ‘Coles’s’, this restaurant in the Historic Core of downtown LA was so-called because it began life at the terminal for the now-defunct Pacific Electric Railway. It’s remained open ever since (if you turn a blind eye to the 18-month-long renovations that took place in 2007) and is where the French dip sandwich is said to have been conceived, although Philippe’s – another LA restaurant that’s been running since 1908 – also lays claim to this culinary invention.