It's free chili day at Philippe's

Signs advertising Dolores chili and a nine-cent cup of coffee hang at Philippe's in downtown Los Angeles.

Jan. 26, 2016 8:45 AM PT

It’s a debate that has raged on in Los Angeles for decades: Does Philippe’s, also known as Philippe The Original, or Cole’s have the better French dip sandwich?

Well, today it doesn’t matter — because it’s free chili day at Philippe’s.

The sandwich restaurant, which opened in 1908, is hosting its sixth annual free chili day. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the restaurant is giving away a voucher for a free cup of Dolores chili with the purchase of a sandwich, to the first 500 customers through the door.

If you want your chili with or without beans, topped with shredded cheddar cheese or onions, not a problem.

Philippe’s has been serving Dolores chili since 1970. The chili, made by Dolores Canning Co. in Los Angeles, is sold exclusively at the restaurant. And the chili bricks used to make the chili, are available at select Southern California grocery stores.

The free chili voucher also comes with a raffle ticket that could win someone free chili for an entire year. Other prizes include Philippe’s gift cards and apparel.

1001 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, (213) 628-3781, www.philippes.com.

I eat Frito pie with my hands. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Jenn_Harris_

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