Downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Cole’s P.E. Buffet
1908
| — | Pacific Electric Terminal Building | — |
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021
1. Cole’s P.E. Buffet Marker
One of the oldest continuously operated restaurants in Los Angeles. From this Pacific Electric building ran the world’s largest interurban railway system.
Declared Historic-Cultural Monument No. 104 by the Cultural Heritage Board, Municipal Arts Department, City of Los Angeles.
Erected 1972 by City of Los Angeles. (Marker Number 104.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument series list.
Location. 34° 2.693′ N, 118° 14.972′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Downtown Los Angeles. It is on 6th Street east of Main Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 118 E 6th St, Los Angeles CA 90014, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Kerckoff Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Banks-Huntley Building (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Palm Court (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grether & Grether Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Spring Arts Tower (approx. 0.2 miles away); M.J. Connell Building No. 4 (approx. 0.2 miles away); M.J. Connell Building No. 5 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Original Terminus of Route 66 (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.
Regarding Cole’s P.E. Buffet. This building once housed the Pacific Electric trolly terminal, and was recently converted to apartments. The original city historical designation in 1972 was for the restaurant, but amended in 1989 to include the building. The historic saloon is known for French Dip sandwiches, and a hidden speakeasy in the back.
The owners announced plans to
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021
2. Cole’s P.E. Buffet Marker
The marker is in the sidewalk at the front door.
Additional keywords. Pacific Electric, Cole’s French Dip Sandwiches, Cole’s
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021
3. Cole’s P.E. Buffet
Better known as Cole’s French Dip Sandwiches.
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021
4. Cole’s P.E. Buffet
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021
5. Pacific Electric Terminal Building
Cole’s is on the side of the building at lower left.
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021
6. National Register of Historic Places
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021
7. “Danger”
Warning embedded in the sidewalk is where trolley cars exited the building.
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021
8. Original Details
Columns and abandoned light fixtures from the old trolley terminal still exist.
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021
9. Display
Historic artifacts on display in the apartment building lobby.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,096 times since then and 62 times this year. Last updated on March 5, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 4, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7, 8, 9. submitted on March 5, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
