Rizzo’s French Dip opens on 15th

There’s a new sandwich joint on 15th Ave. between 73rd and 75th, just up from Lunchbox Laboratory.

Rizzo’s French Dips serves up, well, French Dips. They roast their own beef everyday, slice it up and make the au jus from the juices. The sandwiches are $6 and come with a side of macaroni salad. If you want cheese it’s 75 cents more. Gary stopped by and emailed us, “I’m really glad I hit the brakes and went inside. I’ll definitely be back – sooner than later.” The guys in Rizzo’s said that they’re going to add more sandwiches down the line, but for now it’s just the French Dip. They’re open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

Geeky Swedes

The founders of My Ballard

44 thoughts to “Rizzo’s French Dip opens on 15th”

  1. I wish them well. That nail place lasted pretty long in that little building, but it's been a revolving door of businesses otherwise.
    Good luck, guys!

  2. The sandwiches are top quality. The beef is very lean and tender and definately tastesl homemade. However, I was expecting a French Dip sandwich to be served with Au Jus. The sandwiches buns are not toasted, but dipped in the au jus, which makes them very soggy to eat. It tastes more like a Philly Sandwich than a French Dip the way it is currently served. I think they should offer the French Dips either with a toasted bun and au jus or they way they currently come, with the bread dipped in au jus. Their macoroni salad is excellent. I'll be back, but I'm taking my French Dip home to tweak it. I'll bake it in the oven to get it crispy, make my own au jus and server it with french fries.

  3. From your description, this place sounds authentic, but not the way I personally like a French dip. The beef sounds yummy, but for me, the buns absolutely must be toasted with a thin spread of butter. Au jus absolutely must be served piping hot on the side, with horseradish or hot mustard available.

    If you have to take a sandwich home to tweak it, you might as well just make it from scratch yourself. I totally agree with your suggestion that they make the two different styles available. Either untoasted which they dip for you, or toasted with au jus on the side.

  4. Is the meat dipped in the au jus and then put in the bun, or is the bun dipped? Typically it's the former.

    Never heard of a toasted French Dip, but I sure like me some extra sauce on the side…regardless, I'll be there…

  5. The nail place is gone? Those were nice ladies who worked there. But if they have to be gone a place that will completely destroy my attempts to lose weight might as well replace them! I can't wait to try their French dips! I don't think I've had one since I was a little kid. Yuummmm!

  6. ” The sandwiches buns are not toasted, but dipped in the au jus, which makes them very soggy to eat.”

    That's how the originators of the french dip sandwich (Philippe's in LA) serve it.

    Personally, I prefer the jus on the side, but I'll this new place a shot.

  7. This is not a soggy French dip. It's on French bread – not a bun. For those who have enjoyed Philippe's the sandwiches are Philippe style. The bottom half of the bread is dipped – the top is dry. Also like Philippe's the mustard starts as dry powder but it doesn't set, ferment and become as HOT as P's. And the dip is the real thing – not the ubiquitous au jus mix from Cash & Carry served on the side in a plastic cup.

    Anyone who's interested in the pedigree of the beef and whether it listened to lullabies might want to go elsewhere.

    The owner, Frank, is proud of the fact he used Philippe's as a guide. I'm glad he did. So far he's got it down – just no coffee at 10 cents a cup ;o).

    Nice that the Swedes went as soon as they did and enjoyed it. Best of luck to Frank – but if he stays with his plan he doesn't need luck.

  8. To answer the question of where our beef comes from, it comes from 100% US raised USDA Select Black Angus Beef which is minimally processed and contains no artificial ingredients.

    For those of you who are vegetarians, we can assure you that the fine quality cattle this beef comes from were also vegetarians. ;-)

    Please come in and try one of our sandwiches, we're sure you will enjoy it!

  9. “For those of you who are vegetarians, we can assure you that the fine quality cattle this beef comes from were also vegetarians. ;-)”

    Rizzo's For the Win!!

    As the wife of a Cattle's Rancher's son, I will be stealing this gem for our yearly farm tour!

    I cannot wait to come get a french dip, my favorite sandwhich next to a genuine Philly cheesesteak (which I miss dearly!).

  10. Wow, who would have figured I'd learn so much on a French Dip thread? Looks like I'm on my way to converting to the “sloppy style”.

  11. I had a (very) late lunch at Rizzo's today and I enjoyed it.

    Be aware that the “spicy mustard” has horseradish in it. Since I love horseradish this made me very happy!

  12. I had it for dinner last night and it was really, really good. I don't usually care for macaroni salad, but this was different. I'm bringing my friends this weekend to try it.

  13. That Was The Best Sanwitch I Ever Eat !!! And I Eat Out A Lot
    And This Is Not No Little Sandwich!! I Will Be Back Again And Again Keep Up The Great Work Rizzo

  14. Today was my first here at Rizzo's french dip. When my friend told me about it I thought it would be just another french dip sandwich. Then I had my first taste,MAN,it was amazing. I would easily say it was the BEST SANDWICH i have every had,and i mean it!!! YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS PLACE. I promise you, the trip would have NOT been in vain. I PLAN TO EAT HERE EVERY WEEK!!

  15. Hubby, kiddo and I just tried Rizzo's and absolutely loved it. Prized right, delicious, friendly and fast service…you can't beat it! They guys that own and run the place are a hoot and had us laughing so hard, it hurt. If you liked it us much as we did, please YELP them.

  16. This is the real, deal French Dip (like the ones I would have at world famous Phillipe's) – anyone who thinks a French Dip should be any other way hasn't really had French Dip before. Hands down, the best French Dip sandwhich I've had since living in the Pacific Northwest (which has been more than ten years now, sheesh…) is at Rizzo's – I'm definately becoming a regular…hope you guys stay around for a bit :)

  17. Rizzo's rocks. Frank, Tom and Tony are the absolute most personable guys I've met in a sandwich joint. Kudos to Bruce at Safeway…it's his bread you're munching on!

  18. Did not have a very good experience here… Ordered a sandwich… they didnt have change in the till… by the time I got home I realized then that there was no dipping juice… so I basically had a roast beef sandwich.

    Very poor considering they should be doing everything they can to make things right. Not to mention they only serve 1 product. Get it right people!!

  19. When I went they were also out of small change which happens at a small business that has been too busy to send one of the two people working to the bank. They had already given away all the money in the tip jar even (and if you weren't tipping you should feel bad).

    It was an amazing sandwich and I had not previously known that a French Dip could be served pre-dipped. This is already one of my new favorites and I can't believe that they are running so smoothly after such a short period of time open.

  20. dmorris2 – that's too bad because I just went today and I can say that it was one of the best sandwich's I've ever had…maybe even better than Peseo for me, and I LOVE them. Anyway there is NOTHING wrong with serving one product if it's perfect. Plus the Mac salad was good to and I normally hate it. I will be back for sure…can't wait for Geeky Swedes to but this place on the restaurant section of myballard.com. I foresee long lines at your place Frank. Great meeting you today!

    I should also mention they do accept plastic, and that is VERY important to me because I never carry cash. KUDOS to you and your team! See you again soon….

    ps- sent down my office today after I went and they picked up 7 sandwich's.

  21. Their french dip melts in your mouth. Taste is to perfection…nice being able to eat a french dip on the go with having the au jus on the bun. Love the macaroni salad…and their price is so reasonable, no reason not to go and give it a try. Fantastic simple concept sure to be a crowd pleaser!

  22. Its a place like this that almost restores my faith in this deteriorating city. Finally someone has the notion to supply a type of food that is not already available and does it in a way that is authentic and delicious!! The simplicity of the whole thing is so awesome! No fancy B.S. “Green” Shtick or two years of coming soon remodel- just authentic and scrumptious french dip samiches!! Cheese or no cheese. Ill be back at least once a week. In fact, I think I'm getting a hankering for one right now! Thanks Rizzo!!!!

  23. Rizzo:

    Don't change a thing. Just keep making those amazing dips.

    Yeah, Lunchbox Lab has good burgers, but it can take 10 minutes to read the board and figure out what you want. You walk into Rizzo, the guy looks at you and says “Cheese or no cheese?”

    And that's the whole dining experience right there. You can have cheese. You can have a Coke, or a diet Coke or bottle water. You get a little cup of macaroni salad and they'll throw in a cup of au jus if you ask for it.

    After a long day, who needs choices? You might stand there for two minutes while the counter guy rings you up and the cook makes your sandwich. You can look at the Frank Sinatra poster. You can look at the Marilyn Monroe picture. But then you get your sandwich and you leave.

    Rizzo will become an institution. Don't change a thing.

  24. Rizzo's is spot on. Frank's take onthe Dip is perfect and does not need an extra plastic container with au jus. Frank was welcoming and prompt with the service. Did you know his wife is the psychic next door? You can park there after 4 when the street parking is closed.

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