I've never actually played an Epiphone Les Paul (just a Gibson). The only Epiphones I've played are a semi-hollow and the SG. I liked both of them. If you're thinking about a Les Paul though, I would agree with Superhuman and say check out an Ibanez.
Here is the model I play, the ARC300DVS:

It's a lot like the ARC300, but it's a double cutaway and has different pickups. Also no fine-tuning at the bridge.

Both are right at $400, and most major guitar stores carry at least one of them. I had to call around when I got my ARC300 though because everyone in town said they usually don't stay on the shelves very long when they get them in.