This place has a pretty bomb grub. Turkey burger is on-point and so is the bbq beef sandwich. Consistently terrific over the last few years I've come here Pandemic info (Jul 2020): employees are masked and gloves up. And it is easy to socially distance while waiting for your food. It's all outdoor waiting. read more

This place is a great place. A LOT OF FOOD. OMG We ordered the pastrami chili cheese fries OMG that is a lot of food. yummy the meat is so good and moist. wow it feed me and my husband. It sits right on the corner and the line goes around the building. everyone lines up for this place. We waited a little bit but worth the wait. read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

What can be said about The Hat that hasn't already been said? I grew up in Alhambra and it is a Southern California institution. Whenever I visit home, I always drop by The Hat for the classic pastrami dip sandwich. I love the atmosphere of the Alhambra location. Standing on the corner, ordering from the window, and then sitting on a bench in the parking lot eating brings back all the memories of childhood. I always get the pastrami dip. The price has creeped up over the years and now sits at over $9, but it's still a great deal for what you get. The thing weighs well over a pound. I'm always surprised at how thick and heavy it is. The bread can hardly contain the mountain of thin-sliced pastrami between it. The entire sandwich usually comes dipped in beef au jus, but I always ask for the au jus on the side instead since I like to keep the bread dry and dip it myself just before I take each bite. The acidity from the pickles and the mustard cut through the richness and rounds out the flavor. I also always get a small order of fries. Now, at The Hat, a small fry is this little sleeve of fries. But then they put it into a bag and pour a whole pile of fries on top of that. The result is that you receive half a brown paper bag full of fries. I love their fries, but you have to eat them quickly as they get soggy quickly. Every now and then I get the chili cheese fries, which is an enormous portion of fries and chili (no beans!) and cheese. It's enough to share between 3-5 people. Sure, they serve hamburgers and hot dogs, but I grew up on that pastrami dip sandwich and I can't go to The Hat and not get it. The Hat is something unique to Southern California. Now that In-N-Out is conquering half the country, The Hat is where I take people who want a taste of SoCal. read more

I'm so grossed out I found this in my pastrami.. I was eating and I noticed this it right before I bit my sandwich! read more

The Hat - I'm so grossed out I found this in my pastrami.. I was eating and I noticed this it right before I bit my sandwich! - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

I will not be coming back here again--would give this place no stars if it was possible. I ordered a steak sandwich for take out for lunch because I was craving some protein, paid $12 for it. We couldn't stay at the restaurant to eat because of the social distancing. When I finally got home and opened my sandwich, there was no steak in it, just some lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo--I could have made that at home myself and it would be free. Be careful when getting your food here, make sure to check it before you leave. Can't believe they would take advantage of people like that especially during the pandemic. read more

The Hat - Ordered a steak sandwich and I got this lettuce sandwich, be careful when picking up your food. Make sure to check it before you leave. - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

The Hat has the best pastrami sandwich in Alhambra. It is close by and their food is delicious. Thank you.

The hat is an L.A classic serving hot pastrami and old school classics like hamburgers, hot dogs and a variety of fries. This place is like an old sweeter. You may have newer ones, but this place just has something about it which brings you back. Parking wise this place has a decent sized parking lot. It can easily fit 20 plus cars, the only downside is trying to get into it, especially with people not letting you get in. You get an old school nostalgic feel coming to this place like the old Bell hops of years old. Esp this place has you go up to the counter to order your food and eat it out back with all the smog and city life included. A very old L.A feel with lots of sensory load. Service was top notch. I came early on a weekend and everything was made to order. Additionally workers gave me a decent amount of time to look over the menu and get a look at what I wanted. I asked for extra au ju and they gave me a nice little cup and everything came nicely packed. Food wise this place likes to stack it. Orders can easily feed 2--4 people so if your hungry your in luck. The hot pastrami sandwich comes loaded with pastrami, with decently spiced taste, mustard and pickles. Nothing fancy but the basics here which gives you the true taste of the meat. One sandwhich can easily be shared by 2 people. The gravy fries were hot and fresh, the gravy had a nice meaty taste!!. Make sure to eat these bad boys fast or they get soggy. Easily feeds 2-4 people. Lastly the onion rings are super crunchy. large portions and panko coated again easily feeding 2+ people with one order. Overarall: this place is a classic. It reminds you when things were much simpler and choices could be had with friends and s conversation. This place shines for late night drunchies and sharing food with your friends. Social interaction is a must. Lastly make sure to take a snap with the neon sign and say you've been to the hat!!! Sharing food here is a must!! read more

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I was visiting the Alhambra area and caught up with a friend. We decided to go to The Hat for lunch. It's been awhile since I've come to this location. When it comes to Pastrami, I love having The Hat. It is located on the corner of Valley and Garfield Blvd. Just a heads up guys: they have parking, but in my opinion it's limited, depending if it is not packed. So we ordered the Pastrami, Large Fries and 2 drinks. We waited for a bit then it was ready. I could smell the Pastrami before they prepared it into the sandwich and after. I had a Large appetite for lunch and was ready! I took a bite into my pastrami sandwich and it was pure bliss. The Hat never fails when it comes to Pastrami, in my opinion. I would taste the freshness and the flavor it had. The fries were fresh as well and it had a crunch to it. My overall experience was great and in my opinion I would recommend The Hat in this location. If you're in the Alhambra area and craving some good Pastrami, give The Hat a try. read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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Had a pastrami sandwich here a few weeks ago and it was so delicious. Surprised at the bread dip. But it wasn't messy or difficult to eat. I can see why people love this place. Service was good and fast read more

This will be my pastrami and onion ring place. I have not been here for over a year, I remember that the pastrami was a little greasey but it's perfectly made now. read more

Everytime i drive by this, i always tell myself that i have to try this place soon! Everyone recommends me this everytime i ask people what is good to eat in LA. So, i finally got the chance to try this place last month and it was okay to me. Things i tried: The Pastrami Dip: Believe it or not, I didn't quite like this sandwich. I thought the Pastrami was a bit too salty and the sandwich overall wasn't savory. Chilli Cheese Fries: I was so happy when i saw this come out! it was huge and looked so delicious with the steam of the chilli steaming out. But after a few bites, i thought this was okay and had nothing special about it also. The Hamburger: Out of all the things i tried, i really enjoyed the hamburger. It was very flavorful and tasty. I came here when i was super hungry and expected the food to be awesome, however, it was just average to me. Service was quick and friendly. There are only outdoor seating. I would probably come back for the hamburger and nothing else. read more

The Hat - Chilli cheese fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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Just a bit of a warning. Love the food here but it is getting rather expensive-a pastrami sandwich (as of 2022) is $11.99. Now you may be saying: inflation, my guy! But hold up and use math, in 2011, the pastrami sandwich was $6.99. Adjusting for inflation the current price should be $8.74 not $11.99. So, what would be the price of an item with the cost of $11.99 in 2011. Answer: $9.59. $9.59 is a 9.73% increase beyond 2011 price of $8.74. In short, you are paying nearly 10% more than the rate of inflation currently for that pastrami. No bueno. Don't get me started on their soda prices. Just go to 7-11 down the street, bring your own soda, or buy a $1 soda at Mcdonalds. You'll wallet will thank you. read more

I'm obsessed with this place from the first time I ever went probably 10 years ago. I remember the first meal at this establishment so vividly and over the course of 5 years I came to visit often and build fond memories that are so intense. I have so many feelings for this spot one could make a great Hallmark Hall of Fame movie special on CBS out of it. From the unassuming tiny building - I expected nothing but it came highly recommended from a friend whos eyes would light up any time "the hat" was mentioned. He grew up not far from this neighborhood - and is known to give great product recommendations. Paulo is who recommended Reef flip flops to me and now I can't wear anything less to the beach. Sand simply doesn't tear up your feet in them. Try some on your next trip to Manhatten Beach. The pastrami - so inexpensive - prices like from 20 years ago... again I expected very little between the price and the looks of the building. When I bit it it was shocking. Juicy dripping goodness all over. Just the right amount of fat and the perfect bun to meat ratio. INCREDIBLE!!! Maybe I'm always super hungry when I come? I can't explain it... Alll I know is to date this is the most I've ever enjoyed a pastrami sandwich ever. I doubt its the best sandwich in the whole world but it does something for me. Something sentimental perhaps? The outdoor eating situation in the warm LA smoggy nights? Who knows. Come give it a try!! read more

Not as expected but it is still good. Will try fries and cheese burger next time. I thought chili might be spicy but it is not Pastrami burger still worth trying read more

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Place still tastes as it always has. Portions have decreased for pastrami sandwich. . The employees are always nice! Whoever works the register is usually a nice person and very helpful. But damn those chili cheese fries are almost $11 now read more

Food is great. I love everything I ordered - no issues there. Customer service is where this place loses stars. They left out nearly half of our group order, and instead of fixing it, they made me get back in line to get the missing food we already paid for, and seemed annoyed that I even brought it up. read more

Overpriced for what you get. Food is good but not great. For those who like grilled onions...tough luck. They won't do it. Seems to me if you're charging $10 for a burger you could go the extra mile for your customers. Just saying. read more

I love this place. Big size portions and worth every penny. The pastrami meat lacked a bit flavor this time, it is usually full of flavor, but still was delicious. Definitely recommend. Staff is courteous and nice. read more

The Hat - Pastrami chili cheese fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

One of the best Pastrami east of downtown Los Angeles. The also give out tons of fries

Great late night food! Get the chili cheese dog!!! Pickup order always correct!! Happy they are open late.

I've been a The Hat pastrami lover for more years than I can remember. Unlike other pastrami joints, this place is legit with tender beef and soft rolls. You can actually look over the counter and watch them make your sandwich. There are no scales or precise formulas for making it. You get a soft roll with mustard and pickles on the bottom half. Then it's handed off to the guy who piles on the pastrami. Then, and this must be the secret menu part, he grabs the top half of the loaf with tongs and lightly skims the soft bread section over a container of the drippings. So that's how they do it?? I haven't bothered to write about their other offerings because this place is known for pastrami. That's all I get: that and a large Orange Bang. To me, it's the quintessential pastrami lover's combo. Granted, it's not cheap, with the sandwich alone costing over $10.00, but if great pastrami is what you're craving, open the wallet, then open your mouth for some damn good eats. If you've been to other The Hat restaurants, you owe it to yourself to go to the original. There's no drive thru and no indoor seating area. It's loud from the traffic and nearby construction and the smell of your sandwich is mixed with the fumes of cars and cologne and perfume from everyone passing, driving or parking nearby. In a word, it's an aural, olfactory, and visual experience. On a muggy day, it's a test of your patience or willingness to eat in the comfort in your air conditioned car. There are all types of people who come to eat here. Today, being a weekday with nearby construction happening, most of the customers while I was eating were men. Men of all types and sizes, blue collar and white collar, working stiffs and retirees. The owner or someone of importance, a gray haired gentleman, and his guest walked up to the back door, exchanged some words and a tray of pastrami sandwiches, fries and drinks magically showed up on their waiting table. I'll admit, this is a guy's place, if not for the ambience of being on a crowded intersection, for the type of food that is served: big, heavy, filling food. Granted, as I was finishing up my meal, more women were coming around, with their male friends or co-workers, and when I drive home I often see a few couples standing in line, no doubt debating what to get and in what quantity. But it's not a date place. It's a hang out; a place to get something to go. In a word, it's The Hat...and it's an experience...a very delicious experience. read more

I have to admit the Pastrami Sandwiches here are absolutely delicious! They give you so much pastrami it fall out of the sandwich! And the bread is oh so soft and delish as well! The fries can definitely feed a family of four and that's just one order! Fries are good, that's for sure and they give you Ranch dressing at NO yup you are reading this right...NO additional cost like at most places! The only thing with this small place is that there is no inside seating, there are some tables and chairs outside, and no public restrooms. read more

Hat was the go-to spot for late night drunchies back in my college days so I was excited come back for more. Idk if it's because I was sober this time. Or because older now and my stomach is less tolerant of fatty foods, but it just wasn't doing it for me anymore. The pastrami was great, but the sandwich overall was just average. The chili cheese fries are HUGE and shareable, but very oily and soggy. read more

Was never really a fan of pastrami growing up . I think it had to do with my HATE for mustard. But for whatever reason I LOVE pastrami and mustard now. And I love coming to the hat ... Don't leave without getting chili cheese fries ! The portion is HUGE and is enough for quite a few people (if you're eating a sandwich) read more

Service was prompt and efficient. The restaurant appeared clean inside from what you can see from the window, this location is patio dining only. Patio is obviously cleaned regularly. The manager made sure the teens outside were behaving, aka: keeping feet off the tables. He was stern, but respectful. The food was hot, fresh and very tasty. Overall fast and very flavorful. read more

The original. Historic. Delicious. Hubby gets the pastrami burger and I get the wet fries. Mmmm. They have their own little, designated parking lot here, so we order to go. read more

Pastrami fries are great but the guys charging are a bunch of thieves. They'll make your order large without asking and throw some bs charges here and there. Ask for a breakdown of your receipt if your not sure. read more

A staple! Great service, clean, plenty of self serve condiments, and a menu that can never disappoint! Our go to choices are the pastrami dip and the tuna sandwich. You can order online for quick pick up, and it will be piping hot ready for your tummy. Everyone who works at this location has a great attitude and make it a pleasure to pop in. Thank you The Hat for another delicious last minute meal on the run. read more

We love the chili cheese fries with pastrami!!!! The portion is sooo big 2-3 people could easily share.!! The pastrami is so tender and delicious. We have also had the pastrami burger. Anything pastrami is delicious!! We ordered through our phone for easier/faster pickup. read more

Two words; pastrami burger. That's all you really need to know about The Hat. The combination of briny pastrami, juicy patty and american cheese is perfectly savory. Shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles add a freshness and balance to the burger. Thousand island dressing ties it all together. It's a burger that's sure to satisfy. If you're super hungry then add an order of the chili cheese fries. Don't forget to grab a couple of banana peppers which add a nice spicy edge to things. read more

The Hat - Pastrami Burger - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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Our regular visit when we are in Alhambra. Which is once or twice a year in Southern California read more

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Looking for pastrami sandwiches? Try the Hat! Giant portioned sized sandwiches are stuffed with pastrami, pickles, and mustard. You can easily share this with someone because they are soo huge! I like this old school location. Plenty of parking located in the back. Walk up to the service window and order the pastrami sandwiches and chili cheese fries. Do not attempt to order more than 1 chili cheese fries. Its as big as a take out box. This has to be consumed by 2 or more people or your just asking for a heart attack. I love how they package the fries for take out making sure nothing will fall out when your driving. Ask for extra napkins, ranch packets, and mustard packets. This is the only place where i go when im craving a pastrami sandwich. The meat is not thst fatty or salty compared to other places and its jist so good. I will definitely be back soon. read more

NO BATHROOM even for customers. No refills (the other locations have it). Questionable cleanliness. 4 packets of ketchup (if you know the size of their fries, you catch my drift). 30min parking. GO TO ANOTHER LOCATION!!! read more

I have visited other locations, but this is my first visit to the OG Hat. The food was just as yummy as I remember from my other visits. We called ahead to order and the food was ready when we arrived. Right on time! My hubby and I shared a pastrami sandwich and a small order of rings. We still couldn't finish the onion rings! The Hat never disappoints! read more

I've never actually been to The Hat before and for me to come to this specific location was an absolute blessing. My girlfriend and I had come here on the July 4th evening in search for food that was open where it was somewhat quiet and away from all the fireworks in the LA area. It was either this or Wendy's so I'm glad that we came across this instead. There was no wait, the service was incredibly friendly, and the overall ambience was comforting. My girlfriend and I had ordered one pastrami dip sandwich (which was enough for the both of us) and wet fries which was a mound of fries topped with brown gravy. There was even enough extra pastrami from the sandwich to put on top of the wet fries. They have a separate parking lot just for them so park there and walk around to the front of the store to order. Overall, I highly suggest coming here if you've never tried The Hat. There were more options so I plan on going back if we're ever in the area. read more

The Hat - Pastrami dip - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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This place is ok...but great if you like to get your hands dirty and sink them into your food. By the time you start, you will be eating everything with your fingers, lol. Had the pastrami burger which was interesting because it had a burger, cheese, lettuce, tomato and a cup of pastrami added, so although delicious, it was a challenge to eat. Also had the chili fries...this was a let down. It tasted like canned hormel chili that was brewing for awhile and poured over way too much fries. I don't know if I would go hear again...had better pastrami elsewhere. read more

The food is great but the customer service is horrible. On 06/26/2022 @8:10pm, I witnessed the man taking the orders to be very rude and disrespectful to customers. read more

THE HAT!! They never disappoint, great food & huge portions. Best pastrami in so.cal. Chili cheese fries w/onions will feed 3 people!

I got the pastrami dip sandwich and it was GINORMOUS. Even after splitting the sandwich, I could hardly finish half. The sandwich was good, but wished it had more lettuce/veggies inside. If you're ever craving a pastrami sandwich though, this might be your spot. I liked the ample seating, easy parking, and old school vibe. They also have a bunch of spreads and peppers to add on the sandwich. read more

The Hat - Pastrami dip sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

We found this spot while golfing in the area. I had the pastrami sandwich, very good! My buddies had a chili dog and burger, also very good. They are fast and friendly. I highly recommend this spot. read more

The Hat - The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California