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    The Hat

    3.9 (2k reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Hat Photos

    Business Info

    THE HAT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - The Hat

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    Reviews With Photos

    Left: wet fries with gravy ($6.75). Right: pastrami dip ($12.60)
    Brian F.

    The Hat is a local institution in the Southern California area with multiple locations throughout, even with a location in Las Vegas. This location is in Brea right at the intersection of the 90 and 57 freeways. They are best known for their pastrami and their massive portions. I got the pastrami dip ($12.60) which is their most popular dish. Pastrami is piled on a French roll with mustard and pickles and dipped in au jus. I also got the wet fries with gravy ($6.75) which was just fries topped with their gravy. I didn't realize just how big the portions were but it was a huge pile of fries. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior reminded me of an old school diner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When I arrived there was a long line for the drive through, but ordering inside I got my food within minutes of ordering. The portions were great for the price and the pastrami was tender. I'd be interested in their other offerings.

    Randy C.

    We were craving pastrami sandwiches for dinner, and this place definitely hit the spot. We ordered two pastrami dip sandwiches (one with mayo), a small order of onion rings, chili cheese fries, and two fountain drinks. The pastrami was tender, juicy, and not dry at all. The onion rings were crispy and cooked perfectly, while the chili cheese fries were flavorful without being overly spicy. The portions were generous for the price, making it a great value. The service was fast, so it's best to know what you want before ordering. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There was plenty of indoor seating and ample parking, which made the visit even more convenient.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We also appreciated the refillable fountain drinks and the clean restrooms.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The only downside was that the condiments weren't available for self-service--you have to ask the staff for them. Other than that, it was a great experience, and we'd happily come back.

    Christopher T.

    Had been to their other location and here couple time in the past. Was in craving for pastrami chili fries and man they delivered and it's simply just awesome & delicious and filling. Big parking lot and this place has been around for ages, well kept and maintained, got patio seating area overlooking street. Inside also has big seating area, mainly booths for 4 or 2, big table is in the back against the wall. Big menu but most are here for the famous pastrami dip and the chilly chess fries w/ pastrami. Staff are nice and friendly, the owner was there and took orders (since there was a line) and he just crushing it by. Ordered and took about within or less than 5min, you got your foods. The prices are just reasonable and affordable for sure, a very thick and generous amount of meats sandwich is for $13 and the pastrami chili cheese fries are around $19. Great & tasty meat, the sandwich is good (you can requested for different type of bread, but why). The pastrami chilli cheese fries is just HUGE and so yummy, once you start eating, you just can't stop. Yes we finished but there are around 10 fries left...but the rest are well cleaned. Worth it, definitely no question. Service is great, great location and well established place too. Can't wait to come back.

    Pastrami Dip
    Laurie D.

    I used to eat at The Hat in Alhambra when I was growing up. I always loved their Pastrami Dip sandwiches. We happened to be in the area, so we decided to pick up lunch. We ordered a Pastrami Dip and a small order of Fries. The pastrami was really good, but I don't like soggy bread. I should've asked for the au jus on the side. The fries were just okay. The portion size was huge. We ordered a small. I can't even imagine how many fries they give you if you order the large size. I'm sure we will visit this location again. However, next time, I will order the au jus on the side. I'll also order onion rings instead of fries.

    Chili cheese fries
    Danny V.

    Amazing as always. If you're in the mood for some pastrami, hot dogs, or just want to be a fatty with some chili cheese fries, then make your way to the hat! Can't forget about the great quick customer service

    Chili cheese fries
    Ana S.

    I traveled for 25 minutes and subsequently waited in line for an additional 20-30 minutes, influenced by numerous positive reviews regarding the chili cheese fries offered at this establishment. The pastrami itself was satisfactory. However, the chili cheese fries did not meet expectations; they primarily consisted of fries with a minimal, moist topping, and the cheese was largely lost due to inadequate to-go packaging, adhering entirely to the wrapper. From my perspective, the journey was not justified. The customer service, however, was commendable, particularly the gentleman at the drive-thru, who was exceptionally courteous.

    Orange Bang Drink 08.21.22
    Mimi J.

    Review 12/365 Day Challenge Met up my in laws on a Sunday noon for lunch. The place was fully packed indoor and outdoor umbrella seating outside. My hubby loves Pastrami Sandwiches. He's been a fan of THE HAT way before we've started dating. Him and his brother loves The Hat for their World Famous Pastrami Dip. Use to drive from La Mirada to Brea for it. What we ordered ~ Pastrami sandwich in my opinion is a little bit salty but I'm not a pastrami sandwich connoisseur. My husband does say it's one of the best. Must enjoy it w the dip, i feel makes a huge difference. ~ Chili Fries is pretty huge! With dice onions on top with mother Load of cheese & chili. Definitely can be shared by 3-4 people if not that hungry. ~ Orange Bang is sweet but refreshing. My oldest son loves this drink. I like to let the ice dissolve to water down the drink tad a bit so it can be a little bit less sweet. Service was fast taking order and got our items within a good time frame since it was during rush hour, weekend Sunday noon = lunch time. Drive thru available. Located next to Ted Craig Regional Park in its own building. All in all. Do recommend THE HAT if you love a good pastrami sandwich and the dip is a must. Makes eating a pastrami sandwich to a whole different level. One suggestion I'd make if they can offer pepperoncinis to give the pastrami sandwich a kick of spice especially to those like mee, love some spice with my eateries.

    Dip on the side.
    Jennifer B.

    Garsshhh, I wish there was one of these close to home! Came through this 'hood for lunch at Fogo across the street, and when I saw this place, it was a must stop. And I'll be honest: I couldn't get it out of my mind during that lunch run. So after that disappointing experience at Fogo, hopped in the car and drove across the way to pick up grub for dinner. Their drive thru line was a mile long (which is an awesome sign) but I much preferred to come in. The inside was poppin' as well with most of the tables occupied. Got in line, got three orders of pastrami with sauce on the side, an order of large fries and chili cheese fries. I reminisced my first experience with The Hat as I waited. Hubbers was near their Pasadena location and stopped by to surprise me with a sandwich before coming home. That sammich so good, couldn't let this opp pass! Like mentioned, there were lots of customers so it was only natural every member of staff was busy. Kinda cool watching them work in synchronicity, each and every one of them aware of each other's space. Impressive. PASTRAMI: Ordered the sauce on the side because it was about an hour drive home and didn't want it soggy. The bread held the proteins well. The amount of meat was generous, soft and so juicy, and seasoned so very nicely. ONION RINGS: Ordered a large and it occupied more than half the brown bag they were packed in. Nicely sized and seasoned battered pieces. A couple of pieces were a bit overcooked/burnt but no biggie. Awesome crunch and flavor. Recommending. Hubbers ordered the chili cheese fries but with the long drive home, it was natural for the cheese to be coagulated by the time we got home. No worries: he nuked for a few and good as new! He enjoyed that as well. FOOD: 5. SERVICE: 4. VALUE: 4. PARKING: Private lot. Not an issue. OVERALL: 4.25. Granted I had their goodies way later in the day, it was still so SOOOOOO GOOD!!! I guess one can say this place was a saving grace for the disappointing eats across the street. So happy for the discovery. Definitely keeping this spot on my radar.

    Nick C.

    There's not much I can say about The Hat that hasn't already been said 1000 times. The Hat is the gold standard when it comes to pastrami chili cheese fries and it has been that way since I can remember. I have one order here and that hasn't changed in decades. Just writing this review makes me drool

    Cheeseburger
    Jacqueline M.

    Very affordable and tasty! The burger tastes like a classic mom & pop restaurant. About $6 for a burger so very reasonably priced. The large fries were amazing! Thick and fluffy and fed all 4 of us. There were so many fries in the bag, they really fill it up. The onion rings were so crispy and delicious. Service was good, they were moving the drive through at a good pace. The outside looked very nice and clean. Overall, 10/10, another large fry bag!

    Wild Cherry Fanta and Orange Bang
    Jenny L.

    Came here for a quick and inexpensive dinner.Chili Fries are always a must and they always give enough to feed 4-5 people easy. Add some cheese and some Pastrami and you definitely got yourself a meal. I enjoy getting a chili tamale and many times, there's enough chili to take care of those naked fries that didn't get enough or any chili at all from your chili fries. Win-Win. Wash everything down with an ice cold drink! It's a tradition for me to get the Wild Cherry soda and my BF loves his Orange Bang. Go home with a full happy tummy but if you are prone to IBS or anything, take some precaution! Haha

    Kiki T.

    This is our first time here(hubby and I), and I'm no pastrami expert but wow!! The pastrami dip sandwich was delish!! Why? Because it was tender and moist and the bread was not hard to chew on!! The size of sandwich is medium size, not humongous like the ones at Deli Restaurants, which is perfect for someone who gets full fast. There is also a Drive-thru section too(it was busy with tons of cars on Saturday evening). And we also ordered Orange Bang...haven't had or seen that in ages!! The one I wanted was Pina Colada flavor, but they were out. We ordered their regular fries and that was also good. I apologize if you see double pictures because I thought I posted them already and I don't see it on my end. Fun place lots and lots of people. Depending how busy, may have to wait for someone to finish eating to get a table. There were outside tables too.

    Richard G.

    The hat always delivers no matter which location you pick. There are 4 signature things at this place that never fails... 1) Cold Turkey and Avocado sandwich (ask for chili peppers andd a side of aus jus, dip sandwich- you will thank me later), The chili cheese fries - (ask for extra tomatos, onions and pickles), the cherry coke (which is half strawberry fanta + coke, i believe), and the double dipped pastrami sandwich with swiss cheese added. Don't forget to order yellow chilies and aus jus containers on the side. This is a receipe for a total food coma... but, it is totally worth it. The food quality continues to thrive... even though the prices keep going up, you never second guess the quality from this place. The employees are friendly and service is fast. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Always plenty of seating if your choosing to dine in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is alwats clean and maintained.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A+++

    Partially eaten chili cheese fries

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    Review Insights

    Photo of Lou K.
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    6 months ago

    Great food and great service. I'm finally getting one in my home town. So busy yet place was clean.

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    7 months ago

    Love this place. My family love their food, especially the onion rings. Their chilli pastrami fries is a must try.

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    9 months ago

    Excellent pastrmi sandwiches. Amazing portion size. Regular fries are large enough for 2 people

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    5 months ago

    Best chilli cheese fries I've had. It is definitely not diet friendly but it is so good.

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    Page 4 of 52

    The Hat Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Hat

    Are they open on Thanksgiving?

    Yes, they're Google. Page says they're open.

    What delivery services are used by The Hat from Brea (closest) to Westminster? The Yelp site shows that delivery is available.....

    Yes, it's the closest however, I don't know if they'll deliver that far. Besides most of the items that you order, there will be soggy by the time you get them it's better to visit the location if you can and eat the food when it's fresh.

    Are they open New Year's Day? (2024)

    Yes there are open today

    Is it open today Dec 24?

    Yes they are.

    What is the pastrami dip? Is it a sauce or?

    A pastrami dip is when the bread is dipped into the au jus while the sandwich is prepared. Most restaurants serve it this way, only some call it a 'dip.'

    What time do they close during covid-19? I tried to call but no answer.

    1 am

    Is the pastrami made from beef or pork?

    Beef

    Are they on grub hub or door dash?

    I don't know I have always gone in.

    View All 10 Questions

    Fratellino's Italian Restaurant

    Fratellino's Italian Restaurant

    4.1
    (1.3k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Catering service

    One of my go-to Italian restaurants in OC! Always love visiting because the ambiance is very cozy…read moreand the wallpaper on the walls makes you feel like you teleported into an actual restaurant in Italy! For my meal, I got the following: Salad with Italian dressing (10/10). Tasted very fresh and I love the house-made dressing. Perfect balance of tangy and savory Garlic bread (10/10). Hands down probably the best garlic bread I've ever had! I always eat at least 2 pieces. Shareable with friends/family Chicken parmigiana with spaghetti (8/10). Loved the mariana sauce. Tasted very authentic, not those sauces you get from the grocery store. Everything else tasted as you would expect Service is great! The waiter was attentive and checked in on us frequently

    We walked in during the last hour before close, which is usually risky at any restaurant. However,…read morefrom the moment we sat down, the ambiance was warm with a family-type feel to it. Our server Brian was exceptional from the get-go. Attentive, personable, and genuinely accommodating. He's the kind of server that really enhances the whole dining experience. As for the food, we went with the sautéed mushrooms to start, which were buttery, satiating and just done right. Then, came the Shrimp Scampi & Scallops in pink sauce (which was highly recommended by Brian), and honestly, that dish alone is worth the drive to this establishment. The pink sauce had this beautiful balance between the creaminess and the tanginess of marinara, in addition to the shrimp and scallops that were cooked perfectly, without a rubbery texture. Please try the pink sauce. We also ordered the Veal Parmesan, which had a bit of the crispy ends (as the veal was very thin), but still had the factors of a well-cooked dish. Everything definitely tasted like it was made with care, not hastily (even though we got there pretty late). It is also located within a plaza, so parking is plentiful. So, if you're looking for solid, honest Italian food in the area, Fratellino's is the answer. I can't wait to go back to try the other dishes. A++

    Photos
    Fratellino's Italian Restaurant
    Pasta with Pink Sauce
    Pasta with Pink Sauce
    Beef Lasagna with Meat Sauce

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    Beef Lasagna with Meat Sauce
    Bushfire Kitchen

    Bushfire Kitchen

    4.4
    (233 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    decided to celebrate Father's Day at this location with my parents and had the best time!…read more Everyone here is always so kind and helpful with us ordering. Where a family that likes our meat so obviously most of us went for the chimichurri tri-tip and all different forms that it came in. Everything is always so good! I will say that the peru peri sauce has a slight kick to it but otherwise it was delicious! The brussels sprouts here are so bomb in season perfectly. Definitely try the lemonade because we kept going back for more! I have already been twice but i'm sure i'll be back!

    The food here is great - healthy oriented and good options. We got the Mediterranean summer crunch…read moresalad, seared sea bass plate and curry chicken bowl. All were delicious! The summer crunch salad had goat cheese, strawberries and featured a pomegranate dressing which was very refreshing and truly perfect for summer. The seared sea bass was a little salty but was very tender so still good. The curry chicken bowl flavor was amazing! The pomegranate lemonade was also very good. Service was very friendly and nice. The cook asked how we liked the food too Atmosphere is nice, you order at the front and sit down anywhere so kind of similar to Mendocino farms or urban plates. Lots of parking in the plaza. Would love to come back!

    Photos
    Bushfire Kitchen
    Brea Preview Day Dinner  Sustainable Salmon Plate w/ fries & Mac and chocolate chip cookie
    Brea Preview Day Dinner Sustainable Salmon Plate w/ fries & Mac and chocolate chip cookie
    Blueberry Empanada | IG @moniquedao

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    Blueberry Empanada | IG @moniquedao
    Board & Brew

    Board & Brew

    4.2
    (298 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    I went to board & brew for the first time and the person behind the counter tommy was really…read morepatient with me when choosing my sandwich and he gave me a really good recommendation he recommended italian sub and honestly it was one of my favorite subs I have ever had.

    Man, shoutout to Board & Brew because they completely changed the way I look at sandwiches. Growing…read moreup, I was never really a huge sandwich person. My mom usually made the classic ham and cheese or turkey and cheese, so sandwiches never felt like something I got overly excited about. Then I tried the Turkado, and honestly... I get it now. That sandwich was packed with flavor and had the perfect balance of turkey, lettuce, and that signature sauce. I don't know what exactly is in that sauce, but do they share the recipe? Because there's something about it that makes the sandwich special. It ties everything together perfectly. I also tried the Baja Chicken, and this one honestly proved me wrong. I've never been the biggest fan of chicken sandwiches on that type of bread, but Board & Brew made me question that entire opinion because this sandwich was magnificent. Flavorful, satisfying, and way better than I expected. Now I'm sitting here realizing I probably need to work my way through the rest of the menu because there are still several sandwiches I haven't tried. Board & Brew might have officially turned me into a sandwich guy, and I honestly didn't see that coming.

    Photos
    Go Dodgers!
    Go Dodgers!
    Tub-o-Tuna
    Tub-o-Tuna
    Storefront

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    Storefront
    Katsu Bar

    Katsu Bar

    4.3
    (223 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Casual dining for Japanese food …read more Order either at kiosk ( left side) or at the counter. Daily specials are offered. See poster stand outside the entrance for listings. Quite a variety of food options : curry, rice bowl, tofu pockets, katsu, , chiken wings and more... Minimal tables for in dining. Great self serve soda fountain machine. Unusual flavors to choose from. Hubby and I both enjoyed the ( Monday) chicken curry lunch special which had rice, chicken curry katsu, cabbage salad, macaroni and a fountain drink. * It would be extra nice to help the staff and tidy up after your meal .

    A visit from a few days ago…read more The cashier was really nice, friendly and bright! Excellent customer service! The place is always immaculate, clean and fresh! So I ordered their chicken teriyaki bowl for $10.99 and made it keto (no carbs) with extra veggies (carrots and broccoli only). - They forgot the jalepenos - The carrot pieces were really BIG and fibrous (not enjoyable not tender); tough to chew - The chicken was 2x cooked or overcooked (kinda hard), my 1st visit they cooked it to much softer - Portion size was good A healthly meal, but not that enjoyable. I will try their bulgogi bowl next time. I wish they would sell their Cholmyun without the katsu (I can't eat fried protein foods due to health reasons).

    Photos
    Katsu Bar
    The batter of the fish katsu is crispy and the inside is tender and flaky
    The batter of the fish katsu is crispy and the inside is tender and flaky
    Tonkatsu goes waaayyy past the bun circumference!

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    Tonkatsu goes waaayyy past the bun circumference!
    Windsor Brown's

    Windsor Brown's

    4.9
    (257 reviews)
    5.6 mi
    $$

    I love a good sandwich, and I love making my own sandwiches, so it takes a lot for me to be…read moresurprised by a sandwich spot. Upon entering, you see the minimalistic menus of sandwiches and drinks. (There are also small paper menus available but the aesthetic is a treat!) it's a small spot, but it exudes personality and a homey vibe. It's like a pub setting you see in Shaun of the Dead but much more comfortable and low key. The servers were very friendly and attentive to our table. I tried the French Dip and the BLT. Both were delicious and packed with meat. One thing about Windsor Brown's is they DO NOT skimp on the meats! Huge points! I executed a beautiful cheese pull upon my first bite, but could not capture it on picture because I ate too fast! So you'll just have to take my word for it. My family also enjoyed their sandwiches. They tried the Devil Made Me Do It and another sandwich with ghost peppers. We all left with our bellies full and our spirits high! 5/5 WILL return next time I'm in town.

    The sandwiches are great here, and so is the service! Windsor Brown's has a laidback, lively…read moreatmosphere with plenty of tables and a couple of seats at the bar if you want some drinks with your food. We ordered Lite Lunch w/ Bacon, Roast Beastly, and Oklahoma Sunset. They each had their own perks: - Lite Lunch had lots of veggies and spiced hummus - Roast Beastly has deep flavors - Oklahoma Sunset was a simpler and creamy bite with a blended flavor profile (sweet, savory, etc.) The Oklahoma Sunset was definitely my favorite. Easy to eat and tastes so damn good! Location is great on the promenade. Parking was a breeze on a Saturday afternoon--can snag a spot on the promenade itself or in nearby structures. Recommended!!!

    Photos
    Beers
    Beers
    Windsor Brown's
    Table inside

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    Table inside

    The Hat - sandwiches - Updated August 2026

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