Very cool place. Staff is nice, food good, would prefer toasted bread for their pastrami but it's still tasty. Small onion rings are huge portion. $18 for both classes pastrami and small order of onion rings. A must try read more

See all

The only issue I have with this place is their fries. I came here countless times for their pastrami sandwich and it's amazing. But the fries here are either a hit or miss (most of the time it's a miss). Their fries are so soft and soggy. I took off 2 stars because fries are very important to me and it does define the experience. One time I asked the staff if they can re-make the fries and they said "no" because that's how it is. But there are other times when I go and their fries are sometimes decent. Not sure who or what to believe. But their fries suck. read more

I've been to several of The Hat locations and the Lake Forest one did not disappoint!!! The food is fresh, cooked to order, with generous portions. Be aware the large fries and onion rings can easily feed 3 people. We love their burgers, pastrami dips, fries, and onion rings. The food also comes out pretty quickly. Service is always great. So many workers moving the food along, cleaning the tables, and running the cash register. Even when they are busy, they have a great system (almost better than In-N-Out!). The dining area has an old school vibe which is nostalgic for me remembering the good old days of dining here as a teenager. It's clean and spacious. I wish they had a location in San Diego but I'll be definitely stopping by the next time I'm in the area! read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

See all

The Hat is the place that I come to for comfort food. Their Pastrami Dip ($12.60), Onion Rings ($4.85), and Chili side ($2.99) always hits the spot. Occasionally, I get their chili cheese fries, but I can never finish it with everything else that I want to order. They continue to serve up really good food with generous portions. I'm a bit bummed that they don't leave out the pickled peppers for self-serve anymore. You have to ask for them and they only give you a few at a time. Prices have gone up, but it is still a deal for the amount of food you get compared to other places. I like that they haven't updated the look of the place all these years because there is nostalgia in keeping things the way they are. read more

See all

My daughter wanted to try something that you can only find in SoCal and the Orange Bang at The Hat was it. I was going to do the drive thru but somehow missed the entrance. She went inside and brought one back. It tasted like an orange creamsicle (at least to me). There is a decent amount of parking. Worth a try! read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

See all

The Hat is a favorite in our house for many reasons. The interior reminds you of what an LA diner feels like. The staff is extremely kind. I purchased one of their 75th anniversary shirts and they showed me the different colors and explained the sizing! My favorite thing to get is the chili fries with pastrami and onion added on. It is indulgent but the combination can't be beat! I also love the pastrami burger because of the contrast with the tomato and lettuce and the pastrami. It's located in a shopping plaza so there's a lot of parking available. We've ordered to eat in and the drive thru and both are great options that give large portions! read more

The Hat - Chili Fries with Pastrami and Onions added! - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The Hat in Lake Forest absolutely delivered. I ordered the pastrami dip sandwich with a small order of onion rings, and the portions were massive. Honestly, it was more than enough to split between two people. The pastrami was flavorful, tender, and stacked generously. And the onion rings were easily some of the best I've had -- perfectly crispy on the outside and still light inside. Service was great, staff were friendly and the place was not too busy. Parking is easy. If you're hungry and want solid comfort food with huge portions, this place does not disappoint. Definitely coming back. read more

The Hat - Pastrami dip - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The Hat is a classic SoCal chain, approaching its 75th anniversary this year! This was my first visit to the Lake Forest location and it was like stepping back in time. It looks exactly like something out of the 50's - from the signs behind the counter to the seating. For $12.60, you can get a pastrami sandwich, which is a deal! It's thinly sliced and fatty, with mustard and pickles. I shared mine and also got a tuna melt ($11.25) to make my meal a little healthier (LOL). Tuna melt was decent, though the tuna salad was still cold since it was added after the sandwich was grilled. The real star was the onion rings. I got a small order ($4.85) and got more than twice the amount I expected. If you like onion rings, The Hat is the place to go! read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Haven't been to the Hat in a many years since I don't live close. Went back recently and it still holds true that their Roast Beef Au Jus is my favorite pastrami sandwich here in California with its tasty flavors. Size-wise, it doesn't look too big but it filled me up fast and was able to take the other half home. It does not come with a dip since it already comes pre-dipped. Also ordered a side of onion rings to split with my husband. The rings are huge, batter is nice and crunchy, and they give you a generous amount! Available for drive-thru and there are many indoor seats (diner style) and a few outdoor ones. We went on a Saturday night around 9pm and we didn't have to wait very long for the food. read more

The Hat - Roast Beef au Jus - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I've been coming to The Hat since I was a UC Irvine student, and it never disappoints. My go-to order is the pastrami chili cheese fries. Sure, it's gone up in price over the last decade, but the flavor and portion size makes it completely worth it. Their burgers and regular fries are solid as well. We love that they have piña bang here too! read more

The Hat - Cheeseburger - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

See all

There are plenty of parking spaces, and they also have a lot of indoor seating. You order at the counter first, then sit at any open table. I ordered the chili cheese fries and the pastrami dip. They're known for their pastrami, and it was definitely delicious! It was flavorful, tender, and not dry at all. They even cut the sandwich in half for you, which makes it much easier to eat. The chili cheese fries were tasty too, but most of the cheese and chili were on top, making it a bit hard to mix everything evenly. Recommendation(s): - Chili Cheese Fries - Pastrami Dip Service: 5/5 Tip(s): - Plenty of indoor seating - Plenty of parking available - Restrooms available read more

I recently visited The Hat and had a really enjoyable experience overall. The highlight of the meal was definitely the onion rings. they were absolutely delicious. They came out hot, crispy, and perfectly golden, with a light, crunchy batter that wasn't greasy or heavy. The onions inside were tender and flavorful, making them some of the best onion rings I've had in a long time. That said, one area where the restaurant could really improve is they need some vegan options. The current menu is very limited for plant-based customers, and adding more vegan-friendly choices would make the restaurant more inclusive and appealing to a wider range of diners. With the growing demand for vegan meals, this would be a great update for the future. Overall, I'd happily return for those amazing onion rings and hope to see more vegan options added soon. read more

Pastrami is good. The fries are either good or so bad!! Yesterday they were so bad! So soggy. The portions sizes on everything have gone down in a very noticeable way. It's not worth the cost anymore. read more

Stopped by The Hat and had a great classic diner experience! I ordered a burger and small fries. The burger was exactly what you want from a classic diner. Soft buns, fresh lettuce and tomatoes, and just the right amount of thousand island dressing. The small order of french fries were actually a generous portion. The staff were friendly and the place has such a nostalgic classic feel it really takes you back to a simpler, old-school diner vibe. read more

See all

Everything from their French dip, pastrami burger, pastrami, hotdog, is wonderful. I can always get the pastrami on the side too, and enjoy both separately if preferred! Furthermore, It seems like every three months I have a new favorite menu item at this place. Last two months it's been the lately it's been the "tuna sandwich", which may seem simple, and unexciting BUT somehow The Hat has once again, combined all the ingredients that would make a dull tuna sandwich. Wonderful! Additionally, Service is always polite and fast. The environment is always friendly, festive, positive. Always enjoyable to see the expressions / reactions of customers ordering the pastrami fries, and then seeing what a HUGE generous order it is - snd at such a great price.! read more

See all

Gotta give this classic eatery props for doing what it does well. If you want a good pastrami sandwich, this is absolutely where you go. The onion rings are fantastically crispy without being overly greasy as well. My husband loves his food every time he orders here. While I'm not a big pastrami person, I've tried their other items and found them to be more than adequate, even the turkey burger, which can often be dry and tasteless - it was pretty good here. Service is efficient and friendly. The Hat deserve its rep as a Southern California classic. read more

What a great place - the pastrami dip and roast beef were large in portion, fulfilling and delicious. Live the small fries as they're quite big portion. Staff were friendly fly and helpful. Ambiance is as if you traveled back in time to 1989, just a classic place you must visit in Southern California! read more

The Hat - Roast Beef (au Jus) - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Wow, I've never been here and heard a lot about it. I thought the food would be gross, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I much prefer the sandwich from here over the one from Phillips in LA. I got the world famous pastrami as well as their chili tamale. I totally did not expect the chili tamale to be just a tamale with chili and cheese and pickles on top of it. It wasn't a bit odd but I love salty fatty savory food so it was delicious. The place was packed and had a lot of people in there with the lines move quick. If you are looking for some comfort food that really hits the spot I would not hesitate to recommend the hat read more

See all

A classic with quick service and food that hits all of the fast food cravings. There's a decent amount of parking available. They have mostly indoor seating with some outdoor seating available. They have a fairly large menu with lots of different options but they are most known for their pastrami. You order at the register and they give you a number that they will call once your food is ready. The food comes out quickly and they give very generous portions of meat in the sandwiches. The pastrami has really good flavor and it is definitely big enough to be shared. We asked for cheese on our chili fries and it added to the taste of the dish. The fries were surprisingly not salty at all. The steak sandwich was more on the well done side, but still had good flavor. The hot dog was fairly small and a little bit tough. The cheeseburger was on the smaller size as well. The onion rings come in a very generous portion and have the perfect ration of crispy batter to onion. read more

See all

Uncomfortable, noisy 6 out 10 for food! Less juice in meat, took a shower when got home . The lunch crowd filled the restaurant! 3.5/5 star rating read more

My first time going to The Hat Delicious quality food, large portions at a great price......What more could you ask for!!!! I will definitely be coming back read more

I made visited this restaurant again recently. I had their roast beef sandwich for the first time. A generous amount of tender roast beef was served up on a nice roll with Au jus. The meat was lean and flavorful. This was paired with a "small" order of fries. (Beware that the "small" fries is enough for 2+ people.) I experienced the same great service I have grown to expect at this location. The restaurant was very clean. read more

Love The Hat ever since I was introduced to it many years ago. I'd say I'm not a huge pastrami fan but am always down for their famous pastrami sandwich. This was my first time at this location and it has the same feel as others. We went between lunch and dinner so it was empty and we got our sandwich within 1 minute. I can see why they are well-known and loved, the pastrami was so flavorful and the mustard and pickles go so well. read more

See all

I have tried this place for the first time and I have to say I'm highly sensitive to the salty flavor not even the fries with cheese could make my taste buds handle. I'm not sure if this was the intended purpose. However I was not fully disappointed I would say if I need to fill my tummy it will do that fast. Not sure if I liked it though like something you need to have a few beers to get going. The service was fast and the place seems packed which is a plus because you feel the good vibes. read more

Needless to say, I've only ever had their pastrami dip sandwich whenever I come here. The simplicity of the sandwich is what I appreciate, piled high with pastrami spilling out the sides, and with a few pickles inside. I got the chili cheese fries to this time which I thought was okay, a little salty, but in some ways still it's the spot. The location itself is great with plenty of parking. Service is always quick, but there's also a drive-thru for those who need it. I always try to stop by whenever I'm in the area for a quick bite. read more

The Hat - Pastrami Dip Sandwich and Chili Cheese Fries - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Finally got to try the famous pastrami sandwich. It goes well with ketchup, otherwise it seems a little dry and salty. I remove the pickles from the sandwich. I think eating half a sandwich at a time would have been satisfying enough, however, i finished the whole sandwich in one sitting and the sandwich became too salty. Anyway, I am glad I got to try it. Next time I will try their other items on the menu. read more

Finally got to try this place after hearing about it for so many years. We tried the pastrami sandwich, of course and burger. The large fries was enough for the three of us to share. We also tried the potato salad per another review. It was good, but I'll skip it next time and stick with the fries or maybe try the onion rings actually. The pastrami wasn't too salty at all and it was just right. The bun was warm and soft. It all went down easily with the fries. Will definitely come back here when we're craving these sandwiches. Service was friendly and they seemed to have plenty of staff on hand. The restaurant and restrooms were clean. We enjoyed our quick stop and looking forward to the next visit. read more

See all

Man talk about getting bang for your buck, this place is it. The food, especially the pastrami sandwich are amazing. I love their chili cheese fries. And your food comes out pretty quick. Try getting a side of gravy to dip with your fries, soooooo good. read more

The Hat - Steak sandwich with fries and a side of gravy - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

When u walk in, you notice the steam coming up from the kitchen.....which reminds me of a Deli scene from a movie. The way they loudly call out your order gives me an east coast deli vibe. Lots of seating. Semi open kitchen. Food is good. Great customer service. Clean. Food portions are good. Tasty food. read more

The Hat - Inside - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

See all

This is my first time to this SoCal staple. They are known for the Pastrami Dip sandwich. We all ordered that to give it a whirl. We also ordered Onion Rings and the kind of famous Wet Fries. The Pastrami was lean and cured to perfection. We ordered it on Sourdough but it also comes on wheat and rye bread. My recommendation is to eat it there and not to go if your drive is long as the bread did get soggy. The Onion Rings were great and served pippin hot. The Wet Fries were also served hot but you also need a fork and as they were covered in a delicious brown gravy. Please check with your cardiologist before ordering these. I would definitely go back but dine in for sure. The location was clean and the drive thru quick. read more

The Hat - Pastrami Dip and Wet Fries. - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The Hat, a staple since 1951. 74 years serving their classic pastrami sandwiches. I visited this location in Lake Forest recently and was impressed with the smell of grilled onions. Like Ratatouille , I was using my cranial nerve 1 (CN1) using my olfactory sense like a champ trying to find out why every time I asked Javier I couldnt have grilled onions in my pastrami sandwich when I could clearly smell grilled onions. Mystery solved! Onions were coming from Onion rings! Sign me UP! Oh boy, was I impressed by my Onion Rings. I kid you not, I couldn't control myself. This place hands down has the best, onion rings! The texture, crunchy , the taste: morgasmic, the quality: chef's kiss! Im coming back just for the onion rings! The signature classic Pastrami sandwich was equally delicious. Now, let's be real, is it the healthiest choice: NO! However, if one must indulge in one of life's simplest pleasures once in a blue moon, then I say: hell yea, go for it! Let's talk about logistics: inside the restaurant has plenty of seating, clean bathrooms, and overall inviting. The parking is plentiful and has a great amount of ADA parking, plus a ramp! 5/5 for accessibility. If you are in the area in Lake Forest, I suggest stopping by. This location is next to Taco Bell, the Subaru dealership. Will be coming back. read more

See all

Pastrami dip sandwich is a classic. Had it again after many years. Still the pretty much the same. Very tasty Skip the chili. Ordered a side cup of chili and it was not good! Very pastey gummy texture (see pic) and lacked the nice chili blend of spices; kinda like meat slop. read more

The Hat - Chili sucks. Very pastey and meh flavor. See the chili up top is molded to the cup shape. Not normal! This was fresh in the parking lot. - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

See all

Love this place! Grew up with the Pasadena location and was soo excited to see one close to me by oc. First there is a drive thru!!! The one in the Pasadena area doesn't have a drive through, and parking is limited. The same great food. The only downside is the portions. I noticed that the large fries are like a lot smaller than the other locations. The sandwiches are still great but anyone else noticed the smaller portions? Either way I love this place and will still keep coming back read more

The pastrami is so good it might just make you question your life choices--and the chili cheese fries? I'm pretty sure they're illegal in some states. I don't usually venture to this part of town, but a work meeting got me in the area, and the hunger pangs kicked in like a Ronda Rousey move. I strolled into The Hat, ordered a pastrami sandwich, chili cheese fries, and a Diet Coke because, well, I'm a sensible lady and BALANCE. I was sitting, texting the LOML, waiting for my food. I was excitedly telling him about the yummy sandwich & fries I was about to devour. That Foo' bet me $50 that I couldn't finish the meal. I confidently accepted the challenge, thinking, "Yeah, I'm a normal-sized person. This is totally doable." Brahhhhh....it wasn't. I was served enough food to feed a small village. I knew in that moment I was going to leave this place $50 poorer and eating my words. As for my dignity? Well, let's just say it's in a food coma somewhere in the back of my throat. Pros: The food was perfect. 10/10 would eat again, even if it bankrupts me. I mean, are you kidding me??? It was delicious. Cons: I lost a bet, gained 5 pounds, and discovered what true regret feels like. Next time, I'm bringing my man to help me with all this food! read more

The Hat - Pastrami and Chili Fries - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Our first time here and will definitely be back! The Pastrami sandwich was delicious, especially with the Dip! We tried the chili cheese fries and they were massive, delicious, and filling! Enough for everyone to share. We got referred by three different people and will send our friends here too. The staff was also so friendly, the gentleman at the register was so accommodating, we asked for a water cup for our dog and he gave us 2 different options. read more

The Hat - Chili Cheese Chili Fries and Pastrami Sandwich - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The Hat is slipping... their pastrami sandwich has increased in price by 35%, and decreased in size by 50%. It's sad to see another one bite the dust, but that's where they are headed off they keep this up, cause the large majority of their food isn't good. read more

The food is good, and they give you a large portion that you can share if you like. They serve you really swiftly and friendly. Diner type vibe you can sit inside, outside, or go through the drive through. read more

Disappointed, grew up on the hat. Staff was terrible. Went through the drive thru, Almost went inside because it was so empty but decided to stay in the car after a long day ... the speaker box cuts out during my order so I repeat 5 times " but then a line of cars built up so I pull forward... I get the window shut on my face. Then proceeds to cut me off before I explain the situation. " uhh well you can take your order here and pick it up inside or go through it again... we're really busy." The craziest thing he said .. " WE ARE OUT OF MEAT " when behind him a guy is packaging up a meal. I gave up and went somewhere else. It's called ACCOUNTABILITY and MANNERS. VERY DISRESPECTFUL AND VERY DISAPPOINTING. read more

I just read a recent review from someone complaining the table had crumbs on it and they had to ask for someone to clear it off. It must've been in the 45 seconds the person was away from the main dining room because she's always constantly cleaning up. Whenever we have been there, we never see her stop working. She's constantly cleaning up, sweeping up, everything. I don't know how bad the person's table was but since they gave the Hat a five star review, it must not have been too bad. I'm not looking for a fight or an argument. Not being there makes it impossible to evaluate how bad the table was. If so, he did the right thing by asking someone to clear it off. Unless it was terrible, I would've cleaned it myself. Strictly speaking for myself. read more

The Hat - Pastrami Dip and French fries - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

See all

Born and raised in SoCal there's nothing like the pastrami sandwich. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. The Hat is by far the best pastrami around. Now I used to go to yellow basket as a kid and they were the bomb. I will say though that my husband introduced me to The Hat and that's what I've had every time visiting the area. Treat yourself. It's delicious! read more

The Hat - Pastrami with small fries and onion rings. Oh yeah! - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California