at the drive thru window , i could barely hear the woman on the speaker. she didn't understand me at all. i ordered a plain cheeseburger , and onion rings. i drove out of the drive thru with one of those items. she said she heard my order but clearly didn't. luckily she did only charge me for the onion rings. but that's not the only part. the onion rings were burnt to a crisp. literally black. at first i thought maybe i got just a burnt one , but every single one of them were black and burnt to a crisp. read more

The Hat - burnt onion rings - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Great team and good food. The space and overall ambience add to the experience. This has definitely become my go-to pastrami spot in South OC. read more

Review I went to the Hat Lake Forest location and ordered my lunch. Waited in line for 15 minutes which was no big deal. I gave the lady inside the Hat my card to pay. She gave me the bag of food, my drink and my credit card. I drove to work 25 miles away and when I arrived at my office found only french fries on my bag. Then I called the Lake Forest location I asked to speak with the manager. Told the manger the issue and she became very hostile and rude and told me it's my fault. I used to go the Upland location for years and always got great service. read more

This is a classic and hopefully will be around forever! Don't expect anything fancy or frilly, go for the food and enjoy it!!!

Not exactly a regular customer, for only been there a few times. But every time they do not disappoint. The food is simple yet amazing, price hiked up a little bit but so is everything and everyone else, a must go pastrami sandwich place! Definitely recommend and will return when the crave hits! read more

I'm a frequent customer of this location. Hadn't had an issue before but tonight when I went through the drive thru, they screwed me of my small fries. The fries were cold and they didn't give me very many. Usually they I get them fresh and hot and way more than this....shameful. read more

The Hat - This is all the fries I got... - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Great tasting hot pastrami sandwich! Only four stars because it was warm. It's wasn't hot. It got cold right away. The plus side. The bread is soft. The meat is thinly sliced. The meat isn't greasy. The restaurant. The place is kept clean! They have an amazing amount of traffic and yet, the restaurant stays clean! I saw people come and go. The table were cleaned immediately! I highly recommend this location. It's right off the freeway so you can get in and get out fast! The food was prepared quickly as well. This is my second visit. This time I didn't get onion rings because it can get pricey quickly! Great service, great food, clean restaurant! read more

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The food is amazing! Their pastrami sandwich is always a must! The fries is a big portions you'll need to share but so good!

I've been wanting to try this place for a while, and I'm absolutely glad that I finally got around to doing so! The Hat mimics a retro car-hop type of ambiance, especially its bold and welcoming front display. There's a lot to choose from, but I knew exactly what I wanted: their pastrami dip and pastrami chili cheese fries, an item that is not listed on the menu. Food comes out very quickly here. If you aren't listening carefully enough, you might not hear your order number being called (it's true -- it took my friend five calls to finally realize her food was ready to be picked up)! As soon as I got my pastrami dip, I ripped through the papers that embraced the sandwich and took a bite. The pastrami is SO good. Not too fatty, not too salty but JUST RIGHT. There was not too much mustard, and the pickles complimented, rather than detracted, from the sandwich as a whole. I didn't even use any of the au jus -- it only made the sandwich saltier and soggier. As for the pastrami chili cheese fries... as soon as it came out, I was regretting that I ordered it. Thankfully, I had the help of three other mouths, and together we combated a majority of the fries, though there was still plenty left over to take home. My one gripe about The Hat is that it is a little expensive. Eight dollars or so for the pastrami dip is reasonable, but $9-10 for the pastrami chili cheese fries?! That's a bit much, in my opinion. Nevertheless, they do pack on the pastrami, chili and cheese.... I LOVE The Hat. I could eat their pastrami dip sandwiches almost every day!! I will be back for sure. read more

The Hat - Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries at The Hat in Lake Forest. - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

What are portions? Because no matter how much you think you're going to eat, you are probably going to have leftovers! Cheat day lovers rejoice, this will be worth it for you. Pastrami Burger: I could only finish half. But it was worth it. Very big and juicy. Pastrami not too salty either (which is a common problem for me). Would order again. Chill Cheese fries: Can never finish these no matter how many people I bring here. Although, they are probably only good when you eat it fresh. Not so much when you reheat it in the oven. Service is quick. Dining area is a bit small, but people tend to eat fast and you're bound to find a seat. Overall, no regrets. read more

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

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Idk how we've lived so close to this spot and never been. We've been missing out. Not a fancy joint, but I love the history and classic sandwich/hot dog/ burger joint feel. We got a pastrami sandwich, turkey sandwich, large onion rings, and small fries w/ gravy on the side. The sandwich is big enough to split b/w two ppl, although I can see a hungry person eat the whole thing. Prob will skip the turkey sandwich and fries (which were like meh) next time. We'll try the pastrami again and get extra pickles and peppers on the side. Can't wait to try more items on the menu. read more

I took a group of coworkers to lunch after a meeting, we ordered 3 Pastrami sandwiches and a turkey sandwich. Got to have onion rings and of course the chili cheese fries. The Pastrami was really good, the flavors were on point. The bread was soft. I don't like the onion paste onion rings, I would rather have beer batter onion rings but the guys enjoyed them so I won't knock them. Now the chili cheese fries, one word BLAND... so disappointing they looked so good but total disaster. Can't forget the turkey sandwich, it was a hit. The guy unwrapped it and I hailed it. It was worth the experience. read more

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This should be 5 stars because the quality of the food is really good. The pastrami is the best in OC. But it's 4 stars because this place isn't very inviting to eat in, and although the staff makes great food and keeps the place really clean, they aren't very friendly. To sum up, best pastrami in OC, unfriendly staff, clean place, and amazing food. read more

Pastrami loaded sandwich on a diner roll, mustard, and pickles. This sandwich reminds me of the good ol' days, when you just want your food to be straight with you. No hipster enhancements, terms like "slow-cooked" or "organic". The Hat harkens back to a simpler time and the food pays off for it. read more

I grew up eating at the location in the Monterey Park and Alhambra area but it's great to have a location in South OC. I was in the Lake Forest area and was craving some chili cheese fries and what better place to get it from than the Hat?? This one was much less greasier than the one served up in LA. It didn't disappoint ... cheese on top of hot chili with diced up tomatoes and pickles... cardiac heaven! read more

The Hat - Chili cheese fries with pickles & tomatoes - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Food: The self professed "World Best Pastrami". It's good pastrami, no doubt about that, but I still prefer pastrami from Tops. The go to item here is the pastrami sandwich. Put some mustard and pickles on it and pair it with an Orange Bang... a great combo. On my last two visits, I've attempted to finish the Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries by myself. I've failed both times. It's just a lot of fries! :) Service: Place your order and pay for it at the right side of the counter. They'll give you a number. When your order is up, they'll call your number. Pick up your order at the left side of the counter next to the drink dispensers. The condiments are self served in the middle of the counter. Every time that I've been here, there has been one employee going around to make sure the place is clean. They'll even bring you napkins. read more

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I've been coming to this place for years and it still is one of my favorite places to go. They have a huge inventory of items to choose from including burgers, burritos, sandwiches, and more. The portion sizes are huge here! Plenty to share. I will usually get a turkey sandwich with chili cheese fries. The chili cheese fries I can easily share with 3 people, so I usually order it for the table. They are known for their pastrami. I usually don't order pastrami at places, but here it's amazing. Try the pastrami burger. Everything on the menu is delicious, so you can't really go wrong. The service is pretty quick and the staff is nice. There is plenty of seating and parking here so that shouldn't be an issue. Give this place a shot, you'll enjoy the experience! **This review was based on trying this place more than 30 times. I believe in trying a place multiple times before reviewing in order to give an honest and fair review. read more

The Hat - Chili cheese fries - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Just got ripped off on the onion rings. Before it was a full bag, now barely fill the bottom of the bag. read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This place is really cool, and they have lots of parking, and a clean open bathroom. Ms. Badpenny took me here as a surprise while visiting Orange County. I purchased the Famous Original Pastrami Dip, and it did not disappoint!! The bread was great, the Pastrami itself is very juicy, cooked perfectly, amazing juice on the Pastrami. Two thumbs up for sure! We had to eat in the car because the dining in or outside options are not available. I would definitely come back while in town. read more

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I've driven by The Hat several times and tonight I wanted to try their pastrami sandwich. Oh what a sandwich. The pastrami dip was shaved pastrami piled high in a soft roll with a little pickle inside. Reminded me of a NY deli sandwich. I'm so glad to have stopped by tonight. One of the best pastrami sandwiches I've had. Only thing I should have asked for was au jus for dipping. read more

Went to this place recently, got the signature pastrami sandwich, some fries, and a hot dog. Food was just okay. Perhaps I'm not a big fan of pastrami? This pastrami was also served with mustard, and I typically like mine with saukraut and thousand island sauce. But the proportion was good, I didn't have to wait too long for my food, there was plenty of parking and the spot was clean. So maybe I would go there and try something else. read more

I came here with my Brother on a Sunday for a late lunch. I only got a soda and some onion rings, my Brother got a pastrami dip and onions rings. We've been here a few times before, but not in a while. We just went through the drive thru. It was empty and pretty easy. We did have to wait a while for our food though. We also asked for chili's. If you like spicy stuff ask for these, they are super spicy. My Mom loves the chilies so we got them for her. After getting out food, my Brother checked our bags to make sure everything was in there and it checked out ok. The lady in the drive thru was very nice too. When we got home our food was still fresh and hot. Their onion rings are literally the best. They can be a bit on the greasy side, but they are crunchy and delicious. The servings here are big. If you ask for onion rings you'll get a whole brown paper bag full. I also had some of my Brother's pastrami dip. Their pastrami and really good. It's just fatty and delicious and served in a soft bun with mustard and pickles. I don't think I've had anything else here except for the pastrami, onion rings and chilies because they are just so good. read more

While I'm sure I spiked my blood pressure, the food was fantastic and the portions are crazy! The chili fries portion is enough to solve world hunger read more

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

Restaurant closes at 11pm. I've driven, ordered my food and received my food with no issues in the past. Today, I went expecting to receive a 10/10 experience but was unfortunately disappointed. I ordered with a few minutes left, still open for business, but was informed that they no longer had pastrami for the evening. I had to order something else that I've never ordered before. That item was not what I come to the establishment to eat and was therefore dissatisfied with the taste and was not impressed. Pastrami, OPEN TO CLOSE. Period. Clean & organized though! read more

First off. The Brea location got our order wrong and the manager of that location to correct there mistake offered to us to get rest of the order from the Lake Forest location. My wife had some free time the next day. And went to the Lake Forest location. She got 3rd degree from 3 different people for 2 cheeseburgers. When the Brea manager put us on a list. You guys got the order wrong. We are getting all this hassle for 2 cheeseburgers? There no more customer service anymore. Next time you guys get an order wrong. You might want to have better customer service for those customers. So they will want to comeback. Not going back to the Lake Forest location and maybe not back to The Hat. read more

Expensive - but really good. Total greasy spoon. Lots cheap once inside - but great fires and sandwiches.

I don't know how this restaurant doesn't have 5 stars on here. Old fashioned restaurant with the best pastrami in Orange County. Meat is sliced thin and piled high. Cool old school vibes. read more

I like the hat. Great sandwiches. You get a ton of pastrami for the price and the chili cheese fries are insanely good! No one leaves The Hat hungry. However my post isnt about how good this place is, its a warning. Let my folly be your guide: So here is what happened last night... I decide to go to The Hat cause I got some leftover bacon I want to use, figuring I will get a sandwich and put it on that. I order a ham and turkey and want cheese on it. They have swiss or american for like 70 cents. Then I spot cheddar for 2 bucks! I get cheddar and avocado on it. I get home, and the sandwich is huge, like almost the size of a football...wtf. I open it up and they put SHREDDED cheddar cheese on it. Its falling out the sides, etc. So I slap the bacon it, a lil extra mayo and some italian dressing and sit down to watch netflix on the internet while I eat. About 5 mins in I move my arm and knock the top of the sandwich off, it flies off the plate and desk and lands on the floor. Shredded cheddar cheese blows all over in like a 3 foot radius. All over my leg, my computer, my rug and of course lands avocado/mayo side down on the rug. Im pretty sure my neighbor heard my 5 minutes of f-bombs and angry yells about shredded cheddar cheese on a sandwich. DONT ORDER THE CHEDDAR ON A SANDWICH! read more

Me and my coworkers ordered lunch online, I paid for the food $125. I got there and the cashier charged me another $94? I thought it was weird but I figured maybe I actually didn't pay online. I checked my bank account after I got back and saw both charges. I'm pretty sure cashier just had me pay for someone else's lunch!!! read more

I come here frequently. Why is there a mean angry looking guy standing behind the counter staring at the employees and customers?? Customers in the lobby were talking about him and how uncomfortable he was making everyone. He was just standing there in a dark blue shirt with a horrible look on his face staring. Very uncomfortable situation. Monday about 6pm. Won't be coming back. read more

Just when you think Johnny Pastrami's is a great pastrami sandwich, along comes a visit to The Hat and you find your new favorite pastrami dip sandwich place. Not a cheap place, a pastrami dip sandwich and a soda will set you back about $12. But, it is worth it. When I was there this time, I had to share a table with a kind woman who was quietly enjoying a smothered pastrami-cheese-chili-french-fry plate. It was HUGE! She said she can never finish it but has to get it every time she goes in. Looked like a plate you could easily share with 3 of your friends. If you're not a big eater, bring a friend. Get the sandwich and an order of fries, split the sandwich and the fries and sit back and enjoy. It shares a parking lot with Taco Bell so it can be hard to find a place to park during lunch hours but if you can find a place to park, it is really worth your time. Enjoy! read more

I mean, it was filling for a big appetite. But, flavor wasn't what really jumped out at me. I like the veggies to crunch so loud they bother my neighbor. I want the meat so tender and juicy, it makes me wanna chew nicely. I want the bun soft on the inside with a nice even crisp toasted inside. And, since this has pastrami, I want the peppery roasted turkey to nibble at my tastebuds with every bite. But, I didn't get that this time. I used to eat here regularly. I was really excited to come back and try it again. It's been maybe 10 years. But, my excitement was crushed with a so so burger. Burger and a drink was $15. I felt like kicking myself because what I got was a bun that was falling apart. Meat that had no flavor. The pastrami was ok but a little greasy. Actually, a lot greasy. Veggies that seemed like the waste part of the lettuce, one tomato. And I think there were onions but since the lettuce was all core pieces, it was hard to tell. But, I can't really say it was bad. Because, I'm full but, just disappointed. read more

Hands down best pastrami sandwiches!!! I don't want to even have one from another place after eating here! Traditional feel, food is hot and fresh, and is top of the line meat. There was so much meat that it overflowed the sandwich! The pricing was for the PASTRAMI DIP $7.49 and then I ordered a side of fries for Fries small $2.49 and worth every penny!!! The small fries is more like a large so expect to get a lot food at this place! Love it! read more

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

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I live 20 min away n we don't mind driving for ur bomb sandwiches but y'all really killed it today. I ordered a roast beef, a pastrami roll, onion n fries, 2 drink n 2 au ju on the side. We drive all the way home to find a fucken hot dog instead of a pastrami. I have no clue how "pastrami" sounds anywhere close to "hot dog"I called to make sure they hadn't charged me 12 bucks for the hot dog n thank god they didn't but all he said ok thanks. A real inconvenience. Poor hot dog didn't look that great so in the trash it went. read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I am on my 3rd dose of pepto...So, my daughter's and my first visit. We had heard so many good things! We had the pastrami dip. We received a sandwich that was drenched in juice!! I could not hold it because the "bun" was too soggy and the pastrami pieces were so small they kept falling out. I was expecting to "dip" my sandwich. The flavor was not quite there. The meat was fairly bland but not too bad. With every bite of onion ring the entire onion came out...the fries were ok...you get a lot!! But the worst part of our visit was...My daughter and I both got sick.... read more

Such an odd experience last night. I went through the drive thu to get literally just a side of pastrami and a drink (I'm celiac and have specific health concerns so I just wanted straight meat) but there was such a language barrier that he didn't really understand me and instead of trying or just saying we don't do that, he kept being very dismissive and annoyed and kept repeating ok a sandwich with no bread... I kept saying no just a side of meat. Tell me how it was $17.... I asked like 3 times at the window what I am getting charged for and he said customized sandwich no bread and it got to the point where I could tell we'd both rather just give up on this convo so I just handed over my card.. But I left so shocked and disappointed. He didn't want to give me my receipt, obviously, so I'm just kind of stuck with the payment and feeling like I just involuntarily donated to this establishment read more

The pastrami frys are amazing . Would highly recommend sharing with your family or friends read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

God awful sandwiches; that's the best way to describe. Got the roast beef; soggy bread and tasteless beef. Also got the steak sandwich; rubbery piece of meat and just a lump of fat in between. And to boot it was $26 for 2 sandwiches for what is just fast food fare (like a terrible version of Arby's for a lot more money). Waste of time. Threw out most of it. read more

The gravy fries never disappoint. Generous portion of fries, and the gravy is nice and flavorful. I know they're known for their pastrami, but I never leave here without getting gravy fries or chili fries. read more

I stopped at The Hat on 23641 Rockfield Blvd. in Lake Forest. The place was clean. The cashier was friendly. They are always busy but, I was able to get a table. I ordered a Double Cheeseburger. 1 order of fries. 1 diet soda. The burger: Two beef patties, yellow cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato and, pickles, on a sesame bun. The burger was very tasty. The fries: were crispy with salt and flavorful. You get a large portion that can be shared. I drank a large diet soda to balance the large meal. I left to do more shopping. Robert H. read more

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