It's The Hat. Best pastrami in SoCal - I know there's other stuff on the menu, but I've never been able to pass up the pastrami. read more

The Hat - Sunset at The Hat - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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

Love this place, they have the best pastrami sandwich and it's big enough to share with a their fries. My only complaint is their chili, it has no flavor at all. We always order it on the side and add some of the pepper juice and salt in it then dip our fries. We also found their secret menu pastrami fries and we were so excited to try but unfortunately was, disappointed. read more

The Hat - Chili - we order this on the side to dock it up - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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If you're craving a pastrami sandwich that will blow your mind, *The Hat* is the place to go. I tried the Pastrami Dip, and let me tell you--it was damned tasty! This isn't your standard roast beef dip with a cup of au jus. Instead, the pastrami comes pre-dipped, slathered in its own juices, and piled high on a fresh French roll with mustard. The sandwich was stuffed with so much incredible, flavorful pastrami that it was almost too much meat (but let's be honest, there's no such thing as too much pastrami - especially if it's GOOD pastrami!). HALF the sandwich is a full-on meal in itself! For a side, I opted out of their famously enormous bags of fries and onion rings and went with the potato salad--and I was not disappointed. Served in a normal-sized container, this is some of the best potato salad I've ever had at a sandwich spot. It was creamy but not overloaded with mayo, and the potatoes were fresh, not dried out or overly mushy. A simple side, but absolutely delicious! The store was clean, and even though the crew was handling a packed crowd, the service was efficient. Parking was decent, but getting back onto Rockfield during lunch hour is definitely an adventure (pro tip: use the Centre Drive exit!). All in all: a great sandwich, a fantastic side, and a solid experience. I'll absolutely be back! read more

The Hat - Dining room - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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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

What's all the hype about. Tried this place cause of all the great reviews. Very disappointed. Got a pastrami burger and was was just bad. Hot dog was no better nor the loaded fries. It was four of us and not one gave a thumbs up.seems to be the classic large portion size so people gave good reviews. read more

Tried both their Roast Beef Sandwich w Au Jus as well as their Pastrami Dip. Both were very delicious! It was very simple and tasty + did not sit too heavy afterwards. I also liked their house pink lemonade fountain drink. read more

The Hat has been home to signature pastrami dips and chili cheese fries since 1952! Believe it or not, the Lake Forest location is their 9th store and opened back in 2004. They by no means serve up a healthy meal, but I'd def recommend ordering a pastrami dip, chili cheese fries and topping off with an Orange Bang on your cheat day. I appreciate that their pricing is fair, especially during these inflationary times, and I'm a fan of their portion sizes. This location also has a drive thru but if you decide to dine-in, the service is personable and efficient. With locations across the Southland, it's no wonder why this establishment is popular and the greasy goodness never disappoints! read more

The Hat - Front Entrance - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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The hat never disappoints. I always come here for the pastrami even though everything else sounds and looks so good. The service is quick and accurate. Being that I work so close to it I find myself coming here more than I should. Can't go wrong with a double cheeseburger and a pastrami to share. read more

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

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

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

I'm usually not a fan of pastrami because it feels like too much, BUT, the classic pastrami sandwich from the Hat has become the exception. There is SO MUCH finely sliced pastrami in each sandwich with a good bun, and a great contrast from the acidity of mustard and pickles. Truly a great sandwich. I have never dined in, but I've heard its VERY casual in there. Highly recommended! read more

Yummy burgers and fries. This is a Chain, but this location would make you think that it was the original or a mom & pop place. By that I mean that the staff were super attentive and service was lightening quick. There were two folk in the dining room sweeping and bussing tables. The bathrooms were clean and the food, in addition to quality and quantity, was not outrageously priced. read more

The service was great! Fast, friendly and of course the food was awesome. The prices are still decent too. read more

The Hat - Pastrami dip, chili cheese fries, onion rings and a side of gravy. - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

It's good. Fast food ambiance but place is kept clean and workers are working hard. Leave 'em a couple bucks. California pastrami as it was meant to be. Soft roll. Yellow mustard and pickles, all good. Fries are good too. Try the gravy or chili if your cholesterol isn't too high. read more

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Drove from Carlsbad to the Hat for a pastrami dip sandwich. I used to live in Irvine and found this location to be very good in the past. Today I found that the quality of the sandwich was not as good. The roll was much too dry and thick with cheap quality. The dip was salty and less tasty & the pastrami was dry and not as fresh tasting. All in all the inside of the place was very cold and uncomfortable. Outside sitting was far better. The staff was very friendly and helpful as always. Not worth my drive today but perhaps a different location would be better? read more

You still get a lot of food for your money and the pastrami is great. The service is pretty quick. The restaurant is clean, my only negative and it's a small one, is it's really busy at lunch time and it's hard to get a table. read more

Everything is delicious. Very sharable sized items. My wife and I split a pastrami and fries

Thought I'd give this place a try again haven't been here in years ordered the typical pastrami dip and a separate order of fries as usual. The pastrami was nice and tender on a soft roll and the fries were normal average at best. read more

Food is always great but lady behind the counter is constantly rude, just slams your receipt down. Never says thank you no matter how polite you are. read more

Alright...I take it back. 8 or so years later and they turned into a reasonably priced ($11.99?) pastrami sandwich joint. Who would've guessed! But ultimately, the sandwich is a 3 star sandwich. It's good every once in a while, but never great. I love that they give you a huge portion of fries, and if you get them well done they usually are pretty good. In the end, it is a SoCal staple. And I apologize for my previous review. I now crown this establishment Most Reasonably Priced Fast Food Pastrami Sandwich in Southern California! read more

Wouldn't accept the e gift card that their own company provides through square app why am I going to purchase an Egift card and then have the exact same establishment refuse said gift card either accept them or do not sell gift cards through square app very disappointed read more

After reviewing some years ago that I was not a fan of the Hat, I've gone back a few times with friends or with my wife and honestly can say it's grown on me. The Pastrami Dip has finally won me over! It's obviously not the best sandwich I've ever had, but for what it is, it's pretty darn good. The pastrami is tender and flavorful and the bun is nice and soft, you got to eat it pretty quick cause if you don't, the juice will definitely make the bread soggy. The fries are out of control, I've mistakenly ordered the large a few times and forgot that you need a dump truck to load em in, yes, they give you a ton of fries. I just wanted to update review to show that they've won me over and made me a fan! read more

This is one of my husbands favorite! Go to place so when we were driving back from San Diego, just had to make a stop and get a sandwich! He likes the pastrami sandwich! They have an extensive menu! It was mid afternoon and was still crowded! The service is quick and fast! So whenever you are on the road and need a "quick bite", stop here! You will be happy you did! read more

The Hat - Holiday hours - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Good quality pastrami for affordable price~ The hat is a family oriented restaurant with various sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers. The interior is spacious with bunch of table and bench seatings. Since this place is known for their pastrami my BF and I shared the pastrami dip and pastrami fries with cheese (total $25). Portions are quite generous here! The pastrami sandwich was juice and meaty! The meat quality was great but the bread could have been better. The pastrami fries had tons of pastrami and crispy fries on the bottom, liked how the fries weren't overly salty since the pastrami itself if pretty salty! Overall a fast casual vibe with fast and friendly service. Would love to try the chili cheese fries my next visit! read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Love this place! Their dipped pastrami sandwich and chili cheese fries were outstanding. We got our pastrami dips with mustard and house pickles. The chili cheese fries were huge and enough to feed 4. Fast friendly service and quick. read more

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

This is one of the best pastrami sandwiches around, but definitely get the au jus with your order. Also, get the fat fries with a side of gravy instead of the gravy fries. The latter are not only more expensive but the gravy gravy is piled on top of the fries and makes them soggy. If you get the side of gravy, it's less expensive and your fries stay crisp. Decent seating as well. read more

Been here a couple more times, and adding a star. Service still good. I like the consistency. The food is definitely better eaten fresh than waiting to bring it back to the office or home to eat. Chili fries with tomato and pickle is my go to order. Adding cheese is good if you like cheese. I enjoy both with or without cheese. Leftover plain fries still not very good. I still only tried the pastrami sandwich. It is decent. Nothing extraordinary about it except that it is hard to find in the immediate area. Not bad if you are craving it. It is a bit heavy to eat frequently, but I do enjoy eating here on a diet cheat day. Definitely a solid 4-star place. Recommended for locals with a craving. Value is pretty good for Irvine. Place is clean, bright, and enjoyable to eat at. read more

Great food and good service. Price reasonable eating area is clean and well maintained. Recommend this location.

I used to work walking distance to The Hat, about 18 years ago!Was passing by while running some errands in Lake Forest so decided to stop in. Place was packed, just like it was 18 years ago. Service was quick to take orders and food was coming out for earlier orders at a fast pace. I ordered the pastrami sandwich, fries and a side of gravy. Did not have to wait long before my name was called. Before leaving the counter make sure you grab some horseradish sauce. Yes, it was pricey but everything these days is, so comes with the territory. Sat at my table and opened up the huge bag 'o fries and they were steamy hot and smelled wonderful. I had to attack these right away so popped open the gravy, grabbed a couple of fries, dipped them in the gravy and shoved them into my mouth. What a mistake! The gravy was about 750 degrees! In a packed restaurant I wanted to spit it all out. Ha! I just covered my mouth with my napkin and breathed until the molten mass cooled off. I slowed down and drank some soda to try to prevent blisters on the roof of my mouth. #worthit Turned my attention to the sandwich. Opening it up I recalled how much pastrami they pile on the fresh bun. I know it's been 18 years, but I do think they used to make the pastrami pile much larger. Still, it is a huge sandwich. First task is to grab the meat pieces that have already fallen off the pile. Very tasty, just as I recalled. Yum. I squeezed some horseradish sauce on the meat and took my first bite of the sandwich. It was awesome. They are still nailing the quality of the pastrami. Why order anything else here? I saw reviews complaining about burgers, turkey sandwiches, etc. Are you the same people that go to McDonalds order a salad? You are at The Hat so order the pastrami you knuckleheads! Back to the fries and lava like gravy. So great. See picture of the endless bag of fries. I could not find the bottom. Ha! Finished half the sandwich and probably a 1/10th of the fries. Packed it all up and looked forward to having it for lunch the next day. The Hat still has it. The wife was jealous when she saw the bag in the fridge. I promised to take her in the near future. Go. Eat Well. Have Fun! read more

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Sometimes I forget how good The Hat is until I remember that it exists and go order a big ol' meal. This time was no exception. THE FOODS | Pastrami dip, burgers, cold sandwiches, and sides. I ordered... - Roast Beef (Pastrami Dip) | I added swiss cheese to my sandwich because cheese is life. Lots of thinly sliced pastrami are piled into a au jus soaked, buttery soft hoagie roll. I add more yellow mustard for the tanginess overload. This is their signature dish and it's good. - Chili Fries | I added shredded cheese and raw onion to step up the flavor profile and crunch texture. The chili is thick in consistency, with a hint of sweetness, and mildly spicy. Fries are cooked to a golden crisp. Overall, I like the chili cheese fries, but it almost seems to be missing one crucial ingredient in the chili... maybe more spices? Maybe I'm being picky, but I kind of make it a point to order chili cheese fries anytime I see it on a menu, so I'll just leave that snobby little remark here and you guys can scoff at it. - Onion Rings | Crispy fried onion rings with soft, tender onions inside. It's really good. WOULD I COME BACK? | Yep, it's The Hat for crying out loud. Of course I'm coming back. read more

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I always get their pastrami's- nothing else when I go here. Never disappointed!! Their French fries are good too. Customer Service is always friendly. read more

I generally don't go to this location but had to stop and review because of how great it was. Called in an order and the staff were super nice and understanding. When I got there all I had to do was give them my name and they pulled it up so I could pay. And of course the food was delicious and very affordable. read more

I got the famous pastrami sandwich and to be honest I couldn't tell you why its famous for starters the sandwich was large and had a ton of meat on it the problem was the meat was of a very poor quality it was almost flavorless read more

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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

Everything was great. The people were friendly and the food was tasty. I've been to several of the Hat restaurants and I have never had a bad experience. read more

I have grown up eating here and I have been out of the city for almost 5 years. I have always gone to the Pasadena one but we went to this one because it was closest to the lab. It tastes exactly the same and the service has always been great. I love the vibes extremely cozy and homie. And the serving sizes are still huge. I would definitely recommend this if you want to try a staple SoCal food read more

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

I was very surprised to see The Hat deep in Orange County, but the pastrami sandwich is just as good as either the Alhambra, Pasadena, or Monterey Park locations. I picked up four of them for myself and my friends and everyone was very satisfied. If you've never tried The Hat get to one soon. read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Pastrami? Call your mommy! Cuz she's gonna want some of this! Welcome to The Hat in Lake Forest! This iconic chain has been here since 1951, and its world famous pastrami is no joke! All the decor looks like you're stepping back in time, and it's perfect. Come up to the counter to order, and rejoice in the massive and tasty portions bestowed upon you. This is a guilty pleasure restaurant for sure. So don't come expecting a 5 star sit-down meal. Orders come out to-go, and you either plop down and eat it there, or speed into their drive-thru. Brandon and I ordered really simple here. A pastrami dip sandwich and some chili cheese fries. Look at how stuffed this sandwich is! Wowzers! It all gets to go in my mouth! Mustard, pickles, pastrami? Say less! Say less and say yes! Yeah I mean, the pastrami has been a staple for people in LA and Orange county for decades, so it's no wonder they've perfected the fast casual pastrami sandwich! We can't forget to mention the fries! These are thick fries that are meant to hold up to their gravy and of course, their chili cheese. This triumphant tall tower of totally tasty tubers is smothered in their chili and cheese before being served on a paper-lined tray. Dig in and get yourself ready for the perfect dirty food to help end the night! We couldn't even finish it, it was just so much food to enjoy. Get a 3rd or 4th throat in here if you want to eat it all! They're open 'til 11, which is late for South County, so get in line, and have a time! read more

I grew up in Southern California, the daughter of a pastrami, loving mother. She loved that when she was still alive and lived here we hadn't been to one in a while on our stay in this area we saw there was one close by.My husband and I visited after arriving on our trip back to California. This time we had hamburgers and they were cooked to order fresh and tasty same with the fries. Service was great. We ate inside and it was clean and comfortable Drive-through stayed busy the entire time we were there. Had sandwiches before and enjoying them. We decided to have Burgers this time and it was a good choice. Shredded lettuce on the burger. We are so bad that we stopped here to grab a bite. We will be back. read more