It's not healthy but whenever I'm in SoCal, I get pastrami sandwich with chili cheese fries It's just so good.... Each and every time There's other things for the family to choose from so plenty of options for them but once they've tried the pastrami sandwich, they usually don't want anything else.... read more

What a cool place! Beautifully restored 1940s looking interior that throws back into the early days of Pasadena. The pastrami is really very tasty and be careful if you order the large size french fries because you get a half a bag of fries... A big bag! Ha ha. Way more than one human can consume. Friendly staff and super clean spot. I would totally go back. read more

The pastrami was okay nothing special. The chili fries is considered to be a side but it was bigger than the pastrami. I wouldn't come back again. read more

Incredible pastrami but the wet fries are the star. Instantly craving more and sad it's far away.

I wasnt a Yelper when I first went to the Hat. I thought I wouldn't even like Pastrami. This place made a liar out of me. I love it. Wow. My girlfriend and I absolutely love this place! It is on the "must visit" list every time we come to L.A. Now, we found this one in Pasadena. Girlfriend has been going here for along time. Me not so much, as a matter of fact, didnt know it existed. Do now. Now, it will be on my list of frequent visits. The pastrami is quite tasty and they give you plenty of it. I got a dip. I would recommend eating it there because it gets too soggy by the time U get home. I really like the flavor of the pastrami and I like the way they slice it super thin. I like to order the fries well done. They even ask you if they look good for you and if I have time to sit and eat some there because it's so massive. This is only my second visit, but not the last. read more

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The Hat has been one of my favorite places to get food for many years. The hamburgers are huge, the pastrami is delicious and the chili cheese fries with tomatoes, unions and pickles to die for. The loaded fries can feed 2-4 people depending on their appetite. Place will always have customers as it is reasonably priced for the amount of food one gets. There is plenty of parking but it still gets full. read more

The Hat - 5/19/2019 - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

The Hat was delicious. Thinly sliced pastrami on a soft roll dipped on the inside with a little au jus then piled with pastrami a little mustard not too much just enough for flavor contrast and some sliced dill pickles. We did order one sandwich without mustard/pickles and one with and decided the mustard and pickles were preferred.We ordered the large fries and onion rings we are a family of 4 (2 adults 2 kids elementary age)was plenty to share with all and still had left overs. The fries are delicious crispy but fluffy inside. Onion rings same crispy on outside and nice ring of sweet onion on top inside. My 8 year son is picky so he ordered the jr hamburger and added cheese for an additional.69 cents. The burger was a nice size bigger than a McDonald's cheeseburger and a lot more flavorful. They give you horseradish (not spicy but a nice mellow flavor a little sweet IMO deli mustard yellow mustard and ketchup( all packets due to covid) the size of the pastrami dip is quite large I was able to eat half and share with my daughter who is 11. My husband ate a whole pastrami dip sandwich fries and onion rings and was very full. We opted for waters all around and a large orange bang which tasted like an orange Julius very tasty. Well worth the $11.69? per sandwich. Large fries $4.99 small fries $3.99 onion rings $4.99 orange bang was 32 oz for $3. We tried this place Sunday for lunch was so good went back for dinner on Monday. We were visiting Pasadena area and found a must stop next time we are in town. My picky 8 year tried the pastrami dip Monday and even liked it. read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I haven't eaten here in over 10 years until today. The food is still amazing. The Covid system in place works well. *Loraine* had outstanding service. Very personable and professional. With over 24 years in the service industry myself it is alway appreciated when you're on the receiving end of good quality service. This place still has the best pastrami sandwiches ever. I would like to see more diversity in the staff to accommodate the diverse community. read more

Now that I've eaten pastrami at The Hat, it's going to be really hard to eat it anywhere else. The Hat is delicious and that word doesn't do them justice!!! read more

One again had a great experience at the Hat. It was very busy but they quickly prepare my order of pastrami dip and onion rings. The pastrami was delicious and overflowing from the sandwich,as usual, and the onion rings were perfectly cooked. I got my order to go so didn't eat in but if as busy as it was the restaurant was spotless. The Hat has the best pastrami around. read more

My husband was excited to try their Pastrami Dip. Older restaurant but kept very clean, even the bathrooms. Service was good. We ordered the Pastrami Dip, chili cheese fries, and pastrami burger. The portion sizes were huge. The chili tasted like hormel straight out of the can. My husband liked the chili. I was not impressed with the pastrami burger. The Pastrami was bland, my bun for my burger fell apart. It would not be a place I would go back to but they seamed pretty busy with regular customers. read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review for the hat. This is one of my favorite pastrami places, when I remember to order my sandwich the way I like it. I always asked for a double dip or dip sauce on the side. Unless I forget of course. If I get a double dip I got to eat it there because it gets too soggy by the time I get home. Otherwise I use the dip sauce when I get home today pastrami and just like a French dip sandwich. I really like the flavor of the pastrami and I like the way they slice it super thin. I like to order the chili fries if I have time to sit and eat some there because it's so massive. But I also found out that when I heat up the fries in a pan separately and the chili in the Microwave separately. And then Add them together it taste better reheated. Otherwise don't even try to take the chili fries home because it turns into a giant glob of starch and fat. And it's not very appetizing to look at that big glob. Also you have to split it with 3, 4 or more people because it's just so massive. read more

The Hat - Chili fries are massive - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Three words. CHILI CHEESE FRIES. Brace yourself, it is a monstrous order and can feed about 3-4 people. If that's too overwhelming for you, order the fries by itself along with a side of chili and gravy. Both are so finger-licking good that you'll want to put it on everything, drink it, and lick the cup when you're done! Their burgers are just ok but the star item here is really the chili cheese fries, which is the only reason I come. My go-to items: Pastrami Dip Pastrami Burger (best of both worlds!) Chili Burger Cheeseburger Chili Cheese Fries Wet Fries (with gravy) French Fries by itself (with a side of gravy and chili) Onion rings Orange bang Strawberry Soda TIP: -Load up on the hot chili peppers! -Add pastrami on your chili cheese fries for an additional cost -Do not, I repeat DO NOT leave here without a ordering side of their gravy! read more

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During a recent visit to Pasadena I needed to grab lunch and fast. I was going to go to a national subway sandwich chain restaurant but saw a billboard for The Hat and quickly changed course. I prefer eating in smaller, independent restaurants than the large, national chains so it was an easy decision. I was eating solo so wanted something easy, casual and relaxed. You know, the type of place where you can keep your hat on and feel at home. I drove over, found easy parking directly behind The Hat, walked inside and was immediately transported to another age. The music playing was 50s the vibe was from an earlier time. I fell in love with wood paneled walls and the classic stainless steel kitchen. Here was a diner from the 50s come to life. I prefer eating and smaller, independent restaurants than the national chains so it was an easy decision. I scanned the menu and discovered there was a vast amount to choose from so I decided what I usually do when I go to a new place and order whatever their signature dish is there's a reason why it's on the top so I ordered the pastrami sandwich just as it comes, no modifications, no substitutions and no alterations. They have two sizes of french fries so I opted for the small and side note, I'm glad I did, because the small was huge! My order was delivered to the counter quickly and all orders are placed in a bag to go so regardless of whether you are eating in or dining out your order is ready and packed. Super-fast! So while I waiting I collected my staple of condiments which are readily and freely available counter side with everything from horseradish, ketchup, mayo and mustard, to thousand Island, ranch and relish. Napkins, straws and all other disposable cutlery is also available for the taking. The pastrami is beautiful flavored with a great mix of flavors. Only mustard and pickles add some texture and a crispy crunch to the soft roll and tender pastrami. No gristle, no fat or anything else you would not want to find in a sandwich. Some sandwich shops use a cheaper, more fatty and cheaper cut of beef that can be rather distracting or distasteful when eating. The fries are great! All crispy, plentiful and hot. Served in a double bag so they stay hot and tasty. I got a soft drink ( Diet Coke) and they were happy to fill me up with a free refill on the way out. This being my first time I had a few questions as I placed my order and the young lady was more than happy to answer my questions and help me out. The counter staff are efficient and also helpful so it's truly a welcoming atmosphere and not aloof or condescending - as some takeout places can get when they are famous and busy- sadly these other place let their success get to their heads. The 2 bathrooms are gender neutral and clean with hot water, soap and powerful air dryers. I have found my new favorite place for lunch in Pasadena. If you are looking for a great place for lunch or dinner (without beer or wine) the head straight to The Hat. It's in the N/W corner. Ample free parking in their lot behind behind the shop. As well as free street parking. They are walk-in only with no drive through. But you'll want to go in. It's well worth the visit. Go to The Hat! No hat required, just an appetite and a love for nostalgia! Now THIS is good eating. Go to http://TheHat.com to see their big menu and read more about them. Enjoy!!! read more

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My favorite place to eat in L.A.! The chili dog with everything is AWESOME. The fries are always perfect. I wish they would expand to the Southwest...I'd got to Phoenix for The Hat and I hate Phoenix! read more

Fast service and delicious food! The staff is friendly and the dining area is very spacious.

UPDATE The Hat is 5 feet from me. The Habit is a ten minute drive to South Pasadena. The Habit serves a good homemade veggie burger as well as the Impossible Burger as well as damn tasty real burgers. That's where I'll be until The Hat serves one solid veggie burger. WEIRD FACT: if you add 'bi' to 'The Hat' you get 'The Habit'. And since The Habit is willing to go both ways -- meat or veggie -- that's even weirder. read more

Old time burgers and chili cheese fries nice and fresh. More than a family of three could finish but well worth it. read more

The Hat - Chili cheese Fries/ cheese burger - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

3 stars for the service. If you've had Tiffany's pastrami sandwich then you won't like this crazy meat filled soggy sandwhich. The pastrami itself even taste that good and there was barely any mustard and pickles in the sandwhich. Fries were ok! read more

I decided on my lunch to stop by and eat inside, but I made bad choice due to fact the air conditioning was not working or they had it off. Today was 94 degrees and end up eating in my car with my AC is working, but the pastrami was good. Be aware when using the bathroom, because the machine to dry your hands was not working or barely working. Thank god I had a small towel with me to dry my hands. Not a good experience and sad, because I normally come here with my wife and my lunch break was inside my vehicle. read more

The Hat - Pastrami - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

My hubby and I was in the area and decided to have The Hat for dinner on Saturday night in early January. Luckily we found parking around 6pm and the place was buzzing with people. I ordered a jr cheeseburger and shared chilli cheese fries. We waited for few minutes until our food was called. While waiting, I love to pick their condiments-ranch, Mayo, mustard. Etc. The guy behind counter piled the chilli and shredded cheese on fries. The chilli seem thicker just taste different from I remember and I love the shape of fries. I ate 1/4 of fries and hubby ate half but still 1/4 left. We were too full to finished. Next time, I will try other food items. read more

Yum just as yummy as the other The Hat locations, but with a diner set up. I enjoyed waiting in door and watching the staffs prepped my food to order. Much better than the Alhambra location where you are crowded with massive group on a sidewalk/parking lot. read more

Finally decided to try this place out. Had been hearing about it for years & wish it had not took me so long to try it. Went on a rainy day ISO comfort food. Ended up ordering a couple of pastrami sandwiches for us and an order of pastrami chilli cheese fries to split. That order of fries was SO BIG that 4 of us ate and there was still enough left for and 5th person!! My favorite part of the meal was the pastrami hands down. It was thinly sliced but not too fatty and PACKED with flavor. Icing on the cake was that there was ZERO sign of skimping with the meat. The sandwiches were packet and the fries were piled high with greatness! Would I recommend? Absolutely!! Thinking about going back for my next cheat night! LBVS read more

The Hat - Pastrami chilli cheese fries. BOMB.COM Big enough for 3-4 people (possibly a 5th). - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I've been eating at The Hat since I was a little kid, back to when it was just a single location and then when they started branching out and I got lucky enough to get one in my neighborhood. This place feels like home. I've since moved about 500 miles away but every time I go to town it's the first place I visit and my last stop before heading back out. Sometimes I even buy up a bunch of their delicious chili and drive it back home! I absolutely love their chili fries, pastrami, both regular and the pastrami burger, their chili dogs and they even have some super yum onion rings. *Hint* try the onion rings with some chili: decadent! I will never stop going to The Hat, and writing this now I'm really looking forward to my next visit in a couple of weeks! read more

The Hat - The face of a happy girl about to fulfill her chili cheese fries and cherry coke dreams! - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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So, my mom absolutely loves The Hat. Every time she visits, she has to make a pastrami run. I called in an order last week for pick up. We arrived and didn't have to wait too long which was great. Our food wasn't ready which was fine however you would think that the food would be piping hot right? Nope... got the food home and had to re heat it. The sandwiches (pastrami no dip) were bland and cold. The onion rings were good though. I am disappointed to say the least as we have never had any issues with The Hat. I will give it another try, Just not anytime soon. read more

I was craving for chili cheese fries and this place came straight to my mind. I got their pastrami chili cheese fries with $14 something. It is kind of pricey but the portion was super generous, definitely could last me three meals. Pastrami was super flavorful and chili was delicious. Fries were crispy and thick enough which is perfect under the chili. I also tried my coworker's onion rings and they were super crispy and yummy. read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

It's was my first time here. I ordered the pastrami sandwich, fries and a drink. The lady at the front greeted me and provided me with information regarding the menu since she noticed I had never been there before. She let me know about popular items and hours where the restaurant is most busiest. The sandwich was delicious! The fries were served in a large portion so my friend and I shared. I like that they have condiments available at the counter without having to ask for them. The place was very clean and parking is available. read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I like this place, always clean and friendly, they keep after the bathrooms but don't have paper towels, instead they use those blower things that blow water ll over your pants legs / dress and shoes.... I recently tried the pastrami burger, it was very good I think . The chili cheese fries are good too, I go with my brother and always have some left over for my dogs who don't get people food often . Give this place a try . -Nate read more

This place is probably hands down the best pastrami sandy I've ever had! A few friends and I came here thanks to my boyfriends suggestion. We came from Sacramento to LA for a 24 trip before we took off for vacation. So 4 pastrami sandwiches and an order of chili fries turned into the best meal ever! We literally got into the booth and chowed down on this amazing food. Also they have horchata!!! Was so excited for that, and refills are free. You just need to go up to the counter and ask the nice ladies to refill it for you. But yes make your way here! One of my go to spots when in LA. read more

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The pastrami hamburger was fire for the price it is. The food was made in a good pace. Service was great for recommending me stuff for me as a first time visit. The environment is great and clean restrooms. read more

Love this place def coming back first time here and the onions rings are amazing like omg amazing amazing amazing read more

The Hat - This place is amazing first bite I almost passed out how good it was. - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Has been one of my favorite spots since I was a kid. One of the best pastrami sandwiches and good portion sizes that will for sure fill you up. Highly recommend coming here and to remember the fries sizes are large enough to feed 2 or more. Also if you are vegetarian the avocado sandwich is a good deal they give a large amount of avocado in the sandwich. read more

Alright I'm going to be completely honest with y'all. I haven't tried anything except the pastrami so I can't exactly speak for the whole menu but also if you're ordering anything at a place that says world famous pastrami you should be reevaluating your life choices. This pastrami lives up to the hype. I live in studio city and I bust a mission out to Pasadena just to get. Honestly might have to win the lottery so I can franchise it and open one up closer to me. Everyone deserves to try the magic of this place. Ohhh and the fries are BOMBBBB read more

The Hat - Pastrami dip sandwich - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Of all the locations, this E.L.A. spot sucks the most. From the employees barely able to speak English to the low quality pastrami, to the extra saltiness this place has gone down the tubes. Do Not Eat Here! read more

Worst chili Cheese fries with pastrami ever. Maybe it's me. Maybe cuz I didn't grow up eating here. It's probably an acquired taste. I grew up on Louis burger chili cheese fries. I messed up today, cuz I was too far for to eat at my favorite place. I thought this place would be just as good. Boy, was I wrong. They were 17 bucks too!!! So I just hope the employees have retirement plans for how much they are charging for food there. Chili taste like it's right out of the can ugh. read more

The Hat - Pastrami chili cheese fries - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Got a Jr. Cheeseburger and fries. Very flavorless and TINY! The size of a McDonald's burger. I didn't want a big burger but thought it would be a little better than this. The fries were plentiful but turned brown instantly. Not crispy, soggy. I keep giving the Hat a try every few years but it continues to disappoint. Over priced, flavorless. read more

The Hat - Jr. Cheeseburger - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Service is absolutely great. I bought a friend of mine Vera today and he like to.Hats

We went to a event in town. The Hat was just down the street. This Hat is very clean and the worker are friendly. I had the Roast Beef dip. The meat had a good flavor. The bun was a good size and I enjoy it. The French fries also were great and as you see in others post. A order of small fries is about right for two people. read more

The Hat - Roast beef - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

The pastrami dips are really good. This place gives me a siren song about once a month. My wife likes the cheese fries and wet fries. They also have basic grilled cheese sandos for kids. read more

Man this place was sort of a let down. For starters its a bit pricy for what you're getting. The food itself was a let down in my opinion.(others may enjoy it) On the plus side you see the ingredients and crew of workers making your food in front of you. The workers were very nice and fast with everyone! The man calling out the orders was nice even gave a good amount of condiments which was a plus! Felt a bit dated with the decor and the feel but I guess thats what the chain is going for or known for? Overall it was a really mid experience for me. Maybe others will enjoy. read more