Warning! Warning! Warning! Don't go there if your on a diet or vegetarian. I have never had better pastrami in my life. My wife and I each ordered there famous "Pastrami Dip" and 1 order of chili cheese fries. We ended up splitting one sandwich and sharing the fries (which are great too) and still had a bunch of fries leftover. So the only downside to eating there was the weight gain and clogged arteries, however I figure that's what my Lipitor is for... Would I recommend it to others? You bet. I would say "Just do it" but that's a different commercial. Go and enjoy, then go to the gym for eight hours!!! read more

Location: Pasadena ( Lake & Villa st) , private parking lot. Staff: Ok Place: Dinner style, oldish ... Food: I had a hot dog and a side of fries. My friend had the avocado sandwich. - the hot dog was terrible, really bad and smelly ( glad I didn't get sick...) - the fries were thick and kind of greasy (large portion) not my style... - avocado sandwich, overpriced for 2 slices of bread and 1 avocado. I think this place is overrated, went there because of the 4 stars. I'll give them 2 stars, really who messes up a hot dog??? read more

I have a gravy problem. Seriously, I do. I like to deny it, but there are times that I just can't and trips to The Hat are those times. Now, I know that The Hat is known for their pastrami, I've been coming here since I was a kid, and the pastrami is delicious. But look, everyone knows that. I mean, the menu says "WORLD FAMOUS PASTRAMI DIP" on it so you think "wow, I should order that...it's world famous!" And seeing as everyone knows this because it is written in huge letters and they are convinced that they should eat the delicious pastrami I never thought it warranted a review. BUT...back to my gravy problem. I was at The Hat the other day and I ordered a burger (which are delicious, by the way) and some wet fries. Wet fries are few and far between here which is a source of serious sadness for me because they are fries...covered in gravy. I know that sounds weird, but they are WAAAY better than the chili cheese fries. Yes, I did just say that. So, I'm munching away on my burger and I look over at my boyfriend's food and I begin to stare longingly at his sandwich. He ordered the beef...with gravy, not au jus. So after a bit of convincing (and by that I mean he offered because he saw me staring at his sandwich) I gave him the rest of my burger and took the other half of his sandwich....and OH MY GOD. I really think it is the best thing I have eaten in ages. Deliciously covered in gravy and tender beef. Yes, please. Major nomtastical experience. read more

Just the way I remembered it, good ole juicy flavorful pastrami dip. Quick and friendly service, old school look and feel of a long standing establishment. Can't wait to be in Pasadena again just so that I can swing by for this yummy treat. read more

The hat is really good, prices seem a bit high. Every so often when I do go, I mean it's definitely good. But won't go out of my way for it. But if in the area and what something heavy, check it out. Make sure to get the pastrami and get it dipped. The chili cheese fries are bomb too. read more

probably the best pastrami dip ive ever had. thinly sliced so it doesnt sit heavy afterwards. huge portions. the chili cheese fries could probably be shared between 5 people. yikes! its like the other review-er said "a heart attack waiting to happen" but tastes so damn good! this location was nice. the people (customers) were friendly. i like this location better than the monterey park and alhambra ones. read more

The Hat - Chili Cheese Fries with a scoop of Avocado on top - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Before visiting The Hat, I'd heard about their legendary portion sizes. Unconvinced, my first trip involved ordering my own pastrami sandwich and chili cheese fries. This was a huge mistake, seeing as there were only two people attending this glutton-fest. The sandwich is big and meaty amazingness. I can handle a whole one only when I'm really hungry. The chili cheese fries, however, were beyond superfluous. Twelve x 12 inches of potatoes piled high, drenched in the chili sauce and cheese...there can be no less than 10,000 calories in one order. The place itself is old school with plastic booths and orange and brown décor, but it adds to the no-frills, great diner food atmosphere. I don't know why, but I also really like all the packets of condiments they offer... read more

I type to you now from a state of food coma unconsciousness. Do not weep for me, for my dreams are pleasant. I see a fresh, juicy pastrami sandwich, with mustard and pickles on soft bread. And wet fries! There are wet fries in my dream, a gigantic bucket of them, crisp and golden, smothered in stupendously delicious gravy. Why oh why did I think I could handle the sandwich AND the wet fries? Why didn't I bring a friend to help me eat them? I need a nap. read more

Today at around 11am, having not had breakfast yet, we decided to wander into Pasadena (since we had some shopping to do there) and just drive around aimlessly until we found some place to have lunch. Before we knew it, we had driven past The Hat (which my wife's uncle had just been raving to us about a few days ago) and decided to pull a U-we and check it out. I've passed The Hat dozens of times and have often wondered what the place was like. It certainly looked like an old school, '50s throwback kind of joint. Little did I know that it wasn't just a newer place dressed in nostalgia. I can't imagine any restauranteur making a new place look old with this much faux wood. So yeah...the pastrami was raved about, and that's their bread and grease and butter, but I just had pastrami about a week ago and my bowels had just recovered. It looks like I'm in for another week of veggies and salad. Ordered the roast beef dip. Lindsey had the tuna sandwich. We braved it and ordered a chili cheese fries. We got the food. The sandwiches were decent sized. The tuna was huge. But the cholesterol heart attack award goes to the chili fries. I swear, if The Hat decided to serve them on hubcaps, they just might fit. The thing weighed a ton. We scarfed about a third of the food. There was a lot of it. The thing is, we got a lot of food for about 20 bucks but all of it was just sort of mediocre. Perhaps I should have tried "the best pastrami sandwich" around, but I didn't and so that's that for this place. We probably won't be going back. But 3 stars for the solid, Happy Days ambiance and the giggles we got from first seeing the fries. read more

French Fry Review: They serve very generous portions of bland, mediocre french fries with no skin and very little flavor. read more

Best Chili cheese fries I have ever had. Tried many other places but there isn't anything that beats the flavor of the ones here. Burgers are okay here also. Forget about ur diet and get some now! read more

Another great restaurant on Lake Ave. The Hat is another restaurant that I've gone to over the years. The one great thing about The Hat is that it's always consistent. Pastrami is always juicy and it's served on a nice soft roll. Another classic here are the chili cheese fries. Be sure to share this order because unless you're super hungry, it's going to be way too much. Just look at the pictures. If you really want to be adventurous, go for the Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries (it's not on the menu and it costs about $3). All of the chili cheese goodness, but on top is a mountain of The Hat's famous pastrami. To be honest, I think you can add pastrami to just about anything on the menu. So, if you can't decide on the chili fries or the pastrami dip, go for the pastrami chili cheese fries. read more

I'm finally reviewing The Hat but what really is there to say about such a place. Being from Vegas, you can't find this taste anywhere with these great fries. My go to is a double chili cheese burger and it's so freaking good. I don't know why this chili is so great but it's addicting that you want to put it on everything, which you can! I love how easy the menu is but you can never go wrong with just a burger and fries. A small fry is usually good for two people but if you're really hungry and sharing with a few people definitely get a large. The chili cheese fries on their own can be a meal and it's so good. I wish I could give you a better word but great, good, delicious are just some of the best descriptions I can give. If you haven't stopped by in here before do yourself a favor and do it! read more

I work within walking distance of The Hat, which is nice since parking can be difficult. I suggest trying to get there a little before noon to beat the rush. The fries are yummy, but beware, a small is huge and a large fry will feed 5 people! I like the grilled cheese (which for some reason takes longer then most of their sandwiches.) I have also had their turkey with avocado....YUMMY! The Hat is one of the best sandwich joints around! read more

I've been going to the hat since I was...well since I had teeth! The pastrami is the way to go! Big, juicy amazing sandwich that easily takes two meals to finish. Chase it with a bag of onions rings, yes a BAG! The chili cheese fries are killer too! Oh and don't forget to get their cherry coke. It's the perfect drink to a perfect meal! read more

As long as you take it in moderation, The Hat has one mean pastrami sandwich that's so hard to resist. Yes, they have other items on the menu - burgers, hot dogs, roast beef, etc. But all I care for is their pastrami sandwich. Add an order of their fries (which come in huuuuge amounts), which you can get plain, wet, or with chili, plus a drink - it can run you something like $13 or something. But considering that their small fries come in a lunch bag, combined with layer after layer of the greasy, flavorful pastrami, it's like 2 meals in one. A great, family run business that hopefully will stick around for a loooong time. read more

Ordered the house special. Nothing special except the especially messy preparation. Soggy bread, expired tasting pickles and tasteless pastrami. It also took very long to prepare despite a full cook staff and only three customers. If you want a pastrami sandwich, go to subway or quiznos. That says it all: if your food is only half as good as corporate crap at twice the price, you know you're doing something wrong. Would have given this place no stars but settled for one star since it's actually good for something: the parking space is conveniently located next to the kiosk that dispenses overnight street parking permits. read more

Must......write........review........chilifries........coma................so........so......good. *weeping silently while licking fingers* read more

The Hat - Challenge accepted - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

"Worlds Best Pastrami" is an under statement, don't insult it. Service is fast, food great and has the burger joint feel we all love. I have been coining here for years and I can never grow tired of it. It is the main reason I kept the same Dr. after moving away from Pasadena. read more

This place has been a favorite of mine for years, and now it's even better because I bring my wife and daughter and they love it just as much as I do and the best part the chili cheese fries are big enough for us to share read more

Mounds and mounds of pastrami. You will not want to red meat for 2 weeks after going here. The small order of fries can feed 2 or 3 as well. If you are getting the french dipped, ask for it on the side or you will have to deal with the soggiest mess on earth. read more

Ohhh The Hat.....How many times have I stuffed myself with your pastrami goodness then cried myself to sleep? If you are even pondering whether or not you need to go here, I'm sure there are a multitude of reviews here that will share my same sentiment..."stop thinking and do it!!!" This is one of the few places I know that has truly become world famous for something...pastrami. And let me tell you when they give you the pastrami they do not play around. You can ask them to put pastrami on anything here, even if its not on the menu. Let me give you a run down of some of my favorite heart-attack specials: 1) Double Cheeseburger with Pastrami, or as I like to called it "The Brick" 2) Chili Cheese dog with pastrami 3) Chili cheese fries with pastrami Any one of these three meals with bring a tear to your eye and a unusual feeling of wanting to induce labor, but it is always worth it. read more

Excellent for piggies like my man and I. We made the mistake of each ordering a Pastrami sandwich each and a Chili Cheese fries to share. All I can say is we should've just stayed with ordering a Pastrami sandwich each. The Chili Cheese Fries were massive- enough to feed maybe 4-5 people, and one wouldn't even need a sandwich or burger. Do come here with a few friends to split that if you dare. We like food, but the size of the Chili Cheese Fries reminded me of Man V. Food. Do expect to get seriously fat if you live in the area, or if you're like me and will drive 20 miles just to eat at the hat. read more

Haven't been here for a while Got their roast beef dip for the first time Yummy Must get ： Chili cheese fries (huge portion to share with a group) Onion rings Pastrami sandwich Roast beef dip read more

"They gave me too much onion rings" I have never said these words until last night when I came here for dinner. You know those onion ring trays you get at The Habit? Multiply that by a factor of (4) and that what you end up getting at here. The quality isn't as good, but I was just amazed at the sheer serving size. There Pastrami Sandwich is pretty fiving delicious. Decent staff and clean facility. 5/5 read more

This place is super low key but can get crowded although the line moves fast. The portions here are ginormous but unlike many places that give big portions as a gimmick you get the feeling here that this is just what they have always done. The fry man fries quickly 3 or 4 baskets of fries at a time and each fryer basket pulled out is an order practically. The chili cheese fries are huge and delicious and you can get them topped with pastrami which is the star here. It is thin and delicate and soooo yummy. You can get it dipped or not. I prefer the dip on the side. One other really good thing here is that they give refills on the orange bangs and ole drinks! Don't forget to be impressed by their condiment bar!! read more

The Hat - Chili cheese fries - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Hamburger well-done was great! Chili cheese fries are the best. I always add white onions. AMAZING!!! Parking: Weekdays during lunch is always an issue as parking lot is small. street parking is not great either. read more

Brace for Collision! My wife and I shared their pastrami signature sandwich and a small order of fries + some sort of mexican soda... All of it was AWESOME! If you've got a Man-VS-Food type appetite... this is your spot. Don't come unless your hungry and you won't sue if your arteries instantly clog. read more

Haven't been in a while..so I went. Boy was I wrong. I won't be going back. Nothing great here. Pastrami used to be good but it;s all gone down hill! Don't waste your money! read more

(If you don't like Pastrami then don't bother reading my review) Okay I can tell you 100% to order there chilli cheese fries make sure to add pastrami on it because there pastrami taste amazing !!!! There pastrami sandwiches are really rich in flavor. Anything pastrami here are great choices but I highly suggest the chilli cheese fries with pastrami can't go wrong !!! for the price it's enough to fill 3 people. =) They have lemonade here (too sugary in my opinion) read more

This was the second place I ate while visiting California. The large fries fed four adults. The pastrami sandwich had enough meat to make two sandwiches. This is one of my favorites for pastrami sandwiches. Unfortunately nothing like it in the DFW area. I have tried the world famous Katz's delicatessen in NYC and I like this place better. If you make it to LA stop in and try them. read more

My roommate and I were on our way to an event and we (he) decided to make a quick stop to get some pastrami sandwiches. We called in our order as we were on our way because we know how long the line here can get. We came in, went right up to the line that is designated for phone orders, got our food, ate it and left! The food it tasty and plentiful, the price is just right for the quality that you get, and the service is pretty good. Wish we had The Hat closer to home! read more

If large portions and just "so-so" quality is what you're looking for, then go to this chain. My friend dragged me there for the third time the other day, so you cannot say I didn't give it a fair try, but really, it's just okay and not great. The food LOOKS really pretty, but that old-fashioned spice yumminess of a great pastrami is missing. Bottom line, I now need to add pastrami to my list of special food searches. Where's the best clam chowder, carrot cake ... and pastrami? My new quest. read more

Love pastrami sandwich and chili cheese fries. I wish they have smaller chili cheese fries. read more

Maybe I'm just pastrami-d out, but I'm just not a big a fan of The Hat (or pastrami, in general) as I used to be. The portions are still big - the chili cheese fries feed 2+ people, but, sigh, I don't know. I just can't bring myself to rate four+ stars. Maybe it's also because I didn't like shelling out $27 for two sandwiches, a drink and fries. Langer's cost $14 but also serves you enough for two meals. So, well, hopefully next visit makes something spark to bump up my review, but for now, only three. Parking is okay at night, but during peak hours you might have to circle around for street parking. There's also a security guard inside, which worries me a little, as this location is right next to PFD, so why the need for extra security? read more

It might be dumb, but when I get a sandwich and there is soo much meat between the buns/bread that its just falling out the sides, I get all happy and excited... I am trying to re-create the same type of situation by hiding so much money between my mattress... but I have a long way to go... and those damn nickels are just oddly thicker than the should be, its hurting my sleep... The Pastrami Dip is the item to get here, its delicious, and there is not many places that do it better... if they do, its not by much. The sandwich is pretty big, and the meat is a ton and all over the place... so if cholesterol is not a problem for you and you're really hungry you can probably finish it, or it's also good enough for 2... way you can also get some chili fries that you'll never finish as that is enough for 4 people. On our last visit to this location, Jay Leno came in to eat by himself, and I must say, it was surprising and kinda refreshing... that he is the nicest person/celebrity I've seen. He happily took pictures with everyone that asked him (which was a lot). He even ended up sitting with a random stranger (table beside us), who just asked him for a picture, and since he just ordered and had his hands full, he just said, "how about I just sit with you guys (they were sitting the 2+2 tables)". The people were so shocked and excited. Lot's of people came up to say hi and say the were sad and sorry that he was leaving The Tonight Show, and he thanked them. I don't watch The Tonight Show, but I feel like since he's such a good guy, I should Tivo it, and then just delete it after to show my support... Oh, back to The Hat... the only negative thing I will say, is that the original location in Alhambra does taste a little better... read more

Two words - Pastrami Fries. They are the best things in the planet. It's fries topped with chili, cheese and mouth watering pastrami. It's best eaten with jalapeno peppers and with another friend, because the portion is HUGE. read more

Warning: This reviewer does not recommend The Hat to anybody who wishes to keep their arteries clear of potentially life-threatening buildup. It is also not recommended to operate heavy machinery immediately after consuming food from The Hat, as Food Coma has been frequently reported. Pastrami and Fries. The rest of the menu is great, but if you come to The Hat, its almost mandatory that you order Pastrami and Fries. And bring a friend or four, as the portions are large enough to make the deadly sin Gluttony flee in terror. The pastrami is juicy and fatty and delicious, especially with some horseradish sauce on top. The pastrami burger is a heart-attack waiting to happen, and I've heard the Surgeon General recommends not even considering getting the chili-cheese fries. Which of course, is the exact reason you do. I love this place, what else can I say. Great tasting food thats terrible for my health, giant portions, quick and friendly service, bright and busy interior, and free [albeit hard to find] parking! read more

The best onion rings in town... The pastrami is delicious i Ike it double dipped. My husband doesn't like it double dipped and more dryer bread. I am a Gravy person so I like the double dip. The pastrami fries are a meal in its self. read more

How do you know when you're enjoying comfort food? Here's how. When you forget about the uncomfortable seat you're sitting in when you're eating it. That's the power of The Hat for me. Langer's may have better pastrami, there are better hamburgers but the French fries here are wonderful and when I wash down the whole deal with Horchata I'm a glutton for punishment. My wife and I can barely finish the regular fries between us and the sandwiches are huge but somehow we always empty the bag and clean our plates. Not a good idea, I'm afraid, to be a man of many Hats. read more