Stopped by here for lunch right after landing in LA and it was packed with a lunch rush. We ordered the pastrami dip, pastrami burger, small fries, and onion rings. The pastrami burger and onion rings were the highlights for me. The onion rings were super crispy with a nice, light batter. The burger hit the spot too. The fries were a bit underwhelming though, kind of bland and definitely needed more seasoning. Overall, a solid stop if you're craving pastrami, but I'd skip the fries next time. read more

Let's get one thing straight--The Hat isn't just good... it's the kind of place that makes every overpriced, overhyped sandwich shop look completely ridiculous. I ordered the pastrami dip, and this is how it's supposed to be done. Not dry, not chewy, not some sad excuse for deli meat. This was juicy, tender, stacked high, and absolutely dripping with flavor. Every bite hits hard--rich, savory, and perfectly balanced. And the bread? Holds together like it actually wants to be part of the sandwich, not fall apart halfway through like a soggy mess. Now let's talk about the onion rings... because this is where they flex. You order a "large," and instead of some tiny portion pretending to be generous, they hand you a brown paper bag absolutely PACKED with crispy, golden onion rings. Not greasy, not limp--crunchy, hot, and seasoned properly. This is what a large is supposed to look like. Other places should be embarrassed. And the service? Fast, efficient, no nonsense. No attitude, no confusion, no standing around wondering what's going on. These people know exactly what they're doing. Orders come out quick, everything's hot, and the whole operation runs like a machine. That's how you handle volume without sacrificing quality--something a lot of places clearly can't figure out. No gimmicks. No trendy nonsense. No tiny portions dressed up to look fancy. Just big, bold, properly executed food that actually delivers on what it promises. Meanwhile, other spots are out here charging double for half the portion and calling it "premium." Stop it. This is the standard. Bottom line: If you want a real pastrami sandwich, real portions, and service that actually keeps up--go to The Hat. If not, go waste your money somewhere else. I'll be back. And next time, I'm getting another bag of those onion rings--because clearly, one isn't enough. read more

So I came here somewhat often about 10-15 years ago and loved it. High quality food. I came here for the first time in a long time recently and it's still quality food in my opinion, but missing that love it used to have. I got a chili cheese burger and the onions were just chopped wayyyy too largely and thrown in there. It ruined the whole burger. The hotdogs were delicious however! Can't complain. Definitely will be back to see if the pastrami has still got it read more

You really get a lot of bang for your buck! The food is five star quality with all of the down home qualities of a family restaurant. Can't wait to visit again! read more

Visited The Hat on Monday 5/4/2026. I waited for five minutes while the lady at the register was on a personal phone call. She was not even acknowledging my presence. Finally the lady at the drive thru window walked over and took my order. Been coming here for over 25 years and never encountered this before. Very unprofessional. Would have contacted the corporate office directly to avoid a yelp review, but apparently they keep this info hidden. Aside from the issue at the counter, when I picked up my pastrami sandwich with au jus on the side, not only was the au jus missing, but the pastrami was light brown and flavorless. After going back to the counter, I noticed they remade the sandwich from a different pan/boiler (not sure what it's called), but the pastrami was pink, flavorful, and normal to what I've had before. I usually regret coming to this location as there is a male individual who runs the register and never smiles, or has any emotion. When I didn't see him I thought this is great, but to run into an employee who doesn't even acknowledge your presence for five minutes is unbelievable. Hope you can send this review to the CEO Joseph Conzonire. Regards. read more

The Hat - Got to get that personal call in! - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

I love cruising my car and eating at The Hat!! Been coming here since a kid Love the bbq beef and the big chilli fries. Love the music, love the old atmosphere. Staff is always working hard. Thank them They awesome sell shirts for a GREAT price. The Neon signs are amazing too it's incredible that they keeping it all alive. read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

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I got the loaded hot dog, It was ok. I tried the Pastrami sandwich , Omg that was very tasty, the fries were good too. The service was quick when our order was ready. The ambiance was like a 50's diner vibe. Looking at the pictures of when they opened, and the story of how the Hat begun. If in the area go and get a bite to eat. Try the pastrami sandwich what they're known for....yum!!!! read more

The Hat - Loaded hot dog - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

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The Hat always brings me back to my pregnancy days when we lived in Simi Valley. I waddled in at least once a week to satisfy my baby cravings. I could not get enough of that pastrami dip with EXTRA mustard and pickles. :) So, while in Simi for our Sunday errands, we stopped in for an early lunch. We decided on two famous pastrami sandwiches and one order of the HUGE chili cheese fries to share. It came out quick and so, so good!! The place has not changed -- it's like stepping back in time. Always super clean (I love that they still have live, healthy hanging plants), wonderful, friendly people and deeeeeliciously fresh food -- generous portions! Easy parking. read more

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TERRIBLE!! Disgusting!!! This place is going down hill. I would not recommend this place. We just ordered two pastrami sandwiches and a large onion ring. The place is 15 minute drive each way. When we get home the sandwiches are sparsely filled with pastrami and the breads a totally soaking wet to the point the bread is just falling apart. In 25 years of going here we have never seen such slop!! The onion rings were even worse, they were nothing but shredded fragments of half burnt rings. They tasted terrible and were hard as rocks in some cases. Total crap. See picture. We called the store manager, Wilmer, who was one of the rudest unprofessional managers I have ever spoken with. Terrible not caring attitude. He says if you bring it back we will give you a replacement order. I told him the round trip is 30 minutes and just issue a credit for the $32 we spent. It would be so simple. Instead this punk was insulting and said bring it back or too bad. I guess I will now speak with Corporate and see if this Wilmer joker is a true representative of the organization. In the meantime, I would not recommend for anyone to go here unless you can inspect the quality of your food, before leaving. I also am concerned about the health aspect of what was served. The onion rings taste was rancid. The inside where the food is prepped is looking very long in the tooth! Wilmer should clean up the place. I would have never guessed this place would drop to this low level! --- read more

The Hat - The worst tasting and looking onion rings, EVER!!!! - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

This place is a tasty blast from the past. The pastrami was great, the ability to load the chili cheese fries was amazing, and the portions were large for a very reasonable price. The service was quick and our order was accurate. read more

The Hat - Chili cheese fries with tomatoes and pickles added! - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

Recently I'd had a seasonal illness that didn't want to go away, so ended up going to urgent care in the plaza next to The Hat. After my last visit, I told Dear Hubby that I had an urge for The Hat's amazing hot pastrami sandwiches. We walked over (who walks in Simi?), and shared a sandwich with au jus dip and a small order of fries. Having that hot from the kitchen was extra satisfying. It's not quite the same when you pick up and take it home. The warmth and freshness was off the charts good! The small fries are plenty for two people to share. Service was quick, and we were able to relax and enjoy our tasty food while having a conversation about the day. I appreciated that they had moved their music selections forward in time a bit. Their playlist was a decent compliment to the meal in their dining room. Speaking of the dining room, it's not fancy, but it's clean. I always marvel at how they keep their pothos plants so healthy. Someone has a green thumb at the restaurant, or they use a service that is successful in plant care. The kitchen staff works hard at cranking out tasty food all day to satisfy the cravings of their customers. They do a great job with pastrami! read more

The Hat - Yummy pastrami sandwich. - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

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The hat has been around forever and has the best food! It's so nice they have a drive thru if you don't want to stop and eat. The menu has many options and all are great! This trip my husband and I shared a pastrami sandwich and chili cheese fries. The fries were so crispy even though they were covered in chili! Everything came out hot and fast. The pastrami was amazing and is always my favorite and so good. The sandwich has pastrami, mustard and pickles. There are quite a few tables inside to sit and enjoy your food hot. They have fountain drinks and all the staff were so friendly and helpful. I can't wait to come back. read more

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Male cashier at the counter is extremely rude. Dude needs to realize that everyone has to work, that doesn't give you a reason to have little to no patience and be unkind. Was confirming what my deaf Mom wanted on her hotdog. He goes, "so just relish?" and I say yeah. He mumbles, "That would've have been easier" quickly under his breath. Not everyone knows what comes on the hotdog. We are the customer not you. Mind you there is no one else in line. And bro cant have 30 seconds of patience to make sure my Mom's order is right. If he keeps getting talked about negatively mentioned in reviews something needs to happen. I am a (much younger) cashier too and would never think to treat my customers like this let alone one thats calm and isn't causing any problems. And yeah, they never put the dip in for the pastrami dip. You have to ask now and it wasn't like that before. No one wants to eat something with bad service, the food tastes worse. read more

How did I miss this little gem all these years living but a few miles away. Prices are some of the best in town, the food is great and the atmosphere casual and family friendly. Drive through is also available for those on short time or just don't feel like getting out of pajamas. Great sandwiches, juicy burgers, and don't be fooled by the "small" fries. A small is enough to feed your family. It's a meal in itself. Only issue was the soda machine had a few options on the Fritz but I assume that has already been addressed. Very friendly staff and the service was great. read more

One more restaurant significantly cutting portions and raising prices. Sadly this is another childhood place we may have to stop going to. Adding pastrami to fries used to come with a huge pile on them now it's a laughable amount. 40 dollars for this is pathetic. read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

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we have been coming here for years and we are never disappointed. Great service. my go to is always the tuna sandwich. fresh and tasty. the chilly cheese fries are so good too. WHEN IN SIMI VALLEY YOU NEED TO STOP BY. read more

The Hat - tuna sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

Yikes, what happened to The Hat? My hamburger was barely warm, it was dried out and edges were hard. The onion rings are not the yummy onions rings they have served for the last 6 years that I've been eating there. And the Pepsi Zero flavor was do yucky I tossed it (and the onion rings). Bring back the old HAT! read more

I tried this chili cheese burger and it absolutely delivered. The patty was juicy, the chili was rich and flavorful, and the melted cheese tied everything together perfectly. The bun held up just enough to keep the mess contained, but barely--exactly how it should be. It was indulgent, satisfying, and easily one of those burgers I'd order again without hesitation. read more

The Hat - Cheeseburger - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

I came into the hat today for a pastrami burger. I noticed on their menu that they have tamales, it's actually a Chile tamale. $ 12.60 The pastrami burger $ 6.50 Chile Tamale The pastrami burger was delicious and filling, But a little small. The tamale resembled nothing of a Tamale. It reminded me of Chile from Tommy's in the small fry tray, topped with onion and pickles but no Masa which is what makes a tamale. ( I didn't like it) To even call this a tamale is funny. I usually go to the hat that's in Pasadena, but I was in the area today and decided to get some lunch. I walked in as soon as they open & very little people waiting. The cashier Carlos was quick and polite. I didn't get a chance to go into the restroom to see if they were clean or not but the ambience of the restaurant inside was nice and clean. read more

The Hat - Tamale - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

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I'm sorry to say but the pictures you review on line versus what you get in person are not the same AT ALL :( we wanted so much to get our usual onion rings and 2 French dips. We passed on the onion rings because the past 2 times they were absolutely horrible and I knew why immediately, it's the oil that they fried them in needed to be changed desperately. The french dips were on Smaller rolls and we opened them up before eating and the look of the meat and the smell was enough for us never to come back but they were very kind and gave us a refund even though we never tasted it but the presentation was jaw dropping for them as well. I miss the old HAT :( read more

Where is the beef. Not sure what happened to the servings.was a staple long ago. Now portions significantly got smaller.

Ordered pastrami dip sandwich and smalls fries from drive thru on Sunday approximately 1pm. The wait at drive thru was taking longer than usual (about 30min) I live close (off Tapo Cyn) and when I got home, the fries were cold and stale as though they had sat out for an hour. First time that has happened, and hope it doesn't happen again. read more

Been coming for over 10 years, clean, fast service, large portions. Bring first timers here and their eyes pop when we unpack the food, ( most items, even inside, come in a paper bag, pick condiments from plastic packets,), but the large, fresh portions over shadow picking up "stuff" Always, always get the pastrami dip, one order of fries usually enuf for our table of four 5+****** read more

Came here for the chili cheese fries with tomato and pickles which was good! However, the roast beef sandwich was just okay and it was unfortunately, in my opinion, small for the price that I paid for. Went thru the drive thru, service was good! Overall, would come back again to get the chili cheese fries! read more

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The Hat may be famous for its delicious pastrami sandwich, but for me, it's all about the chili cheese fries. They're legendary here. The way they pile on the fries, chili, and cheese is nothing short of epic, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that you simply must experience. For me, ordering the chili cheese fries brings back memories of my college days in Orange County. I remember going to The Hat with a group of friends after a long basketball game. We were starving, and when I first saw the massive plate of chili cheese fries, I was in awe. Taking that first bite was a revelation. It was like a scene from a Pixar movie where a food critic is transported back to his childhood by an amazing dish. Honestly, it would be incredible if Remy from Ratatouille made these fries! Now that I live in the 805, I'm thrilled there's a Hat nearby. Even though Simi Valley isn't exactly close to Oxnard, the drive is always worth it. And yes, their pastrami sandwiches are pretty awesome too. read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

What has happened to the food here. My husband and I came for lunch and the sourdough bread was impossible to chew and our onion rings were overcooked. The quality has suffered! read more

The pastrami dip sandwich is so good, the fries are huge and fat and tasty, fresh out of the oil service is always fast, even though there was a gang of kids here from some kind of sports game. Ambience is stainless steel, wood and white tile. Big wide windows wrapped around the whole dining area easy to see outside not much is going on Los Angeles Ave. I love this place and it's close to my work so I'll keep coming back here. read more

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Man at the register wasn't friendly and his vibes made me feel very uncomfortable on 8th of October 2025. I ordered my usual chili cheese fries and they didn't give me enough fries and although it's big it's been bigger in the past (past) month before. The soda was flat and I didn't even take my cup to go because who wants a flat soda after meal ate. read more

The Hat - 13th of August 2025 2:04pm - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

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Chili cheese fries can feed 2+ people 8/10 Pastrami sandwich 8/10 Cheeseburger 8/10 Good food. Good staff. Clean place. read more

The Hat - Chili cheese fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

This was surprisingly good. I enjoyed my combo of Pastrami Dip with Fries. The service was fast and efficient. The place was clean and and counters like the drink section was well maintained. I will definitely go back. read more

I starting going to the Hat years ago (in both Brea and Glendora) but haven't been to one since I moved to Ventura County over the last 14 years. Last week my wife and I went to the Hat in Simi Valley and it was like a trip back in time. Not only was the building designed the same, but both the customer service and the food was fantastic. Of course, we ordered the pastrami sandwiches and fries. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and plan on going back when we're in town. read more

Decided to try this spot for the first time today since we were on a little adventure to find rare pokemon figures in the area! Small parking lot, cutest little "diner" but a good amount of seating! It's one of those back to back booth types and even some smaller ones for party of 2 or singles. They are FAST here! We ordered and waited maybe 5 minutes tops for our food and it was busy! I looked at the photos on Yelp ahead of time but had no idea how HUGE the chili cheese fries were. Incredibly huge, definitely meant to share in my opinion! Luckily we ate there and everything was fresh and melt in your mouth goodness. Took the rest of my chili cheese fries home to share with my mom which she loved! Fantastic food and excellent service. Everything here is definitely worth your money and I highly recommend it. Can't wait to try their burgers, hotdogs, and onion rings next time! IG: @ammysalamii read more

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food: is fast, tasty and fresh ambiance: relaxed, casual and friendly service: accurate, speedy and pleasant read more

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food was good but waited forever in the drive thru at the window. took a while to get greeted/pay at the window while they took other orders and then waited a while again to get our food. Felt kinda anxious waiting for as long as i did. but the food and portions are still good. read more

Amazing! 1st time here, The Pastrami sandwich and the Chili Cheese fries were awesome.

Staff at the register can get very grouchy or rude sometimes. Need improvement. But they were fast and accurate, so hats off for that. :) BUT !! You got your money worth ! Good food, always. read more

The Hat - chili cheese fries w/ pastrami and orange bang - Sandwiches Near Me - Simi Valley, California

This was on the "to do" list for quite some time and last night was the time. Three of us drove the distance for a real experience. Unfortunately, the experience was only so-so and left a bit of a sour taste in our mouths. The good: The pastrami dip and small fries were good. For this type of pastrami sandwich I was pleased and the fries were fresh and hot. The pastrami burger was good too. The steak sandwich was a disappointment as it was dry and one of the toppings, the tomato, was missing. If there were sauces availalbe, the clerk didn't mention them. There were two things, though, that had us repeatedly chrtling and trying to convince ourselves that were weren't annoyed. When a medium lemonade was ordered, it was rung up and a cup provided but the clerk didn't bother to mention that the drink dispenser was out of order. It had caution tape so they certainly knew that it was broken. And then there were the wet fries. Really tasty but it would have been nice had the clerk mentioned that one is huge and two would feed the entire United States Congress. Most went to waste. What a shame. Felt a bit, ummmm, ripped off. But I'll share the blame for not doing more research before walking in. Definitely not going to rush back... read more

I was looking for forward to a pastrami dip yesterday. Unfortunately it seems like the Hat is using a lower quality bread roll now. Too pillowy and no taste. The pastrami itself if great, as are the fries. Very sad since this use to be our go-to sandwich in town. read more

Are you kidding me? This has happened FIVE. FKING. TIMES. IN. A. ROW. I order a pastrami DIP and every single time these jokers hand me a dry-ass sandwich with ZERO dip. Like what the actual fk? How hard is it to understand the word DIP? It literally means there should be something to DIP the sandwich in. It's not rocket science, it's beef juice. At this point it's not a mistake, it's pure laziness and false advertising. You're stealing people's money and serving lies between bread. Stop disrespecting your customers, stop pretending you know what a pastrami dip is, and either fix your menu or close up shop. I'm done wasting time on this clown show. read more

This place has good food, but they really need to work on being friendly. Octavio has a bad attitude and needs to provide better service.