The Hat

Pastrami sandwiches are delicious

Located on the corner of one of Alhambra’s busiest intersections, The Hat is a cheap fast food chain that can easily satisfy one’s cravings for burgers, fries, etc.
I would say their most famous dish is their awesome and delicious chili cheese fries which is worth the amount you pay given the abundant amount they give you. But I must say, their chili cheese fries can be incredibly greasy and oily. Occasionally, it tends to seep through the paper and container that holds it.
The seating area is a bit dirty but understandably so because it is not located indoors.
I wouldn’t come here often, just a couple times.

Best pastrami sandwhich! Place has been around for a long time, if your in the area try it.

Wow, an unfortunate surprise. I ordered a chili fries to go, and when I finally ate them after arriving home, I found the chili to be absolutely bland and thru out my order before finishing as it was just a bland mess not worthy of the caloric intake. Typically. I like eat this with small yellow chilies, but I didn’t grab any to go. Not really sure what happened, the order was packed perfectly and was still hot after a 30 min drive. It’s a bummer as chili fries are a guilty indulgence and will be going elsewhere when l want satisfy this desire in the future.

I would give this place a 5 because there food is so good, but I always ask myself. Why the fuck they don’t use gloves wen handling food. I don’t want to be mean but imagine they don’t have a restroom, or if they do just for themselves. People now in this days don’t wash there hands the way we suppose to. So imagine them taking a shot n then they don’t wash there hands well n then they touch our food. Like hello if I want to eat shot than I rather make my own shot in a toilet n eat it myself. But we all want healthy food no contamination. N yes after eating I had three occasion where my stomach hurts like hell. So yea use some gloves

Their Pastrami Burger is bomb af!!!

Known for their pastrami, these guys didn’t disappoint. I’d give it a 3.5 stars
Really good sandwich. Their fries are also very good. The place is the corner of a busy intersection. Parking wasn’t an issue but I was there early. Not sure how it is later. Service is okay. Nothing to write on your diary about. Place looks clean.
The bread was good and the pastrami was tasty.
I had a good lunch.

CLASSIC ALHAMBRA
Pastrami here is very good. This is the spot for some greasy food. It’s been in Alhambra on the corner of Valley and Garfield forever. Portions are very big and won’t leave you hungry.
The staff is nice and to the point. There is never a super long wait. Overall, a good chill spot. Hit it after a ballgame and it’s perfect.

I’ve heard a lot about this place and finally had the chance to try it. It’s a little pricey but very good.
The pastrami is what I’ve heard about so I got the sandwich, and it was bigger than I thought it would be, and for $ 10 it was somewhat justifiable. The pastrami is very good, I would almost rather order something other than the pastrami sandwich for the price, but it’s definitely original!

Wanna get fat?! Then come to the hat.
Seriously delicious.
I enjoy their pastrami sandwich a lot
Their staff is friendly
Dont eat here often or you seriously will get fat
I had the swiss ham sandwich. It wasnt so good. Tasted like those cold togo you can get at walmart.

Once in a while I will be craving their chili cheese fries. The portions are huge that I can barely finish it. You might want to grab a few packets of ketchup though, because all the chili and cheese are only covering the surface of the fries, so you’re left with a ton of uncovered fries on the bottom. I’ve tried mixing it before eating, but the chili cheese sort of sticks to what its been poured on so it doesn’t really do that much good.
I also get the pastrami dip which is also pretty good. They pack the pastrami in that it’s thick. Nothing here is really too greasy, which is something I appreciate. If you think it’s too much pastrami, I also like taking some of the pastrami and sprinkling over the chili cheese fries.
This place is really for when you want something to go since it’s outdoors and there’s very limited seating outside. The service here is very friendly and very fast. Even though the line can get pretty long, the wait isn’t too much. However, if you don’t want to wait at all, probably come in during the weekdays, because I’ve never seen a big line then.

Easily ⁵⁄₅ stars. I’ve been wanting to try this place for the longest time and finally had the chance to. Pastrami is bomb already, now slather that on top of a giant bed of chili cheese fries and it’s out of this world. My mouth waters every time I think about it and I crave it at least once a week.

Came for dinner by circumstances. Drove through the neighborhood and tried to find something to eat during prime dinner time.
Pastrami Dip ($ 9) — a lot, and I mean a lot of Pastrami. Their pastrami is shaved thin, so if you are used to (like me) the Langer’s style, this is slightly different. Sandwich was good, not too oily.
Pastrami Burger ($ 9) — essentially a regular burger with a lot of pastrami (theme here). It’s big but the lettuce helped cut into the pastrami.
Chili Cheese Fries ($ 6) — ugh. I hate wasting food, but this is a serving size designed for an army, not a single person. I wish I took pictures, but, think about a drinks tray for 4 fountain drinks. Now fill that with fries. Then dump a cup or two of cheese on top, then 2 – 3 cups of chili. As long as you are aware of the serving sizes it will be ok.

The pastrami was amazing but the chili cheese fries did disappoint me. only took a few bites before throwing it away.

Not really sure how to review a place so widely known as The Hat. EVERYBODY knows The Hat, everybody has eaten here, everybody loves it. This particular location has a big lot to park in, an outdoor patio to eat, but sadly no indoor seating, so dont go here on a cold day unless you are getting some takeout.
The Pastrami was hot and delicious and as always tasted excellent. I can never finish a whole sandwich much less the fries. If I am alone I dont order fries cause I end up throwing away a lot of food. A small fries will easily be enough for two people, unless you got the munchies or something.
yo!
The guys who work here have been here forever, which I love to see. The food is always better at any restaurant if the employees are content. Go to the Hat yo!

Having our pastrami at the original location of The Hat on the corner of Valley at Garfield in Alhambra. I’ve been eating at this location sixty years!
And introduced dozens of friends to the location.
No dining room, just outdoor covered patio seating, but it still works.
Plenty of free parking in their private lot.

I guess I should have done some research before going here.

This is the first hat I’ve ever been to and it did not disappoint. The food and the service is fantastic. Even the security guard is cool! :D I had THE best grilled cheese ever. Portions here are crazy big. My boyfriend got the pastrami which was huge! All sooo good! We’ll be back, thanks guys!

This is the fourth Hat that I have eaten at. I generally don’t like to eat outdoors, but it wa. s a very nice day in the SGV today. The pastrami was outstanding, the peppers were good, My girl had a very good hamburger. Fries are too much. There should be a small order, one that does not go to waste. Food at the Hat is generally consistent (Simi Valley excluded). I would return as long as the weather was good.

The food is delicious as always fast service. Just feels like the old times waiting for your order.

I moved to Alhambra 6 months ago and passed by this joint almost everyday. I’ve been super curious about it so I decided to give it a try this past weekend.
AND OH MAN… it was absolutely delicious.
My boyfriend and I ordered the Pastrami Dip and Pastrami Burger with a side of small fries. The amount of food you get for the price is super worth it. They give you a LOT of pastrami to the point where it spills out from the sides with each bite. Since the portions are pretty big, you’re better of sharing with someone else instead of getting a sandwich/​burger for yourself.
If you’re ever craving anything pastrami, this is the place to go!

There comes a time in everyone’s life that you have to enjoy a really good comfort food meal and this place satisfies.
My girl and I wanted lunch and for some time now we have been mentioning The Hat, well we made our way from downtown Los Angeles to the city of Alhambra to get our fix on.
Arrived and there was no line to order, it has been a while and I needed a bit of time to see what I wanted to eat.
We went with chili cheese fries with pastrami and a double cheeseburger.
The pastrami was great and so were the chili fries, the portion is huge.
Actually had the cheeseburger later on in the night and it was real good, thick meat and plenty of cheese.
Staff is kind and helpful. Plenty of parking and prices are not bad.
Two drinks, chili cheese fries and double cheeseburger were under $ 25.

That pastrami was pretty freakn good! Nice lean flavorful slices of meat. Simply decorated with mustard and pickles. Don’t think I’d coin it the best on the world but hey, I always say confidence is your best accessory! Reminded me of a really good hood pastrami without the grease and in a non hood atmosphere. Only thing is my roll was hella soggy and when you’re a texture sensitive person like me, by the time I got done with the first half, the second was in a place that I couldn’t deal with! Meaning no more bun which was pretty lame. I gotta come back to try them chili cheese fries tho, they looked amazing.

You get tons of food for a cheap price, corner spot and cornerstone meal of the working man. Sure it might not be the healthiest but it sure is delicious, no matter what you get. If you’re going to come here they are famous for their pastrami sandwiches, but I’ve also had their french dip and found it to be just as delicious. Waaaay better than Phillipe’s in DTLA.
Just a warning, order the small fries and no larger. It’s enough to feed 2 – 3 people easily. They basically fill up a brown paper bag full of fries, more than a pound of potatoes. I like how they throw in a little white paper bag in there, as proof that indeed it is a small bag of fries.
The parking situation at this location is dicey but that is the only thing that is not giving this place 5 stars in my book.

You can never be disappointed with the Chilli cheese fries! You’ll surely feel guilty after eating it and your body will shame you for days… But your taste buds will thank you for such a delicious experience!
The chili cheese fries are piles on top of a drink carrier. Why didn’t anyone else think of this sooner???

When I want pastrami, here’s where I come. Yeah its a bit pricey but it’s worth it. Burgers are good and the chili cheese fries are the bomb, top it off with an orange bang and your set.

This location is by far the BEST one, I promise you. I’ve been to other locations and it’s not the same. Portions are huge! I DIED when I ordered their pastrami burger. THE AMOUNT OF PASTRAMI IN THIS BURGER IS MONSTROUS … which is a great thing of course. I’m not complaining at all. A must … their chili cheese fries!!! (You can also add pickles, tomatoes, pastrami, onions, etc).
Happy me! :)

Growing up next to The Hat I took it for granted. Now living in Las Vegas I find myself sometimes craving their delicious food. Love that it’s a hometown staple that I feel will always be there.
After five years the prices are still the same, which is incredible. The food is still consistently good and the quality has never differed. I just still get sad when it’s soggy but that’s partially my fault because I’m a slow eater.
Love the pastrami. Meat for days. Large enough for two people to share. Got the tomato pickle chili cheese fries. So acidic and tasty. Big enough for 4 people to share.

There aren’t many obviously old fashion fatty sodium laden places like this left in Los Angeles. There also happen to be several in the region (this is the original) if you don’t want to don’t want to drive to Alhambra.
The thing you get here is pastrami sandwiches with french dip and possibly with a side of chili cheese fries. Here’s the deal eating here more than once a year will kill you. If you don’t share with people this place will kill you.
Although they serve half sandwiches, the better deal is to find a friend, buy the whole sandwich for cheaper and split it. Don’t let picky eaters choose or coerce you into ordering anything else than a pastrami sandwich. Go in groups of two for sandwiches and four if you want chili cheese fries.

Consistent with any other location. This is the first location and there is no indoor seating, only outdoor. Fast and friendly service, i can’t complain. They are open later than the temple city location which is the only time i come. Lots of parking. Easy to spot on the corner of valley.

I have been here a long time ago with friends. I think I ordered a burger.
But who cares about that one time, because I don’t remember.
However, on my most recent trip, my friends and I wanted something warm and savory. We decided to split an order of pastrami chili cheese fries. That awesomeness that satisfies those late night cravings. That thing is quite huge; it’s approximately $ 12.
Great and friendly service is a plus.

If you are looking to eat at your healthiest, then back away because this ain’t the place!
The Hat is your local go to place for pastrami and anything chili related! I do remember years ago coming here… and I am talking about Years! As it is, Los Angeles already has a plethora of pastrami locations, like Langer’s, Philippe’s and so on.
The last time I came however was with a few of my buds to enjoy some late night eats. I ordered their onion rings and their stuffed and filling chili cheese fries! Yummers! My two bros ended up with chili cheeseburgers and a pastrami sub with au jus dipping! They are open late night here with a small area to park. They only have outside seating, so bring a coat if you are coming during the cold evening. Staff here were quick with our food, which made for a short wait time. Often, there will be a line.
I will warn you that their servings here are just beyond stuffed! An order of chili cheese fries was more than enough for the 3 of us, and us guys got some big appetites! Yes, they also have a variety of sodas and orange bang too! Located in Alhambra, there are a variety of other shops to browse! Bring the family, a date or your Hangover crew here for some great eats!

If you really like or love pastrami and haven’t discovered The Hat yet, you need to because it’s one of the «must try» pastrami spots in the greater LA area!
It turns out they’ve been doing this a loooooong time too. This Alhambra location is the original location and they’ve been selling their pastrami dip sandwich since 1951, yeah that’s right people, 63 YEARS!
I’ve driving by this place many times over the years, but finally stopped in to check it out a few months back. Parking is around back, along with a number of picnic tables under a large awning. You order, pay and pick up your order at the window.
FOOD: I decided to start with the basics, a Pastrami Dip sandwich. Like everything else the prices keep slowly going up and The Hat is no different, so it’s now $ 9. After paying I watch them assemble my sandwich, slice it and bag it. They sure do pile that thinly sliced pastrami on!
I dig in and… this is some goooood pastrami, I’m a happy camper!
I don’t know why I waited SO long to try this place… oh wait… yeah I do. Every time we came up this way, my ex always wanted Chinese food. American food and especially pastrami, was NEVER a consideration.
OVERALL: The pastrami dip sandwich at The Hat is pretty awesome. I’m sure the other items on the menu really good too, but I doubt I will try much else. The Hat (and The Oinkster in Glendale) are my go-​to spots in LA for pastrami!

This is the kind of place your doctor advises you to avoid. They give you portions that are way bigger than you should consume in one meal. This is also the kind of place you love as a kid and then as an adult feel the need to introduce all your loved ones to. That was the case with my husband and I – he called this place his version of Gino’s East pizza (my hometown favorite that every visitor to Chicago must try).
We had the classic pastrami — we split it to keep it relatively healthy. It was definitely good. We also had the chili fries, which could have fed four people. I found the chili to not be anything special, but mixing the pastrami that fell off my sandwich into the chili fries was pretty tasty. The best part of being at the Hat was the free soda refills. I don’t encounter many places that still give free refills, so that was a nice surprise. With all that salt, I needed two refills!
My husband just read this review and said that I am not doing The Hat justice. He wants to add that «Chili cheese fries with pastrami and extra yellow peppers is the ultimate challenge — something that truly satisfies.»