My partner heard about this place and has been wanting to try it for the longest time as I used to go to the Brea location often as a kid. Food: We got the pastrami melt and the chili cheese fries with added pastrami. The pastrami melt had a great combo with the pickles and mustard. The pastrami was PACKED in the fries, I barely made a dent and was so full. We also got a large Orange Bang and LOVED it! Service: Awesome! Staff was very fast from cashier to picking up the order. Ambiance: It was an outside type of thing but lots of seating outside. Overall, will come back and most likely take my partner's parents here. read more

The Hat - Chili Fries with pastrami - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

We had the pastrami sandwich, Roast beef dip sandwich and chili cheese fries. They were all delicious. The size of the sandwich is large. I cannot even eat the whole sandwich. It is certainly good value for your money. There is always a line at this location but the line moves pretty fast. This place has been around for many years. With great food at reasonable prices it is no wonder people keep coming back. I would have liked to eat this food more often but it contains high sodium level. It's not good food for my health. Therefore I must only have this food in moderation. read more

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The hat has always been a staple in our city and just one of those places considered an oldie but goodie It seems like it may have lost a tad bit of its flare, so that's the reason why I'm giving it for stars, my friend got a chilly cheese fry which is a huge portion.And big enough to share in neither of us was a fan tasted plain like salt , had been nowhere near it My pastrami burger was good do I kinda wanna give 5 stars but can't read more

The Hat - Pastrami Burger - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

I was unimpressed with the pastrami sandwich. It tasted so mediocre. The only thing I liked about the sandwich was the nice texture of the meat and some smoky flavor but other than that it tastes flat and the mustardy sauce just didn't go exactly well with the meat and the bun. It's nice that there's a small parking lot and you can enjoy food at the back. Cashier was friendly. Will need to try out Langer next time read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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This place is so good. The chili cheese fries is sooo good and probably so bad for you lol but it is so good and hits the spot! They have outdoor seating. You order at the window. The burger was good but not as special as the chili fries. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Ambiance is chill, lots locals come and grab a quick bite read more

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First time ever being there. Service was fast they were very friendly it's a walk up location with tables and seats in the back I personally liked it! Finally got to try one of the famous pastrami dips and it was great oh and a large order of onion rings is a huge amount lol get everything food was great try something new next time read more

The Hat - Menu - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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ever since I was a child, I would come here with my family, knowing that they had the best chili and pastrami in Alhambra. Nowadays, I come here after Sum kind of athletic feat lol. It's a lot of food, but I come for one thing and one thing only, the pastrami chili cheese fries. It's the type of food that I dream of. Just thinking of it makes my mouth water. Imagine freshly cooked fries with a fluffy interior and crispy outside, smothered with cheddar cheese and a delicious chili, and then topped generously with juicy pastrami. Peak living. The service is very fast here and they do a good business. The ambience is like IDK, burger shop on the corner? The burgers are also really good here. Oh and also whenever I get the fries here, I always get an orange bang to wash it down. You gotta get the savory and then the sweet. Necessary. read more

The Hat - chili cheese pastrami fries with onion added and a small orange bang! - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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I have tried a few items off the menu however my favorite item is the Pastrami Dip. The pastrami appears to be of better quality than other places I have visited. I asked to substitute for rye instead of the roll and the fellow who assisted was very accommodating and friendly. Great place for a late night snack! read more

The Hat - Menu - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

***Late Post*** Visited 01-06-26. Big parking lot. Plenty of parking spots available. No drive-thru. Must take to go or enjoy sitting down outside in the dining area. Was busy during lunch. Service was easy and fast. The food was good. I ordered the pastrami dip. No complaints. I enjoyed every bit of it as it was; pastrami, pickles and mustard on a roll. Good size, good portion for what I paid for. Will be back again. ***2nd Visit*** 02-03-26 Another busy day. Busier than my first visit. I ordered the pastrami dip or sandwich with Swiss cheese this time, no complaints, was delicious. However, I was highly disappointed with the chili cheese fries. No seasoning at all. The salt on the fries probably would've compensated for that but they weren't any either lol. Forced myself to take several more bites being the fact I was really in the mood for them since I was just speaking on some the day prior. I did not like the way it looked or tasted. Just furious with my purchase at this point so I decided to give my order away to a homeless couple who was very appreciative which made me feel like I was being a blessing on which also deterred me away from feeling like I wasted a lot of money. Satisfied with just my sandwich especially since I had the runs the following day from eating that chili. Smh. read more

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The hat never lets me down. I got a pastrami burger fries and a drink. I always forget that the fries they give are a lot, the burger is usually cut in half it's honestly a really good amount to split with someone else. The staff is really quick, don't take it as rude they just want to get everyones order. It's on a very busy cross street with no drive through so be aware sometimes there's a line or no parking read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

Oh yea, oh yea! To the food! (Pastrami ) Self serve and ambience like most walk-up's. Satisfactory Ya ain't there for the ambience read more

The food was delicious and deserved all the praise it gets from the community. I loved. Pastrami And chili cheese fries. read more

The best pastrami anywhere! Including another hat location. This place has thin, moist and not too fatty pastrami with a soft bun. The service is quick and they are so efficient. The location has no restrooms, outside tables and only 2 hour parking. Ambiance is rustic with load traffic on 2 sides. It's definitely worth traveling to have. We will come back again next year! read more

The Hat - Outside tables - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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I'm not usually a big pastrami fan, but this sandwich was so good. The Hat is known for its pastrami sandwiches, so we definitely had to try it. We ordered the pastrami dip, and it was incredibly tender and juicy - very filling too. I remember they used to give a separate cup of broth for dipping years ago, but it seems they don't do that anymore. Either way, it was still really delicious. They accept cards, which is convenient, and the service was quick and efficient. There are a few outdoor tables where you can enjoy your food, and they stay open late, which makes it a great option for a late-night snack. read more

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Turkey Burger & Pastrami Sandwich!!! The portions are no joke either. You're getting fed fed. Fries are crispy, sandwiches are stacked, and everything comes out hot and fast like they've been doing this for decades (because they have). If you're hungry hungry or just want something that actually satisfies, this is the spot. read more

THE spot for fries. This is a review for fries. Their pastrami dip is also amazing, probably the thing to get for most people, but for me it's THE FRIES. Not only is this the best spot for pastrami and fries, it's the best The Hat location (the original!) because they have the most generous portions and their fries always taste fresh and perfect. The large is MASSIVE, enough for a family to share. Literally a paper bag half full of fries, with a cute little boat in the bottom of it as if it ever had any chance of containing the couple of pounds of fries that they serve. The owner-posted pics are true to reality. Can't think of another place with this value, only much smaller portions for much more $$$. I've been eating here since I was little, a local late-night staple, and I have to stop here every time I visit the area. I like a good basic order of fries, but the gravy and chili versions are also good. You can ask for gravy in a cup on the side to dip too. Pro tip: Ask for them well done if you prefer crispier fries. They can overdo them a little and turn them into chips, so be specific if you're looking for a nice medium, or just try them as-is first. read more

The Hat - Menu as of Oct 2025 - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

Nice that,'The Hat" is open late night, split a pastrami with my son Blake,it was good,but he asked for it to be dipped+a little gravy added...'NEITHER WERE !" My son felt it was an error in communication we get it that way alot ((they speak mostly Spanish)) and we tried the,'chili cheese onion rings" they needed a layer of cheese then chili twice to cover,so order them with extra of both...they give lots of onion rings! All in all,my craving was satisfied...! ((Open Late till, 1am)) read more

The Hat - Cheese+chili onion rings...2025 - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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$16.45 too chill dogs with onion and mustard and a medium root beer. The gentleman who appeared to be the manager was at the register. I had to repeat my order three times because I think he was trying to be PC with me. I said I'd like two hot dogs with chili please -he says. you want two chili dogs or two hot dogs. I repeated myself and he repeated himself so clearly he wanted me to say two chili dogs., I guess I wasn't using the right lingo. And after all that interaction, I ended up with what I asked for but with tomatoes, I despise tomatoes on hotdog. And this chili, it was blind to me, and there was nothing to it. It was very bland. I can't see what people are getting from it.. It was a very, very basic hot dog something that would not trigger me to come back in order again. I hear their pastrami sandwiches are really really good so I guess that's what they're known for. It says they're famous for it, but definitely not the hotdog.. read more

I came here for some piping hot fries. Service was quick. Don't let the crowd out front by the sidewalk deter you from coming. They have an order window and a pick up window. Makes it less chaotic. There is no drive thru like some of the other locations, but plenty of parking in their private lot. Plenty of outdoor covered patio seating. read more

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I grew up coming to this original location since I was a little boy. I remember it being a special treat, and as I got older, it became the go-to spot after school during both elementary and high school. The food is affordable with huge portions--perfect for sharing with friends back then and with my family today. Service can be hit or miss; at times it feels like you're inconveniencing the staff. That said, it's a clean hamburger stand with outdoor seating and limited parking. read more

Fast service, food quality was consistent and it was incredible they didn't take tips. Came by after an event because my daughter loves The Ha pastrami before driving back to NorCal. read more

you have to try the pastrami chilie cheeseburger and pastrami chilie cheese fries sooooooo damn good my fat body is in heaven with an orange bang or cherry coke and no i dont have diabeties! read more

The Hat - PASTRAMI! - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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I got a pastrami dip and some chili cheese fries with pastrami. They both have a generous amount of pastrami. They both were pretty good but nothing that stands out. It was a bit busy when I arrive and the staff were quick. I was able to receive my order within 10 mins. The restaurant is located on a corner with a small lot. Parking may be an issue if you come when they are very busy. There is no drive thru like the other location. There are tables and sitting behind the restaurant. read more

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I wonder what it must be like to taste the first pastrami dip sandwich back in 1951, when this location first opened. Back then, it probably costs 25 cents. Today, it's $12.60. And it's worth every penny! I can't get enough of all that scrumptious pastrami meat they pour into the sandwich. Well it's not everyday I eat like this, so I also got the chili cheese fries with onions, and an orange bang, too. I just can't get enough of all the chili they pour on top of the fries. Was it a mistake? No. Did I finish everything? No. Guess what I had for leftovers next day? Yep, you guessed it! read more

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Hubby wanted something different for lunch and brought home pastrami fries with chili - WOW!!! Personally, this is not something I would order, but I did eat a little bit of it and it was good. To me, this is way too much for two people! read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

This spot never disappoints, everything is so good, I always get the roast beef sandwich with au jus. I recently got the chili cheeseburger and it was delicious! Food comes out fairly fast. Little spot has a small eating area, but no restrooms. read more

The Hat - Menu - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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The chili cheese fries are the star of this place. Expect your bathroom to smell rank after eating at at this joint. Good service and mid food. read more

I cannot believe that I've never written a review for this location before, especially since it is the original location (#1, opened 1951). I've been to a few The Hat locations and this location, along with the one in Temple City (#5, opened in 1993) is my favorite. The only downside to this location is that it is a grab and go. Onion Rings (Small) $4.85 Service is always great and the food is always fresh. Every time I am nearby a The Hat location, I crave their Onion Rings or their Chili Cheese Fries. Service was great and fast, for the amount of customers ahead of me. There were plenty of parking, but it takes a bit of maneuvering in and out of the parking lot due to how busy Valley Blvd and Garfield Ave are. read more

Good ol' fast food sandwiches! I like ordering from the hat because it's convenient. The fries aren't a high point for them tbh, but overall the pastrami sandwich and italian sandwich is just good enough and it meets my expectations when I gotta order something quickly and get back on the road. read more

The Hat - Italian sandwich with Chili Fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

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A family favorite for a reason! There's literally something here for everyone and they are always so consistent with their portions and flavors. I love ordering their chili cheese fries, pastrami sandwich, onion rings, and orange bang drink! It's the perfect dinner or late night snack. There can be a line at times, but it generally moves so the wait has never been too long. They do have seating and tables that are available outside. read more

The hat's smell instantly brought me back to my childhood neighborhood burger stand. I love the vibe here--always bustling with people waiting for their food, just like back in the day. We ordered the Famous Dip--bomb! It was packed with pastrami (not complaining!)--so much that I had leftovers for breakfast the next day . And don't even get me started on the onion rings--crispy, flavorful, absolutely addicting. I'd honestly come back just for those! so many parking available, table spots, not sure about restroom access though - But yes I will be back and back and back! read more

At the original Hat in Alhambra CA to enjoy a staple of history with a well steamed pastrami sandwich. If you are ever in the area this place and its history is a must. Enjoy my friends... read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

Food is amazing service is outstanding everything about that place is great love it always gonna come to this place

In the area today, so we stopped by for a couple of pastrami sandwiches and some fries. Spent $36 for two people, not too bad. Walk up burger stand window, with burger stand service. No complaints. There is also plenty of outside seating in behind the restaurant. Mehhhh it's a decent enough sandwich, but in my opinion nothing really stands out about it. Sandwich is big & meaty enough to share. read more

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Yeah, the pastrami here is insanely good. Good late night snack! I thought it'd be way more heavy and difficult to eat, but it was actually pretty easy to finish. Pastrami was clean and the chili is tasty read more

Brings me back to my high school days. Always a solid place to get a pastrami sandwich or pastrami fries. Probably not the healthiest meal around but it's the best pastrami in the area. I wish this location had indoor seating but it's just a small stand with limited seating outside so it's usually a grab and go kinda deal. It is close by to a plaza where you can grab drinks or dessert to go with your meal though. read more

If you grew up in the SGV, you know The Hat as THE Chili Cheese Fries institution that trumps all others. There's a reason they've been around for decades and why you'll find me here on the regular getting my pastrami sandwich or burgers and fries fix. The service is always consistent. Although there will be a small wait on the weekends, you can call ahead your order prior to arriving. There is an outdoor patio if dining there. The joint has remained the same ever since I can remember, with their iconic neon sign on the corner of Garfield and Valley. My go-tos are: Chili Cheese Fries with Pastrami and the works (tomatoes, pickles, onions) Cheeseburger Pastrami Dip Side of Gravy Wild Cherry soda to wash it all down! read more

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tl;dr I don't understand the rabid hype surrounding these overpriced, "just good" pastrami sandwiches Southern California has no shortage of fast-food shacks-turned-region chains, and The Hat is just one local favorite. This sandwich shop prides itself on its "World Famous Pastrami", namely in the form of its signature pastrami dip. Although the original 1951 East LA location has since closed, the second outpost in Alhambra remains a busy San Gabriel Valley stalwart. As you approach the busy intersection of Garfield and Valley, you can't miss the vibrant chef hat and the neon green-and-red font of the standalone ketchup-and-mustard-colored sign. The shack has dizzyingly mismatched patterns on the walls and awning, and the three-window design faces toward the street -- order from the window on the far left, and pick up from the counter on the right. Whether you arrive for early weekday lunch or post-midnight munchies, expect at least a moderate queue. As you wait, peek inside to catch workers tossing pastrami on the griddle and crafting sandwiches to order. After collecting your order, make your way to the fluorescent-lit, overhang-covered picnic tables around back. I arrived on a weekday evening with a few friends, eager to indulge in the pastrami dip. We braced a decently long line, but it moved at a reasonable clip. Within minutes of ordering, we were handed two The Hat-stylized brown paper bags. As I tore into the customized butcher paper, I was immediately surprised to find that the pastrami "dip" was "drizzled" at best. Its dull, limp bun housed thinly sliced, slightly greasy meat, a skimpy schmear of mustard, and slender pickle slices. The portion was pretty light to split between two moderate appetites. The panko-crusted onion rings were enjoyably crispy, but the bland flavor reminded me of a grocery store's frozen food section. The steakhouse-cut fries were inconsistently crispy, barely salted, and mostly flavorless. Both sides were desperately in need of a dipping sauce. Finally, the drinks were enormous, but while the Creamsicle-esque Orange Bang hit the spot, the Horchata was watery and underwhelming. My partner and I opted to share a sandwich and side -- but the tiny portion size would be more appropriate for a single individual. The food is moderately expensive ($25 for our mini-meal) and mostly forgettable, but there is nothing inherently wrong with the food. A sign posted on the side of the shack reads "Just good food", which I think is an apt summary of my experience. The food is just barely good, and otherwise totally frill-less and unworthy of the price. read more

The Hat - Pastrami Dip - Sandwiches Near Me - Alhambra, California

Been coming here as a family for as long as I can remember. Love the gravy or chili fries and the famous pastrami sandwich. Perfect late night meal place since it's open till 1am! Our family go to order is a large order of gravy fries with gravy (on the side), a pastrami sandwich, and sometimes a side of pickles. They're very generous with both the gravy and pastrami portions. I'm a bit biased since I've grown up eating at The Hat, but it's definitely my favorite place for gravy fries and a pastrami sandwich. The pastrami sandwich has a good ratio of everything packed with flavorful, thin pieces pastrami that's not too salty. The mustard and pickles only add to the flavor. The gravy is smooth, savory, and comforting and the fries are full and the perfect amount of crisp and soft. Service is great. There's usually a bit of a wait, but not a long one. There's some outdoor seating, but it's near a busy street so my family and I usually take it to go. The Hat is my family's late night go to! Always a yummy treat. read more

Service was on point and super fast! This place is a total gem for hanging out with friends or family - the atmosphere's got that downtown vibe, with bright streets and a lively energy that's infectious . I had to get the Pastrami Chilli Cheese Fries, and oh man... I was IN HEAVEN! The pastrami was cooked to perfection, and the fries were crispy perfection! Definitely coming back for more of that deliciousness ! read more

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