The Hat isn't super close to me, and it's a little pricey for fast food, but I absolutely love it. I grew up with this place, and I can't imagine life without their pastrami sandwiches, roast beef dips, burgers, chili cheese fries, hot dogs, and the best onion rings on the planet. Note: Brea is BY FAR my go-to Hat location. read more

Always the best place to go to when your craving a pastrami sandwich it's always gonna hit the spot It's just something about the way it's made to how it taste! Service is always friendly and fast no matter how busy it is Restaurant is clean read more

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Friday night and it's not packed inside??? Get outta here! I can't believe my luck. My friend and I just finished up at the Tower Buzzers game at ONT Field in Ontario and were ready to find some late night grinds before heading back to the South Bay. No waiting to place our order and plenty of open tables. I've never seen this at any Hat on a weekend night before. I was actually get my beef dip and fries in a reasonable amount of time. Of course the roast beef was tender, the rolls fresh, and my fries perfection. Add a Cherry Fanta and it's a great way to end the evening. Chili cheese fries next time. read more

The Hat - Crispy thick cut fries the way they should be. Only crinkle cut would be better. - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

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The Hat is a local institution in the Southern California area with multiple locations throughout, even with a location in Las Vegas. This location is in Brea right at the intersection of the 90 and 57 freeways. They are best known for their pastrami and their massive portions. I got the pastrami dip ($12.60) which is their most popular dish. Pastrami is piled on a French roll with mustard and pickles and dipped in au jus. I also got the wet fries with gravy ($6.75) which was just fries topped with their gravy. I didn't realize just how big the portions were but it was a huge pile of fries. The interior reminded me of an old school diner. When I arrived there was a long line for the drive through, but ordering inside I got my food within minutes of ordering. The portions were great for the price and the pastrami was tender. I'd be interested in their other offerings. read more

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I used to frequent the Glendora and Upland locations back in college. These days the closest store location to me is in Brea, so I've been a handful of times. After a long, traffic-ridden drive from Vegas back to SoCal - all I wanted was wet fries topped with pastrami and a classic pastrami dip. Eloisa's customer service was phenomenal. You can tell she, and everyone who works there knows the menu very well so they know what orders are gonna HIT and what's worth the best bang for your buck. I also respect her hustle, in between orders I saw checking the patties on the grill. She was also amazing with managing the wave of customers that came in for the dinner rush. I feel fortunate I was able to place and receive my order before then. The Food: - As per usual, the sandwich was generously STUFFED with their world famous pastrami. Pickles and mustard included paired well with the fat and peppery taste of the meat - My wet fries w/pastrami? Delicious. No negative notes! - Pricing remains fair, my order didn't even hit $30 I know this place is known for their pastrami chili cheese fries, but the gravy used for the wet fries is something special. 10/10 would recommend buying if you wanna switch things up :) read more

The Hat - Wet Fries topped with pastrami. Don't be fooled, there's a lot of gravy under the meat!! - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

finishing up with meetings in the area and wanting to grab a late lunch...headed towards the 57 and 90, and finding the hat on the corner...didn't know hat had multiple locations...counter order and wait....plenty of tables....ordered a pastrami dip $12.60 and large onion rings $6.75...the wait was little longer than expected....handed a hefty bag...the hat doesn't mess around with "large"...the large order of onion rings was enormous...hefty medium sized brown bag filled....hot and extra crunchy...way too much for one person...probably enough to share amongst 3 or 4 people...the pastrami sandwich was as expected...razor thin slices of peppery pastrami piled thick...pickles, mustard and meat juice oozing...the french roll does a good job of soaking in the juices to keep the sandwich manageable...always hits the spot... read more

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We were craving pastrami sandwiches for dinner, and this place definitely hit the spot. We ordered two pastrami dip sandwiches (one with mayo), a small order of onion rings, chili cheese fries, and two fountain drinks. The pastrami was tender, juicy, and not dry at all. The onion rings were crispy and cooked perfectly, while the chili cheese fries were flavorful without being overly spicy. The portions were generous for the price, making it a great value. The service was fast, so it's best to know what you want before ordering. There was plenty of indoor seating and ample parking, which made the visit even more convenient. We also appreciated the refillable fountain drinks and the clean restrooms. The only downside was that the condiments weren't available for self-service--you have to ask the staff for them. Other than that, it was a great experience, and we'd happily come back. read more

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Amazing as always. If you're in the mood for some pastrami, hot dogs, or just want to be a fatty with some chili cheese fries, then make your way to the hat! Can't forget about the great quick customer service read more

The Hat - Chili cheese fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

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The food is always good. Love their pastrami. there's no place like it. this place is the best.

I used to eat at The Hat in Alhambra when I was growing up. I always loved their Pastrami Dip sandwiches. We happened to be in the area, so we decided to pick up lunch. We ordered a Pastrami Dip and a small order of Fries. The pastrami was really good, but I don't like soggy bread. I should've asked for the au jus on the side. The fries were just okay. The portion size was huge. We ordered a small. I can't even imagine how many fries they give you if you order the large size. I'm sure we will visit this location again. However, next time, I will order the au jus on the side. I'll also order onion rings instead of fries. read more

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Had been to their other location and here couple time in the past. Was in craving for pastrami chili fries and man they delivered and it's simply just awesome & delicious and filling. Big parking lot and this place has been around for ages, well kept and maintained, got patio seating area overlooking street. Inside also has big seating area, mainly booths for 4 or 2, big table is in the back against the wall. Big menu but most are here for the famous pastrami dip and the chilly chess fries w/ pastrami. Staff are nice and friendly, the owner was there and took orders (since there was a line) and he just crushing it by. Ordered and took about within or less than 5min, you got your foods. The prices are just reasonable and affordable for sure, a very thick and generous amount of meats sandwich is for $13 and the pastrami chili cheese fries are around $19. Great & tasty meat, the sandwich is good (you can requested for different type of bread, but why). The pastrami chilli cheese fries is just HUGE and so yummy, once you start eating, you just can't stop. Yes we finished but there are around 10 fries left...but the rest are well cleaned. Worth it, definitely no question. Service is great, great location and well established place too. Can't wait to come back. read more

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Go get a pastrami dip. It's so good. And so much. Get fries. Upgrade fries if you want, like we do. Chili cheese fries with pickles and tomatoes. Get an Orange Bang. Like an Orange Julius. Digest for a few days. And go back again. And again. That should be enough to say. But some want more details. Fine. It's an old school vibe. It's gotta be close to how it looked 20 years ago. But it's clean. It's not old timey and dingy. It's bright, and it's clean. Don't come here for a greeting and a smile. Come here for quick, delicious food. That's not to say that they are rude. They are quick. Efficient. Tell them what you want, pay, listen for your number. And repeat. Again and again. read more

Review 12/365 Day Challenge Met up my in laws on a Sunday noon for lunch. The place was fully packed indoor and outdoor umbrella seating outside. My hubby loves Pastrami Sandwiches. He's been a fan of THE HAT way before we've started dating. Him and his brother loves The Hat for their World Famous Pastrami Dip. Use to drive from La Mirada to Brea for it. What we ordered ~ Pastrami sandwich in my opinion is a little bit salty but I'm not a pastrami sandwich connoisseur. My husband does say it's one of the best. Must enjoy it w the dip, i feel makes a huge difference. ~ Chili Fries is pretty huge! With dice onions on top with mother Load of cheese & chili. Definitely can be shared by 3-4 people if not that hungry. ~ Orange Bang is sweet but refreshing. My oldest son loves this drink. I like to let the ice dissolve to water down the drink tad a bit so it can be a little bit less sweet. Service was fast taking order and got our items within a good time frame since it was during rush hour, weekend Sunday noon = lunch time. Drive thru available. Located next to Ted Craig Regional Park in its own building. All in all. Do recommend THE HAT if you love a good pastrami sandwich and the dip is a must. Makes eating a pastrami sandwich to a whole different level. One suggestion I'd make if they can offer pepperoncinis to give the pastrami sandwich a kick of spice especially to those like mee, love some spice with my eateries. read more

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Awesome pastrami dip sandwich... come in and there was a line which moved quickly and sandwich was very worth what brief wait I had read more

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Between my husband and I, we got the pastrami sandwich, the roast beef sandwich, onion rings, and the chili cheese pastrami fries. Everything was absolutely delicious and balanced in terms of flavor (I've had pastrami in the past that was way too salty). I can see why the roast beef is so well-known here! And the fries were still so good even after being reheated the day after. This is definitely going on our rotation of regular sandwich spots! read more

Garsshhh, I wish there was one of these close to home! Came through this 'hood for lunch at Fogo across the street, and when I saw this place, it was a must stop. And I'll be honest: I couldn't get it out of my mind during that lunch run. So after that disappointing experience at Fogo, hopped in the car and drove across the way to pick up grub for dinner. Their drive thru line was a mile long (which is an awesome sign) but I much preferred to come in. The inside was poppin' as well with most of the tables occupied. Got in line, got three orders of pastrami with sauce on the side, an order of large fries and chili cheese fries. I reminisced my first experience with The Hat as I waited. Hubbers was near their Pasadena location and stopped by to surprise me with a sandwich before coming home. That sammich so good, couldn't let this opp pass! Like mentioned, there were lots of customers so it was only natural every member of staff was busy. Kinda cool watching them work in synchronicity, each and every one of them aware of each other's space. Impressive. PASTRAMI: Ordered the sauce on the side because it was about an hour drive home and didn't want it soggy. The bread held the proteins well. The amount of meat was generous, soft and so juicy, and seasoned so very nicely. ONION RINGS: Ordered a large and it occupied more than half the brown bag they were packed in. Nicely sized and seasoned battered pieces. A couple of pieces were a bit overcooked/burnt but no biggie. Awesome crunch and flavor. Recommending. Hubbers ordered the chili cheese fries but with the long drive home, it was natural for the cheese to be coagulated by the time we got home. No worries: he nuked for a few and good as new! He enjoyed that as well. FOOD: 5. SERVICE: 4. VALUE: 4. PARKING: Private lot. Not an issue. OVERALL: 4.25. Granted I had their goodies way later in the day, it was still so SOOOOOO GOOD!!! I guess one can say this place was a saving grace for the disappointing eats across the street. So happy for the discovery. Definitely keeping this spot on my radar. read more

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I traveled for 25 minutes and subsequently waited in line for an additional 20-30 minutes, influenced by numerous positive reviews regarding the chili cheese fries offered at this establishment. The pastrami itself was satisfactory. However, the chili cheese fries did not meet expectations; they primarily consisted of fries with a minimal, moist topping, and the cheese was largely lost due to inadequate to-go packaging, adhering entirely to the wrapper. From my perspective, the journey was not justified. The customer service, however, was commendable, particularly the gentleman at the drive-thru, who was exceptionally courteous. read more

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There's not much I can say about The Hat that hasn't already been said 1000 times. The Hat is the gold standard when it comes to pastrami chili cheese fries and it has been that way since I can remember. I have one order here and that hasn't changed in decades. Just writing this review makes me drool read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

Very affordable and tasty! The burger tastes like a classic mom & pop restaurant. About $6 for a burger so very reasonably priced. The large fries were amazing! Thick and fluffy and fed all 4 of us. There were so many fries in the bag, they really fill it up. The onion rings were so crispy and delicious. Service was good, they were moving the drive through at a good pace. The outside looked very nice and clean. Overall, 10/10, another large fry bag! read more

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We were craving pastrami sandwiches so where do you go to satisfy that craving??? The Hat of course. We ended up parking and going inside to order since the drive thru line was insane. Lots of booths to sit in. We order our regulars of pastrami sandwiches on white with mustard smothered inside and a side of au juis, onion rings and fries. We actually didn't eat there but took it to go. Ordering was easy. Service was quick. We only waited less than 10 minutes for our order... way faster than the drive thru line. Food was still warm by the time we got home. The onion rings and fries didn't make it that far since we ate those right away. Always yummy at The Hat. read more

This is our first time here(hubby and I), and I'm no pastrami expert but wow!! The pastrami dip sandwich was delish!! Why? Because it was tender and moist and the bread was not hard to chew on!! The size of sandwich is medium size, not humongous like the ones at Deli Restaurants, which is perfect for someone who gets full fast. There is also a Drive-thru section too(it was busy with tons of cars on Saturday evening). And we also ordered Orange Bang...haven't had or seen that in ages!! The one I wanted was Pina Colada flavor, but they were out. We ordered their regular fries and that was also good. I apologize if you see double pictures because I thought I posted them already and I don't see it on my end. Fun place lots and lots of people. Depending how busy, may have to wait for someone to finish eating to get a table. There were outside tables too. read more

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Seems like I've been updating my review every 2 years so figured I'd keep going. I was craving the hat. My husband has tried the beef dip and chili cheese burger but didn't care much for them so I can't say I'd recommend those. I always get the pastrami sandwich and always leave happy. I placed an online order this time. Checked in with the cashier when I got there then waited for my order. It was PACKED. I came on a Sunday during lunch time so I wasn't surprised. The cashier took a moment to chat with me because she told me it was the first time she'd seem a girl with my name with the same spelling as her daughter. It's always nice to just have a friendly conversation. I had ordered a pastrami sandwich, large fries for my kids, a chili cheese fries for my husband and 2 sides of gravy. Came out to $35. I did notice my sandwich seems like there was less meat this time. I'm hoping it's a fluke and not the new normal. I will be back to find out though. Prices of everything is going up so it's definitely not a cheap meal. But I was so happy and my husband still loved the chili cheese fries with a side of gravy. read more

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The Hat *November 20, 2025 *11pm- Thursday *4 Stars Environment: *Moderate Parking Lot *Quick Service *Average Service Food/Drink: *Pastrami Sandwich *Chili Cheese Fries Stopped by The Hat for lunch to celebrate my mom's birthday. The portions were just as big as I remembered, and the service was quick, which is always a plus when you're hungry. Prices have definitely gone up over the years, but the food itself still tastes the same. Overall, a solid lunch spot and a good birthday pick. read more

The Hat - *Chili Cheese Fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

Came here for a quick and inexpensive dinner.Chili Fries are always a must and they always give enough to feed 4-5 people easy. Add some cheese and some Pastrami and you definitely got yourself a meal. I enjoy getting a chili tamale and many times, there's enough chili to take care of those naked fries that didn't get enough or any chili at all from your chili fries. Win-Win. Wash everything down with an ice cold drink! It's a tradition for me to get the Wild Cherry soda and my BF loves his Orange Bang. Go home with a full happy tummy but if you are prone to IBS or anything, take some precaution! Haha read more

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The hat always delivers no matter which location you pick. There are 4 signature things at this place that never fails... 1) Cold Turkey and Avocado sandwich (ask for chili peppers andd a side of aus jus, dip sandwich- you will thank me later), The chili cheese fries - (ask for extra tomatos, onions and pickles), the cherry coke (which is half strawberry fanta + coke, i believe), and the double dipped pastrami sandwich with swiss cheese added. Don't forget to order yellow chilies and aus jus containers on the side. This is a receipe for a total food coma... but, it is totally worth it. The food quality continues to thrive... even though the prices keep going up, you never second guess the quality from this place. The employees are friendly and service is fast. Always plenty of seating if your choosing to dine in. The restaurant is alwats clean and maintained. A+++ read more

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I ordered drive through, so no comment on the restaurant or service. It was fast and efficient, I was sad they forgot my chili peppers but my order was correct otherwise. Onion rings - 5/5, really sweet onion and the breading was excellent! It retained a good crunch and wasn't super crumbly which I liked! Chili cheese dog - 4/5, not much flavor in the chili itself but the portions are HUGE. I'm a fan of lots of toppings and they didn't skimp on me, so this is a big W. read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

Three of us decided to grab lunch at The Hat after practice. The Hat is a diner with drive thru option. It feels like in n out as workers are very efficient and friendly. The restaurant is clean as they clean the tables right away after you finished eating. And the vibe is American diner. We order the steak sandwich - the meat is very tender and juicy, pastrami burger - tasty and not too salty, and chili fries -it's large but chili is just okay in my opinion. Portions of food is large, and we also order 3 soft drinks. I love the selections of soft drinks! You can't get them at other places. Overall, it's one of great American food chain store! read more

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Ok I dream about this place. Feed me pastrami in my face Add a side of onion rings And that is what joy brings Ok so all I had here was the pastrami fries cold and that was meh. But their sandwich with extra mustard? My guy that's what you call heaven. Their onion rings ain't bad either. Love this place. read more

A nice seat down restuarant in a diner setting with ample parking, off the freeway, and a nice Americana decor. Had the pastrimi which came loaded with meats and favor. Plenty of condiments to choose from. Good time and vibes with some classical nostelgia tastes. read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

So overdue. Remember when this one was built, but we moved before we could enjoy it. Was in the area and this is what I wanted. Food Didn't disappoint. It was busy, but not overcrowded. Service was fast and got a table. It was everything I wanted it to be. Plus they have a drive thru. Was worth the drive. read more

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This place slaps at 12am. I don't care how greasy and unhealthy it is. I absolutely love these chili cheese pastrami fries. They hit the spot after a long shift. The place was empty late at night and the service was fast because of it. The portion is giant that me and my girl happily shared it! read more

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

You can't go wrong with The Hat! This place is great. It is worth a drive if you are far away. For Southern California, The Hat is very well-known. The Hat is known for the famous pastrami sandwich and huge portions. I mean, huge portions! Enough to share. My husband and dad love this place. This is a haven for anyone who enjoys pastrami. My mom and I are vegetarians, so we don't do the pastrami lol They do have a grilled cheese and an avocado sandwich for vegetarians. Service is always great here. They do a great job of managing the crowds. It gets super busy here, so ambiance is always crowded. The drive-thru is usually long. I got lucky recently, there were only 5 cars in the drive-thru, score! I grabbed some sandwiches and drinks. They sandos were great. Very fresh and tasty. 10/10 read more

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Went through the drive through. The food was great and service was fast. I did not go inside but it looked busy.

The drive through line is crazy on the weekend. I was the 8th car in line. The line extended into the neighboring Coco's parking lot, so the actual line was in two sections to allow cross-traffic to enter the lots. It was my first time there, so I was so stupefied by the line that I forgot to order at the menu sign. When I finally got to the window, I apologized and offered to drive to the back of the line. To his credit, the young man at the window simply took my order and payment without complaint. I tipped him with the $2 I had in my wallet. The food came out almost as quickly and everything was perfect. read more

I LOVE ALL YOUR FOOD my chili cheese burger with pastrami delicious. The service in drive-thru goes quickly no matter how long the line is. I like the tile pattern on walls on building and I like the inside dining as well. Thank you read more

The Hat - Chili Cheese Burger with Pastrami - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

Haven't been to the hat in a while but my husband and daughter felt like it. We got the pastrami chili fries and baby girl got a hot dog with fries. We went through the drive through it took a little while, which was ok since he was driving lol. We ate well and enjoyed our food at home, they always give you your food with a smile i love that. All the food is delicious here and we also got a cherry coke I love that they use real grenadine makes it taste even better. Probably not the healthiest meal, but it sometimes helps to eat junk food when not feeling well. If you haven't tried the hat and their pastrami fries I hope you do their food is very good. Have a beautiful, be kind to everyone :) Aloha read more

The Hat - The Hat - Pastrami chili cheese fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

I haven't been to The Hat in well over 10 years. Coming back after all this time, I don't know why I haven't been back. I walked in during the busy lunch rush to find a line inside, and really busy drive-thru. To my surprise, I was able to place my order and get it within 10 minutes. I picked up a pastrami dip because, if you haven't had one in a long time like myself, it was long overdue. With no surprise, the sandwich was as excellent as I remembered and I truly satisfied my soul. (Yes, that's dramatic). Overall, super satisfied. Upon checking the menu, I was pretty surprised that the pricing is decent. Most burgers are well under $10, and sandwiches under $15. When comparing to other spots, and considering the quality, good deals here. Another plus is that the service is fairly quick, but I'm definitely returning soon! read more

Ah yes, The Hat. The satisfier of my pregnancy cravings when I was pregnant with my baby. Bomb & affordable chili cheese fries, pastrami & chili cheese dogs. Service is a hit or miss though, hence the 1 star. read more

The Hat is one of those names you hear tossed around when people talk about LA food staples, and with roots going back to 1951 in Alhambra, it definitely earns the legacy. They're best known for two things, their world famous pastrami dip and chili cheese fries, and the Brea location holds up to that reputation. An old LA Times magazine article once mentioned they used to sell 30 tons of pastrami per year, and now with multiple locations, they're pushing that number per week. It's wild, but once you taste it, it kind of makes sense. The inside has a total throwback vibe, wooden paneling, plastic greenery hanging down from the ceiling, and overhead fluorescent lighting that reminds you of a cross between an office and a diner. There's something comforting about how unchanged it feels. I ordered the pastrami dip, $12.60. The meat was flavorful, juicy, and packed into a soft roll with the option of mustard and pickles to balance it out. That said, it was really salty; still delicious, don't get me wrong... but if you're sensitive to sodium or have heart issues, just be aware before diving in. Marco, the guy who took my order, was efficient and personable, and also suggested I grab the chili cheese fries. They came out hot and fresh, smothered in chili and cheese which wasn't melted, with tomatoes and pickles on top to keep things from getting too heavy. It's exactly how I remember it tasting when I was a kid, and it's still just as solid. Parking is tucked behind the building, kind of a tight lot, but there's a second overflow section a little farther back that makes things easier. read more

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To kick off my birthday my mom treated me to an early lunch here. I haven't been to The Hat in yeeears! So I was really excited to be back. Once you enter, it's pretty specious, you place your order at the register and then pick up at the window once your name is called. Wait time was just a few minutes. I ordered the pastrami dip with a side of chili cheese fries. My food was delicious! Everything cooked to perfection. Ambience is casual, but very neat and clean. There's outdoor seating as well which my mom and I opted for. Over all I was very please with my food and experience here. Thanks again mom for treating me! read more

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