If I placed an order for pick up at 3:00, and then I get an email saying the promise time to be ready is 3:00, and then I come in the store at 2:59 to pick up my order for 3:00, why did they start making my order when the clock hit 3:00? Thought y'all promised it would be ready. read more

Well well well. What can I say about this place that hasn't already been mentioned. It's truly a gem. Not many of these locations but defiantly for a reason. I live out in the South Bay of Los Angeles so the closest ones are a good drive but totally worth it. This location I came across when I was going to school out in cal state Fullerton. I'll never forget the first time I went and not knowing the menu sizes for the chili cheese fries. Man, I ordered pastrami (to die for) and an order of the chili cheese fries, which are HUGE! You must share it's just too much food. The burgers are well prepared, smaller then other places but trust me; you come here for the Pastramis. I've been coming for years and I just can't get enough. The only downside for me is that since I don't live in Fullerton anymore its quite a drive me nowadays. I usually wait for the weekend to head out that way or later when there isn't any traffic. Totally worth it anyways. read more

The Hat is one of the most infamous places in LA and also in OC. Yes this place is very known for good tasting food and large, well extra large portions. Please bring a few friends when you come here because this place is fun and also you won't gain so much weight if you share! This location is right off the 57 and the exit is Imperial HWY. It is close to the Brea mall and the gas station. If you don't like sitting inside due to the old plastic seats than you could also order it by drive-through. Favorite thing for is the chili cheese fries, even though I don't eat a lot, it just has enough chili and fries in just one order. You can share this dish with four - five people if you want. Unless you are a monster than maybe you can finish one entire one! People come here for the pastrami sandwich and that too is huge. Just one side is what I can try to finish. One thing I wish they had with pastrami is horseradish sauce to spice it up a bit. But if you just want pure meat this is the place to come and get a hearty, delicious meals!! Oh yea I forgot to say that the price for food is pretty cheap! read more

The only thing is keeping me from giving them five stars, is the fact that they have tuna and they have cheese, but they won't make a tuna melt. So now I have to go somewhere else for that. read more

Every time I'm in Anaheim I HAVE to stop at THE HAT. The pastrami chili cheese fries is a must! You can definitely share it with atleast three people. read more

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I've been going to The Hat locations for years. Yesterday I ordered a Beef Dip Sandwich from the Brea location and it had less than half the amount of Beef as normal. I'd rather they raise the price than sell a sandwich that is mostly bun. read more

Always a great food at the Hat! The drive-thru was quick for us tonight.

Amazing I recommend it was great fries super hot and delicious and the cheeseburger is amazing same with the chili fish

OMG! This is a place I stop by once or twice a year because wellll, you will see when they double bag everything for you!(GREASE) but soooo deliciously awesome! When I come, I always share the pastrami sandwich, chili cheese fries, and onion rings! Pastrami dip- $7.79 They surely do not jip you on the meat! They just pound it in there in your sandwich and it is just sooooo good!! I would bring extra bread if I could but that would just be plain weird. Chili cheese fries- $4.99-This is also good and greasy! You gotta eat this fast because if it is just sitting there, it WILL get soggy and soggy fries are not so good. Onion Rings- $3.99- The onion rings are my favorite. They double bag this because it is also greasy. They give you a bag full and the price is pretty cheap! There are lots of condiments on the side you can take packets which are easier instead of pumping them into cups! NOTE: -only one bathroom for girls and one for boys -rush hour is insane. Hard to find seats when it is pack. I'd say just order to go and go sit at the park right next to the restaurant -Bring left over pastrami for lunch the next day with YOUR bread!! ;) read more

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

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I've been eating at The Hat since high school and I love seeing the items that were offered back then still being offered today. My favorite is their Wet Fries!!! I always ask for the gravy on the side so the fries don't get soggy. I'm very picky about turkey burgers and theirs is so good! It's not dry and is pretty big in size. Their portions are still generous and huge. And of course I had to too off my meal with an Orange Bang!!! They still taste as good as I remember, just like an orange creamsicle. read more

Their chili cheese fries tastes well, their sandwiches and burgers are decent and that it. Their sandwich and burgers could have been better

[+1] Mm! I'm not sure if this place serves the best pastrami but to me their pastrami burger is omnomnom delicious! My friend lives in this area so whenever I'm here we always get the Hat... There's a lackage of the Hat in my area (Torrance *sadness*) so I'm still hoping to this day that they bring their store to us, but at the same time I'm glad they don't because when I come here I become a fatfat. [+1] They stuff their burgers with 2 patties, LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF PASTRAMI and lots of lettuce, tomato, and pickles! It's a huge burger! I love it! Friend: "I am going to get mine with NO LETTUCE, OR VEGGIES. JUST PASTRAMI." Me: "Whatever you say, old friend. I'm getting mine with EVERYTHANG!" [+1] The pastrami has enough meat and fat on it so it's very tasty with their spices! This is one of those restaurants where I'm okay about getting my hands dirty and my mouth smeared with burger goodness. xD [+1] Their food is very consistent which is important to me, and their burgers have not disappointed me yet! [+1] ** This is also one of the few places you can order an ORANGE BANG which to me tastes like a delicious sweet cloud of orange. xD My friend likes to laugh at me every time I'm drinking my delicious cloud but he refuses to drink much of it because it's too sweet. Well, more for me! Muahaha! [-1] Place gets filled up fast so one person should order and the other should find a seat. Parking isn't too bad, so go and enjoy a meal!^^ Tip: Do not make the mistake of getting an order of chili cheese fries for everyone. Just ONE serving is good enough to feed 6 families. *all 6 of us stares at 6 orders of chili cheese fries* "Fack." We only finished one. read more

I always forget to grab a photo -- I am always too excited to dive in lol. I have been coming to The Hat since I was playing tee ball. We would always come after practice or games. The pastrami is to die for. There is a reason why there is always a line. Definitely recommend going inside if the drive through is long -- it saves time. My wife and I ALWAYS get the chili cheese fries with pastrami and pickles. It leaves us beyond stuffed. SOOOOO good. My wife's favorite food is anything 'fry' related and she craves these all the time lol. They have a massive menu with so many options to choose from so you really can't go wrong. read more

Amaaaazioinnng!! The food is a lot more cheaper than other places and it's also pretty good! I got a beef sandwich with gravy and chili fries. The beef sandwich just had beef and the bun but it was really juicy. And those chili fries, HUMONGOUS. So much fries and chili that me and my dad could barely finish! So good. We went at around 10 pm so the place wasn't busy but the service was very fast. The Hat is great for a late night snack and affordable too! Hope to go again when I get the chance. read more

They give you an overwhelming amount of food! They don't have bacon! The service was quick and the cashier was nice and helpful. The place is always packed and clean. read more

If you like pastrami sandwiches, the Hat is a legit place to visit. The prices are reasonable and the portions are large. The chili cheese fries is enough for 4 people to share. During Covid right now, it's convenient with its drive through option. Would overall recommend when you're craving a hearty sandwich. read more

What can I say? Old-fashioned made pastrami sandwiches are the thing to get here because they are known for it. Others say the pastrami is too thin and oily. I say not because for me on both visits the pastrami was not dry and the pastrami, from what I've been told, has been this way since the day they opened. It's not too salty and just filling enough to satisfy the salt monger in you. You can ask them to dip the sandwich to counter the dryness as well since some reviewers here say that it was dry. The sell burgers and hot dogs too, but the pastrami is what you want to stay for if this is your first visit. Condiments are on the side separately. Parking is a private lot. A word of warning: No matter which location you choose, they are very generous with their fries and the fries are not the skinny shoe string type either. They tend to load a size 6 paper bag at least 1/4 of the way to the top. If that doesn't tell you anything, let me just say that the amount of fries they give you can feed 3 people. Prices are reasonable and does get crowded at peak lunch hours. Because of the open cook stoves, the restaurant inside tends to get stuffy especially on hot days. Happy eating!! read more

600th review! A few of my friends in the Southland (as well as my girlfriend and her family) had raved about this local chain and their pastrami sandwiches. As I was curious about The Hat, Kathy decided to show me this past weekend. All I have to say about the Pastrami Dip is this - WOW!!! Sliced proscuitto-thin with barely any fat, and stuffed in the bun with mustard and pickles ($7.99), this sandwich is very juicy and will definitely fill you up! (I could only finish off 3/4 of my order; I finished the rest later that afternoon.) Kathy ordered their BBQ Beef sandwich (also at $7.99), and she was definitely full afterwards. We also got an order of Wet Fries ($4.39) - these are a huge order of fries covered in beef gravy. And by huge, I'm talking enough to feed a small army! Needless to say, we barely made a dent in them and ended up bringing them home. One more thing about the Wet Fries - while good, it feels like it needs some cheese curds or something (hello, poutine). Though not the original location of The Hat (that would be the Alhambra locale), this Hat definitely has an old-school vibe to it, from the signage to the seating. There really is a diner-feel to the place, which I don't mind... even if seating is at a premium, especially during peak periods. Lots to try at The Hat (that Pastrami Burger has my name on it!), and since this place also has Cherry Fanta, looking forward to future visits! Although, I do wish we folks in San Diego had a much closer location... read more

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Extra points for being open late! Hits the spot on a night out. The place has the vibe of your typical charbroiler, not too fancy, but good place to come for cheap yummy eats. Ordered the pastrami and pastrami chili cheese fries. Pastrami sandwich went well with the French roll. The meat was good, but not super high quality (not that you would expect that here). If you've never had pastrami, it is a salty thin sliced meat. They add mustard and pickles which go well. Pastrami chili cheese fries: best thing I ate here! Soooo good, regular fries, not too thin or thick. Topped with a delicious chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and pastrami. Sooo yummy, I wanted more. Guys that work there are pretty chill. read more

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When I don't eat to go all the way to LA for Johnny's Pastrami, my go to joint is The Hat. I've been coming here for over ten years now and they rarely disappoint... They have good pastrami sandwiches and I love their chili cheese fries topped with pickles. Be warned: The chili cheese fries are only one size and huge! I'd say almost 4 people can share them if everyone is having a sandwich. Although it's not a huge place, they do have a drive through and everyone seems to eat quickly and give up their tables for the next patron. Service is pretty such and efficient. Make sure to try your pastrami sandwich with their complimentary horseradish! So yummy! read more

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

Really good amount when you order a sandwich. The fries are also fresh and delicious, and also a large amount of fries in one order. Totally recommend this place and the pastrami fries are soooo good and need to try! read more

Always busy, and the portions (particularly the sides) are quite generous. Their chili cheese fries are enough for 3 people to share. Stephen ordered the pastrami and i had the roast beef dip. They're not NYC piled high, but adequate for someone not starving. But, add the sides, and you'll leave stuffed. I'd like to try the cheesesteak one day, but I love their beef dip too much. Not quite cheap eats, but 2 sandwiches, side of onion rings (enough for 3) and 2 drinks set us back $27 read more

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First time here!!! Service was great, food was hot and tasty, and lots of it!!! Don't let the long line of cars keep u from getting in line, it goes pretty quick!!! Next time, they bread and add Swiss cheese!!! Oh ya, one order of wet fries is enough for two!!! read more

I love the hat. Prices are reasonable and the portions are plentiful. The chili cheese pastrami fries and or the pastrami dip are my go to. One order of chili cheese fries are enough to share with 2-3 people. Always good and always fresh read more

Food was good, nothing really stood out like all the reviews made it seem. Definitely way too overpriced, if you want a combo type meal you have to pay for each item individually including fries and drinks. For 2 "combos" it came out to $42, any other burger spot would have been $20. This place is overhyped, you can get the same type of food at any burger joint for half the price. read more

I like all that I've tried so far. I've tried to pastrami sandwich, grilled cheese, onion rings, and fries with gravy. I don't typically like onion rings but I love theirs! Just be aware. Everything you order will be in big portion, greasy, and have loads and loads of cholesterol and calories. If you don't mind that, go ahead, they're pretty damn delicious. read more

After a great, but exhausting day at Disneyland, my girlfriend and I needed a late night bite to satisfy our hunger pangs. The Downtown Disney restaurants were all closed and we had a tough time finding something open late at night. Not wanting to do the Denny's thing again, we drove around until we spotted The Hat. My girlfriend had heard great things about it and they were still open, so we rushed in before they closed their doors. We each got a pastrami sandwich and shared their chili cheese fries. Truth be told, the sandwich was probably enough, and we could have easily just shared one. However, our eyes were much larger than our stomaches and I scarfed down the delicious pastrami in just a few bites. It was very tasty, though I would have loved a slice of melted cheese on it to bring it together. The fries had started to get cold by the time I dug into them so I found then just ok, and perhaps not something I'd order in the future. They've got a drive-thru which is convenient but I worried about getting the car dirty while eating. They've got tables outside but it was too cold to enjoy them, but a hot day would be great for sitting out front with your dog begging you for some delicious pastrami. Service was friendly and fast, and I really appreciated that they let us stay slightly past closing hours. Overall, I quite enjoyed it and their prices are very reasonable. Food: 7/10 Service: 7/10 Price: $ Atmosphere: 7/10 read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

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Back in the day, before all these fancy hipster eateries started popping up everywhere, The Hat used to be one of the most popular places to eat. Some of my friends would actually drive long distances for their famous pastrami dip and ridiculously large-portioned chili cheese fries. The good old days, when a sandwich was just a sandwich and didn't need truffle oil and donut buns to draw a crowd, and when a ten dollar meal actually looked like you were getting ten dollars worth of food. When I came here yesterday to pick up some food, it had already been several years since my last visit. Even though their popularity has leveled out over the years, I was happy to see that the food remained exactly the same. The pastrami dip here is not the best you can get. Not even close. I've had much better quality at almost every jewish deli I've been to. But I like the fact that you get exactly what you would expect from a pastrami, stacked high with nothing but pastrami, pickles and mustard. I've tried a few of their other sandwiches, but they are all similarly average, so your best bet is to stick with what they're known for. I actually come here for the chili fries with tomatoes and pickles. Once again, the chili is not the best you can find, but the portion is huge and is shared perfectly with four people. And considering I paid the same price for one ice cream filled donut or fancy popsicle the other day, they are an amazing value. Not to say that the prices are particularly cheap here, just that it's nice to know there are still places that aren't shady with their portions. The only reason I can't justify eating here more often is that pesky need to avoid a heart attack. But beyond all the grease, saturated fat, and copious amounts of sodium, there is something almost uniquely American about the kind of comfort food and the generous portions that they serve here. And I think that's why, even with cool new concepts opening up everyday, The Hat will always have a special place in my heart. read more

The Hat - All you need to know. - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

$12.50 for pastrami chili cheese fries! Its huge and can be shared between 3 people maybe more! The pastrami is delicious, thinly cut and full of greasy goodness. You're gonna need some hot tea to cleanse after eating this. Store was clean and big. Lots of items on the menu. Really nothing to complain about!! read more

The Hat - Pastrami chili cheese fries, $12.50, can be shared with at least 3 people. - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

Decent enough to finish, but wouldn't return. Nothing bad, just wasn't WOWed or impressed. Ordered the pastrami dip + onion rings. The pastrami dip sandwich was ok, but I didn't have any desire to finish the other half. Onion rings were okay, a little too salty. It was nice to try, and I could def see others enjoying esp if you love American food / sandwiches, but I don't think I'll be returning. Kudos to all the workers double masking. read more

Oh. My. Goshhh...I think I just gained 5 pounds in one sitting. Was in the area this past weekend and the bf and I decided to stop by The Hat. My brain kept telling me that I needed something fatty and cheesy and The Hat is what we decided on. This location has a drive through, but I wanted the full experience and decided to dine in! I heard of the big portions here, so the bf and I decided to get the Pastrami Dip (almost $8) and the Chili Fries with tomatoes and pickles (~$5ish). WHY 3 STARS: Holy cow! They give you a LOT of chili fries! A mountain full! These are so worth it if you get it! Love the pickles you can add on...it gives the fries more of a sour flavor and crunch. It is a BEASTLY portion, so plan on sharing...trust me, it'll be enough! Overall, I think the fries and the pastrami was good, but not great. I don't know what was missing? Maybe some more salt? Some more pepper? Maybe garlic or onions? I just felt like both dishes did not reach their full potential! The whole time I was eating both dishes, I was thinking of ways in which I could improve the flavor. I was expecting juicy juicy sandwich, but it was just alright. Pastrami meat was good- it tasted like thinly sliced bacon pieces :) And I do like bacon :) The fries got soggier and soggier as I dug deeper and deeper into this dish- blehk to mush. The chili could have had more flavor too. But, not to fear, if you think any of the items you order are too bland, they have a WIDE selection of condiments laid out in the front of the store- peppercinis, mayo, hot mustard, relish, ketchup, horseradish, ranch, etc. so that you can season whatever you get to your heart's content. SERVICE: Service is fast...they are efficient in getting you in and out and it is onto the next person! AMBIANCE: The interior seating area looks like it needs to be UPDATED ASAP! A little unclean and it screams 70s, but! If you're lucky and the weather is nice, try sitting in the outside patio. It is peaceful out there and the scenery is much better. read more

The Hat - Pastrami dip sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

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Consistently good! They are fast and efficient, food is always good, well maintained. Cannot wait for the next visit!

Got the grilled cheese sandwich. Not bad! Total was $4. The bread was sourdough and the cheese was chewy and gooey. It was a bit of the sour taste due to the bread and the type of cheese. Crispy bread bcuz they toasted it first, but it was just right. Friendly staff as always. read more

The Hat - Grilled cheese $4 on sourdough. Gooey cheese! Yummm - Sandwiches Near Me - Brea, California

Chili cheeseburger and chili cheese fries, please! Have you guys ever had chili cheese fries at Del Taco? It's not even in the same galaxy as REAL chili cheese fries from The Hat! They take a To Go cup holder, put a tiny paper container in it, and then mound the whole thing up with fries, chili and cheese. Even with 2 friends helping us, Tom and I didn't even make a dent in those suckahs. Later that night, we were divvying up the leftovers and found the tiny paper container under all those fries. It was hilarious! Now I'm mad because I see all the fantastic Yelp ideas of ways to enhance your Hat meal. Like pastrami on onion rings? What? You can add tomatoes and pickles to the chili cheese fries for $ .20? Dang! I guess we'll need to go back over and over until we get it right! read more

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This is the place to get your pastrami on! Need some fries, they load up a shopping bag (well, a big bag) for you. Also a fan of their French dip, fries with gravy on the side and chili fries when the mood strikes, or the waist line allows. read more

F%#kin fire!! Absolutely delicious. I've been meaning to try this place for a while but don't make it to the area often. Finally tried the other night. It was everything you could ask for in a bomb pastrami sandwich!! Hot dripping pastrami, mustard, pickles, topped with soft tasty bread. Fireeeee!!!! My only complaint is you cant order it in a larger size keep it up guys!! I'll be back read more

I gotta say unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan here. . . I think it was just the rudeness I felt when I asked for ranch (for my fries) and the guy rolled his eyes and said "does it look like we have ranch?" Oh! Sorry. First time at this place and my last. :( read more

I love their Pastrami Sandwich as it's the main "staple" of The Hat along with their enormous Chili Cheese Fries. No matter which Hat you go to, it will always be busy. Today, had lunch with friends. Ordered a double cheeseburger, a hamburger & hot dog, and a pastrami cheeseburger. The cheeseburgers were simply LARGE patties (at least 6" in diameter COOKED!) with matching buns. Plenty of lettuce and onions (shredded, nice touch) and a thick-cut tomato topped with 2" sized pickles (4-5). The pastrami was packed on top of the single cheeseburger. Both burgers required eating them IN the wrappers because they were ........ well, messy ..... but a GOOD messy. No need to add any condiments unless you wish, it has enough to make it taste like a homemade hamburger with a hint of cheese. Ordered the fries WELL DONE! YES! Love the crispy-ness of well done fries, AND they don't get soft and soggy when a condiment is sitting on them, like regular fries. ......... Recommend getting your fries WELL DONE. Always clean, someone is always on the floor keeping the tables and floors clean, and condiments stocked. The restrooms are gender-neutral and also kept clean. read more

Great dinner option! All our order was correct and hot and fresh too! They always get our order right we never have an issue at all! The chili fries were great as usual! The hot dog and chili dog great as usual too! So if you want a great order of food from a restaurant that doesn't disappoint look no further than The Hat in Brea! read more

oh my goodness, one of my biggest comfort food places now. Pastrami dip with au jus? pastrami fries?! so so good. gotta plan correctly though or you're gonna be waiting a long time read more