Its my first time eating at the hat and to be honest I'm not impressed I've heard so Much about this place and how good their chili cheese fries where so when invited to the hat I ordered the chili cheese fries and the first initial smell seemed promising but upon tasting the chili it lacked flavor the fries tasted old and it taste as if they were fried in old fish oil for almost eight Buck I expected a better quality product read more

The Hat - The very dissappointing chili cheese fries at the hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Love this place we come here every time we are down in this area. Best Dip you will find in a decent area. This is one off the best places in LA!!! You must get here early to avoid the rush but that's true of any of "The Hats". Take a chance see what your made of and try your best to finish the chili cheese fries by yourself. I DARE YOU!!!! read more

The Hat - Chili cheese fries!! - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Tasty. But, too salty for my tastes. The onion rings are crispy and delicious (Not homemade) The portions are pretty big. Shared with my 16 year old daughter. Still have loads of fries and rings left. Courteous staff. read more

The Hat - Crispy Onion Rings. The order is huge. Serves 3 or more. - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Its a famous pastrami place do I went the distance... Dry frozen fries by the bucket... Meat (very peppery) pickle slice and roll A soda $16.00 Go figure read more

Been coming here for years and never had a bad experience, until today. We live far away and ordered a few items with chili... and the chili was not good, almost inedible. It tasted like there was bleach in it, or made in a pot that was heavily bleached or they used water with chlorine in it. I called to let them know that their chili tasted off, and was not offered any solutions, the person on the phone just said that there weren't any other complaints. I didn't want a refund, or replacement, I just wanted them to check on it. read more

So came here for lunch today because I was in the area and had it bookmarked on my list. I've been here before and wanted to give it another try because my first experience was so so. Well this experience was also so so. I ordered the roast beef dip, now when I spend $10 on a roast beef sandwich I expect a couple things. I expect the sandwich to be big, I mean not gigantic but atleast the size of a Subway large sandwich, I also expect the meat to be tender and juicy where as this meat was a bit rubbery and bland. For $10 I expect a little flair, some originality would be nice, some special seasoning or additions but this was a super basic sandwich, bread and bland meat. Yea I get that it depends on the dip right? Well the aus jus was just as bland, no salt no smoky flavor nothing. To be honest I make them better at home. Definitely not their speciality I would say. Ordered fries as well, but again nothing special, had to add salt. And their gravy was just a glob of bland mush. Not impressed. read more

This place has fallen off for me over time. They are a bit pricey for the quality of the food and the ambiance isn't the best. The service could also be better. The fries aren't good so once the chili and cheese are gone you are left with bland, unsalted fries. They do give a generous portion of pastrami here compared to other locations I've been to. Also they didn't have avocado when I went so that's something to be aware of. read more

WhT can you say but the best pastrami sandwich and chili cheese fries! I don't know why but my wife doesn't like this place but she is a picky eater ! read more

I can't believe i had never thought of putting gravy on my fries. GENIUS! Love this place read more

I've been coming here off and on ever since they opened this store. I think I had most items on the menu, and for the most part is really good. Lately I've been buying a lot of chili fries with cheddar cheese and their tamales. The chili fries I can never finish by myself, but since I order with cheddar I can't wait to get my fork and dig into the partially melted cheese with chili. Oh, so delicious!! The tamales (one large piece) is not your typical Mexican variety tamale. It's kinda like the one you can buy at the supermarket with shredded beef inside, but larger, and they top it off with tomatoes, chili, cheese, and onions. It's not bad. I have noticed that prices seem to go up more frequently these days here. It's getting pricey. read more

Excellent costumer service, excel in providing you with dam near limitless alterations to your order. Friendly staff, and amazing Fast Food!!!!!!! Right up there with In & Out burgers, Tommys burgers, Juicy Burger etc. But the Hat stands alone on there freedom ordering for costumers read more

The Hat - Americanized Putine! - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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I love the chile cheese fries, although I think the Hat always undercooks them. The potatoes are previously frozen, not fresh cut, but I like them anyway. I ask for mine extra well done, which slows my order up considerably. One order is too big for one person, I think the order is meant to be shared. I've asked them to split my order into two separate containers, but they refuse. The Hat has their way of doing things and nothing, not even courtesy for a long time customer will sway them. I always take my order to go, so I would like to share my split fries here at home, and it's much easier as two separate servings. This location has an indoor dining room that the location on Garfield doesn't, so that's a plus. But only two, or three outdoor tables. The entire location gets mobbed by hungry students during the lunch and dinner rush since its located near East Los Angeles College. The parking lot is too small, and almost always full. There is no drive up service. read more

Good place to eat a pastrami.. pastrami sandwich with the pastrami chili cheese fries.. Steak sandwich is ok regardless, fast service.. seating is not always available. read more

I've always loved the hat. I made a stop to this location in LA while making a trip out to LAX with the kids to pick up a relative. Very quick friendly service. I introduced my kiddos to their chili fries and like always the fries were delicious. On a side note I loved seeing police officers eating there. My kids would waive at them and they would waive back. #backtheblue read more

The burgers are nasty here!!! The bread was hard and meat had no flavor. The service sucked too! The cashier lady had attitude and was rushing me to order. Never again! read more

Really, no other pastrami place compares. Huge portions so come hungry. I usually get the pastrami dip with wet fries.

Pastrami, hamburgers, chilli cheese fries delicious. Always full. Food worth the wait.

Came around closing time like 12, was in the mood for chicken tendies but my girl and I agreed on The Hat. Service was good , we were attended pretty quickly. We ordered chili cheese fries, and a hotdog with everything on it which included ( onions, mustard, and relish) I usually don't apply relish to my glizzies, but god damn. That relish was so fresh , as well as not too sweet which usually seems to bug me about relish. Both the bun and the sausage were toasty , overall all a good hot dog. The chili cheese fries were just like I remembered cheesy, flavorful, and hot not warm ! (Serving size it pretty big as we both indulged to finish it. Lastly one of the thing that made my night was the Sprite, the sprite was on point the ice to soda ratio, the no weird flavor from the cup, the balance in carbonation , the syrup to water ratio it was some of the best sprite I had in a while. I will solely come back here for there hotdogs and sprite ! read more

This review has been long overdue. I was here on 2/14/17, 3/3/17, 4/11/17 and 5/27/17. I cannot leave California without having my favorite pastrami with chili. The pastrami here is so delicious that I cannot continue to stress how delicious this pastrami is. Given their reputation for their wonderful pastrami is why I continue to visit when I come to California. Theres no need for me to tell you about this locations seating and what not because I am sure others have already done that! Cheerio! read more

Came here twice already and it is a pretty good fast food place. I got the chili cheese fries (the big version) and pickles/tomatoes on the side (which I recommend getting, it adds a balance) and it FILLED 4 people who were hungry. I was skeptical about the cheese at first because it wasn't melted but it eventually melted as it came near the chili. They have a variety of sauces and an old look on the inside (not a fan of the wood but it'll do) It is a VERY overwhelmed junk food dish!! read more

I swear to god, I have the weirdest fat girl cravings for chili cheese fries from here since the beginning of time. (Maybe since 10 years ago?) The fries are huge and I can never finish it but it's so worth. Everything here is super oily, fat, and arteries clogging but it's all worth it in the end. Just so lucky this place is down the street from where I live because my inner fat girl is forever happy and grateful. read more

On my way to work decided to grab a quick bite. Ordered a jr cheeseburger with avocado. No pickles. I get this disgusting blackened guacamole looking mess. Tasted so rotten and I'm pregnant so I couldn't even eat it. Couldn't even go back because I was on my way to work. I never asked for a plain burger and it had no lettuce, tomato either. What a waste. I'm seruously bummed and disappointed. Such bad service. And my frie d were salty AF and had a burnt taste. Why would they serve their customers rotten food? Awful. read more

The Hat - Just posted my review and this is my nasty rotten avocado I got. Just gross. - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey Park, California

This place is been around a long time so I decided to give it a try I guess it's OK. So I will probably try to frequent a little bit more.

been here 2 times, and honestly it was blehh... I had the BBQ beef sandwich and it tasted like the meat was very old. and bread was very hard then the second time I got a chili cheese burger, ....... well my chilli was everywhere but my burger ugh ..... heard so much about this place and was very disappointed. I guess its just over priced and over rated ....no passion in the food. maybe it was a gem many years ago. sucks ...I really wanted to love them.. read more

An excellent place! Since I was about 5 I've been in love with place. The chili fries and the pastrami are a must have. Though some people like to venture into the territory of wet fires, which many people claim are the best thing there. Though in my opinion fires and gravy do not match. Mashed potatoes yes, but fries no! the only reason I didn't give it a full grade is because the seating is pretty bad, and the lack of restrooms! read more

The hat is Monterey Parks biggest attraction next to Quiet Canyon. By far one of he best pastrami's you'll get any where in L.A. I can talk about the pastrami for days but really is good is the Roast Beef sandwiches. You can get those in 3 great ways: Plain, BBQ and Gravy. Did you also know you that you can also exercise your right to more gravy with the fries. They have standard chili fries but they also have gravy fries. Oh...what devilish delight it can be. Don't forget to get the Cherry Coke, which is not really Cherry Coke its Regular Coke with Strawberry Fanta. Enjoy! read more

There really isn't much else to say about this place. if you had read the reviews below, then you know what they are good at : pastrami. Order the chili cheese fries with pastrami on top, and a pastrami sandwich. Now, find a friend, and have a feast. Trust me, unless you are a competitive eater, you're not going to finish it. The portions are huge, and the food delicious. However, you'll probably gain 2 pounds the day after, so be careful. read more

Ehhh this place is okay. Food is not the biggest hype. This place is over rated no lie. It's pricy to like damn 20 bucks for a burger fries and a drink and it was a small drink. Drinks are refillable so that's not a problem. Yea I don't see me self like Heyyyy we need to go there Cus it's bomb. It is just like any other burger joint. read more

The Hat - To much for me to handle. - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey Park, California

OK first time here in a very long time and it will be the last when there are more flys in the place then customers I don't need to eat at this place. So disappointed with the mngt here read more

The Hat - Sandwiches Near Me - Monterey Park, California

I HAVE NEVER WRITTEN A YELP REVIEW BEFORE, BUT I'M TIRED OF LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY WHEN RESTAURANTS ARE AT FAULT** I've been a patron of all The Hat locations for years and have loved their food and service. Until yesterday. We went to the Temple City location and ordered inside the restaurant. A simple order of a plain cheeseburger well done, a double-double no cheese, and small fries. Instead, I got a slab of meat with cheese wrapped in tissue paper inside one of those paper "boat" containers. NO BUN. The cheese was totally stuck to the paper. I've never been in any burger chain anywhere that "cheeseburger plain well-done" means bunless. The replacement burger was fantastic, but I got no apology or explanation for what happened to the first order. My companion ate only part of his double burger because it was grayish and lukewarm, as though it was reheated, not freshly cooked. Not even hot right out of the bag. I called the Temple City location today to explain the issue to the manager who was identified as Michael. I prefaced my complaint with compliments about years of good food and service there, and that the entire crew of 8 workers was totally focused on preparing food yesterday. Not chatting or distracted to make such a mistake. I didn't get far into my explanation -- not even far enough to tell Michael that I heard my order (which I repeated twice for clarity) shouted out to the cook as "cheeseburger plain well-done". Instead, Michael interrupted me with the EXCUSE that the restaurant is loud and hard to hear orders. The order taker heard mine just fine and repeated it to the cook verbatim. But Michael said that my order was "misunderstood" as "cheeseburger plain no bun". Really? [I heard it shouted to the cook quite clearly. Had it been no bun, I would have corrected them immediately.] There were only 3 customers in the restaurant and I was standing right there! It was ironic that while I was waiting for my replacement order afterwards, a man ordered the same "plain cheeseburger" at the counter and I heard his order also shouted out correctly. I'm sure HE got a bun. It was clear that Michael was in the restaurant yesterday (if he was, he was the same guy in charge who took my replacement order, but never identified himself as such in our phone call today) which is why he seemed to have such knowledge of the situation and a ready excuse. But, when I repeatedly asked if he was present yesterday, he refused to answer and tried to deflect my numerous attempts by telling me not to "yell" at him. I wasn't yelling, and that's just a power play in a conversation. I was just talking over him trying to get a straight yes or no answer, which he refused to give and proved my point that he was there yesterday. Why act sketchy about it? I specifically didn't even identify the order taker so that she wouldn't get in trouble because I told him I didn't think it was helpful to single the person out. That it was more important to realize the mistake and not repeat it. My good intentions -- and simply getting him to acknowledge their mistake -- meant nothing to him. He was more concerned with blaming me for the mistake in a way that never happened. Rather than hear me out, he just cut me off and justified what happened with an excuse and no apology. I never even got to the part where I heard the order repeated clearly. So I told him I would take it up with corporate. Fine. I'll NEVER eat in that restaurant again and now I've written my first YELP review. NO CUSTOMER likes being gas-lighted about a valid complaint-- as if I didn't know what really happened yesterday or was somehow confused. I tried to be nice about it and balance out my complaint with compliments about the restaurant service, staff and food in general. But all Michael was interested in was making excuses with me as the scapegoat. I see that is the norm now with businesses in general. The lack of accountability is not only inexcusable, but I'm determined to call out this behavior whenever it happens. Shame on The Hat. It's a burger joint not a 5-star Michelin restaurant, so own up to your mistakes and just be sincere about it. You've lost two customers for life. read more

The Chili cheese fries are bomb. The only thing that will complete my lazy Friday nights They should change the name to worlds famous chili cheese fries instead of world famous pastrami. The other menu items are good but not like the fries. They are to die for. One box of fries will fill you up it seems to fit well for two people instead of one. The ideal date for you and your romantic partner read more

All I did was call to confirm hours on a holiday and the clerk talked to me with a bad attitude.

A little pricey but the food is definitely worth it, especially the pastrami sandwiches. I love the vintage look to this restaurant and it's why I've been coming here ever since I was a kid read more

Absolutely great service, clean environment and awesome decision to wear a mask during this Covid19 before the effective law comes into place this Friday 4/10/2020. The ladies their kept sanitizing place making sure to remove all germs on surfaces. Moments before I had walked into Chipotle to order food however I did not feel comfortable after seeing non of their employees wearing a mask or sanitizing place. Disgusting! read more

Hello, I Have Been A Loyal Customer Of The Hat For Years. I Am Not Pleased With The Service I Received. Once I Got Home To Eat; I Noticed My Entire Order Was Incorrect. And My Dinner Was Ruined. Keep In Mind I Live A Very Far Distance Away, And I Was Not Able To Return & Fix The Issue In Person So I Called Several Times And No One Answered. I Called Again 4 Times The Next Day, It Was The 4th Call That George Answered. When I Asked To Speak With The Manager He Said That, "I'm In Charge, And I Can Help You." I Took My Time And Explained My Situation And He Says' "I Can't Help You, Call Back Tomorrow And Speak To Selena Between 11:00am-5:00pm For A Refund." That Was A Total Inconvenience. I Called Back And Spoke To Selena; She Was Very Confused Because She Could Not Locate My Ticket Order Number That I Provided To Her And She Did Not Understand Why George Did Not Handle The Situation Himself When I Previously Called. She Was Not Helpful At All, She Never Apologized For The Inconveniences I Faced. She Only Placed Blame On George. They Need Some Serious re-training And I Need A Refund of my money Or My Order Redone the correct way. I Did Not Get What I Paid For And I Spent Well Over $48 For Sandwiches, Chili Cheese Fries And Drinks. Unfortunately My Issue Was Not Taken Seriously, And I Am Very Unsatisfied And Disappointed With This Establishment. read more

A true sign of a great place is seeing the same people working there since forever. I am in my 60's and coming to The Hat has never disappointed! The pastrami is always on point, the rolls hold up and my fav cashier is always so happy no matter how slammed they are! Chili cheese fries with tomato and pickle on the side is the bomb.com as well...and of course the beef dip in gravy is top notch year after year read more

My family and I love coming here when we are in the area. Their pastrami dip is to die for. The portion will never disappoint. Over the years, we've noticed slow and steady increase in price, but for the amount you get, it's not bad at all. You could easily be full with just half of the sandwich. The pastrami is overflowing with amazing flavor. Truly recommend anyone coming here if they get a chance. Great and fast service. read more

Nothing like they once were. They're okay now. The pastrami is of lower quality then it once was same goes for the steak on the steak sandwich. For this type of pastrami I'd head to Tops. read more

Been coming here for years and it's always good! Try the chili cheese fries or the pastrami sandwich. They are both delicious.

A nice hang out place, food is pricey but has large portions. Sandwiches are pretty good but nothing worth going out of your way to get. Fries aren't anything special, tastes like... potatoes (I guess that isn't a bad thing) - I have a friend who'll eat bags of their fries! I definitely don't recommend the wet fries, that definitely made me sick. read more