Thanks again Yelp for referring us here. Welcomed by the worker taking our order. He was happy to tell us about what they are famous for. We ordered 2 Dipped Pastrami's and Wet Fries. The moist shaved pastrami was pilled high, pickles and mustard on a soft bun. The bun was the perfect size not too thick. It was sooo good. The Wet Fries came in a to go container pilled high topped with thick rich brown gravy. The fries stayed hot all through our meal. There was more than half the order left we were so full so much food! Place is super clean with a well laid out dinning room. It wraps around the building bigger booths around the corner. Bathrooms clean. Food is so good ! We highly recommend this place. Lives up to the Famous in taste and portions for sure!! read more

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Ok pastrami sandwich here. The staff was very nice. I took the metro A line all the way from long beach and exit lake stop on the freeway. Come up the elevators, make a right and walk one block pass maple street and you'll will see it from the train station. Easy access, anyways this place is pretty big with seating everywhere. They do a good job keeping this place clean and i appreciate that. They have two bathrooms available for customes which is nice and both clean. I got the original pastrami no pickles and onion rings. The value is great at $13 bucks for pastrami sandwiches here while other places are charging double that. There is no combo's deals so you have to order what you want serparate. Food rating Pastrami Sandwich 7.5\10 Onion rings 7.0\10 read more

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The hat always hits the spot. Old school feel, old school menu. It's nostalgic as they come. Service is always an A+! Was in LA for a quick trip and had to make a stop for my pastrami fix. Nothing like it in the Central Valley. I went classic with the pastrami dip. Thinly sliced, tender, and moist pastrami nestled within a soft roll that soaks up every bit of that pastrami juice goodness. Dressed with classic yellow mustard and pickles. Helping cut through the richness of the pastrami. My wife ordered her go to. Wet fries with gravy, topped with the glorious pastrami. Crisp and fluffy fries, drenched in a rich beef gravy. Gluttony at its best, but oh so good! All washed down with an ice cold Coke. read more

The Hat - Pastrami dip sandwich. - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Love the Hat ! Reasonable prices and it's very consistent my only quibble is that they give you too many French Fries !! read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The hat has been around forever. The pastrami sandwich is what they are known for....it never disappoints, everything was on point. The fries were crisp not greasy, the gravy (a must have) had excellent flavor. The staff is friendly and the restaurant is clean read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Came here on a very hot Friday evening for pastrami dips ($12.60 each) and sinful onion rings. Only a couple of people ahead of us and dinner was ready pretty quickly. The tables were clean and they have their own parking lot. Good value for the money. read more

The Hat - Prices July 2026 - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Clean experience with plenty of seating. Welcome nicely when walking through the door of this location. Will be back again for the customer service. read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Some of the best tasting Chili Cheese fries you can can try. Attentive to customers, not rude. Layout of The Hat has a very nice classy Diner feel to it. Very clean. read more

It was a great experience and the service is always friendly. Speed of service is fast despite the amount of clientele. The place is always clean. The food itself is decent. Portions are huge so it's good to share. Price is fair. Would recommend since it's a local staple but it's at par with its competitors. Didn't take a pic of the food but their wrapping is 10/10. Recommend the pastrami fries or sandwich and the chili tamale. read more

The Hat - Chili Tamale and Side of Chili Fries - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

We wandered in just a few minutes before closing time, but the helpful staff still served us an amazing pastrami sandwich. It was HUGE! We took it to go, as we were actually heading to another iconic west coast eatery. We had quite a feast back in our hotel room. I want to reiterate that the team on this Saturday night in May was so friendly to let us order in spite of serendipitously showing up mere minutes before closing. That sandwich was so incredibly tasty, too! Now that we KNOW about The Hat, I definitely want to return, and dine-in. read more

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Food: 5 Mics Service: 5 Mics Ambiance: 5 Mics Food: Pastrami dip as is. Generous sized servings of pastrami, pickles, mustard and broth dipped French roll. It was a melt in your mouth tender pastrami and very filling. The sandwich alone filled me up, no need to add fries...I will admit I wanted to add fries but glad I did not. Service: The service was great. No complaints but nothing to rave about. Cashier was kind and had service with a smile. Ambiance: Loved the ambiance here. It was clean and had diner vibes. You can watch the line make every sandwich! Stop in, if you're in the area. There is parking, no line at 11:45am on Thursday when I went. You won't regret it. read more

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The Hat has been a staple in my life since the 1980's. And it's still as good as ever. I always get the pastrami dip (dry) with mustard and pickles. Then add mayo. Best pastrami around. It is thinly sliced but still moist. Bread is soft. Really good. They also have good chili cheese fries. Staff is always great and fast. I do miss the grab and go condiment station, but that is typical post-Covid. read more

The Hat - Pastrami sandwich - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

They have a parking lot, but it says only 45 minutes to dine in. I eat slow, so i hope we dont get a ticket or car towed for that. The cashier who took our order was super nice and was kind enough to change my order at the last minute (after he called out what needed to be made). I wanted a ham and cheese sandwich, but i wanted it as a melt, but wasnt sure if they were able to do that. I saw a sign that they are able to do it. Hence, why he was super nice about changing my order. It was a cold night, and not many people where dining in when we arrived, but it got busy as we were waiting for our food. Our number was called and we got our food. I opened up my sandwich and I pulled it apart, it looked so good! It was so cheesy! I pulled the slices of bread apart to see if there was any ham because that was a LOT of cheese! Sadly, it was just a grilled cheese sandwich that was DELICIOUS, but it was the wrong sandwich. I brought it back up to the counter and the guy had to confirm with the cashier, understandable. He took what I had and threw it away. They remade my sandwich. Once the new sandwich was done, the cashier brought it to where I was sitting and apologized for the wrong order. It was a delicious sandwich and I hope all the other locations have that available! read more

The Hat - Ham and cheese melt - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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This review is based on a takeout order only. So many times I heard this is the place I'd one wants a pastrami sandwiches. And the only reason I haven't been is because it's just too much of a drive from home. And then one day, Hubbers found himself nearby, called and asked if I wanted one. "Yes, please!" was the resounding answer. I asked for a plain (no pickles, no mustard, toasted bread.) Home after his long drive, the aroma pulls you in immediately. The sandwiches come sliced in half, so that's convenient. First bite and yum.com! The meat, of course, is the very center of this grub. It was juicy and well seasoned. The bread was soft and fluffy (didn't really experience the toasted part.) Overall delicious! FOOD: 5. Quality and quantity. Plenty for a second meal. SERVICE: N/A. VALUE: 3.5. PARKING: N/A. OVERALL: 4.25. Wish it was closer to home. But definitely trying it in person n should the opportunity come through! read more

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This Hat location needs to train well their managers to improve their customer service. Especially the manager, Celine, evades customers when they're trying to ask her for utensils and/or order status. They act like they're giving your food for free, when in fact, is quite expensive and the burgers aren't good like before. Furthermore, the vibes in this place is aweful and constantly give you wrong your orders. Don't recommend this Hat location at all. read more

Best Pastrami I've had! So thin and tender. Next time I've got to try the pastrami fries I saw so many people had gotten.

Do you love Pastrami sandwiches? How about eating in a historic establishment with California history? You can do both right here! We shared one of these huge sandwiches and a small bag of fries, sorry no pics we were hungry. It's a small place where you hope to find a parking place off street. Walk in and order at the counter from a large menu on the wall, pay there take your number and find a seat. In a short time you'll have that hot pastrami in your hungry hands. It is big enough to share, but then again maybe you won't want to. read more

The Hat - The place you want to go for Pastrami Sammies! - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Visited here for a late night snack with a group of friends. The place was pretty busy considering it was around 11 PM. We ordered at the counter and sat at a big table. The ambience and decor was amazing, very old-school, friendly, and retro. Our entire party ordered the tuna melt, a side of wet fries, a side of pastrami fries, a side of onion rings, and some pastrami burgers. The number one thing to keep in mind about this place is that the portions are absolutely huge. The sides of fries and onion rings were incredibly hefty in both weight and food. We had a hard time finishing even with around 9-10 people. The tuna amount was very delicious and had amazing bread. The tuna was warm and the lettuce and tomatoes balanced it out well. The onion rings were crispy and fresh as well. The wet fries got a little soggy, but were otherwise tasty. The pastrami fries were incredibly filling especially with all the meat and cheese loaded on top. All very tasty, high quality and so affordable!! Highly recommend, very community and amicable atmosphere and servers, cheap prices and tasty food. read more

The Hat - Tuna Melt and Side of Wet Fries - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The place was just as clean as in Glendora. A bit smaller. A crowd came right after we sat down, good timing. The staff was accommodating.and took and had our at pickup counter in reasonable time. My favorite pastrami is my order. Again, it was filling for me eating only half. Guess I get two dinners for one. A bit expensive at $12.60 plus tax, about $14.00. We got a hamburger and two drinks, free refill. Still paid out about $31.00. read more

The Hat - Pastrami Dip - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Everyone knows why we all come here. I'm gonna give you some pro tips Pastrami add Swiss and get the dip / au jus on the side. Chili cheese fries are shareable pass on the pastrami topping. Wild Cherry aka Cherry Fanta is a must. Chili tamale is decent. Pass on the onion rings as they are all breading and not so much onion. Service is always great Place is always clean read more

The Hat - Menu 8/2025 - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Sometimes you just gotta eat like a damn hog and this is the place to go. Everything is big here, including the side orders. Menu is pure carnivore, and the must-have sandwich to bust your Hat cherry here is definitely the Pastrami Dip. The pastrami is sliced super thin, it's fatty, and very tasty. Another item you should try is a giant concoction called "wet fries." Basically it's poutine minus the cheese. Serving size is huge and will be enough for 2 or even 3 people. This is a meal and not a side dish, friends. Pricing is reasonable and the menu is large enough to come back and explore. Inside is spacious, clean, food comes out fast, and everyone is friendly. The only complaint here is the parking. It's a small lot and each space is not Hummer friendly at all. Other than that, check it out! read more

The Hat - Wet fries - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

This is my first time at The Hat on Lake. Great efficient service! Nice and clean! Friendly staff. Amazing sandwiches...so generous, delicious and well priced read more

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Pastrami on rye with a little bit of mustard. Simple but perfect. I heard the chili fries are fire too.

Good food. Great service. Stylish oldschool diner type restaurant. I've been coming to this place for ages! And it has always stayed consistent in satisfying my pastrami cravings! This place is perfect stop for great pastrami sandwich, chili fries and a delicious root beer every time I'm driving through :) Thanks for feeding me all these years! Keep it going! read more

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The Hat is always a good option. Service is great and fast. Biggest thing is they don't skimp out on portion. I kid you not, the chili cheese fries with pastrami weights like 4 pounds! read more

The Hat - OG Pastrami Dip and chili cheese Side of Chili cheese fries with pastrami. - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Here is a business that posts their menu online and does not list their prices. I called one location in Alhambra and it answered "Please leave a message" I then called Pasadena and got someone to answer my question, Why are there no prices on your menu? Was told "Oh they don't have prices" asked so when I finish ordering I get a surprise bill? She told me they only have the prices listed in the store and I would have to come in to see the menu. Who runs a business like this? I wouldn't waste my time with a business that conceals their prices. read more

The food is good but not great. The fries were all right. They could have used a little bit more salt. However the amount of fries you get for the price was really good. I ordered a chili cheeseburger and it was a solid Burger. My partner ordered a pastrami dip. It was loaded with pastrami, but the taste was average. Inside, is a blast from the past. Good amount of seats. The parking isn't great. The employees are kind. read more

The Hat - Chili cheese fries - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Chili cheese fries with a pile of pickles is like crack. I can't pass the place without stopping. You cannot leave your form in them or it will melt...that's how hot and fresh they are. But more important the staff is so great. thanks to all read more

Been here a few times, always take out. Sandwiches are great, just pastrami and mustard, the way I like it. Fries and onion rings are delicious and plentiful. So many fries. So glad they're opening one in Vegas, now I won't ha pie to wait until I'm in Upland to get my Hat fix! read more

Most people know this great family owned and operated fast-food restaurant for their incredible Pastrami sandwiches...you've got to try their tamales! Sooooo good! Chili, onions, pickles and cheese. Get this next time. Their Ice tea is freshly made each day. Always well kept and clean...no matter the Hat location...go there. read more

The Hat - Tamale topped with chili, cheese, pickles and onions. - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Well they sure cleaned up their act. Good service, friendly, tasty food, quick & clean! The update did good! It's bright, open & again, clean. The staff were diligent. A staff member was attentive to the needs of the washrooms. The classic dip was delicious as i remembered. read more

The Hat - The classic! - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Food: amazing food with a history of being an iconic restaurant for decades Staff: they did their job and it was fast and efficient. Ambiance: it's a basic burger joint as far as ambience goes. Its clean and there are plenty of places to sit. read more

Pastrami, burgers, hotdog, onion rings, french fries... You can't go wrong here. Even their chili is pretty good. I have been to several of their locations and there is always consistency. I will return. read more

I found myself on Lake and figured it was time to revisit this iconic store.The first Hat was in Alhambra and it has grown to 11. The pastrami was perfectly prepares and the swiss cheese enhanced the dip.The roast beef dip was also great but seemed instituional off a truck,like Sysco whereas the pastrami seemed in house. The large ice tea complimented our sandwiches but the cheese fries are best skipped.The fries had loads of chees but un melted and stuck to my shirt not the fries All and all a good visit read more

I'm so bummed I have to put a 2. I used to love this place and would have put a 5. But it's gotten worse as far as value goes. You used to pay a reasonable price for a large pastrami and chili fries. Not cheap, but big! Now they have raised the price more and more. I understand. But not only are you pay $13 for a sandwich now, it's SMALLER! The meat also doesn't overflow the new smaller bun. I'm not going there anymore unfortunately. Everyone else's wages are going up and driving prices higher. My wages have stayed the same or reduced even though I'm doing more work and higher demand. I'm a small business owner and all my costs have gone up. read more

My friend has been trying to get me to go here forever! She grew up in LA and said this is one of her favorite places to go when she visits family. When I texted her that I'm here, her response was, "it's about damn time!" I finally dragged my husband over here after a long day visiting family. We split the pastrami dip sandwich and fries. It was a better decision for our waistlines though he confessed he could eat the entire sandwich and bag of small fries. For split portions, this is very generous. There were other menu items, but I always go with what a restaurant is known for. We'll be back and if not in Pasadena, I know there are other Hats in SoCal! read more

The Hat - I'm here - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I appreciate the Bare bone minimalism here, but the pastrami sandwich is greasy , lacks flavor and for almost fourteen dollars you'll can do a lot better. It's a non-deli style pastrami sandwich drenched in au jus , but passes off as greasy slimy pastrami. Sure, it's peppered, the oily slick taste isn't exactly pleasing .. it's super salty . That's for sure. With nothing other than a thin gangly line of yellow mustard underneath and a shaved pickle, I'm not sure what the hype is about. For this it's outrageously overpriced, and I understand it has history, but history it is nevertheless. Where's the taste ? read more

The Hat - Pastrami Dip. - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Always a great pastrami sandwich. I see so much more on the menu. When I go there, I am craving the pastrami. Nice thin, sliced meat piled on a delicious roll with your choice of toppers and condiments. You order at the counter then pick it up when your name or number is called. It's a diner style restaurant. Pick your own booth. read more

Very clean restaurant Staff is friendly and attentive Prices for sandwiches are reasonable $12.60 for pastrami or roast beef, $8.60 for huge order of chili cheese fries. Food was hot, fresh and tasty, portion sizes are on the large side. For the size and quality prices are very reasonable. read more

The Hat - Massive Chili Cheese fries - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Love the food and been going there for a decade. I recently started using mobile ordering and have been extremely disappointed. I've used mobile ordering 6 times and the first time my order was ready when I walked in. I always order just one or two items a single burger and sometimes fries. The last 5 times including yesterday July 29 I ordered on mobile that showed the order would be ready in 15 mins I arrived in 15-20 mins and ONLY WHEN I ARRIVED DID THEY START MY ORDER! I had to wait the usual 10 mins to get what should have been ready the moment I walked in! None of my other 5 orders were placed at times when the restaurant was busy and the last two times I noticed I wasn't the only mobile order and there were 1-2 other people waiting the same 10 mins for their order to be started. If I am going to have to wait just as long as if I were a "walk in" I do not see any reason to use the mobile ordering process. read more