Came here for the first time because my father wanted to show me this famous place! I got the pastrami sandwich exactly how it comes as I wanted to make sure I was trying the original way that started it all. Service was fast for a Sunday and everyone was very nice. The place was clean and simple. Classic dinner kind of feel. We got 4 pastrami sandwiches for the group. Comes with mustard and pickles. We also got fries and the stuff to dip. It definitely didnt dip well so we did more of a pour off each bite type which worked well. The dip was great with the fries but the fries themselves were a little boring. The sandwich was good. They are massive so have some for leftovers. The flavor was pretty good and the overall sandwich was yummy. The meat is sliced super thin which I liked. The lids to the drinks are really hard to get the straws through so be mindful when doing that so it doesnt break your straw. read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

We have made the drive to have The Hat in Pasadena for lunch many times and will continue to do so for their Pastrami Dip and onion rings! It's full of flavor and very filling. The pastrami is thinly sliced. We luck out with parking every time and the staff is super efficient and quick to get orders out to you. Order at the counter and receive a number to pick up when ready. I've also ordered the Tuna Sandwich, Grilled Cheese, and Chili Cheese Fries-all really good! read more

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

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Amazing pastrami sandwich--huge and generously stuffed with pastrami, mustard, and pickles. I grabbed an Orange Bang to drink, and true to form, everything here is huge. Friendly, quick service made for an easy takeout experience. This review is based on takeout only, but the spot has a large dining area and a drive-thru, typical fast-casual vibe. I was very happy with The Hat and will definitely be back. read more

It is sooooo good. They are very generous with their helpings, and so so much meat. The sandwiches are definitely big enough to share as well as the sides. If you go there be prepared to eat. The people that work there are very nice. read more

I was very happy at the Hat and will come back. The food was very good, Crispy Fries, fresh and light for being fried lol. The Chili was flavorful and rich. The Classic Interior really bought the whole experience together. parking is good. The service and cashiers were all friendly and quick. I can't wait to come back. read more

Fun restaurant that instantly feels familiar. It has a vibe that brings back memories of local joints throughout the county. It's good, cheap food with generous portions. We split a pastrami sandwich and chili cheese fries between two of us. The pastrami was good. Not the best pastrami ever but still good. The same can be said for the chili cheese fries. We enjoyed our experience and would return the next time we're visiting Pasadena. read more

The Hat - Half of a pastrami - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Old school restaurant is still same after all these years. The pastrami dip with pickles and mustard is my go The roll is the perfect vessel for the pile of warm pastrami. It's dipped in the kitchen. I've never requested additional dipping juice. It seems just right the way they serve it. I ask for spicy mustard too and they give me packets. read more

I absolutely love The Hat's French dip sandwiches and fries. The portions are large for me, typically lasting two meals, and the food is so good! We keep trying French dip sandwiches at other places, but it never comes close to The Hat's. Yum! read more

Went to The Hat for the first time today. What a great discovery. Had an excellent BBQ sandwich (I like that they didn't put a lot of junk on it...just meat and sauce). The "small" order of fries was huge. Fast, friendly service. Got in and out in just a few minutes...and it was lunch hour. Easy parking, clean inside and out, and a big menu. I'll be back. read more

Came here before and definitely was a huge fan. I'm not too crazy for pastrami sandwiches, but this is for sure one of the best I've had. I also enjoyed the fries. Service was very quick and the restaurant was clean overall. The Hat is a bit out of the way for me, but I definitely will be coming back read more

Everytime we're in Pasadena, we have to stop and get the World Famous Pastrami Dip $11.99! It is craveable! The Pastrami Sandwich is juicy and delicious! The onion rings are crispy and crunchy! We also ordered the French fries with a side of chili! Out friends love it too so we have bought the Tshirts for them! read more

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Cold food like somehow the chili dog was completely flavorless. Hit up Tommy's in Eagle Rock for food that's actually flavorful and worth yur moneys. At least the homie was cool with giving me my money back. read more

I arrived just six minutes before closing and was greeted warmly, as if I were the first customer of the day. My expectations were low given the late hour, but I was pleasantly surprised. The pastrami was just as fresh as during the first service. I thought I might have room for fries, but I was wrong again. The portions of pastrami and fries were very generous. I strongly recommend The Hat's pastrami sandwich. read more

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Simple pastrami and beef dip sandwiches are the best from here. They have alternatives too such as grilled cheese.

A coworker brought me back a sandwich from The Hat on his way back home from LA. He raved about how huge the sandwich was and how good it was. Even hours after it had been made, it was absolutely delish!!!!! I can only imagine how good it would be freshly made! read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Los Ángeles comfort food at its best. Been coming to the Hat since the early 90's. It's been in business since the 1950's for a reason. Nothing has changed since. The flavor is still intact. The only difference is the locations have multiplied. Used to be the Alhambra location then Pasadena. Now there are a lot more. The food is made fresh hence you will have to wait. It's a classic pastrami and fries joint. 1 order is ample for 2 -3 people. Don't forget the classic Orange Bang drink. Nothing healthy about the food here but it does hit the spot when available. Enjoy the ride. read more

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Amazing food , friendly customer service friendly old school diner feel. A true Pasadena Favorite. read more

The Hat - Excellent food. The Hat in Pasadena, Ca - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Took my nephew here for lunch. He came visiting me from China, his first time at the Hat - he was shocked by the portion and the generous amount of meat in a pastrami sandwich! He walked out with a big smile on his face read more

I used to go eat there every time I can, we love that food from there.now where moved and we don't have any close by.

I Love how this chain has exclusively existed in SoCal since 1951. The original location first opened in Alhambra (still open). It passed ownership in 1981. Since then, ten more locations have been opened, making The Hat, one of the oldest restaurant chains in the country. This Pasadena location has some good service at the counter, and the recipes used to make the signature sandwiches have stayed the same since the beginning, which is part of the reason for their success. The main item on the menu is the Pastrami Dip Sandwich. It's served on a French roll with onion and pickle, (I added Cheddar Cheese). It's a good size portion and it will fill you up. The Potato Salad is also pretty good. In addition, they have plenty of condiment dispensers and napkin stations available so you don't have to ask and wait for someone to help you. Overall, it isn't the best Pastrami I've had, but it's certainly good enough to come back again. This is a place you want to experience, as it is a part of SoCal history and culture. The Hat is worth wearing! read more

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If you're craving a hearty, no-nonsense pastrami sandwich, at an affordable price. The Hat in Pasadena delivers just that. I ordered the Original Pastrami Dip and a side of Potato Salad, and both hit the spot. All meals are packaged to go even if you're dining in. Hot items are doubled bagged to retain the heat. Cold is not double bagged but bagged separately. If you are dining in once done everything goes into the trash. There's no separation between recycling, compost or trash. Which is convenient but not the best for the environment. The pastrami was stacked high--tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The generous portion makes it easy to see why it's earned a "world famous" reputation. The dip-style sandwich adds that extra bit of savory satisfaction, making it a solid go-to for meat lovers. The Potato Salad, while not house-made, was still a decent choice. It's creamy with just the right amount of tang, making it a good complement to the rich pastrami. It won't blow you away, but it does the job. Portions are big, so come hungry or be ready to share. All in all, The Hat serves up a satisfying, classic pastrami experience that lives up to its reputation. read more

The Hat - The O.G. Sandwich with Potato Salad - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Interesting spot! My mother in law raves about The Hat, so my husband and I had to stop by when we were in town. First impression: Super friendly service. Maybe we have been living in the Bay Area for too long, but it caught us off guard to be greeted with a smile. We both ordered the pastrami and added cheese... We immediately regretted our decision when we saw how huge the portions are. We each only ate half of ours- and folks, we were starving! Pricing was very fair for the amount of food you receive. Was it the best pastrami I have ever had? As you'll see many other reviewers say- no. However, it is good pastrami at a good price. Personally, I felt that the meat was very greasy and the bread was too thick. I am glad we stopped by, but I don't think we would return. read more

The Hat - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Came here and got two pastrami dips for mine pickles on the side. They were very accommodating food wise. Very clean and fast. Super nice people. read more

Clean establishment with expedient service. Food is good, not stellar, and the portion sizes make the offerings worth the price.

The pastrami dip was good, portion size was sizeable. Had chili fries tasted great. Couldn't finish the fries, too much. Service was quick and didn't require you to tip. read more

Staff forgot to put the au jus in my bag. When I called, they told me the put it bested my drink and the 2 bags and it was my responsibility to grab it. very unprofessional !! read more

Good fries! Love the pickles and peppers! I haven't had the Avocado Sandwich, but heard good things. They have Sourdough, Rye or Wheat Bread options that are all pretty traditionally made. Amazing portions, including their beverages... Fresh Brewed Iced Tea is perfect and the service isn't too bad at all... Pretty pleasant and good energy. You order at the register and they call out your number so you can pick up at the counter They keep condiments, small. toppings, napkins and utensils near the pickup counter, but on the none dining/customer side. When it's busy (often) it takes a little bit to get the attention of someone to ask for some or more. This is also how it goes for refills. It's warm rustic wood panel as well as tables throughout like any of their locations [I used to go to the Upland and Rancho Cucamonga locations a life time ago with friends before or after hitting up the club - Oasis] Easy parking and parking lot!! Plenty of room to park, but not the best paths for walking in or pedestrians Tons of space to order, wait and/or sit. They keep things tidy and flowing throughout. Restrooms clean!! Note: When your the vegan or vegetarian in a group of some of your favorite friends/people you take what you can get... While it's not much at all at The Hat, being a traditional sandwich, burger and hot dog spot known for Pastrami, Gravy and loaded Chili Cheese Fries... The very limited veggie options are okay. read more

The Hat - I got fries - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I have been coming here for years now and it never disappoints. Although it is a bit expensive, it's totally worth it because the portions are large and the food is just so good. Whenever one of my buddies wants pastrami, we come here. Employees are nice and patient when it comes to picky eaters, i think that's why my brother loves it so much lol. Very old school diner type of setting, definitely a must try in Pasadena read more

They don't deliver and no third party delivery either.cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A longstanding gem! Not so hidden given its consistent line, this pastrami dip lived up to its hype. Pastrami was delicious, made only more so by extra mustard. Unbelievable price for an unbelievably large sandwich. read more

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I love this place. Their pastrami sandwiches are the best. Consistently good. The softest bread, juicy and tasty pastrami. The fries are the best. Thick cut. They fry them when you place your order so they're always nice and hot. Not greasy. Crispy. Huge portions on all their food and fries. Free refills on sodas. I love their hygiene practices. If you want a refill, they don't grab your cup, they pour the soda from their own cup into yours. You just set your cup on the counter. Place is always clean. Bathrooms are always clean. Staff is always friendly. Highly recommended. read more

Classic LA institution. Large portions and good food. Pastrami sandwich is yummy and huge- can easily be split with two people. Fries and onion rings are done well. Pro tip: get the chili cheese for the fries on the side so it doesn't too get soggy. No frills but cute and clean with an old school diner-style ambiance. read more

The Hat - Pastrami sandwich and chili cheese fries (chili and cheese on the side) - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

The amount is ridiculous are at least a 3rd smaller & price is to expensive. No wear what it use to be, quality of the meat every thing different read more

Excellent food the pastrami was delicious out of this world. I definitely recommend this place very clean. Excellent customer service..

The food here is delish! We always get a pastrami sandwich and chili cheese fries, which by the way can easily feed 3-4 people. Very chill ambience, you can bring the whole family. The staff is super helpful and really nice. I love coming to this place. We drive from Sherman Oaks to Pasadena for this!! read more

Overall a 3.5 for me. Historic place with a fun old school vibe, that I really liked. I went with the famous pastrami dip and fries. The portion sizes are generous and I did like the taste of the pastrami but it was extremely salty and too salty for me to eat more than half as I don't do well with that much salt. Taste wise aside from being too salty it was good. Fries were cut big, but some were a bit under cooked being hard in the middle, some were a bit soggy and few crispy, not sure how that happens, and also very salty as well. I would try another location and maybe see if there is any way to get them to put less salt but decent option if you want a pastrami sandwich. read more

Pretty good food, nice to try when you are nearby. The line to order went by fast so not a very long wait, and we got our food pretty fast. There are plenty of seats available and each table was clean. read more

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

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I love the Hat! I've been to multiple locations and the quality never changes. My go to is a hot dog with a side of chili, or chili cheese fries. I always suggest getting extra crispy fries, try it! The servings of sides are large, so be careful when ordering a large side of onion rings or fries. Service is friendly and efficient and the restaurant is always clean inside. I've been going to the hat for over 30 years and have no plans of stopping anytime soon. read more

This is world's famous pastrami, and I'm just thrilled to live so close to a location!! Needless to say their pastrami is delicious and should be ordered every time. I personally prefer this thinly- sliced pastrami over other thick cuts of pastrami. Their chili cheese fries portion is huge as well and can feed up to 4 adults, plus they top with more pastrami. Burgers and hot dogs are good as well, they don't do bacon here, only pastrami. read more

Food- Pastrami is always good. Service- It can get busy at times yet staff is pretty quick, one thing that needs a little bit more attention is coming out and cleaning the tables. Ambiance- Pretty chill to kick back and eat. read more

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