The Hat (The Original)

Was in the area and wanted to try before going back to LA. Thought they’d have a bathroom to wash hands and pee but they didn’t have a bathroom for customers. Food was good but they didn’t have big bags for to go orders. A bit disappointed. Bring a bag when planning a big to go purchase.

They serve you alot thats for sure for chili and pastrami. There is not much flavor going on besides the chili being very hot. I wouldnt care to come back its not like this place has the best chili or pastrami both dont have much flavor i tried a pastrami burger at a different location tbh same thing. Its cheap food for your money thats about it

This place does really have amazing pastrami. It’s thin, tasty, fresh, plenty of meat, not too much fatty parts, and it comes with French roll and mustard and pickles and dip. Nice and simple. The pastrami meat is really good. Usually the texture of pastrami is thicker and more fleshy but this is so yummy because it’s just slivers and I love it! Outdoors seating and free parking. Totally worth the trip to stop here.

NOT the best pastrami, by far. the pastrami was dry, lacked flavor. tastes more like bland ham. it tasted good AFTER you add mustard, ketchup, pickles, etc. but alone. no. the chili cheese fries bomb but without the pastrami. the burger delicious, without the pastrami though. i recommend getting both without pastrami, therefore the 3 stars.

It's really not our thing. The flavor is clean, bread with salty pastrami, pickles and mustard. It's possible the Roasted with gravy or au jus would be better for us. However we don't have chance to try this time when we felt full with only one pastrami dip sandwich.

Updated Review: The first thing I think about when I step off the plane at LAX is how soon can I get to the Hat to enjoy all of its... the one - the only - the Hat! hey it's not like East Coast pastrami and that's okay because this is its own beautiful magnificent creation!

I know The Hat has a few locations, but this one hits just right. The pastrami is peppery and stacked high, and the gravy fries are a guilty pleasure. Orders come out quick even when busy. Seating spills outside, which is nice on warm nights. Bring extra napkins—trust me

A classic that still somehow feels low-key depending on the time of day. Their pastrami sandwich is legendary and absolutely massive. I ordered chili cheese fries and forgot how huge they were—definitely meant for sharing. It’s old-school fast food with flavor and attitude. Even the soda fountain tastes better here

Really good, it was my first time since my friend recommended me, better than most popular fast foods

This is a must stop for me every time I'm visiting SoCal. The pastrami is perfectly tender and seasoned to perfection, served on a soft roll. Best deal in town for $12. I let the crew know that I'm taking 6 home to family in SF and they wrapped it up expertly with TLC. LOVE seeing how these old classics are still kicking it after 70 years in business. There's a reason why!

It's a weekday around 5:30pm and I wanted something straightforward and not complex. Based on that criteria, The Hat was my pick! When I arrived, there was plenty of parking available and no wait-time for ordering. I ordered a pastrami dip sandwich with everything in it. This is their iconic sandwich, which includes pastrami, pickles, and mustard. I got this within 3 minutes! After getting my order, I decided to go home to eat it. But they do have some tables on the side if anyone wants to sit and eat! After unwrapping, I discovered the bread was starting to get soggy. Despite the wait, the sandwich still tasted good. The staff was not afraid to pack the sandwich with pastrami, because pieces kept falling out with every bite. There was a good amount of mustard and pickles in the sandwich. If you're a pastrami lover, you won't be disappointed with this pick. Service was great and quick. The staff also packed extra mustard, mayonnaise, and napkins in the bag as well. Note: They accept American Express.

05/25/2024 Dropped by today for some lunch. Got 2 Pastrami sandwiches, Large Onion Rings and a Tamale. Same high prices and less food for the money. I felt the pastrami sandwich was lacking meat they're not as plump anymore and my large onion rings looked like a small order instead of the large. Going to think twice about coming back here again.

Can't beat the original!!! Late night stop in for for the quintessential pastrami dip. Sitting outside, watching the cars go by, enjoying steamy hot au jus and peppery pastrami. Friendly folks taking and preparing our food at the counter & clean outdoor dining area.

It's been at least a decade since the last time I have had a pastrami dip sandwich at the Hat. There a several Hat locations but I've only been to the one at the corner of Valley Blvd. and Garfield. It's just a stand with picnic tables in the rear. The sandwich is wet and for $14 there is a good amount of shaved pastrami. The bun / bread does hold the meat well but is best eaten within 20 minutes otherwise the steam from the hot pastrami and the juices will turn the bun into a soggy mess. I haven't tried any of the other items on the menu. One of the positives is there a large parking lot in the rear. Service is fast.

Needed a spot to go to after finishing playing basketball at ~11 PM. It's been a while since I've been to The Hat, so I thought to give this a try again. The Hat is located on a corner in Valley Blvd, and there is only an outdoor dining area. There is no option to take a step inside, but taking a look inside - people are busy, look hard-working, and seem like they know what they're doing. There was a decent line (~6 parties) when I ordered my food. I ordered the "Pastrami Dip" and I thought I was going to get a sandwich + dip on the side. I only received the sandwich w/out the dip. The sandwich is dipped, but I was not served any dip. Little confusing here. I didn't end up eating on their outdoor dining area since it was too cold outside, so I ate the sandwich in the car. Good amount of meat (dipped and tasty). The sandwich is savory and the pickled toppings helped to cut through the dense flavor and satisfy my hunger. The sandwich didn't need any condiments or sides! I would come back to get a Pastrami Sandwich. (4/5) I always had mixed feelings about this brand without remembering the quality of food and service that happens at The Hat. I didn't want to converse and chit-chat. I wanted food quickly and for the food to be decent. This did exactly that. Quick food for not too expensive of a price. The Hat might not be my go-to, but will be a decent option to consider moving forward (as long as you're not on a diet)!

Simple, uncomplicated, and undeniably delicious. These are just 3 terms that come to mind when I think of my beloved burger stand located on Garfield and Valley. Their sign boasts "World Famous Pastrami" and with good reason! The pastrami dip sandwich is unmatched in terms of size, taste, and quality/quantity of meat. Thinly sliced pastrami, with a flavorful dip, on a French roll with mustard and pickles for those inclined. Honestly, it's hard to go wrong! I order mine "plain" without the pickles and mustard--but sue me, that's just the way I like mine :) Take it up to the next level by adding a serving of their chili cheese fries. Fair warning: you will get a small mountain of the thick cut fries with just the right amount of crunch, delicious chili, and a generous scoop of cheddar cheese. It's easily shareable for 2-3 people! In fact, one pastrami dip and an order of chili cheese fries makes for a perfect unhealthy date night option while watching a game or binge-watching Netflix. Take on the challenge of finishing it all yourself at your own risk. You have been warned! Don't be intimidated by the long (at times) lines. The folks here are pros and service is quick and efficient. Convenient parking is located in the lot adjacent to the restaurant, and a small patio with tables can be found if you want to eat on-site.

The fries are so good. My siblings have been telling me that we should get their pastrami fries. I didn't think it'd be anything really special, but I understand the hype now. There is so much meat and cheese on the fries, you might get a heart attack by just looking at it. It's a great value and a really delicious and filling meal for 3-4 people. Service is pretty fast and there is seating behind the ordering station. Very solid, quick fast food and a really good cheat meal.

This Alhambra staple delivers on its reputation for great pastrami sandwiches. The food is consistently fresh and arrives piping hot. While the pastrami burger is a star, this time I opted for the double burger, which boasted a generous portion of meat. Don't skip the onion rings - they're a must-try and, like the fries, come in very hefty portions that'll satisfy any craving. The outdoor patio provides a nice well-lit spot to dig in, and the convenient parking lot is a bonus. Whether you're after a solid burger or a late-night snack, The Hat is a go-to spot. The combination of quality, quantity, and convenience makes it a local favorite that lives up to the hype.

I love coming here for a pastrami sandwich. You can never get tired of it as it is very juicy and tender. I also like to get their large chili cheese fries. I like adding pickles to mines! It's such a great bang for your buck, especially if you are sharing it with others. I recommend getting their barbecue sauce. It is house made and goes super well with the pastrami sandwich! Service has always been quick. The staff are always so kind and patient when ordering and picking up food. You can dine-in, take to-go, or do drive thru. I usually like to dine-in because eating the pastrami sandwich hot is the best! The place can get busy and loud during peak hours.

09/28/23 It's been 2 yea since we've been here! Same excellent quality of thin sliced pastrami piled into a roll with pickles... delicious! Price went up a dollar or two, but still worth it

Omg the carne asada fries are delish!! Staff was very friendly, fast service. Nice vibes for a quick bite. Nothing fancy but delivers good food!

Come to this place for a quick grab & go or quick bite. Parking lot is available and order at the front. There's a covered seating area as well but the ambiance is a bit more rugged. Love their chili cheese fries, order pastrami on the side! Tried the chili tamale with everything on, but would not recommend. The masa was too dry and didn't have much filling. Chili cheese fries w/ Pastrami: 9/10 Chili tamale: 5/10

Delicious food Opened late Excellent customer service Outdoor seating You can feel the breeze on a cold night If you ever get the munchies, this is the place to be. Yummy in my tummy Can't go wrong with THE HAT ESPECIALLY, IF YOU GET OFF WORK LATER THAN USUAL. :]

I've been aware of The Hat for a while but there aren't any locations near me so I was very interested to try it. Found this location randomly through a mobile search of the area. Yelp showed popular orders so I followed them. Probably a mistake but when in Rome or Monterey Park. I came fairly hungry for dinner. It's a little stand where you order outside. Seating is under a cover and bolted to the ground. There's no indoors. I ordered: Pastrami burger Pastrami fries Orange bang Burger was really good. They're famous for their pastrami and it didn't disappoint. I had it with Swiss cheese. The bun and veggies were good too. Solid patty too. The fries were massive and I didn't realize that when I ordered. They had chili, cheese and probably something else along with pastrami on them. I didn't really like anything but the pastrami which I already had eaten. Fries were average. They could feed 2 as a meal. I couldn't make much of a dent so it was a waste. No one else to hand it too. All that meat and calories made me a bit sluggish on the way home. I can't eat that much pastrami again. Orange bang was delicious. Haven't had one of those in a long time. Sugary orange deliciousness. I'd probably order a cold sandwich or turkey burger if I return but they're famous for pastrami. This chain has been in business since 1951. I still prefer the multi-state chain from 1948 and its modern locations but I'm glad I got to experience The Hat.

Oomf. The pastrami chili fries are to die for (figuratively and literally). When I first had it, I couldn't get enough of it. Every bite was just so good and full of meaty yummy fries flavor. This is basically an order of fries topped with chili sauce and a bunch of pastrami meat on top. It's the perfect amount for two people and even then it's a lot. This is the only item I have ever eaten here but I am open to trying the other things on the menu on day. 10/10 will always come back here for the pastrami chili fries. Love it!

Amazing service!! All the workers are actually really nice and very friendly to the customers!! They are most famous for selling the pastrami as well! The Orange Bang Drink tastes really good too! I definitely will be coming back over there again in Alhambra, CA when I get the chance to!! Five stars is exactly my total rating!!! Thank you guys so much for everything!!!!

Nestled in the heart of Alhambra, The Hat stands as a beacon of flavor, drawing in locals and visitors alike with its enticing aroma and tantalizing offerings. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a charming walk-up window, a testament to its humble beginnings and commitment to tradition. The outdoor covered tables provided a cozy atmosphere, allowing me to immerse myself in the bustling energy of the city while indulging in culinary delights. Opting for a Small Order of onion rings, I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion size. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, each bite was a symphony of flavors, leaving me craving more despite my best efforts to finish them. Next up was the pièce de résistance: the pastrami sandwich. Loaded with succulent pastrami, it was a true carnivore's dream. The tender meat melted in my mouth, perfectly complemented by the softness of the bread and the tanginess of the mustard. The service was prompt and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. Despite the simplicity of its setup, The Hat exudes a sense of warmth and hospitality that is unmatched. In conclusion, my visit to The Hat in Alhambra was nothing short of delightful. From the mouthwatering onion rings to the unforgettable pastrami sandwich, every bite was a culinary adventure. Whether you're a local looking for a quick bite or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of California, The Hat is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you coming back for more.

Yummy yummy yummy. Good amount of parking. Easy to find. Easy to get to. Easy to order. Lots Of employees so you get your food fast. Security chillin on site so you feel safe. Tables for you to sit. No trash in the parking lot. Overall, great.

Chili cheese fries with pastrami 5/5 - this was really good and the serving size is pretty big. It is very salty though and heavy. It would be better with more chili cheese tho bc there were a lot of plain fries bites. Onion rings 5/5 - very crispy onion rings. There is a lot of breading or batter over the onion rings so it doesn't taste too onion-y. They ran out of ranch tho so eating it with ketchup wasn't that good. We order two chili cheese fries but the person who took our order only heard one order. We didn't want to wait longer to order again and wait for food again..

As a 626 native I used to live a block away from this establishment. To see it grow as a franchise and beach out to more locations gives me pride in the 626. Chilli cheese fries with pickles! Pastami sandwiches! Hot dogs and burgers! This is good ole greasy Americana!

Delicious! Best late night option and even though the menu is simple and small every option you choose is a good one. Can't wait to go back. Next time I will be asking for an extra side of that magic gravy to take home. 10/10 stars. No indoor seating, but there are outside tables.

This is one of the reasons why I was happy to move to Alhambra! The food, the service, and the efficiency is impressive!! Why would you go anywhere else if you're trying to satisfy your fast food needs?? They are famous for their Pastrami, and rightfully so, but they also have the best burger, the best sandwiches (steak, tuna, turkey), the best hot dogs, the best tamales, the best chili, the best onion rings and...their fries, awesomeness!!! Huge portions, monster size!! So generous! And the prices are so much better than any other fast food joints, do you know...a good burger form the other Big 3 fast food places run over $10 bucks! I don't understand how the Big 3 in this vicinity stay in business. They keep the kitchen so clean and it's like a well oiled machine the way they run their station, so impressed. They have been here and running this business for well over 30 years from my own recollection, a staple and should be the pride and joy of this town! We probably come here once a week, and will continue to do so. Thank you The Hat!!

The Hat is an absolute gem of a spot! Let's start with their pastrami sandwich - it's a solid 10 out of 10. If you crave tender, mouthwatering, and flavorful pastrami, this is the place to be. But wait, there's more! Their chili cheese fries are a masterpiece, with portions big enough to feed a small army. Every visit turns me into a big, greedy eater, with my go-to order being the pastrami, chili cheese fries, and a cheeseburger. I never manage to finish it all because every bite is just too good to resist. The Hat has secured its spot as one of my all-time favorite places, especially when it comes to recommending a pastrami sandwich to friends and family. The prices are reasonable, making it even more enticing. Plus, the service is exceptional, adding to the overall experience. However, parking can be a bit of a challenge. But trust me, it's worth every bite. I love everything about The Hat

I went to high school years ago nearby when there were only 2 locations. They have quickly created a chain across Southern California but the original Hat has the best pastrami of them all! I don't live in the LA area and so when I visit I've tried several other locations closer to my parents in Walnut. It wasn't what I remembered but coming back to original Alhambra location to try the original once more made me realize it is still everything how I remembered it. This location has a small outdoor dining area and no inside seating. It's fairly easy to find place to sit. On a Saturday evening around 8pm there was a small steady trickle of people mostly taking to-go. Service is amazingly quick and straightforward so I have no complaints there. When craving a pastrami this should be on your list of go-tos.

This location is typically 5-star but the pastrami was a bit flavorless this trip. Not sure why. Onion rings were great! Service was fast and accurate.

Oh don't get me wrong I love the Hat! I get that craving for a tasty pastrami sandwich. Get up, get out my house wait in line (i get it to go) hot sun pay my 25 whatever is plus a burger and sides for the house. Get home and the Pastrami sandwich is missing. This has happened to me not once not twice but you guessed it 3 times now in the last few years. Honestly, I give up. Maybe i have bad luck but guys DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING - once you leave nobody believes and think you are scamming a sandwich.

The Hat is another California staple. It's been open since 1951 and now has several locations. This is basically a burger stand with additional menu items. They have hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs, various sides and drinks. It's not fancy food, but it's good food. If you stop here, get an Orange Bang drink. They are good!!

You have to try the chili cheese fries with pickles + chopped tomatoes AND pastrami on top!! That's a snack for 2-3people. The pastrami dip is what they are known for and is very good too. It's not a big sandwich length-wise but they do pile on the meat. Never dry or too salty. Made simple with mustard and pickles. I usually save whatever falls out for breakfast to add to my eggs. This is not a traditional sit down restaurant, but you can sit outside under the patio with tables and benches behind the stand after getting your food. Service is pretty quick and efficient, even during their busy hours.

I don't know if this the world's best pastrami or not, but it's totally delicious. The blend between grilled (fried?) pastrami with burger patty is just like watching the sub plot of a korean drama: you never know they are going to be together but now you've seen it, you can't accept anything less. Give me pastrami for any burger i'll be having in the future! Don't ever separate them please!

Today was my first and last time eating anything from this location. I ordered a pastrami dip with a order of fries to go. I happen to live many miles away. So when I arrive home and opened up my sandwiches, the meat was very Brown looking to me. I then decided to taste it, and it had no flavor at all. At this point, I decided to call location and informed them of my concerns. After speaking with a manager, I believe her name was Celina. She told me that the meat is cooked fresh every day and it looks like that sometime when it is over cooked. Sorry, but I do not believe her. I've been eating pastrami say for a long time and I know when it's fresh and when it's not. The sad thing about it she didn't even offer me a refund. Never again will eat at this location again!

Always a great time at The Hat. Such good pastrami sandwiches with mustard and pickles. The chilli fries are a large and shareable size! Super crispy onion rings. Busy little joint on the corner with patio eating behind the ordering windows.

So glad I finally tried this place! The Hat is a staple in the SGV and I think(?) this location is actually the original one. We ordered for pick up since there's no indoor seating at this one and it was a bit too chilly to sit outside. It only took about 20 minutes from the time we ordered for our food to be ready. I was a little nervous the food wouldn't be quite as tasty after transporting it home but it was delicious! We got a French dip, pastrami dip, and the gravy fries and we were really impressed by how warm everything stayed! Even the fries were still pretty crispy and the gravy on top was delicious, it seemed like it was probably made from scratch which was a nice touch. The French dip was flavorful but I made the mistake of ordering mine with onions thinking they would be grilled onions but they were raw and it wasn't quite the tasty combination I expected, next time I would definitely just order it as-is. The roast beef and au jus were delicious!

We usually visit the one in Atlantic blvd. near 60Fwy and their service is great! While this place is decent, we've noticed that each time we visit, they provide a smaller amount of meat in sandwiches and chili cheese fries compared to the Atlantic location. It's disappointing for us, as we're accustomed to the usual generous portions at the Atlantic spot.

We went LA to visit family. They said you need to go to Monterrey Park and eat at THE HAT when in town and omg were they correct. You must go and try the pastrami cheeseburger and also the pastrami fries . Man , you will not be disappointed and will definitely want to return just for the food and the service is great the ambiance is very welcoming.

Food was good , gave a 3 star cause some people really be hating their job here it seems like Chili cheese fries with pastrami is good and the onions rings are great The hat on temple city got better customer service for sure, I'd rather make the drive there than order from the hat on valley

My son picked up food tonight and they have the worst cups I've ever seen. They collapse when you pick them up. It's like their bio degrading while you're drinking the drink.

Great little place. There's seating in the back. They're open until 1 a.m. daily. Best pastrami ever. Anything you order is great quality. They took my order and it was ready within not even 10 minutes.

The best pastrami sandwich you will ever have in your life. Probably clogging my arteries with every bite but I would die happy. The wet fries are delicious and the chili cheese fries are even more delicious. I love going inside and eating in there during cold winter days, something about it feels like home. The service is always great, however the drive thru tends to take a little longer but it is worth the wait!

The pastrami chili cheese fries is simply amazing. The staff clearly takes pride in their work, ensuring a positive experience for every customer. It's unfortunate the owner doesn't allow tips, as the exceptional service truly deserves recognition. Despite this, the dedication and warmth of the staff remain unwavering.

The chili cheese burger so much flavor with fries a side of gravy and an orange bang . I pulled over and ate this on the side of the road because fries have to be eating within minutes and it was too cold outside to eat in the patio area . I parked and ate a few blocks down and despite the side of gravy opening and spilling half way inside the bag I somehow enjoyed the burger so much I'm giving it a 5 star on flavor alone because not sure whose fault that was that the gravy exploded in the bag a few blocks away but I still enjoyed the food . The service is fast and friendly and it's always a pleasure to say hello to the older man with the golden voice !!!! This review is for my meal selection I can't speak on the pastrami

Yummy! I can see why they're famous. Generous portions & awesome flavors. I would gain 10 pounds in a month if I lived by there. Definitely recommend and try the onion rings and the pastrami. Omg.

The Hat. My go to for Pastrami sandwiches in the LA area. You can't go wrong. Tasty and huge. Pastrami is tasty but not salty like some places. Simple sandwich with huge pile of pastrami in a roll with mustard and pickles. Fries, chili fries and onion rings great too. For variety, I'll get the pastrami burger. Nothing like a burger with a pile of pastrami on top. You won't be hungry afterwards. This location on Valley and Garfield has outdoor seating only. The service is fast so don't worry about the line. Highly recommend any of the Hats in the LA area.

Food is great, but don't expect to get your order for the time of pick up. I usually order online for days I need to bring dinner for my partner on their break. Every time I do this, I order at 6:30 and need it by 7:30 this gives them a full hour to get it ready by that time. Three times they failed the guaranteed pick up time and I wasn't able to bring food for my gf on her breaks. I also noticed, they never even started my order until I got there all those times. Guaranteed pick up time doesn't exist, so no point in ordering online or if you need your food by a certain time just go somewhere else.

This location is the original site. I first visited this store in 1974, yes 1974, while going to Cal State College Los Angeles (CSULA now). Then all I would order was beef dip, the best and still is. It's not dipped in 'a juice' like other. It's dipped in gravy. Beef gravy at that. And after 30 years of beef dip, I finally had the pastrami. Amazing! It's the reason why other diners put the pastrami on their menus. My typical order in the past... beef dip, small (regular is too much ( big), and a cherry coke. The cherry coke probably started here as well. Beef dipped then, $1.69. Fries $.29. The price is not the same but the portions and taste still is. ARROY!

I love coming here for late night snacks. They're open late and their food is so good! I recently tried their hot dog and wasn't expecting much to be honest but they put toppings on it like lettuce, onion, mustard. It was really good we also ordered gravy and chili on the side. So I also put some on my hot dog and it was just so yummy. PRO TIP: I usually get the cheese fries with chili and gravy on the side so it doesn't get soggy. I also really enjoy my meal with the Orange Bang drink. I love everything I've tried so far and their portions are really good. Highly recommend coming here any time of the day! I also don't have a many photos because I always want to eat their food right away.

Chilli cheese Pastrami fries for the win! I've been wanting to try this place. A lot of people talk about how good it is. So I came in on a Friday. Work pays for my lunch so in a way, it's an unbiased opinion since I didn't really pay for it. Anyway, I placed a phone order. My order was ready and fresh as I showed up during lunch. Service was good. A lot of friendly and welcoming people. Plenty of parking and outdoor seating. I ordered the Chilli cheese pastrami fries. Huge portion! So much I had left overs for dinner. Price was fair. Given the size and quality. $16 or so. The Chilli was kind of water at times but not worth complaining. Plenty of pastrami! So good and soft. Not salty so that's a plus! Cheese was perfect too. Plenty of cheese pulls! I enjoyed every bite and I was stuffed! Definitely coming back to try other stuff. Video coming soon in my ig. Keep up the good work guys.

1 1/2 minute read: The best pastrami around isn't around anymore. It use to be at Johnnies Pastrami at Adams and Crenshaw Blvd. But they closed some 10 years ago. At the time Johnnie closed, we had already eaten The Hat Pastrami and enjoyed it very much. Good bun, Good hot pastrami, etc. I will tell you this, The Hat is (by far) the most generous portion givers I've seen. My wife and I usually get pastrami with fries and share both. We get full. We've had Chili-pastrami Fries and that TOO was a huge serving. The Hat's menu offers other items but we go there for the pastrami and that's it. Now, This food stand at this corner of Valley Blvd only provides seating outside. No inside tables. Parking isn't too bad. The Staff here is happy, They smile, they are polite and fast. If you're in the area, go get pastrami.