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The Hat is a Southern California restaurant chain, renowned for its pastrami dip sandwiches. Founded in 1951 in Alhambra, California, The Hat initially gained popularity as a small stand specializing in World Famous Pastrami. Its signature offering, the pastrami dip sandwich, quickly became a local favorite, and over the years, the restaurant expanded to multiple locations throughout the region. Known for its generous portions and casual, retro atmosphere, The Hat has remained a staple in Southern California, offering classic American fast food such as burgers, fries, and chili cheese fries alongside its beloved pastrami sandwiches.
Fast-food joint known for its pastrami also serving American standards such as burgers & fries.
Hours
| Friday | 10 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–11 PM |
| Monday | 10 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–11 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 491 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 449-1844
Website: http://www.thehat.com/
Menu Photos
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Reviews
Brett Whitten
Classic southern California restaurant. Great food and super clean establishment. Excellent pastrami and the chili fries are fantastic. Be warned, the portions are big.
… moreHeliya Ziaei
Hands off the best chili cheese fries in town!
We tried their chili fries several times this year. Always the same and the best. The portion is huge! more than enough for 2 people. I love it with or without cheese. The fries are crispy enough, not mushy or over-crispy. The mexican cheese is just AMAZING. If you want a lighter version I am also obsessed with the tomato and pickles version as well!
… moreWe tried their chili fries several times this year. Always the same and the best. The portion is huge! more than enough for 2 people. I love it with or without cheese. The fries are crispy enough, not mushy or over-crispy. The mexican cheese is just AMAZING. If you want a lighter version I am also obsessed with the tomato and pickles version as well!
Lee Guy
If you’re looking for subtle, delicate dining, keep driving. The Hat in Pasadena is where comfort food dreams go to get bigger, bolder, and absolutely better. This isn’t just a sandwich shop—it’s a Southern California institution dedicated to the art of excess.
The Dish You Must Order:
The star of the show, hands down, is the Pastrami Dip. Forget everything you thought you knew about pastrami; this sandwich is piled high with so much smoky, tender, peppery meat that you’ll barely be able to close your jaw around it. It is pure, glorious indulgence.
The Side Showstopper:
Equally famous are the Pastrami Fries (or “Chili-Cheese Fries” if you’re feeling wild). These aren’t just an afterthought; the crinkle-cut fries are perfectly crispy and capable of holding up under a mountain of chili, cheese, or that signature sliced pastrami. A single order can easily feed a small army—or one very happy person.
The Vibe:
The atmosphere is pure, nostalgic old-school fast food—quick, efficient, and focused entirely on the massive portions. It’s a great, casual stop for lunch, dinner, or a late-night fix.
In Short:
The Hat delivers on its promise of “World Famous Pastrami.” It’s an awesome, messy, and absolutely essential stop for anyone craving serious comfort food in Pasadena. Bring an appetite (and maybe a friend)!
… moreThe Dish You Must Order:
The star of the show, hands down, is the Pastrami Dip. Forget everything you thought you knew about pastrami; this sandwich is piled high with so much smoky, tender, peppery meat that you’ll barely be able to close your jaw around it. It is pure, glorious indulgence.
The Side Showstopper:
Equally famous are the Pastrami Fries (or “Chili-Cheese Fries” if you’re feeling wild). These aren’t just an afterthought; the crinkle-cut fries are perfectly crispy and capable of holding up under a mountain of chili, cheese, or that signature sliced pastrami. A single order can easily feed a small army—or one very happy person.
The Vibe:
The atmosphere is pure, nostalgic old-school fast food—quick, efficient, and focused entirely on the massive portions. It’s a great, casual stop for lunch, dinner, or a late-night fix.
In Short:
The Hat delivers on its promise of “World Famous Pastrami.” It’s an awesome, messy, and absolutely essential stop for anyone craving serious comfort food in Pasadena. Bring an appetite (and maybe a friend)!
Vince G
Since my first visit as a kid in 1975 this place has never changed which is a comfort. We always get the Pastrami dip, onion rings, fries with chili and cheese on the side for better distribution and to make our own chili cheese onion fries. And whatever you do, don’t forget to get an Orange Bang, also you get 1 refill free. From the first bite of food I’m transported back to being a kid. We go to the one on Lake.
… moreJustin Kase Conder
I haven’t been to a fast food restaurant this clean… as far back as I can remember. It’s evident the owners take pride in this place. The food is very good, it’s clean and well lit.
… moreEmilio
Big portions for a great price. A place where you can get a loaded pastrami without breaking the bank, the sandwich is stuffed with delicious thin sliced portions of beef. Very popular place with great smiling staff and super fast service with a smile. Parking lot was full and it’s kid friendly.
… moredonny blaze
This place has a really good pastrami sandwich. They have special sodas you don’t see often, and the sandwiches are always fat. I ordered a small fry and a small onion ring, and they were huge. The fries weren’t too brag worthy, but the onion rings were crisp and delicious.
… moreLinda
Yummmy!!! Don’t forget to ask about their secret menu, we saw pastrami chili cheese fries on our way out that were on secret menu!! I got Turkey sandwich and added avocado, so good!! Hubby got pastrami dip but hot dip on the side so it wasn’t soggy. He ordered fries and wow plenty enough for 2-3 people!! Clean place delicious food and service was great!! Highly recommend!!
… morePaul Cress
The Hat is a SoCal classic!! The pastrami dip is what it’s all about! Look at the picture. Nothing I can say is going to improve upon that. Go!!
… moreEddie Lin
We got a recommendation to come here since its known for its pastrami so I was really looking forward to my meal. It was ok, they give you a generous portion of pastrami as it overflows the bread, but I found the pastrami to not be super flavorful and actually kind of on the dry side. I had to add extra swiss and a ton of yellow mustard to get it up to snuff for my tastes in pastrami sandwiches.
… more