The Hat — Restaurant in Pasadena

We have been wanting to try this place for like 12 years. Although I've lived in Los Angeles for almost 30 years, I just don't get out to Pasadena all that often nor any of the other area's The Hat has locations.

Finally, last Sunday, we made the trip and headed out there specifically just to try their Pastrami Dip.

It was busy but not a packed busy. Alot if to-go orders coming and going and about half of the tables in the restaurant were in use. We decided to eat there so we grabbed a table and by the way, the restaurant is spotless.

Our order # was called so we grab it and bring it to the table. 2 Pastrami dips and 1 Pastrami on rye, 1 french fry, 1 onion ring.

My Oh My what a sandwich! It was so worth the drive! Ive never had Pastrami cut so thin and so delicious! The texture and flavor was absolutely perfect. Not rubbery like some other places who claim to have delicious sandwiches and when they say thinly sliced, it really is THIN. Like VERY THIN... Other places say their's is thin and then you get served some rubber meat thats still at 1/4" . Barf.

When The Hat says Thin, They mean THIN! Yum!

The Pastrami Roll so so soft and fresh and the au Jus makes it a perfect trifecta of extraordinary flavors coming together. My God, it's Good!

The fries were done perfectly, crisp but not overdone on the outside and soft on the inside and their Onion Rings, oh my God.... FINALLY, someone who knows how to make them. They use the Panko style breading which makes all the difference. I hate it when onion rings have that flat, doughy outer layer and overly fried.... yuck. NOT THE HAT'S. Their's were AWESOME!

My only complaint.... well, not really a complaint but peeve I suppose is wether you eat there or take it to go they pack everything in a double brown paper bag. I guess its ok when its a to-go order but it made it awkward when eating it there because you have all of these used paper bags piled up while your trying eat and it kinds spoiled my space. Plus its a huge waste of paper. 3 sandwiches, 2 sides = 8 paper bags. Thats alot. A disposable tray for dine in orders might be another cost effective way to serve food while keeping the environment in mind.

But hey, DO NOT let that paper bag gripe keep you from experiencing the BEST Pastrami sandwich on the planet! Go.... RUN... and get your Pastrami...

Visiting The Hat in Pasadena, California, was a delightful experience that left a lasting impression, especially with their pastrami sandwich and chili fries. From the moment I stepped into The Hat, the welcoming atmosphere hinted at the culinary delights that awaited.

The star of the show without a doubt was the pastrami sandwich. Generously stacked with perfectly seasoned and expertly cooked pastrami, each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The meat was tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of fat to enhance its richness. Coupled with a soft yet sturdy bread that held its own, it was clear why this dish has garnered such acclaim.

Not to be overshadowed, the chili fries were a revelation in their own right. The fries themselves were golden and crisp, providing a satisfying crunch with each mouthful. But it was the chili that elevated this dish to new heights. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, it complemented the potatoes beautifully, adding a comforting warmth that was both inviting and satisfying.

Service at The Hat was impeccable, with friendly staff members who were both attentive and knowledgeable, adding to the overall positive experience. The ambiance of the restaurant, casual yet inviting, made it a perfect spot for both quick bites and leisurely meals.

For anyone with a love for classic American comfort food, a visit to The Hat in Pasadena is a must. The pastrami sandwich and chili fries are standout dishes that offer a delicious testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. It's a culinary experience that promises to delight and satisfy in...

I think The Hat has the best pastrami sandwich in LA. I drive from Studio City to Pasadena just to get a Pastrami Dip on a Pastrami Roll and onion rings. Their onion rings are the best I have ever had in my whole life.

Id give them 5 stars if I didnt have 2 small complaints which are 1: Both of the men who take the orders, who work at opposite times if eachother, are both in need of a major personality transplant. I would not go as far as to say they are rude but...... they are definitely lacking social skills and politeness.

2: They ALWAYS get at least 1 of the sandwich orders wrong. So I have to now unwrap and check the food before I leave otherwise when I get all the way home, it's too late and too far to go all the way back.

I mean really, how hard is it to take a sandwich order that has a max capacity of 5 ingredients?

If I didn't love their food so much I wouldn't return based upon their attitudes. You know what I'm talking about? The kind people that just give you a blank stare when you try make a small joke, small banter or even make them smile? The kind of people when you ask a question you get a short, curt answer in return? It's not like I'm standing there and trying to have a full on conversation with him while holding up the line, jeez.

Normally I'd never go back so they're lucky that they have the best Pastrami and the best rings in LA because that is the only reason I endure the uncomfortable ordering process.

Try a little customer...