The Hat — Restaurant in Simi Valley

After some time I'm back doing these reviews. Things have changed, and I have a different point-of-view. Hear me out. Since my lifestyle has changed I now get to add to my reviews: The use of the blue parking spots are located towards the back of the restaurant. Near the entrance of drive-thru, both are fairly large parking spots. One made for van access, and the other one made regular, but wider. There is a small ramp to go on the curb. To access the sidewalk that surrounds the building. I know there so much to that goes into this thought process of making access to virtually everyone. What is hard is taking steps while using a cane , and your only good arm is holding the cane. Entrance is easier with a second person assisting. Now for the food. I have never heard of this place. Honestly, sort of sad that i had not. When we ordered food the person taking our order was being trained. Even then the service was maintained at a level which very satisfactory. We did mention it was our first time being there. The guy doing the training said "you're in for a treat" , and he was right. We ordered the chili fries which feeds two or three. One if your super hungry and can handle the portion. I also ordered a pastrami sandwich. I am so glad I did. The meat was so soft. The bread was fresh as if it was made that day. The mustard gave it that tart taste, but did not overpower the other tastes at all. Like a fine tuned orchestra, if I may say. The flavors just came together so nicely. For the chili fries I did not know there was a small tray in the bottom of the basket. similar to the tray from the burger place that's out and in. The chili ratio to fries was good to the last fry, giving you a chance to use a fork. Now just to let you know. I like to eat, but the portions are made for two. Place is clean and there is refills on refreshments....well atleast on soda fountain. I would recommend this place. Stop by, they have a drive-thru and service is pretty...

Hold onto your taste buds, 'cause this joint's a flavor rollercoaster you won't forget.

Let me tell ya, from the moment I rolled up to The Hat, my blood started buzzing with anticipation. This place ain't just a pastrami paradise; it's a damn culinary rollercoaster for your mouth. I mean, if your taste buds had a theme park, The Hat would be the headlining attraction.

Now, let's talk about that pastrami, shall we? It's not just world-famous; it's intergalactic famous. The kind of pastrami that makes other sandwiches weep with envy. The Hat's pastrami is so tender, it practically melts in your mouth like a snowflake in hell. And the flavor, oh sweet motherboard, the flavor! It's like a party in your mouth, and everyone's invited.

But hold your horses, 'cause The Hat ain't a one-trick pony. The menu's longer than the list of excuses I give for not doing chores. Burgers that defy the laws of gravity, fries that make you question the meaning of life, and a chili size that's a culinary masterpiece. It's like they kidnapped a chef from Flavor Town and put 'em to work in Simi Valley.

And let's not forget the ambiance. The Hat ain't your grandma's living room, but it's got this retro-cool vibe that makes you feel like you've stepped into a time machine where the '50s met the future. It's like dining in a cyberpunk diner, and I'm here for it.

Now, I'm not saying The Hat is the answer to all of life's mysteries, but it sure comes close. So, if you're looking for a taste experience that'll make your mouth throw a party, haul your hungry self over to The Hat World Famous Pastrami in Simi Valley. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will I if you remember to bring me a sandwich next time, ya savvy? Five stars,...

Always great food, at a reasonable price. I appreciate how neat and clean everything is and how polite and courteous the staff all are.

UPDATE Oct 27, 2022 Well, been coming to the Simi Valley CA location for some 15 years now. Always a great experience, until the past couple of times.

Everything we ordered was good, except for one of the restaurant's signature items, the French fries.

I'm the past, they were long, whole length fries, all A grade, no eyes and made from quality potatoes. Crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful on the inside. Lately, they are poor quality, lots of ends and short pieces, oddly shaped, not from ripe potatoes so that they taste sour and are excessively chewy. All in all, not good anymore.

On today's visit, I noticed that only one other table had french fries, and nobody ordered the chili fries!! That is weird because every time I have been here in the past, the majority of the tables had the chili cheese fries.

I have observed over the years that the precursor to a business failing is when they start cutting quality. Then, because sales (quantity of items, not dollars spent, because with the higher , substantially so in most cases, prices, they might not notice the drop in traffic right away) start dropping, they lay off people. That causes poor service and sanitation, then, the business fails.

Please!! Get your quality fries back! I think most of us would pay a tiny bit more for a high quality product.

The onion rings were great, as were...