The Hat is a fast food chain in Southern California. I had the opportunity to eat at the Temple City location, and had a great experience. No, you're not going to be able to get a classic hot pastrami on rye with spicy deli mustard like you could at a good Jewish Deli. But what you do get is a Pastrami Dip sandwich on a soft french roll dipped in au jus. Even though you can't get a classic pastrami sandwich, I think what makes The Hat's pastrami sandwiches great is the pastrami and au jus combination. It's by no means the greatest cut of meat, but it's very thinly sliced, quite fatty, and juicy with the au jus. Many might criticize the sandwich because of the fattiness and meat quality, but this is exactly the reason why The Hat is so great. It's salty, greasy, juicy, and a mess to eat. The portions are large and filling, and you won't leave hungry. Definitely recommended, unless you're watching your cholesterol.Rating: ****
Pastrami Dip with mustard, dipped in au jus
Pastrami with chili fries
Close-up of fatty pastrami
According to The Hat's website, they are in the following locations.
ALHAMBRA - Garfield & Valley
BREA - Imperial & State College
GLENDORA - Route 66 & Grand
LAKE FOREST - Lake Forest & Rockfield
MONTEREY PARK - Atlantic & Riggin
PASADENA - Lake & Villa
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Foothill & 15 Freeway
SIMI VALLEY - Los Angeles & Williams
TEMPLE CITY - Rosemead & Broadway
UPLAND - 11TH & Central
