The Hat Pastrami Menu 2026: World Famous Pastrami, Burgers & Chili

The Hat is famous for its World Famous Pastrami sandwich — thin-sliced hot pastrami piled high on a fresh French roll, served with yellow mustard. Founded in Alhambra, California in 1951, the chain built its reputation on generous portions of slow-cooked, hand-sliced pastrami. The pastrami sandwich has been virtually unchanged since the 1950s and remains the reason most people visit.

The Hat operates locations across Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire in Southern California — including Alhambra (the original), Arcadia, Covina, El Monte, Industry, Irwindale, Ontario, Pasadena, Rowland Heights, Temple City, West Covina, and more. Use the store locator at thehatrestaurants.com for current addresses and hours.

Many Hat locations are open until midnight or later, making The Hat one of the go-to late-night spots in the San Gabriel Valley and greater LA. Hours vary by location — some locations close earlier on weeknights. Check the official site or call your nearest location for exact hours, as they can shift seasonally.

The Hat does not publish its prices on the web, and pricing can vary by location. Based on widely reported customer estimates, a World Famous Pastrami sandwich typically runs in the $9–$13 range as of 2025–2026 depending on size and location, with combo meals (sandwich + fries + drink) running somewhat higher. Confirm current pricing at your local Hat by visiting in person or calling ahead.

The must-orders at The Hat are the World Famous Pastrami sandwich (the reason the chain exists), the Chili Cheese Fries (arguably the best fries in SoCal), and the Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries if you want the full Hat experience in one dish. The milkshakes are also a cult favorite. Most regulars add the chili to everything — dog, fries, or burger.

The Hat opened its first location in Alhambra, California in 1951 — making it one of the oldest continuously operating fast-food pastrami chains in the country. As of 2026, it has been serving the same World Famous Pastrami for over 70 years. The chain remains family-operated and independently owned, with no nationwide franchise expansion.

Yes. While pastrami is the star, The Hat also serves hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, and sides like French fries, onion rings, and coleslaw. The chili is house-made and served over fries, dogs, or in a bowl. Milkshakes (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry) are also available and widely recommended. The menu is compact — The Hat has intentionally stayed focused on what it does best.

No — they are separate restaurants. Philippe's The Original (founded 1908, downtown LA) is credited with inventing the French Dip sandwich and also serves pastrami. The Hat (founded 1951, Alhambra) is a separate chain known for its pile-it-high pastrami-on-a-roll format. Both are SoCal institutions, and both are worth visiting — they represent different traditions in LA's pastrami culture.

The Hat's menu is heavily focused on meat — pastrami, burgers, and hot dogs. Vegetarian options are limited; the best bets are French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, and fountain drinks. The chili contains beef and is not vegetarian. If you're dining with a non-meat-eater, the sides are the safest option, but The Hat is primarily a destination for pastrami.