The first non-California location of 70-year-old L.A. pastrami-sandwich institution, The Hat, opened at 6125 S. Rainbow in May. The place was immediately mobbed, and seven weeks later, nothing has changed. To be honest, we didn’t want to fade it, but we did.
The Lines
We can’t remember the last time we saw such sustained patronage. We finally went at noon on a Monday. Yes, that’s lunch hour, but it doesn’t matter. Every time we drive by there are 15-20 cars lined up in the drive-thru lane, which was the case when we went. Inside, there were 25 people in line. We asked at the counter if it was always that busy and the cashier said yes, until about 9 pm when “things slow down a little.”
The Machine
Despite the line and our big order, we were out the door with our food in 20 minutes. How? Because of the machine of an operation in place there. We counted 14 employees between the cashiers, cooks, packagers, and distributors. Everything moves and the throngs are appeased. Despite the crowds, there are tables to dine in if you like, though most were taking out. We tried to tip at the cashier. He assured us he was grateful, but informed that they “don’t accept tips at The Hat, returning customers is thanks enough.” In Vegas? Refreshing.
The Pastrami
We really weren’t ready for this. The pastrami is literally heaped onto the roll or whatever bread you choose. There’s no skimping going on here. The sandwich they’re famous for, the pastrami dip, is $12.90 and it will feed two. By all means, don’t try to eat this one in the car. You need plate underneath to catch the meat and a fork to eat it.
More Sandwiches
There are several: roast beef, Bar-B-Que beef, and steak sandwich, all $12.90. A hot dog is $3.99. A chili dog is $5.90. A chili tamale is $6.90. Most are loaded up with tomatoes and pickles. Maybe too much in some cases. Burgers are $5.85 to $12.90 (pastrami burger). Cold sandwiches—turkey, ham, tuna, avocado veggie—are $8.85 to $10.85. Everything is big. The onion rings in the photo are only have the portion; the rest spilled over into the bag. Along with the pastrami and rings, we got a chili dog, a chili tamale, a turkey sandwich, and veggie avocado cheese.
The Verdict
This place is trip. It’s cool to see the workers in action; don’t worry about the lines. Good pricing; we could have fed 10 with what we ordered and it came to $64.20 before tax. Good food; we didn’t love everything, but the pastrami is no joke, lean and plentiful as advertised. With some exceptions, we see little reason to pay twice as much for less at a big-name deli. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.