The Hat Opens in Las Vegas (Restaurant Review)
Well, I finally tried THE HAT, and it sure lived up to its reputation! Total satisfaction!
THE HAT opened it’s first Las Vegas location about two months ago. My first visit was stonewalled by a 45-minute wait in a drive thru and a standing line out the door wrapping around the corner. Forget it. I skipped and decided to come back when things “calmed down.” Yesterday afternoon, I made my return.
What started 75 years ago in Los Angeles as a roadside food stand serving hot pastrami sandwiches has become a bustling franchise with 12 stores (11 in California, and now 1 in Nevada). Now, I understand why they are so popular.
We ordered one ORIGINAL PASTRAMI, one LARGE FRIES, and because I couldn’t help myself for an extra $5.95 — one HAMBURGER (I’d read reviews the burgers were good). Cost came to $26. Unless you have a huge appetite, the sandwich and fries are large enough to split between two people. So, we could have eaten and been happy for $20, without the added burger.
The ORIGINAL PASTRAMI is big and heaping with meat. The most popular option comes with pickles and mustard on a hoagie roll, which is toasted. It’s wrapped nicely in wax paper, so the sandwich is easy to eat (in a car) and you won’t end up wearing it on your shirt and lap. Au jus was in a small cup on the side, for dipping. But the sandwich is moist enough to eat alone. The pastrami reminded me of the legendary old deli at Binion’s Horseshoe in Downtown Las Vegas, which used to be an institution. Best I’ve had since the good ole’ days. There are many pastrami options (barbecued, with cheese, etc.), but the original was perfectly satisfying and delicious.
I really liked the fries which were in a paper serving boat and basically tossed into a brown paper bag, then shoveled with MORE FRIES. It was a bag of fries, and sure worth the money. Next time, I’ll try the ONION RINGS to see if they are served the same way.
Las Vegas has lots of excellent hamburger joints, and gourmet burgers are a big thing now just about everywhere. I was reluctant to add more food to the order, especially with such an unimaginative item like a burger, but I absolutely had to try this–especially given the low price. I expected a baby burger but was surprised by its regular size. What struck me was the heaping pile of cold lettuce and cold tomatoes with the double meat, and toasted sesame bun. The cold-hot contrast was quite dramatic (obviously, you have to eat the burger instantly for this effect). This was outstanding for the value, especially if you just want an old-fashioned hamburger with simple fresh ingredients. I don’t know why that burger hit the spot, but I’m still having food fantasies. Quick, grab my car keys and clear a path to the front door.
The car line was as short as I’ve ever seen it (I have driven by many times, and the line is always long, until this visit). Best time to go is probably mid-afternoon in between lunch and dinner. I waited about 10 minutes. I have not stepped inside but I understand there’s plenty of seating. Maybe I’ll do that next time.
The sign of a good restaurant is usually a crowd, and THE HAT remains busy. I could go back today and order the same thing and be very happy — another sure sign of approval.
It’s rare for restaurants (especially fast food) to live up to the hype. For me, THE HAT met those expectations. I look forward to this new option in my restaurant rolodex. Fast food is something I almost never do, and is usually only a desperate emergency late-night option when nothing else is open or I’m in a rush for time. I’ll adjust that thinking. THE HAT is one of the very few restaurants worth a trip on its own.
But, be sure and bring a friend, and a hearty appetite.
FOOD QUALITY: 9 (on a 10 scale)
SERVICE AND AMBIANCE: 8
VALUE: 8.5
