Hidden among California’s glamorous food scene sits The Hat, a modest sandwich shop chain that’s been quietly perfecting one iconic dish since 1951. While celebrities and food trends come and go, locals have been lining up for decades to get their hands on what many consider the ultimate chili cheese fries experience. I’ve eaten my way through California’s diners and fast-food joints, but nothing compares to the mountain of crispy potatoes, savory chili, and melted cheese that this unassuming spot serves up.
1. Decades of Legacy: Serving California Since 1951
While fancy restaurants open and close across Los Angeles, The Hat has been perfecting their chili cheese fries recipe for over 70 years. Their first location opened in Alhambra when Harry Truman was president, and they’ve been using the same secret chili recipe ever since.
The owners learned early on that consistency matters more than trends. Though they’ve expanded to multiple locations, they’ve never compromised on quality or portion size.
If you ask longtime customers what keeps them coming back, they’ll tell you it’s that first bite that tastes exactly like it did when they were kids. How many food establishments can claim that kind of flavor consistency across seven decades? This time-tested recipe has survived because it simply works.
2. A Pastrami Powerhouse With Sandwich Shop Roots
Surprisingly, the best chili cheese fries in California come from a place that built its reputation on pastrami sandwiches. This dual expertise creates a magical dining experience where your chili cheese fries become the perfect companion to their equally famous dipped pastrami…