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The Hat
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 11 am - 12 am
Wed-Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for The Hat
Review Highlights
"...a huge burger fanatic but I did really enjoy the food here."
(in 3 reviews)
"The draft beer was reasonably priced and the food was..."
(in 3 reviews)
"It's open late like a bar, but has a relaxed pub feel."
(in 8 reviews)
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Amanda F.
11/7/2011
Came here with a friend on a Friday evening and ended up having to go walk Jasper Ave for about an hour before we could get in. Once we got there we ended up sitting at the bar which turned out OK.
The decor of this place reminds me of walking into a random pub in London or Paris - kinda dark and grungy but trendy (I don't know how to explain it). Kind of like the local hole in the wall pub that only the locals really know about - there's nothing really to grab you off the street to come in if you are not looking for it.
I am not a huge burger fanatic but I did really enjoy the food here. Good quality and reasonable prices. Everything seemed to be made fresh rather than put together on an assembly line of pre-prepared food. I really loved the fries here - probably my favorite so far. The staff at the bar were friendly and attentive.
We were leaving just as the DJ was getting set up but I think I would for sure come back to this place for some drinks and to enjoy the atmosphere and music for an evening out with some friends. I really like this type of scene over the regular bar/club scene. Seems like they keep the 'way too drunk hoochies' and the irritating 'Mr. Spillytalker horn dogs' to more of a minimum here which is a nice change from the norm. -
Review from Harry V.
Edmonton, AB
10/5/2011
Went there today for lunch with about 8 co-workers and it was decent. Service was kinda slow to begin with. The consensus was that the food was passable. Nothing different from going to your average pub. Also, I paid $7.80 for a pint of newcastle which was a little surprising.
The music was a little loud there for lunch time. I've also heard it gets very loud at night.
I would probably go back there for a weekend night in the summer when the large front windows are open to the street, but not for the food. -
Review from Kim H.
9/15/2011
I feel bad leaving a "less than stellar" review, but I'm just not feeling it today. It was a night out for me and a close friend. Have only been once, quite some time ago. Coworker was excited I was going.
Service was a tad slow, but it was starting to pick up as we ordered. Wednesday was wing night. They're really nothing to write home about. $0.39 each and there's not a lot of meat to them. Flavour alright (honey garlic & teriyaki). The teriyaki ones were barely warm and the honey garlic were still a few degrees from hot. In the darkness of the pub my friend and I questioned the "doneness" of the wings. Is chicken pink? How pink can chicken be? After we each ate a few, we figured we might as well finish them, if we're going to be sick, we're going to be sick.
Drink specials were ok tonight, $4 Caesar & Long Island.
Thought about ordering more food, but turned to Yelp and wandered off to a place down the road for further food.
Wouldn't put this place high on my list to return to.
Sorry! If you're going to do a wing night, do a WING NIGHT right. -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
9/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm a fan of The Hat. It looks tiny when you pass by on the street, but it stretches pretty far back (so if you're looking for your friend's birthday party table, you might need to go searching aaaaaall the way to the back). I'd been here once before and came again last week with my fellow yelpers for a few drinks on a Tuesday evening.
It was a nice day outside so the huge front window was open. We all cozied up at a booth near the window to enjoy the great weather (unfortunately, no patio here).
Our waitress was friendly, the burgers were on special, and we were all happy with our drinks. My ginger beef wasn't spicy like the menu claimed, but it was still tasty all the same.
For a trendier option for after-work drinks than Pub 1905 right nearby or The Pint down the way, I would recommend The Hat.Listed in: Downtown Dining, Good For Groups, Best Happy Hour
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Review from Gwen S.
Edmonton, AB
11/4/2011
At first The Hat could come off as a little pretentious. The decor is nice but it's the atmosphere/crowd you would question. The lunch crowed was mixed aged and from different collared backgrounds - white/blue. It was great to see such a mix of men/women. There was three people on staff which didn't seem like a lot, but our waiter/bartender seemed to really try to accommodate us and make us feel comfortable. The draft beer was reasonably priced and the food was exceptional. It's more of a lounge than a pub and therefore a place I wouldn't go to frequently. But it's great for a different change of scene for lunch and to keep in the back of my mind for a birthday or event celebration.
-
Review from Jenna-Marie L.
Edmonton, AB
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great atmosphere and good beer selection! Food was good, I had the californian chicken burger and it was great especially for pub food.
-
Review from Adam R.
4/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I really enjoy the Hat. it's a busy place, good for people watching and the staff are generally good. They have a great drinks menu, and you can't go wrong there on half-price wine nights.
Their food is pretty good too, but I would warn you away from the Beef Dip. The beef if fatty and rubbery and pretty flavorless. The au jus is nothing special. I don't know that Beef Dips are terribly difficult to make, and given my other very positive food experiences here, I was surprised with just how bland this dish was. I ate half of it, and didn't want to finish.
But to me, so far, that's the only black mark on the Hat. Other food items on their menu are good, the staff are friendly and competent, and the room itself is cozy, full of dark, warm woods and a lovely silver (not real!) ceiling.
Definitely a good place to grab an after-work drink downtown, if you can beat the crowds. -
Review from Puffy J.
Edmonton, AB
This is my first time going to the Hat after the previous Silk Hat closed down years ago. Decor is different. It's pretty dark in there even in a sunny afternoon.
I ordered the "Featured Burger" of the day. It came with the standard garnish and the pineapple sauce. The patty was lean but definitely dry and overcooked. The house green was the standard ones that you can find in Costco. It came with raspberry vinaigrette which can definitely use some work.
Food was alright but you can get better burgers somewhere else in town.
My friends ordered the Trio (yam fries, cactus cut and regular fries) and the Calamari. Both dishes looked like the cook left the food in the deep fryer for too long.
Will try this place out one more time for their dinner menu. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
5/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
We sit down at The Hat at a nice table, enjoyed the decor, the lovely tin roof ceiling and began to enjoy our local beer. Not a minute into being seated and we hear this dooo-didily-dooop. Whoever had their phone attached to the stereo had not put it on silent. I chucked and went along enjoying my evening, so did whoever was txting the person's phone. Then about two hours in they got a phone call and still did nothing.
The waitress proceeded to say I looked familiar, when I replied I was visiting from Vancouver she replied with "Oh yeah, how about Fabutan?" Being whiter than a sheet I laughed at her. I suppose that was just the beginning.
The food was, however, amazing. We split the sage and white wine prawns which were absolutely divine. Absolutely. I highly recommend it after that experience, even if I was annoyed by our server and the music. -
Review from eric g.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2011
The Hat came highly recommended for higher-end pub food.
First impression: beautiful dark, narrow room - long bar, schoolhouse lamps, comfortable chairs, lots of flat-panel TVs to watch the game.
Menu: lots of burgers, chicken sandwiches, etc. - pub food. Burgers all sound good. Server says "we're known for our large portions."
Execution? Meh. Burgers are dry and overdone, a shrunken patty inside an admittedly very nice bun. Fries are generic - clearly frozen, not made fresh in house. Portion sizes - not that we were looking to supersize - are absolutely average.
The Hat showed such promise. But the kitchen needs a makeover. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
11/21/2010
Don't let the narrow front turn you away. In the back there's a few large communal style tables, perfect for rubbing elbows with a new friend or two at this sports bar slash lounge.
But more importantly than the large draft selection and the delectable smells of wings wafting from the recesses of the kitchen, is the panko crusted goat cheese appy (please, heed my warning and share!). And if you're thinking of being "good" and ordering salad along with your cheese, make it a half size - my crispy ceasar was big enough to serve as a meal!Listed in: Where to Eat in Edmonton
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Review from Tammy W.
Edmonton, AB
11/30/2011
Food is fantastic!
-
Review from Tasha A.
6/26/2011
PERFECT gastropub! So let's start off with during the week at lunch time, this place is packed mostly with people who work on or around Jasper Ave. When we first got to The Hat, it looked pretty crowded with no space for two people; however, the waitress took us to the back and there was (thankfully) one open table. The inside of the restaurant is a little dark, very trendy on the inside though & tons of flat screen tvs to watch pretty much whatever sport you want. The menu did have a lot of burgers and sandwiches, but their small plates were also pretty good. I settled on bruschetta and crap cakes (weird combo yes, but I didn't want a huge meal). Coworkers settled on the sliders. Mine was fantastic - the bruschetta was huge, I totally wasn't expecting that. Crab cakes were yummeh! We'll definitely hit up The Hat again, but this time on their half price wine nights!
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Review from Aditya R.
10/1/2010
I'd love to give The Hat a 4* rating, but I was a tad disappointed with the service. I usually don't expect the best of service at a lounge on a Thursday night; however, I still think they're two waiters away from getting things just right. (I ended up asking the waiting lady 4 times for a glass of water .. hmm)
The food menu (check it out online) is quite impressive, containing gourmet burgers (beef, chicken and "alternative"), exciting appies, along with some classic bar finger foods (chicken wings etc.). The sweet-spicy chicken bites were extremely tasty and so was the unusually flavored spinich dip. I had the bleu cheese burger that completely hit the spots. The french fries were thin, long, crispy with what appeared to be, freshly crushed sea salt. I guess, given some of the other reviews, this place would be a great lunchtime stopover.
The Hat boasts a full bar with exciting cocktail & martini drinks. I kinda liked the drinks menu but was disappointed with the glassware they had for serving martinis. I am yet to understand the need for 1 oz. and 2 oz. martinis (just make them all 2 oz.), but given that it's a quirky Canadian (or Edmontonian) thing, they should at least have decent looking martini glasses for the smaller drinks (by the way, I had two 1 oz. martinis, so maybe I'm warming up to the tradition). It seems extremely inadequate when a martini is served quarter filled in this v-shaped stemless glass - makes you think you're having a shot in a regular glass.
They have a DJ set up in place for when the night sets in. The Hat is a long shaped bar with two large window panes beside the entrance. They open up the windows later into the evening and set up the DJ mixing equipment at the front end.
All in all, I'd surely visit this place again. Great place to hang out with friends. The important things: Thursdays "hat's off" $4 martinis/pints of beer. I believe, Saturday evenings is a lady's night out with drinks for $4.50 for the ladies. Check out online for other special occasions! -
Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
10/3/2010
The Hat is ultra urbane - chic and stylish - from sidewalk to swank in an instant. You step off the street, leaving sunlight behind for the dim, deep space of this long, tunnel-like lounge, and it's easy to slip past Happy Hour into the groove of the night.
Hat - previously known as Silk Hat - is the kinda place I've been to in Toronto and Montreal. It's showing off the sleeker side of Edmonton that she didn't even know she had. But who doesn't look good in espresso platinum teardrop textured walls and high, buxom faux-tin tile ceilings?
A group of us were there on a Thursday night at Happy Hour - $4 drinks all night and the Bounce dj-ing. No complaints, almost, whatsoever.
I ordered a Stella in her signature glass, and sampled a spicy spinach dip (flavourful but runny), ginger chicken (I want more!) and crab cakes (liked the sauce, but otherwise bland) from the menu. My second Stella-ola-ola came in a generic beer mug - and my hands pined and grovelled for that smooth stemmed chalice with each sip thereafter. (You can go from polyester to organic bamboo cotton, but you can't go back to polyester without feeling an itch you just can't scratch.)
But the beer was good, which, in the end, is all that really matters. I'm over the glass. I'll be back at Happy Hour. -
Review from Karlie M.
3/20/2011
I feel like I should preface this review by saying that I used to go to The Silk Hat* almost every day for years. I was really upset when they closed down and weary about what would open up in this spot. To be honest, I never really intended on going to The Hat. However, I ended up there tonight for a friends birthday dinner.
The interior is just as trendy as every other trendy place in Edmonton. I can't really even describe it because it didn't stand out to me. It was dark, with booths along one side and a long bar on the other side with stools. We had a reservation for about 10 people, so we were at a big table all the way at the back, right beside the door to the kitchen. The first (inexplicable) thing of the night that I noticed were the 11 TVs lining the walls. The restaurant seems to be trying to come across as pretty upscale, so the TVs showing sports seemed verrry out of place to me.
We got there around 5pm and there were only a few other people, but as the night went on it got busier and busier. By the time we left at 8:30pm it was totally full. Young, trendy, good looking crowd. People definitely dressed up to dine here, see and be seen.
Our waitress was alright at first, but got progressively more bizarre as the night went on - coming at inappropriate times (like too soon after someone got the menu), not really checking on us during our meal, long delays in bringing drinks, talking really loudly. She lost her friendliness pretty quickly. One of our friends was trying to order a drink that the bartender was apparently unfamiliar with, and me and my hubs caught her giving him the dirtiest look - whoa! I don't want to attack the girl, but I just don't think she was doing a very good job.
And now onto the food. We ordered a few appetizers to share at first - the bruschetta, wings and fresh baked brie (order three appetizers as a Hat Trick for $28.75). The bruschetta was great, the wings were pretty tasty, but I didn't like the sauce that came with the brie (strawberry and chocolate). I ordered the blue cheese burger with a house salad as my main meal and I have to say, I was disappointed. First of all, it was huge and I had to squish it between my palms to be able to eat it. Secondly, and worst in my opinion, the beef was way too dry. I would expect that from a bison or elk burger, but for straight up beef, it was just wrong. It was hard to eat and I didn't finish it. I don't think I'll ever be back here, but if I did I think the way to go would be to do the Hat Trick. I was disappointed that the menu consisted of solely burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches, as I wasn't really in the mood for any of that tonight. The apps were much better than the burgers. I had a bite of my husbands Canadian burger and it was also just alright. Not gourmet by any stretch of the imagination.
The second and third inexplicable things I noticed about this place were that
- It was really quite dim in there to begin with, and they dimmed the lights even further at about 6:30pm. It was beyond dim, and just plain dark.
-At pretty much exactly 7pm, the music switched from Franz Ferdinand/The Strokes mellow rock in the background to loud dance music. This place does not have a dance floor and is not a club by any means. I'm not sure why they felt this was necessary. Maybe at 10pm, but 7pm? I don't think so.
Sadly, I file The Hat in the category of restaurants in Edmonton that are trying too hard and won't be back. All style, no substance.
* The Silk Hat was a diner that had been open since 1912 and probably hardly changed in that time. Juke boxes at every red booth, a tea leaf reader in the back, waitresses that looked like they were straight out of the 50s, hamburgers as big as your head, and Elvis and Sinatra look-a-likes at the long bar. Out of every place I have been to in the world, I will always remember it as my favourite place. RIP Silk Hat. -
Review from S B.
Edmonton, AB
5/7/2009
My first impression of The Hat stepping inside it was a sleek, modern, with an interesting lay out with a LONG bar. Most people inside looked like they were having a night cap after work and were mostly dressed in suits and cute party dress'. There were a few 'couples' that appeared like they were on a date.
After reading the menu, it was assumed their specialty was gourmet burgers. I had gone for a few drinks with friends, so really I was just looking at the menu to drool over the wonderful sounding food. I did see at a neighbors table some 'tapas' or appetizers, which looked and smelled wonderfully yummy!
Almost each night of the week they have specials, the night I went it was wine for $6.00. Since I am not much of wine fan, but thought in a place like this they must of good stuff...I gave it try. I asked our server what he would recommend for a sweet light wine, he recommended one of the wines on special (Reminense??) that normally was $13 a glass down to $6.00. He offered a taste before committing to it, which the taste was 5 sips worth and I fell in love with it! I also tried a raspberry beret, which was delicious!! One of my friends had the Pepper Berry Lager, which reportedly you can not get on tap any where else in the city...so he was impressed that it was offered here.
Since I am not from Edmonton, I did not know the rich history that this establishment had before setting foot inside. I soon learned that it has had many names and different focuses. I enjoyed my experience here, and will definitely return to try their gourmet burgers. -
Review from Garnett S.
Edmonton, AB
10/6/2010
The place was trying a bit too hard to be chic, but the appetizers were pretty solid.
You could almost walk by this place on Jasper Ave. and not even see it. -
Review from Alycia H.
Edmonton, AB
9/26/2010
I heard about this place on the radio. It sounded like a great place to hangout so i went with a boyfriend. It turned out to be a complete mistake and I swear I will never return.
The decor was ok but the service was HORRIBLE. We were not taken care of. We waited for 30 mins and still no food. i was starving. The waitress was standing at the counter all the time and did not even check on us once. Oh not to mention that she completely forgot about my beer. When we ask about our orders, she gave us diva attitude. We had to cancel our order and walk over to BP and was greeted with a big smile. -
Review from Yasmin S.
Edmonton, AB
11/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Love this place. A lot of people I know actually haven't heard about it, which is too bad since it has a little bit of everything to offer. I would assume it may be it's location along Jasper ave next to the funky pickle and the healthfare. I could see how people could miss it. The hat has actually been open for years and years and has been formally known as the silk hat. It's open late like a bar, but has a relaxed pub feel. They have different theme nights like 'hats off thursday' which offers cheap drink specials and have given gift certificates to holt renfrew away in the past. There are days where a dj will play as well.
They have a pretty large menu and the food is surprisingly good. A heads up, I do find that almost every time I do stop in, they tend to be out of multiple things on the menu which can be frustrating. Some things I do really enjoy is the prawn appetizer and the chicken California burger. The dry ribs are super tasty as well and are surprisingly meaty and come with a spicy pineapple dip. I have yet to try the tuna tataki when they finally have it in during my next visit.
They have lots of drinks to choose from including draft beer, bottled beer, martinis and tons of cocktails.
The crowd seems to be different everytime we venture in. Some nights it's filled with girls wall to wall and others it's more of a sausage fest, but mainly it's a good balance of the both.
Also a nice touch is in the summer, they open large windows along the street so you can spend your time people watching if you are able to get a spot.
I find this to be a great alternative to the typical overly crowded hudsons pub with a way better menu to choose from. -
Review from Lauren N.
9/7/2009
Modern and trendy are the best words describing The Hat. It's another hot place for the downtown folks to grab a business lunch or dinner, or just enjoy a good dinner in a great atmosphere. The service has always been good when I go, with drinks and meals brought quickly and staff being friendly and mindful of you.
The servings are quite big, bigger than you would expect from a sleek restaurant like this. The fish and chips are great, and the avocado soup sounds weird, but tastes good too if you're into trying something different. As for desserts, the chocolate lava cake is usually a winner. If you love chocolate, this is it.
I don't have too much to complain about with this place, other than that their barstools are awkwardly square and high for a short person like me. Generally though, The Hat is a safe bet in terms of good food, fun atmosphere and friendly service. -
Review from Jack G.
Edmonton, AB
12/16/2009 1 photo
The Hat is a pretty small place and the atmosphere and decor is very nice. It is a long and narrow space with brick walls, something you might see in Europe.
The service is really quick and very friendly. Even when they made a mistake they were very prompt in fixing it. I would suggest the Canadian burger, it is put together really well and tastes great. They will definitely fill you up and cure your burger cravings.
It is in a nice little spot on Jasper Ave and is perfect for your lunch break. -
Review from David C.
Calgary, AB
8/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great place for lunch. Nice mix of casual and upscale. Food is enjoyable, and service is good!
