May and I met up for a pre-Christmas dinner at The Hat (10251 Jasper Avenue NW), the newest incarnation of Edmonton’s beloved diner. As I never set foot in any of its predecessors, I can’t comment on how the interior has changed, but I will say that the décor floored me.
Bar
Ceiling
Pictures really don’t do The Hat justice, particularly because my camera is weak in dim settings. But between the dark wood bar that takes advantage of the long and narrow space (lined with a colorful liquor display and LCD television screens displaying the night’s sports offerings) and the absolutely gorgeous pressed-tin ceiling, the interior wowed me. The rear of the restaurant had a different feel than the front – better lit, with large tables to accommodate groups, those looking for a more restaurant setting could happily settle down there. All in all, the space was dressed for the after-work crowd, enticing for those looking for a stylish but comfortable spot for a drink.
The menu also reflected this, with a crowd-pleasing overtone, featuring share plates common for casual upscale eateries and updated pub favourites. Diner standbys have been eliminated, giving way to a multitude of burgers, including a $20 surf and turf version, coupling a beef patty with a lobster tail.
It turned out that May and I picked a great day of the week to visit, as all burgers were priced at $3 off on Tuesdays. I immediately went for the Canadian ($13.25), an 8oz. patty topped with cheddar, white cheddar, maple bacon, and “all the groceries”. May opted for something lighter that day, and ordered the Portobello Mushroom Burger ($12.25), served with red pepper cream cheese, fresh red peppers and spinach. I was glad that one side was included with the burger; it just feels wrong when fries are priced separately.
Service, particularly because it seemed a single waitress was serving the entire restaurant, was good. And though I’m not sure why we both expected the kitchen to be slow, before we knew it, our dishes appeared in front of us. The generous serving of crispy shoestring fries could barely stay atop the plate, while my burger waited patiently to be dressed with the provided condiments. The menu also didn’t lie about the fixings, as it was absolutely stacked. Though in my opinion, the groceries attacked my burger to the point where I could no longer taste the cheese and bacon, and the patty was a little too charred for my liking. May rated her burger average, but she did enjoy the dressing drizzled on her side salad – a nice roasted red pepper vinaigrette.
Canadian Burger
Portobello Mushroom Burger
Based on our inaugural visit, I’d return not to The Hat for the food, but to drink in the lovely atmosphere and its stunning interior.
The Hat
10251 Jasper Avenue NW
(780) 429-4471
Appetizers $4-15, Entrees $12.25-20, Desserts $4.25
Only Here for the Food 
The tapas at The Hat are decent, but not worth the price, in my opinion. It’s a nice place, and good for a few drinks, but not really a good stop for food.
I wish they didn’t have the TVs, though. It’s not the right atmosphere, and the TVs really just detract from the overall experience.
At least they’re mounted high enough on the wall that you don’t notice them much if you don’t intentionally look for them. I find that TVs are often mounted in places that are highly visible, which makes them distracting when you’re trying to have a conversation.
Personally, I’d prefer if restaurants and bars would get rid of their TVs. Unless the place is a sports bar, there is not need for a TV. Bringing one in for special events like the World Cup or the Olympics is one thing, but beyond that, I don’t understand why so many places feel the need to have TVs going.
Interesting idea Adam, and I think it part I have to agree with you. I do find when I’m out and about in “people watching” mode, the TV’s can definitely detract from person to person interaction. Hmmmm.
Hm, interesting point, Adam, particularly with the televisions being a distraction.
I guess for The Hat, they have that back area which is television free; it’s probably more of a way for them to tap into that “game night crowd”, and offer something to help pack in patrons on potentially slow weeknights.