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    Tom Wahl's Brighton

    3.6 (59 reviews)
    InexpensiveAmerican, Burgers, Hot Dogs
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Tom Wahl's Brighton Takeout or Delivery

    Tom Wahl's Brighton Photos

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    TOM WAHL'S BRIGHTON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    2545 Monroe Ave, Across the Street from Char Broil Family Restaurant (Don's Original Closed December 2013 )
    Stan F.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]If only we could enjoy those simpler times! Imagine a world without smartphones, where people communicated through handwritten letters and rotary phones. Jukeboxes played rock 'n' roll, and families gathered around black-and-white TVs to watch shows together.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's nostalgic to think about, but also a reminder of how far we've come and how much the world has changed[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] What's your favorite part of the 1950s? The fashion, the music, the iconic cars, or Food

    the front of the restaurant
    Hersh A.

    Tom Wahl's specializes in ground steak burgers and fresh, homemade root beer. In my recent visit to the Rochester, NY, area, I checked out Tom Wahl's for the first time. At this location, I had their 'Wahlburger' burger. Upon entering the restaurant, I was greeted and asked if I was ready to order. I informed their staff member that I needed a few minutes to decide, and I had to check out their menu first since it was my first visit to Tom Wahl's. After thoroughly going through their menu, I decided to order their, 'Wahlburger,' Wahlburger has ground steak covered by a slice of grilled ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and Wahl's own special sauce in a 5" sesame seeded roll (burger bun). The burger was huge, cooked well, and delicious. Its flavor was on point and to my liking. I enjoyed every bite of it. Tom Wahl's has other varieties on their menu as well that include sandwiches, fried fish, other types of burgers, house made root beer which they are known for, etc. This location also serves local Perry's ice cream. The restaurant was clean and properly lit with plenty of seating and some outdoor dining area as well. I received good service. I liked this location, and I hope to revisit it in the future on my next visit to Rochester. Check them out.

    a burger and fries
    Thomas C.

    Tom Wahl's in Avon has been a family tradition for upstate New Yorkers since 1955. The restaurant was started by Tom Wahl and his brother Bill, and touted their "ground steak sandwiches" and homemade root beer. The restaurant chain was sold in 1986 to Bill Grays Inc. As a Syracuse native, I didn't really know much about Tom Wahls but it had been recommended to me by a friend, and I now make trips out to Rochester every couple months, so I figured I'd give it a try sometime. Got there today just a little after opening. Large 50s style restaurant with plenty of seating. Ordered a cheddar jalapeno burger meal, $16. Food was made very quickly. It's probably one if the best tasting burgers I've had. It had steak sauce and fresh jalapenos on it, but honestly, the meat was so flavorful itself, it didn't need any toppings to be a good burger. Fries were fine, though they serve crinkle fries and I HATE crinkle fries, but they actually weren't bad. Employees were fine enough, no one enthused to be there, but weren't rude or anything. I'd definitely come back for another burger. Price was a little higher, but the meat quality and flavor were worth it.

    Root beer...
    Stanley M.

    This is one of the better Tom Wahl's locations. Friendly service, orders done right. It's hard to do better than Tom Wahl's these days. Only sad point is they took fried mushrooms off the menu! If you haven't had the OG Wahlburger, then you've really missed out. Donnie and Mark Wahlberg may have bought the name but they didn't get the Koala Tee of a real Rochester (and Avon) tradition...

    Old fashioned jukebox, love this!
    Jon B.

    Stopped in the other day as I it was too hot to cook at home, what a neat place! You order and receive a pager for when your food is ready, which is nice as you know it's hot & fresh! I had a special of some sort which was 2 burgers with fries, which I swapped out for onion rings. The menu is extensive. Received my order in about 10 minutes, and was still hot when I got home. Burgers and onion rings were delicious, no complaints on quality, or quantity, price was right too as I it was a special. Anyway, will definitely be back when in the area, for the service, price, and quality you can't go wrong. Oh it's also kind of fun to look around, has a 60's diner vibe to it :) Jukebox and all.

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    3 months ago

    Love it everytime ... perfect delicious .. staff is friendly and whenever I order a pick up order it is always ready on time

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    6 months ago

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    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Bill G.

    Bill G.

    Thanks Heather! We look forward to your next visit!

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    3 years ago

    Wonderful great food,quickly done clhrteous,love the fries,fish sandwich is delicious ! Burgers are great also ! Love the pickles!!!

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    6 years ago

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    Tom W.

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    9 years ago

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    Tom W.

    Thanks, Breanna! We're looking forward to seeing you again soon!

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    5 years ago

    This is THE only place to go for burgers. Fish is pretty great too. Don't hesitate

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    5 years ago

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    Tom W.

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    7 years ago

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    Tom W.

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    5 years ago

    Food good but they did away with the buy one get one free coupon has disappeared after having them for years

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    12 years ago

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    Grass Fed Rochester

    Grass Fed Rochester

    4.9
    (34 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    What's goodie Society TheMadScientist on the check in wit ANOTHER SLAM'N VEGAN SPOT. Was on an…read moreadventure to delivery some solar material to UPSTATE NY and was in CRAVE MODE for some FOOD. Especially for the journey TMS took to get to this area (FYI a nice 5hrs trip to get there). SO YOU KNOW THE STOMACH WAS ON EMPTY when up there. The place is TRENDY yet HUMBLE VEGAN restaurant. The staff is SUPER FRIENDLY and KNOWLEDGEABLE of the menu and just random things about veganism as a whole. MEAN'N they will not steer you wrong when it comes to your order. So...as YOU can see Society TheMadScientist TREAT'D himself to SOME TOP TIER EATS, now the PASTRAMI, MYSELF and I with the Mac Salad was the meal that was consumed before head'n back to BIG JERSEY and I would give the sandwich a 3.5/5. It was a bit better than good IMO (a suggestion to make it a BANGer melt the cheese a bit, especially of it is supposed to be a hot sandwich) their take on PASTRAMI isn't bad it's flavourful and a delight. It's just miss'n that certain JE NE SAIS QUOI yet Grass Fed is on the right track to have'n the BEST VEGAN PASTRAMI on the east coast (just a few tinkers and it will be there). NOW THAT Mac Salad that is an INSTANT COP IF you like MACARONI SALAD not bland very fill'n and GOOD FROM BEGIN'N to END. Okay so the BACK to the USS REUBEN was DEMOLISH'D the next day (as you can see it had curly fries wit it and YEAH TMS threw it in the oven for about 7+ mins on 350) and Don't Know if that made it different yet THAT REUBEN was ONE of the BEST REUBEN TheMadScientist has had since HE WENT VEGAN (2017). Like instant replay good if Reubens are your book Grass Fed has that sandwich on LOCK (GET YOU ONE). When TheMadScientist is ever in the Rochester area, HE WILL ALWAYS pull up on GRASS FED. They are great people with great eats and YEAH HE STILL WANTS THAT PIZZA too. Try'n to see the Science. You know the Science Stay LYT Society Bah BAH BIG L.Y.T

    This place was so delicious. We could have easily had this been the only place we ate at for every…read moremeal the entire trip and been thrilled and tried new things. Reasonably priced combos. They even took a shirt off a mannequin so my husband could try it on. It didnt fit but it was cute. Great food. Great people. Great vibe.

    Photos
    Sunny Days Soda
    Sunny Days Soda
    Thanksgiving Roast - Stuffed (half size)
    Thanksgiving Roast - Stuffed (half size)
    We Don't Talk About Pesto sandwich (without red peppers)

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    Nick Tahou Hots

    Nick Tahou Hots

    3.9
    (275 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $

    This place is a total dive, and I say that with nothing but love. This is the only place in…read moreRochester that you can get a "garbage plate." other places in town, sell them, but Nick's has the name trademarked, so they can't call it a "garbage plate." It's a big plate of food. You get your two proteins, macaroni salad, Home fries their chili sauce, diced onions, and if you want it, mustard. As weird as it sounds, it's amazing. My two proteins., I chose two "white hots." it is an unsmoked, uncured sausage, made with pork, beef, and veal. The three combination of the meats, give it a rich creamy, meaty texture. It also comes with French bread on the side. And of course, I had a diet Pepsi. Lol I was First here some 10 years ago. , This visit was just as good as the first. The chili sauce definitely has a kick to it, but it was well within what I like for spicy. The macaroni salad was a good quality, and it was not overdressed, the Home fries were tender, I normally don't care for yellow mustard, but it was perfect in this plate, and as I mentioned, I liked the white hots, , and the onions gave it a nice little "pop" as well. (I can't believe I'm describing the garbage plate like it's a gourmet dish or something... :). They say it's the perfect hangover cure, because the grease sops up the alcohol. Hey, it's not diet food, but as they say, "fat is flavor!" I had enough to take with me for a second meal. I also got one of their T-shirts for a souvenir. This was just a great plate of food, and I will be back the next time. I'm in town. Thanks

    This was the first time visiting this place. Not being from Rochester we don't have garbage plates…read morein Syracuse. We were told to try out this place. The building itself is so cool it's like entering a step back in time. It isn't fancy. There's an immediate friendliness about it. I ordered a cheeseburger garbage plate with everything on it. It was so good! Yes, the name might not be appealing, but the food definitely was. I'm sure there's people out there would nitpick everything, but I enjoyed the whole experience. The gentleman taking my order was so kind and friendly. Sodas are free refills. Food came out quite quick. The tables were clean. I will be back when in town again!

    Photos
    Nick Tahou Hots
    Cheeseburger Garbage Plate  Chicken Tenders (2) French Fries
    Cheeseburger Garbage Plate Chicken Tenders (2) French Fries
    Nick Tahou Hots

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    Tryon City Tavern

    Tryon City Tavern

    4.1
    (55 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    We stopped in on Friday night on our way to the Jazz Festival. We haven't been here in a while and…read moreBen remembered us (our faces at least). We found a table as the bar was crowded as people watched the World Cup games. Ben took great care of us - drinks, water, food - all while managing the bar area too. No steps to get in, the 2 bathrooms are unisex, and there is a pool table! Lots of seating too - great for groups. My burger and sweet potato fries were perfect. Hubby enjoyed his chicken sandwich and regular fries. No time for dessert this visit. We'll be back soon.

    We didn't end up looking for somewhere to have dinner on Easter Sunday until almost 8 PM (yeah, I…read moreknow, poor planning on our part), so a lot of places were closed both as it was late on Sunday and late on a holiday.... After a couple of false starts, we ended up at the Tryon Tavern, and the kitchen was still open as well. The bartender was friendly, and we had drinks right away, a cider for me and a Genessee for the guy. Drinks were cold and I liked the cider I was served, so everyone was happy. They have a moderate sized food menu. The guy ordered wings with a spicy Korean barbeque. He didn't say much, but he was busy eating, so I assume they were good! We shared some mozzarella sticks, which were also solid - not home made, I don't think, but hot and melty, so, again, everybody was happy. I saw that you could get any burger made with either chicken or a veggie patty for no extra charge (yay!), so had the Late Riser with a veggie patty. Again, I'm pretty sure it was a Morning Star spicy black bean patty, but I like those, and it tasted great with eggs, guacamole, cheese, and chipotle mayo. There was a little spice from the mayo and the bean burger. I really liked it. The "side" of garlic parm fries was huge! They had a good ratio of topping to fries. Getting our food took a bit longer than expected, but we assumed that since it was late on a holiday, there were probably not many people working that night. All in all, a pretty good experience.

    Photos
    Tryon City Tavern
    More amazing wings well done Thai Sweet Chili,
    More amazing wings well done Thai Sweet Chili,
    Tryon City Tavern

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    Moo'd Burger Bar

    Moo'd Burger Bar

    3.7
    (62 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    My daughter has a sweet tooth and when I found out that we had a place in Rochester that makes…read morecrazy big milkshakes, I figured she would love to come get one for her birthday. Things started off great. The servers are very welcoming! We got some water run over, I don't love that they don't have menus and that you have to use your phone. I understand the "convenience" but it's much more convenient to just have a menu. So, we ordered and the pretzel came pretty quick which we got as an appetizer. Four stars it was very yummy, honey mustard was good, queso was good, too much salt on the pretzel though, way too much salt lol, but it was good. Then there was a bit of a wait for our burgers, not forever but a little bit of a wait. The portions are interesting. The fries are shoe string which I personally think is the crappiest form of fry in existence so that's one strike. One of our fries was normal and one of them was bacon and cheese. It was okay but it's a fairly small portion of fries for a $20 dish. As for the burgers we got a plain burger with mozzarella cheese and we got a double burger with onion rings bacon and barbecue sauce on it. They were both good, buns were good, burgers were good, No real complaints but also not like wow I want this again. A bit pricey for what you're getting especially with the slow service.I would say the burgers are similar if a little smaller than Bill Gray's. Then we had a bit of a stumbling block. At this point it was about 5:40\ 5:30 and they were in full swing for dinner Rush on a Wednesday and very understaffed. After half an hour of waiting for our server to come back, I had to get up and go to the bar to order the milkshake. At one point someone came and cleared our dishes and asked us if we wanted more water to which we said yes and they never showed back up. That's definitely a very strong second strike. Bill came to $72 which seems utterly ridiculous for a couple of burgers and fries, a pretzel and a milkshake even if it's a very impressive milkshake. I don't think it was a $20 milkshake. It had an ice cream sandwich on it, two brownie bites and a cosmic brownie. Frosting along the rim with some little candies kind of pressed into the frosting. It looked great and it was good, I just don't think it was $20 good. $15 probably would have been fair. Even though it took them a while to get our order and to get us our milkshake and I had to go track someone down in order to order it they were pretty quick to take our money when it was time to pay the check. They also do one of those awkward things where they have a handheld credit card machine that they pop your card into and set it down while they stand there and watch you put in the tip which I never love. All in all was it interesting? Sure and she really enjoyed it and that's what it was about. I don't see us going back frequently. Small side note for the colder months it's a relatively small restaurant and the front door opens to the street so every time someone either comes in or goes out a freezing gust of air blows through the whole restaurant so come dressed for cold weather.

    A friend and I decided to check this spot out on a Saturday afternoon. It's a cute place, but it…read morecould use a bit of improvement. The cocktails are inventive, and the food is pretty good. That said, if I'm getting fries with a burger, the fries should be hot. AGAIN HOT FRIES!!! Our food took a long time to come out, and we only found out by asking before we left. We were told they were backed up for a few minutes. Honestly, it would have helped if staff had let customers know they were more backed up than usual we waited quite a while. But the company was stellar! I also can't imagine how they manage in the winter. Every time the door opens, it gets really cold. Even though our table wasn't near the door, we still felt the extreme cold, which wasn't very enjoyable. Our table was also a bit wobbly. The burgers are good, and the fact that they offer specials is a plus. For me, though, this is more of a "maybe I'll come back" kind of place. I understand that people call out and that there may be new staff, but when the wait gets too long, it affects the overall experience we even saw someone walk out. No joke Parking is either street parking or in the shared lot on the side of the building. 3.5 outta 5

    Photos
    Moo'd Burger Bar
    Brownie sundae
    Brownie sundae
    Cherry Basil Cocktail

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    Cherry Basil Cocktail

    Tom Wahl's Brighton - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

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