Went to Tom Wahl's. The woman who took our order was very nice, and helpful. I have only eaten there one other time, and I couldn't remember what the experience was like. I ordered a Cheeseburger with Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and mayo. She said Ketchup was at the table. I also ordered fries, and a drink. My burger looked delicious, but it had way too much mayo on it. I expected it to be out on like a thin layer, like at 5guys. It had like a tablespoon of mayo on it. The fries were perfect. They do not salt them at all, which I love. Being able to control the amount of salt on my fries was refreshing. They were hot and delicious. Their root beer was amazing! I would go there again just for that. Very bubbly, and taste is smooth, and delicious. I'm not a soda person, but this hit the spot. Best soda I have had in Rochester. My BF ordered the Wahlburger, and a hot dog. He couldn't stop raving about how delicious the hot dog was. He said it had the perfect balance of ingredients. He liked the Wahlburger, but said it was off balance, he didn't ask for mayo, but I guess it came with the burger and it was too much for him. He also enjoyed the root beer very much. He is from here, so he gave me the history. Apparently it is their trademarked, and they make it themselves. I thought that was awesome. I left there thinking, I preferred 5 guys. But I would go back again. I think the way to go is to order their specialty burgers off the menu and ask them to hold the mayo, or go light. I would like to find a burger there that I enjoyed, because their prices are more reasonable than the other local places. Definitely, try the root beer! I do like the way they have the restaurant decorated, and their artwork pays homage to the Rochester theater scene, which I found to be a sweet touch. The seats are like those old school A&W restraints back in the day. Oops my age is showing Lol read more

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Tom Wahl's is a taste of Rochester that I tell everyone to try when they visit. The burgers still taste like they did when I would get them at Eastview mall on my break from Eckerds or Fruit and Salad Co. The homemade root beer is still the best I've ever had. The crinkle cut fries are still perfectly salted and hot. A manager put my order together and she was so nice and kind. The restaurant was spotless with plenty of seating. I love you Wahl's. Never change. read more

Went here for a work lunch and we had some tasty signature burgers and fries. I also had the root beer. Their famous burger has ham, mystery sauce, lettuce and cheese. It's all served in a clean, diner style atmosphere reminiscent on the Happy Days of the 1950s Americana. read more

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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. It's nostalgic to think about, but also a reminder of how far we've come and how much the world has changed What's your favorite part of the 1950s? The fashion, the music, the iconic cars, or Food read more

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Great location on the east side of Rochester. There is a private parking lot for walk in customers and you are greeted by the order counter immediately after walking in the restaurant. Everyone was very friendly and helpful with taking my order. The waiting area has comfortable large seats and the restaurant was very clean with moderate noise level. I loved the quintessential Rochester fare with white hots and delicious sandwiches. It's always a stop I look forward to when I am back in town. read more

When I think of a Rochester burger I picture a big hard roll, a thin smashburger, lettuce, and cheese (and mayo, which I had them hold). And this place does it well. We stopped here for lunch on the way out of town and had a great meal. Everything was perfect on my burger, though apparently they forgot the tomato slices on my wife's burger. The fries were good and plentiful. She didn't like her root beer (something Tom Wahl's is known for and makes inhouse) so I expect that is just her non-Rochester roots showing. My only quibble was the price. Two special burger meals cost $36. That seems a bit steep, and even with the rising costs of food these days takes this out of the fast food category. read more

There is something about Rochester hamburgers that make the chains look a lot less attractive. I'm willing to pay a little more to enjoy a lot more. Tom Wahl's is one of those places. And the vintage local photos are fun. read more

My favorite place to go for great food and a nice atmosphere for sitting and chatting with a good friend. I always order a grilled cheese, tomato and bacon sandwich on a gluten free bun - so yummy!! The staff are very friendly and accommodating and the prices are reasonable. read more

You'll enjoy this place if you like unseasoned hamburger meat or lack tastebuds. Service and staff were great. read more

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. read more

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

I waited 30 MINUTES for a grilled cheese. After 25 minutes of staring at a silent buzzer, I went up to the counter to ask about my order. The employees were flippant and didn't even bother to apologize--just shrugged and gave no explanation, (they didn't put the order through) When they pulled my order out it was cold read more

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. read more

Tom Wahl's Brighton - a burger and fries - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

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... read more

Tom Wahl's Brighton - Root beer... - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

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I had never tried this Tom Wahl's until two weeks ago and in one sense I wish I hadn't stopped because it was SO GOOD! Just a simple cheeseburger on a hard roll with a little ketchup and mayo - delicious! Easy access parking all around the building, clean bathrooms, quick service and the staff- Top Notch! Polite, fast, and really friendly. I highly suggest this location for a quick burger with some friends- or on your own! I did try their onion rings as well and they were crispy, fresh, and left you wanting more- which (for me) usually isn't the case. read more

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. read more

Tom Wahl's Brighton - Old fashioned jukebox, love this! - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

Tom Wahls changed my life, from the Bleu Burger to the Root Beer float, everything is amazing. If I was on death row my last meal would be a Bleu Burger (the Ocky Way) with onion rings and a root beer float... Mmm . Let's just say I love this establishment. Everything from the interior design to the staff humor is PERFECT. I love Tom Wahls. LOVE IT! The staff is excellent. The only thing that is bad is the fries are unseasoned. Epic! read more

Tom Wahl's Brighton - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

two stars, I know the locals arent going to lIke what i got to say. so truth, it wasn't the first time I've been to a wahls, I think a few years ago I went to a different location, maybe I yelped it back in the day, doesn't matter, here's the deets from yesterday, it wasn't great. Where to start, oh, I know the draw, the fish! Skin on? Really? Who does this? Do people really want that with their fried fish? Extra chew when there shouldn't be? Pass. Really ruined the main feature. Took forever to get my food, and save it about "fresh from when you order " routine or whatever, I've been to beach shacks (best of) in the summer that could get my exponentially better food to me in half the wait time. Price, 15$ for a 7 inch long filet? Fries were fine and i could sub out the slaw for some o-rings for a nominal charge, they were fine, nothing divine, but that's waaaaayyyy too much in my opinion for total value. Yea, I'm not interested in going back. read more

Tom's blue cheeseburger is the best ever. Chopped steak. WOW. The wall burger is luscious as well. Can't go wrong with these hangover eats. read more

The burgers are always good here. The staff is friendly & helpful as well. I try to go to Tom Wahl's whenever we are in town. I will definitely be back again. read more

This pains me to write this review. I'm in my 50's but I've been coming to this location since the 90's! This was the worst experience I ever had. The burgers were dry! The service was terrible! I passed aFive Guys and spent a cool $50 for probably the worst burger I've had in a long time! I will not return. read more

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

Food was fine employees were very unfriendly and seemed to hate their jobs, muffled answers, no manners, no one cares. Will be going to the basin location from now on read more

First time visit when I was passing through Rochester. What a pleasant surprise. Burgers were outstanding. French fries are a must. And if you're still hungry, go with the Orange Float. read more

Really nice burgers, sides, and frosty drinks. They pride themselves on the burgers being hand formed from fresh beef, cooked on the flat top Grill to a crusty perfection, and dressed with Rochester style hot sauce. Eating here satisfied my guilty pleasure. read more

Tom Wahl's Brighton - Famous ground round with everything on it - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Looking for the world's best crinkle fries? They're here! The fries here might be the reason I come... oh, and that root beer. This burger joint is a Rochester staple, home of the super thin flat top grilled burger on a fresh DiPaola bun. I opt for the cheeseburger with everything on it (ketchup, mustard, relish, lettuce, tomato, mayo) or the Hollywood - cheeseburger with mayo, lettuce and tomato. Of course, snag a side order of fries, which it turns out will feed a family of four. The portion is big! I split mine into two servings. They fill a side dish and let it runneth over. Then, the root beer. It's a must. It's creamy and rich and oh so classic. The space here is spiffy clean, the staff are super friendly, and you can eat in or takeout. You order at the counter then they give you a buzzer. This is a stop for me if I want a classic burger shack burger, but mostly it's for the fries! read more

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The cheeseburgers were large and very tasty. I do wish they would clean the place up because it is an old building. I would like to see the hot sauce have a more spicy flavor. Otherwise, this is a good place to eat at. read more

The food isn't bad. But my god the service has just tanked. Slow, inconsiderate. I remember this being a great, reasonably quick option for better than fast food. Tonight I waited 25 minutes for two burgers and fries. Do better. read more

Visiting New York was great. Tom walls is definitely a place to go when visiting the city. I ordered the grilled cheese with french fries I would read it a 9.5 out of 10. read more

Tom Wahl's Brighton - food - American Near Me - Rochester, New York

I have been here a few times and yesterday basically said I now know why I don't come here. The fried mushrooms are good and the fries too. But the burger with their version of everything is odd.. sorry kids maybe it cause I'm not from here but. I felt that everything tasted the same.. seriously. Don't bother with the grilled chicken sandwich it's also tasteless. Staff is pleasant enough but it is what it is boring fast food. Better places to be had. Yes they have parking that's all I have read more

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

The service at the Brighton location has declined! The young employess (mumble) and appear (bothered) when a customer comes to the counter for service!! Often, I arrive and food crumbs and stains are on the tables and bench seats,,,somewhat dia appointing. read more

$13.85 for a burger, onion rings and small drink?, seems too high for a quick lunch. My main gripe is the onion rings... they used to be , or looked like home made, but yesterday they were perfectly shaped and had the look of "made in a huge factory in China", no flavor in the whole order. I just don't like Tom Wahls' anymore. Cliff Kemp read more

Really disappointing service and quality of the food. Asked for the French fries in my meal to be replaced with cheese curds and the guy taking my order didn't say anything about not being able to, costing a little more, etc. So two cheeseburger meals and a grilled cheese meal cost $50, no cheese curds in sight and the guy almost forgot to give us our drinks. Went back and ordered the cheese curds after getting our food since their French fries are dry and over cooked, and the cheese curds aren't much better. Surprised you can even call them cheese curds. They're cubes (if you've ever seen a cheese curd, they aren't cubed shaped) and I pulled so much gross batter off of them, there was barely any cheese. Super disappointed with our trip here and won't be coming back. The drive to Avon is worth it. read more

Tom Wahl's is a local burger chain featuring fresh pressed burgers and homemade root beer. The exterior of this Brighton location was recently renovated. It's a great spot for a quick bit of comfort food when I am in the area. Check their website for coupons. read more

When in Rochester, Tom Whal's is a must-have. Typically I hit one of the mall food court locations because they are closer to where I stay, but thanks a lot, COVID. So, I decided to hit up one of their free standing locations across town. Placed my to-go order, a cheeseburger with hot sauce only and fries. Grabbed the bag, hit the road and headed for the house. Took the first bite, and it was all onions. Apparently "only" was misinterpreted to "onions" - the one thing I can't do on a burger. So, it soured this experience for me, but usually they get it right. read more

Wahl's like so many of our other local hamburger chains has great cheesburgers with their own particular version of hot sauce. A good go to staple that will completely fill you up. And I do agree with Erin R., the onion rings are excellent. But avoid the fish frys at all costs. The cornmeal breading is uninteresting. There's so much better, fresher, and lighter fish frys to be had. Boccacini's in nearby Perinton Hills Mall has a much better fry for a Friday evening. read more

Came in for a fish sandwich and had an amazing experience. The staff is polite and my food was ready in 5 minutes. The fish was so big i had to eat half of it before eating it like a sandwich. The batter tasted really good and the fish was cooked well. Recommend if your looking for somewhere to eat on a time crunch with great tasting food. read more

This particular location of Tom Wahls is rather disappointing. The burgers are fine, and the fries are OK, but the Onion rings were mostly breading and were rather flavorless. I guess I miss Don's Original's onion rings. Still better than a fast food chain burger. read more

This is the ideal place to eat Wahlburgers, Hollywood burgers, red & white Zweigles hot dogs, awesome garbage plates, fabulous fish fry, French fries, crispy onion rings, highest quality tunafish sandwiches, homemade soup, root beer, loganberry, pink lemonade and all soft drinks! The staff is excellent and the food always satisfies your cravings. The prices are reasonable and the hot dogs & burgers will make you salivate from the aromas and taste!! Save room for the famous Abbott's chocolate almond frozen custard cones or dishes, plus milkshakes, and a variety of Perry's hard ice cream flavors! read more