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    Tom Wahl's Brighton

    3.6 (60 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?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Christine S.

    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

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

    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

    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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    26 days 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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    10 months ago

    Prices have gone way up but the burgers are still fire. Free peanuts help, but you'd need like 5lbs of em to break even.

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    4 years ago

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    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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    Tom W.

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    Tom W.

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

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    4 years ago

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

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    3 years ago

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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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    Ask the Community - Tom Wahl's Brighton

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    Tom Wahl's Brighton - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

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