I went to Tom Wahl's in Bushnell's Basin with coworkers for lunch, and it turned out to be a really enjoyable visit. I hadn't been in many years -- the location near me closed, and with so many other options around Rochester, it's not a place I often think of. This visit reminded me why the brand has stuck around for decades. Inside, the restaurant has a fun retro feel, and despite a busy lunch rush, service was prompt and friendly. I ordered the Wahlburger, which I'd oddly never tried before. It's their classic cheeseburger built on a soft, fresh bun with a seasoned beef patty, melted American cheese, shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, a slice of ham, and their signature tangy Wahl sauce. It arrived looking pretty plain and unassuming, but that first impression didn't tell the whole story. The patty was nicely cooked, the bun was great, and the combination of ham with that killer sauce made the whole thing surprisingly delicious. I'd absolutely order it again. The fried cheese curds were the star of the meal. They looked like they might be heavy, but they were light, crisp, and delicious. The cheese inside was mild and unexpectedly perfect. I could have eaten a whole second order. The mac salad, usually my favorite side, was just okay -- good but not great. It needed a bit more salt, though I still finished it. All in all, while I wouldn't necessarily drive across town just for it, this was a solid lunch spot and a fun throwback. I'm sure I'll return with coworkers, and I'm already planning a visit with my son -- he'll absolutely go nuts for those cheese curds. read more

Tom Wahl's Bushnell's Basin - Wahlburger® with Cheese Curds and Mac Salad - Burgers Near Me - Pittsford, New York

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Debating between a three and a four. My hamburger with jalapeños was excellent, and I enjoyed the fries. My wife's vegetarian option was miserable, and I would definitely not recommend. My daughter had chicken and that was decent. Overall, the service was good and efficient, but the meal overall was way too expensive for the kind of food and what you got. We would probably not go again. read more

I always think Tom Wahl's burgers taste better than Bill Grays! Today was no exception. And the grilled chicken sandwich was huge and juicy. That's why we make this a lunch stop on the way to Eastview. Service is fast and friendly and the restaurant is spotlessly clean. read more

Tom Wahl's Bushnell's Basin - Bright and clean interior - Burgers Near Me - Pittsford, New York

2 in the group, both got burgers. It is pricey for fast food (~$37). You get a burger, fries, and a small soda in the "value meal" for about $17. The food was pretty good but the soda (self serve) was watered down. This place usually has a great root beer, I was looking forward to it actually, but it was disappointing on this visit. Service here is not super fast (wasn't busy at all) but no fast food place is fast these days. This place is like an old time burger joint and we always like visiting here. read more

Reliable burger joint at Bushnell's basin... Clean bright and friendly service. Delicious thin Smashburger type burgers with perfectly cooked crinkle fries. Side of dill or a side of sweet pickles available on request... Don't miss their homemade root beer! A little tip sometimes there are coupons available on their website. read more

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Came on a Friday night expecting it to be a nightmare, but they were doing a great job handling the crowd, getting food out quickly, bussing tables, etc. The burgers are a little dry/bland, but for some reason, they hit the spot. I was pleasantly surprised by their plate. It's not a dish I normally get (heavy, not a mac salad fan), but the proportions of everything Tom Wahl's adds balances each flavor and texture out perfectly. read more

Tom Wahl's Bushnell's Basin - Cheeseburger Junker Plate - Burgers Near Me - Pittsford, New York

Ambiance: great. Service: great. Food: no redeeming qualities. Fries are terrible. You can just imagine the giant frozen bag they come in. Think school fries. We both ordered burgers. 'Wet' was the term he used to describe them. Just slathered with goop. Yes, they did come with a nice roll. But that did not make up for the rest of the burger. read more

Classic 1950s decor with this burger joint. Grab a burger, fries, shake. Listen to the jukebox while indulging the delicious food. Order and pick up food from the front cashiers. read more

I used to like Tom Wahls, but lately I've noticed they are slipping on customer service. I.E. usually I get do want anything on your veggie burger . I didn't get asked that this time and forgot to ask for Tomatoes, lettuce and mushrooms. Plus the Wi-Fi wouldn't let me load anything not even music on my phone. PLUs tomS should consider non dairy desserts. Looks like I'll just find a new quick lunch place. read more

I got a vanilla shake and some chili fries. I wasn't blown away by it, but it was good. Service was friendly and fast. The interior had a throwback diner feel. I'll be back to try their burgers. It's nice that you can order ahead online and can also find some coupons pretty easily. read more

Tom Wahl's Bushnell's Basin - the dining area - Burgers Near Me - Pittsford, New York

Tom Wahls never fails! First time at this location , as we were visiting our College daughter @Naz. Food was great, service very friendly , and it was clean and inviting! Can't go wrong with Tim Wahls! read more

One of the best foods I ever ate. so good I very recommend them coming here for a long time always always always gonna come forever.

Make sure you post the correct hours of operation, your staff is incredibly nasty and rude.

If you're going to indulge in a finger-licking, good to the last bite, juicy/greasy burger in the Pittsford/Rochester, NY area, this is your place to go! Not an every day option if you want to still squeeze into those borderline fitting jeans, but nothing wrong with a well-earned (?!?) treat every once in a while, right??!? ;-) While maybe not my first choice for a late lunch upon arriving for a weekend visit to the area, this was a friend's nostalgic hometown favorite, and I was happy to oblige. This place certainly has 10x more personality than your average fast food joint, and I enjoyed the diner-like vibe and 50's nostalgic decor. Take your time checking out the menu on the wall above the register (don't miss the combos...) semi-sloppy, stick to your ribs meal. My mushroom swiss burger combo w/onion rings and a drink (gotta go for their home-made root beer!!) was GOOD, and the only SAD part was that I had absolutely no room for their VERY tempting ice cream and/or shakes. Quick service, reasonably priced for what you get, and definitely worth a visit if you're in the area, even if those jeans are a BIT tighter next time you wear them!!! read more

I've been there recently on two different occasions. The staff is very unprofessional. There is a guy with a pony tail dropping F bombs to the other employees and is very loud. The staff seems untrained. Doesn't appear that they can find good employees. Why is there not a manager working there to make it a decent restaurant? read more

Nothing to write home about, but it's a decent place for sightly better than fast food burgers - very greasy. The sauce is good. The fries were the biggest disappointment since they lacked salt. Order came out quick, but then again we were there at 2pm, so there weren't many other people eating read more

I've been coming here for years. I've be had a problem until today. I ordered a root beer float. They were very kind and served me quickly. I was drinking the float and took a big gulp. I felt something in my mouth, assuming it was ice or ice cream I bit down. It made a crunch. I spit it out. IT WAS A WHOLE FLY. Bro literally what. How does that even happen. Safe to say I will never be returning to this location. read more

The bigger Tom Wahl's has gotten over the years, the more they have dipped, in my estimation. First off... they completely eliminated the Caesar Burger. Yes, it was gloppy. But it was GOOD. But the main reason I'm dinging them is for the decline in the quality and presentation of their food in general. French fries not cooked long enough or in old frying oil or both. The last time I ordered a burger there it tasted re-heated. Sure, it is a fast food restaurant. But when I get a burger that is cooked thoroughly and it it's semi-warm, it makes me wonder. Sigh... I long for the good old days. read more

More miss than hit, unfortunately. Have gotten orders back that were entirely wrong, but not always. Staff is typically very nice. The most recent visit, the kitchen looked incredibly messy and chaotic, not in the typical lunch rush in a restaurant way, but like staff throwing bottles of condiments around, nothing in its place, whole kitchen covered in lettuce. The vegetarian burger is just a pre-packaged circular round patty, as opposed to the Bill Gray's more smashed burger, in case that's what you're looking for. Tasted good though. They don't have the white top knot buns, or I assume they do not bc I asked for it and was given a small flat seedless hamburger bun. read more

Visiting a customer in the area and figured try a local chain place. Ordered the Wahl burger, fries, and frosted mug of root beer. The burger was just ok, a bit unique with the ham and swiss on top of the patty but the patty and bun are a bit thin. The fries were ok, appear to be standard crinkle cut but no seasoning on them so had to add salt which is rare for me. The root beer is probably the highlight since made by them. Overall I think I prefer a Culvers meal over this but don't know if you don't try new places. Thus on to the next. read more

Tom Wahl's Bushnell's Basin - Wahl burger, fries, and a root beer. - Burgers Near Me - Pittsford, New York

It's not a trip home without a Junker Plate from Tom Wahl's. Food came out fast and fresh. Be sure to try the homemade root beer. read more

Tom Wahl's Bushnell's Basin - 55 Junker Plate - Burgers Near Me - Pittsford, New York

This used to be a favorite place for burgers because they were lean and freshly ground. However in my last few visits the burgers are really overcooked and very dry. read more

Fantastic burgers, fries, shakes, etc. You can't go wrong and it's a place where people frequently go to enjoy a meal with that old fashioned feel. Try their secret recipe root beer and get a cheeseburger all the way, if you don't mind a little spice. Steak fries as well. read more

Junker plate is wonderful! Great taste and plenty of food. Delivery was fast and on time. Every time I visit Rochester I eat here. A place you gotta try! read more

I didn't know that they were owned by Bill Gray's I would have lowered my expectations. General burger joint options, it's fast and better than drive thru fast food. I think that for the menu options I would pick Bill Gray's. It is nice that you can use coupons at all their co-restaurants. read more

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Such a Rochester staple if you are in the mood for a greasy delicious burger. My boyfriend and I love the wahl burger and the blue cheese burger. Surprisingly a pretty good fish fry also. Its massive! All in all great fast food! read more

Popped in here yesterday for a couple of burgers. The young staff took my order and I waited with a buzzer-gadget for about 10 minutes. They put the hot sauce and relish on the side for me. I like how they wrap my to-go burger on a small plate with foil--a nice touch! The burger was really good with tons of beef on it, the LTO was super fresh. I didn't eat inside but as you can see from a few of my pictures, the place is huge with lots of seating. read more

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Disgusting fish fry had heavy fish smell, my wife said it smelled like dirty feet, tasted metallic, Italian sausage was so over cooked it was like shoe leather, all for $30.00, we were refunded the fish fry, threw most of the rest in garbage where it belonged. Live close, won't be back. read more

calvin and David where both very rude and Made sexual remarks to me and my friends the food was fine but I hated the service

I was visiting upper new york and always try to avoid the normal chains when I can avoid them. So even though Tom Wahl's was a local chain, I thought I would give it try. Well... I was sold to get some special with burgers, fries, mac and cheese, chilis. It sounded interesting, until it was delivered, then I was looking at big pile of bad. Turns out the entire group of food was all in a single dish, combined into one big nasty pile. I suppose I could blame myself for not asking like, hey is this separated or all put together? Common sense said it should have been separated. Common sense did not apply. So bad. So bad. I tried to eat it, since it cost $11, but when I at the cold mac salad with the hot chili and cheese, I couldn't take it any more. I gave it 2 stars due to the service, which was super friendly. read more

Normal Tom Wahls experience. Old style seating and decor, typically clean with friendly staff. Food is good, coupons always useful.

The biggest complaint I hear from people regarding burger joints is "the meat isn't seasoned" or the "fries don't have enough salt". After working at Five Guys Burgers & Fries for 4 years I've become a seasoned pro when it comes to preparing, cooking, and analyzing the wonderful combination of an American burger with a side of fries. If you're the type of person who whines about the burger not being seasoned enough or the fries don't have enough salt than your palate is as bland as Eeyore's attitude. The whole point of a quality burger and fries is for the taste of the meat and potato to come through, not the salt or "seasonings". Tom Wahl's is a local Rochester "no-frills" type of joint. If you're not from Western NY, the different style of burger bun may come as a surprise. Unlike other fast food burger joints, Tom Wahl's and Bill Gray's buns tend to have more pull and have a slight chewy complexity. I've personally been to both establishments quite often and I find that the Tom Wahl's bun to be of better quality and durability. I always tend to order the same thing, cheeseburger with a side of fries. They do have salt and pepper shakers available on every table. The reasoning behind the no salt on fries is to let the customer decide how much they want on their own meal. I've never been disappointed when I eat at Tom's. However the best secret about Tom Wahl's is their claim to fame root beer. I've tried many classic root beer drinks (alcoholic&non) but I'm always the most impressed by Tom Wahl's. It has a slight syrupy-candy flavor that brings back memories of being a sugar crazed kid. Overall, if you enjoy eating a classic American staple in a building with diner style floor tiles, 40-50's era photos, and soft-serve ice cream than you can't go wrong at Tom Wahl's. P.S. The T.V. show Wahlburgers bought the name from Tom Wahl's for over $1 million. So now you know how unoriginal Mark Wahlberg is. read more

Wow, such great burgers, yummy hot dogs, awesome chicken fingers and a delicious whole huge piece of fish on the fish sandwich. French fries were hot and crispy and the root beer was ice cold and tasty. I was in Rochester for a family function. I'm so glad we drove by this place and decided to stop and grab a bite to eat on our way back home to the Buffalo/Niagara area. Best fast food ever, super friendly staff, I was asked 3 times by 3 different staff if I was all set while I waited for my to go order. They really take care of their customers. I sure wish you would open a few of these Restaurants in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area. We need better options than Mcdonalds, Burger King or Wendy's!! read more

The food here is good, but when compared to Bill Gray's I'd go for their competitor every time. However, if you happen to be in the area this is a close alternative. You'll find typical burger fare here which includes fried sides, soft drinks and a few different types of burgers. Service is friendly and pretty fast. There is no drive-thru available at this location, so you'll have to park and order-in. Alright choice if nearby. read more

After driving past for many years we finally stopped yesterday and I am happy we did. I know this burger restaurant is somewhat of an institution in Rochester. The ground chuck pressed Hollywood burger, $4.49 was perfect. Old school bun, tons of shredded lettuce, thick sliced tomato, yum! My only complaint, too much mayo. The crispy fries were BOMB delicious too. I OD'd on the root beer too. So tasty, so sweet. For less than $18 we had an early dinner and I did not have to cook. read more

Hollywood burger is always, always great. Love the family values vibe this place has always had. Thumbs up.

Burgers are good, though I prefer Charlie Burgers better. They skimp a bit on the hot sauce. Was most disappointed at this location for how they were closing down on Friday evening (last night when we ate). There were trays of bread/rolls in public spaces along with brooms, etc. There clearly was no management supervision of the young staff or one who didn't care. That's not acceptable. The decor of the restaurant is nice. They can do better than this. read more

This is the second time I've ordered delivery and it's the second time I didn't get any pickles. Sounds like a little thing but it's not. When I called to find out if they no longer give pickles, I was transferred to someone who answered the phone, put it down, and never came back. How hard is it to say yes or no? Time to find a new burger place. read more

Always a friendly place to go! The staff are almost always happy and the food is always good. It's a little more expensive for a burger place but the garbage plates are very well done. read more

best burgers ever. I'll travel from the west side of Roch to come to this location. Staff is always fun fast and friendly. Cheeseburger is perfectly cooked, very fresh not sitting for five minutes. The lettuce and other toppings are excellent and exceptionally fresh too. Fries and crispy outside soft inside. Total Delish! read more