Hamburger restaurants

Tom's Burger & Philly Steak Subs

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

1398 E Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404, United States $10–20
4.1
618 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Tom's Burger & Philly Steak Subs is a beloved hamburger and cheesesteak restaurant tucked away in San Bernardino, California, that excels in bringing diner-style comfort food with a fresh, made-to-order touch. This local gem delivers an impressive variety of hearty burgers, classic Philly cheesesteak subs, and flavorful sandwiches, all crafted with care and high-quality ingredients that truly set it apart from typical fast-food fare.

The menu is a carnivore’s delight, showcasing an array of irresistible options. From the robust, juicy signature Crazy Deluxe Burger to the indulgent Bacon Avocado Burger, each burger bursts with flavor—the 1/3 lb. patty option on “Meaty Cheezy” and BCP Burgers thickens the satisfaction factor. If you’re craving something with a little more zing, their Chilli Cheese Burger or the crispy texture of the Crispy Chicken Burger makes for a tantalizing bite. Beyond burgers, Tom’s truly shines with their Philly Steak Sub, often touted as "the best", loaded with tender steak, sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and melted cheese—a symphony of savory flavors wrapped in a perfectly toasted sub roll.

For those who prefer lighter options, the salad selection doesn’t disappoint. The Chicken Breast Salad stands out as a best seller, offering a fresh balance of crisp greens and perfectly grilled chicken. The Taco Salad with customizable protein choices—chicken, asada, or ground beef—adds a southwestern flair, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

The atmosphere at Tom’s Burger & Philly Steak Subs mirrors its food philosophy: honest, unpretentious, and welcoming. While the decor may appear a bit dated, the cleanliness and inviting warmth of the staff more than compensate, making this a comfortable spot for a casual lunch or dinner. Customer reviews consistently highlight the genuine care taken in food preparation—each meal is cooked fresh to order, ensuring vibrant flavors and satisfying portions that are worth every minute of the wait.

What truly resonates is the sense of community and reliability Tom’s provides; as Joshua so aptly put it, “You gotta try it—they have something for everyone!” Whether you’re stopping by for a quick burger fix or settling in for their flavorful philly subs, you can count on friendly service, prompt order taking, and a solid meal that hits all the right notes. Even with some location challenges, customers like Kenneth Contreras emphasize that the quality of food triumphs over any exterior drawbacks.

In summary, Tom’s Burger & Philly Steak Subs is a must-visit for anyone craving hearty American classics with a fresh, thoughtful twist. It’s a place where the love for good food is palpable, truly making every bite a flavorful journey. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Tom’s promises a fulfilling, nostalgic experience that draws you back time and time again.

03 Notes from regulars

618 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.1
Based on 618 verified notes
5 354
4 121
3 66
2 21
1 65
All Philly Steak Pastrami Sandwich Teriyaki Bowl Chili Cheese Fries Drive Thru Zucchini Hash Browns Colossal Burger Chicken Sandwich Fried Mushrooms
Joshua.
2 month ago
Love the variety of excellent quality food offered here, wait time is worth it for food cooked with care and freshness unlike most fast food chains. You gotta try it, they have something for everyone!
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Lesk.
2 month ago
It's been my non-corporate go to place for lunch. Diner style food is very good - at least the burgers and breakfast I've tried. The order takers have always been pleasant and prompt. Dropped a star for the flies circling while I was trying to eat. -- Haven't seen any flies on my subsequent visits, so I added the star.
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Lovely Lady Lumps.
3 month ago
I love this place. The area, not so much, but the food and staff are awesome.
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Kenneth Contreras.
4 month ago
One of those places where they sell everything! The best . From burgers to philly cheese steaks to mexican food.. and it's all so good. The location is not the best but who cares when the food is great.
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Charles Nierras.
4 month ago
Best place to buy Tuna Melt Sandwich with Rye bread. Inside is a little outdated but it’s clean, food is great. Come visit them!
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Linda G.
5 month ago
Update 08/15/22 I hope it was just an off week or product issue because disappointed doesn't cover the $10+ fish sandwich meal I had to throw in the trash. The filet was almost invisible as it was about 1/4in thick and mostly breading. Even the finest chef couldn't fix that fish. I'm going to give them another chance and hope that they just had a bad delivery and not a change in quality to save $ Never disappointed with the quality, taste, and expeditious manner in which Tom's delivers again and again! Food is always made to order and portion size is large. Price is a bit high, but I'm assigning this to recent inflation as prices of everything are markedly higher. Their menu is extensive and will assuredly have some thing for even the pickiest food conesuer In your group. Handicap accessible, masks and other sanitation efforts seem to be in place. Definitely a must for any meal if your looking for higher quality fast food experience.
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LUMPY logs.
5 month ago
On a whim, stopped here,, charbroiled!!!!! was great. went drive thru, but so good
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Patrick Beardsley (Buford T Gumbo).
6 month ago
I went here recently for the first time and got a patty melt and onion rings. Great food but the price was too much to be a regular visit. Very happy with the food but we can't afford to visit often.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday (today) 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Finding the door

1398 E Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Curbside pickup
  • Drive-through
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • No Delivery
Highlights
  • Fast service
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Seating
Amenities
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Quiet
Crowd
  • College students
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • No Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
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