Just tried The Counter in Santa Monica

I've been hearing a lot of buzz/hype about a place on Ocean Park Blvd. in Santa Monica called "The Counter", and I finally went there Saturday night.

It was loud and trendy, filled with 20-somethings, 30-somethings, abd their toddlers in a variety of wheeled devices. Not at ALL my kind of place, except ...

... the burger was FABULOUS.

Check out their website: http://www.thecounterburger.com/concept/

I had a 2/3 pound beef burger on a wheat bun with the following:

Danish blue cheese
lettuce
tomato
dill pickles
pepperoncini
bacon
onion marmalade

It was the best burger I've ever eaten, I'm sorry to say ('cause that means I'll have to go back, and it was SO LOUD).

The sweet potato fries were pretty good, too. And the service didn't suck (they kept refilling my soft drink even though I can't imagine how the waitress could see us through the murk or hear us over the din). They've got a full bar, which might explain why the place attracts so many youths.

you've got my appetite wet now. I've always been meaning to try the place. I love a good burger!

Have you been to "My Fathers Office" yet in Santa Monica?
They are supposed to have real good burgers, as well
(they are known for the opposite of "build your own burger"..)
no substitutions- you've got to get it their way

I've walked past "My Father's Office" many times, but never went in. I'll have to check it out.

what about the burger was fabulous? was it the huge amount of toppings and customization or would the same exact burger patty and bun in another restaurant still be fabulous? I'm only asking because I've heard that the Counter is inconsistent and the customization is a novelty, but then I've never gone there with me being on the East Coast and all. The owner was knocking Fuddruckers in an article I read and then I heard about the inconsistency and even though it's a chain, I still think they have a great burger. I would like to try the Counter I think it's an interesting idea

DPuro329

The burger itself was delicious, and would have been wonderful without any of the toppings. The beef was flavorful and juicy. Of course, I had the 2/3 pound burger, so it was large. But, while most places squash out the burger to be flat and cook quickly, this one was thick (over an inch high). When I ordered, the waitress said that their standard for burgers is medium -- pink in the middle -- and asked if that was OK. I said yes, but my companion asked for medium-well. My burger was exactly medium, and my companion's was cooked correctly, too.

will they cook the burgers rare or med rare? or is that not allowed in CA.

DPuro

As far as I know, they'll cook your burger any way you ask for it. I wish I was eating one right now!