The Counter

I ate at The Counter the other night. First of all, it's a really fun atmosphere. Flat panel tvs were playing a World Cup soccer match and lively music was playing over head. Of course, the main thing I was there for was a burger. I had a turkey burger on a multigrain bun and sweet potato fries. The burger was juicy and the bun was dense and flavorful. The biggest treat was the sweet potato fries. They came with a creamy sauce that tasted like it had some horseradish in it. So it made the perfect salty, sweet, tangy combination.

Food is of good quality, but the "build your own" concept is little more than a gimmick. You can find better - more unique - burgers elsewhere. \t\n\t\nAbove all, the restaurant itself, all chrome and tile, has all the ambience of an operating theater or public restroom. Will not be going back.

Though the ingredients are sustainable and of high-quality, the customization options are a-plenty, the restaurant clean, and the service acceptable, there is nothing terribly special about The Counter Burger.\t\n\t\nI tried not to be jaded by the fact that it's a chain, but can't seem to get over the idea that there are local, non-chain-ified restaurants that really do this concept better. One in particular is just a few miles up the road.\t\n\t\nThe burgers (I build my own and, of course, include blue cheese and bacon..mmmm) are good--I have no complaints. The portion of fries (regular, sweet potato, onion rings, or 50/50) are ginormous and also tasty. The decor is cold and uninviting. If you're driving by and need food quick, sure, stop in and have a bite. But it's nothing to write home about. "Ho-hum"