The Counter - Custom Built Burgers

There is a new-ish burger joint in town, and I had to try it.  The Counter is a burger eatery that allows customers to build their own burgers.  Apparently, there are 300,000 possible combinations.  Options for burger building include everything from the traditional (tomatoes and Tillamook Cheddar) to the more unusual (dried cranberries and ginger soy glaze).  Menus are provided along with a "check off sheet" where you can order up all of your desires.  Burgers are also offered in 3 sizes: 1/3 lb ($8), 2/3 lb. ($10), or the 1 lb. ($13).

And...how are the burgers, you ask?  Very good!  Mine was cooked perfectly to my specifications.  I ordered the 1/3 lb. with Tillamook Cheddar, tomatoes, and the lettuce blend.  The bun was delicious -- soft and perfectly toasted with melted butter.  The cheddar was savory and fantastic.  Creamy and perfectly melted. 

The burger below was ordered with Cheddar, Grilled Onions, and Jalapenos.

We also ordered the Chili Cheese Fries ($5.50).  A huge portion covered in delicious meaty chili, chopped red onions, and drizzled with sour cream.  The chili cheese fries are supposed to have grated cheese, too, but it was very hard to find the cheese (I mean, can you even see it in the picture below?).  Need. More. Cheese!  But, these fries were still fantastic and could easily be a meal by themselves.  The red onions contributed a nice additional flavor and texture.

Our table also sampled The "Fifty-Fifty."  3 options:  fries and sweet potatoes fries ($4.95), fries and crispy onion strings ($4.95), or sweet potato fries and crispy onion strings ($5.95).  We went with the traditional option of fries and onion strings.  Yummy!  I'm sure the fries are frozen, but they were fried perfectly -- with the necessary desired crispness, not too greasy, and seasoned well.  The onion strings were thinly sliced, nicely battered, and perfectly lightly fried (a little greasy, but that did not detract from the savory eating experience).  Sides of Ranch Dressing and Barbecue Sauce were served on the plate.

Notes about the atmosphere:  the restaurant is light and bright thanks to big windows on 2 of the 4 walls.   The decor is simple chic -- a modern take on the 1950s diner.  In the middle of the eatery is a large eat-at bar -- a great nod to the 1950s diner as well.  Also, a favorite characteristic of mine:  the place was super clean.  Our server was very friendly,  helpful, and attentive.  The Counter offers a small selection of beer and wine. 



I will definitely return to The Counter.  The food was delish.  The service was excellent.  And, the atmosphere was happy and inviting. 

The Counter

4601 Washington Avenue

Houston, Texas 77007

http://www.thecounterburger.com/