Everything's Custom Built at the Counter
The Counter
369 California Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 321-3900
http://www.thecounterburger.com/
Eater: Megan and Charlie
Date: 10/14/10
Everybody seems to have a "thing" and the Counter's "thing" is build your own burger. Their "Custom Built" catchphrase is printed everywhere including, but definitely not limited to, across the breasts of their female waitresses. Keepin' it classy, Counter! Fortunately, The Counter offers a solid burger to build upon: decently cooked, decently seasoned, and a decent size. The lightly toasted bun from La Boulanger helps the burger out. I think some people dismiss The Counter because it is a small chain, but it offers a quality burger made with and accompanied by local ingredients. A popular option is the burger-in-a-bowl which substitutes a bed of lettuce for the bun.
Burger size: 1/3 lb
Accouterments: Charlie ordered the Old School: Lettuce Blend, Red Onions, Pickles, Tomato, Tillamook Cheddar, and red relish (also known as ketchup).
Ranch: Meyer Ranch
Type of meat: Cow
Beer with Burger: None (work lunch)
Beer availability: Limited but decent. Fat Tire-type beers on tap and run-of-the-mill bottles
Ambiance: The mid-90's music (with a splash of contemporary indie rock) is loud and there is "urban" graffiti art neatly hanging on the white walls.
Rating: At the mean