The Counter Awards

The Counter Restaurant Review:

Taking the have-it-your-way mantra to the extreme, The Counter creates a safe haven for even the pickiest eater while managing to serve up good food fast. The concept is basic: check off your choices on a paper menu pad, much the way you might select your meal in a neighborhood sushi joint. First your burger: organic beef, turkey or veggie; then choose the size: one-third, one-half or a staggering one-pound burger. Then on to toppings and sauces, with dozens of choices, including Danish blue cheese, garlic aïoli, corn and black bean salsa, and peanut sauce. We recommend a combination of grilled pineapple and green chiles. We also like the "fifty-fifty," a side of fries and shoestring onion rings. For the Atkins fan, there's also a burger-in-a-bowl option that features your favorite burger served in lettuce. At lunch, its quick counter service, but in the evening and on weekends, you can enjoy full table service at the same price. Don't leave without tasting the giant chocolate chip cookie, a warm Toll House fantasy.