The Counter

October, 2008

The Counter Culture

A premium, build-your-own-burger joint known for its amazing number of possible combinations, The Counter just opened its first New England location in West Hartford's swanky Blue Back Square. The Counter is like no other burger joint, with more than 312,120 possible combinations among its three sizes of burgers. Proteins include 100-percent natural, freshly ground, never frozen Angus beef, grilled chicken, ground turkey, house-made veggie (vegan friendly) and specialty seafood burgers with options of 10 cheeses, 28 toppings, 18 unique made from scratch sauces and three types of buns, providing a dizzying array of choices available to premium burger lovers.



The Eats

Guests at The Counter are provided a clipboard and pencil—and the creative opportunity to become a hamburger chef extraordinaire. Create your own work of genius, choosing from an extensive list of ingredients, including 10 cheeses, a number of fresh and premium toppings, 18 sauces and an assortment of buns. In fact, there's even a pick-your-protein option, meaning your burger can be the traditional—though certified humanely-raised and handled—beef or the less conventional chicken. There's even a ground turkey burger for the heart-healthy and a veggie option for PETA pals.


Starters at The Counter include fried dill pickle chips served with an apricot dipping sauce, sweet potato fries, mini cheeseburgers and chili. We chose the "Fifty-Fifty," a plate piled high on one half with fried onion strings and the other with French fries (also served as a pairing of fries and sweet fries or sweet fries and fried onion strings). The "Fifty-Fifty" comes with barbecue and ranch sauces for your dipping pleasure.


The Counter even offers a "Burger in a Bowl" option for those counting carbs. Pictured here is a ground turkey burger on a bed of baby greens, topped with an herb goat cheese spread, sun-dried tomatoes, dried cranberries and grilled onions. The Counter's tangy roasted garlic aioli provides a zesty finish.


The Counter also offers a Burger of the Month. At the time of our visit the special was a Japanese-style Ahi tuna burger served with pickled ginger and topped with Furikake nori, Daikon radish, carrot ribbons and scallions. The finishing touch was a wasabi aioli sauce that gave the unique creation just the right amount of Japanese zing.



The Drinks

Though The Counter only serves wine and beer right now, there are plans to expand its liquor license in the near future. The restaurant's funky, backlit, California-esque bar is the perfect spot to catch up with friends over a beer and an order of fried onion strings.

The Look

The Counter's décor can best be described as industrial California chic. The mint green walls—covered with framed shots of skateboarders, surfers and the occasional picture of Bob Dylan—are offset by exposed ductwork, large floor-to-ceiling windows and updated diner furniture. The simple, laid-back atmosphere puts the focus right where The Counter culture would have it—on enjoying good food with good friends.

The Vibe

This place is hopping, in the true sense of the word. The noise level can be a bit loud, and you may find yourself talking louder to be heard. Nevertheless, you'll find yourself laughing, smiling and having a downright good time in a burger bar that seems at times a throwback to the '50s, at times an ultra-modern hang out along a strip of California beach bars.

The Damage

Prices at The Counter are reasonable. Starters range from $1 for an order of fries to $7.95 for a plate of mini cheeseburgers. The pricetag on a Build-Your-Own-Burger is a little heftier, starting at $8.50 or a 1/3-lb. burger on a bun and $9.50 for the same sized burger in a bowl. Nevertheless, when you consider that each comes with your choice of cheese, up to four toppings and a sauce, it's really quite a steal. Of course, extras and premium toppings will set you back accordingly, but all in all the price is right for a completely satisfying meal.

The Bottom Line

The Counter lives up to its promise to reinvent the concept of the American hamburger. Offering thousands of choices to customize  your burger, with time-tested stand-bys thrown in for good measure, the restaurant is sure to please the adventurer and the traditionalist alike. The atmosphere and menu will appeal to any age group, yet the bar is sure to attract young locals looking to kick back after work. And, with such reasonable prices, the restaurant is certainly a welcome addition to the oftentimes pricey neighborhood.



Insider Tip

Before asking for the check, be sure to order the Milk Shake Split. Divided into two stemless wine glasses, each topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, it's the perfect treat to share to end your evening on a sweet note.