Side Dish: The Counter

The Counter
2901 Ocean Park Boulevard
Santa Monica 90405
(310)399-8383


It's good to have choices. And we always say, "Why choose? Have both!" AKA the INK special.

That's one of the reasons we like The Counter. You can go crazy and build your own burger, drowning in a multitude of toppings and a sea of sauces. Start with beef, turkey, veggie or grilled turkey in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 pound sizes. Are you one of those poor folks foregoing carbs? You can even go with the burger in a bowl sans bun.

But alas, Delicacheena gets overwhelmed by so many options so we went with the pre-designed creations. UE ordered the Unique Veggie, JM opted for the Taco Turkey and INK, ever the lover of the limited engagement requested the Burger of This Month, Peruvian Style Alaskan Halibut Burger. "Flavored with Sweet Onion Annatto Paste. Served over Chopped Watercress and Shredded Jicama. Topped with Hearts of Palm and Pickled Red Onion. Served on a Hamburger Bun with Pebre Aioli." The halibut was smoky and moist and the toppings which seemed liked they would be overwhelming added just enough crunch and acidity. Oh, and did we mention all three are quite aesthetically pleasing?

After the generous, but not gratuitous burgers (and orders of breaded and fried dill pickle chips and the fifty/fifty with half onion strings and sweet potato fries), we decided to share the shake of the month. Our server was gracious enough to give us each our own cup with a third of the s'more shake of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, graham cracker and mini marshmallows. Besides the chunks of cracker and marshmallow, the tasty shake was a bit thin, but we really couldn't handle anything more substantial.

[Also serve wine and beer]