(CUSTOM) BUILD THEM, AND THEY WILL COME

If there is anything food-related that Santa Monica can be proud of, it would be the custom-built burger diner called The Counter. Originally opened in 2003-2004, this SaMo burger palace is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Main Street and/or The Third Street Promenade. Instead, it is nestled in a tiny neighborhood retail complex along Ocean Park Boulevard. It's the perfect place to go when you're feeling a burger that other places just can't quite seem to perfect.

When you enter you are given a "menu" clipboard which is accompanied by pencils and made-to-order forms. You basically choose your meat (beef, turkey, veggie), choice of bun (including English muffin; if you want the lo-carb choice then go with a bun-less burger "bowl"), and then choice of cheese, toppings, and sauce(s). What comes to your table is a platter full of happiness and joy, and it's made exactly how you want. There are no burger nazis here (unlike at Father's Office), and you will definitely get more than you bargained for (unlike if you were to drive-through Carls Jr. or Jack in the Box).

And to make matters even more fun, you can order yum milk shakes, fountain sodas, beer and even wine. In an area where burgers are legendary (a la Father's Office, The Apple Pan, 25 Degrees), The Counter easily places itself among the best of the best.

Its laid-back style adds to the comfortable experience: the place looks like an old garage that has been converted into restaurant space. Hip and cool "skater"-esque art prints are placed on the walls, and you are seated at simple formica tables. It's almost like The Peach Pit minus the kitschy feel of a Johnny Rockets. The original owner sold the spot in 2006, and the new owner maintained the over-all appearance and idea of the make-your-own burger joint.

I went again today, but decided that this time around I would order my burger in a bowl. It was the least I could do to go "lo carb" with my meal. I got a regular 1/3 lb turkey burger over a bed of mixed greens. Gruyere cheese, roasted peppers and chilies, grilled onions, and freshly cut tomatos added some texture, color and flavor. And to top it off, I chose a peppercorn steak sauce to drench all over my burger bowl --making everything blissful. To add to the meal we ordered a side of chili/cheese fries, and a mix of sweet potato fries and fried onion strings; a perfect accompaniment to the different burger concoctions that dotted the table.

Per the new owner, more outposts have already popped up in/around Southern California (with nearby Marina Del Rey to join the brood), in Phoenix, and even across the country in Georgia. For my homies back in DC, The Counter comes to Reston this Fall, with plans to open in Arlington, VA and Washington, DC as well. Soon 312,120 possible burger combinations will be within your grasp. Wait for it...!

(Photos courtesy of http://www.thecounterburger.com/)