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The Counter

2901 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
$$$

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Master Critic Review

The Counter 8.3
Ocean Park
Build-your-own burger destination with thousands of customization combinations from grass-fed beef to vegan patties. This contemporary spot lets diners select everything from bun type to premium toppings like truffle aioli and fried eggs, paired with excellent sweet potato or parmesan fries.
Must-Try Dishes: Create Your Own Burger, Old School Burger, Sweet Potato Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 8.3 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 7.9 Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Thousands of burger combinations with quality ingredients and dietary options
Who should go: Groups with varied tastes and customization enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday lunch for easier seating
What to order: Build your own with grass-fed beef, truffle aioli, sweet potato fries
Insider tip: Try the spicy tomato jam instead of standard ketchup
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and surrounding blocks, metered until 8pm. Small public lot behind restaurant often fills by 6pm. Arrive 15 min early or use ride-share.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - jeans, t-shirts, athleisure all fine. It's a build-your-own burger spot, not fine dining.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - can hold conversation but expect ambient chatter during peak hours. Not ideal for intimate discussions.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday 6-8pm. Walk-ins welcome but expect a wait.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - typically seated within 10 minutes, often immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - veggie patty, portobello mushroom cap, plus all the premium toppings work without meat
Vegan options: Yes - vegan patty option available, can skip cheese/aioli, choose from abundant veggie toppings
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free buns available, can do lettuce wrap, most toppings are naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid casual first date option - interactive ordering gives you something to talk about, prices won't break the bank, and noise level allows conversation without being library-quiet. Skip if you want romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins welcome always. Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) you'll likely be seated immediately. Weekend prime time expect 30-45 min wait. They don't take reservations for parties under 6.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love building their own burgers, relaxed atmosphere means noise is fine, and picky eaters can customize exactly what they want. High chairs available. Great for ages 5+.
How long does a meal take? Plan 45-60 minutes total - 5-10 min to build your order, 15-20 min to cook, 20-30 min to eat. Good for business lunch if you arrive before noon rush.
Can large groups (8+) be accommodated? Yes - they excel at groups. Call ahead for 8+ to arrange seating. Build-your-own format means everyone gets exactly what they want, making it ideal for diverse preferences.
Best For
Better for: Complete customization control, accommodating dietary restrictions in one group, quality ingredients at reasonable prices, and making everyone happy regardless of preferences. Better than In-N-Out when you want variety, better than gourmet burger bars when you have picky eaters.
Skip if: You want a classic burger made by a chef's vision, need romantic ambiance, or prefer not to make decisions - the customization can feel overwhelming if you just want someone to hand you a great burger