Are you a picky eater who prefers to customize their food when dining out rather than order off the menu? Then the Counter Custom Built Burgers in Houston, TX is for you. And don’t worry if you’re a vegetarian because they have something for everyone. The Counter is a mix between a neighborhood burger joint and a chain restaurant that is casual yet modern. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and for those looking to unwind after work there is a bar with a flat screen TV.
As first-time customers my husband and I were not familiar with how The Counter restaurant in Houston, TX worked but the waiter sensed our confusion and explained the process right away. Customers are handed a clipboard with a paper menu and a laminated menu on top. Listed are a plethora of options from which to choose in order to make a custom meal. Pencils are on the table so you needn’t worry about having a writing utensil with you. The menu had both custom burger options and a set menu where diners can select from a bevy of choices but the catch is no substitutions are allowed – creativity and custom orders are encouraged.
The Counter restaurant in Houston, TX has so many options that it’s possible no burger is made twice in one day. If you prefer beef you’ll be happy to know that only 100% natural Angus beef is used and all of the cows that provide the meat are raised free from antibiotics and hormones. Of course good meat comes at a price so be prepared to pay close to $7 for a plain burger (and by plain I mean just a slab of meat between a bun) without sides. Most of the 1/3 pound burgers cost $8 and that includes several topping options, so it’s a better deal if you opt for as many free toppings as possible at The Counter Custom Built Burgers in Houston, TX.
I wanted to taste the burger and only the burger so I ordered The Purist for $6.75. That consisted of 1/3 pound beef on a white hamburger bun. Having ordered from the menu I could not make any substitutions including the bun but I was okay with that. My husband ordered a custom burger with 1/3 pound beef, jalapeno peppers, lettuce, tomato, and jalapeno jack cheese on an onion roll which came to $8.
THE TASTE
The first thing I noticed when our burgers arrived was the size; they were huge. The second thing I noticed was the grease. Sure a good burger should have some fat in it to add flavor but the amount of grease on the burger was a bit overwhelming for me. Fortunately that problem was solved by patting the burger with a paper napkin. I then topped my hamburger with ketchup (that topping is free) and sliced it into two halves. I took one bite and understood why The Counter restaurant in Houston, TX was as crowded as it was. The taste was juicy, tender, flavorful and best of all, they cooked it exactly how I wanted it: medium rare.
My husband ate his entire burger and enjoyed it so much he ate the entire thing. I was tempted to eat my entire burger but because we had ordered the fifty-fifty (half crispy onion rings, half skinny French fries) I had no room. I thought I would share the fries with my husband but I wound up eating most of them myself. I don’t normally consume French fries but the fact that they were cut so thinly and were lightly seasoned made them irresistible.
THE MENU
Meat
Choose from beef, turkey, chicken, veggie, or the market selection (an item that is available locally). You can choose to have your meat in a bowl with mixed greens or on a bun so The Counter is a great place even for those avoiding carbs.
Bread
Diners at The Counter in Houston, TX can choose from a white (non-seeded) bun, whole grain, English muffin, or an onion bun.
Toppings (You may choose up to four toppings; extra toppings cost an additional $0.50)
Grilled onions, pineapple, black olives, carrot strings, raw onions, cole slaw, pickle chips, jalapenos, dried cranberries, roasted green chilies, roasted corn and black bean salsa, roasted red peppers, scallions, sliced cucumbers, spicy pepperoncinis, tomatoes and sprouts.
Premium Toppings (add an extra $1)
Guacamole, sautéed mushrooms, chili, fried egg, fried onion strings, black forest ham, Applewood smoked bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Cheese (You may choose one but if you want additional cheese that will cost an extra $1.00)
Danish blue, Greek feta, Gruyere, horseradish cheddar, goat cheese, Swiss, jalapeno jack, brie, provolone, yellow American, and Tillamook cheddar.
Sauces (You may choose one sauce; additional cost is $0.50)
Apricot Sauce, basil pesto, chipotle aioli, classic Caesar, country buttermilk ranch, Dijon balsamic dressing, ginger soy glaze, honey mustard, horseradish mayo, hot wing sauce, mayonnaise, peanut sauce, red relish, roasted garlic aioli, Russian dressing, spicy sour cream, steak sauce, sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, sweet BBQ sauce, and tzatziki sauce.
Non-Burger Items
And if you’re not a fan of burgers you can get sandwiches( like grilled cheese or bacon, lettuce and tomato), chili (turkey or beef), salads, and even mini sliders for kids.
The Counter Burger Restaurant is located at 4601 Washington Avenue, Houston TX 77007. Their phone number is (713) 966- 6123 or may visit their website at Thecounterburger.com.
