When asking yourself about something to do near me in Mountain View with a group of friends or family, consider
The Counter
Why The Counter is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Counter is a premier casual dining restaurant chain renowned for its custom-topped gourmet burgers. Founded in 2003 in Santa Monica, California, it offers a truly unique dining experience by allowing guests to create their own burgers with an astonishing selection of over a million possible burger combinations. Customers can choose from various proteins, eleven types of cheese, thirty signature toppings, seventeen house-made sauces, six bun options, and fresh greens, accommodating diverse dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. This extensive customization makes The Counter an outstanding spot to meet up with friends who enjoy exceptional burgers tailored to individual tastes. The restaurant’s atmosphere is modern and inviting, featuring an industrial décor with upbeat music that complements the upscale casual dining experience. Additionally, many locations provide amenities such as outdoor seating, private dining options, and family-friendly accommodations. With its high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and hospitality-driven culture, The Counter is more than just a burger joint—it is a destination for gourmet burgers crafted just the way you like them. Its presence across multiple countries including the United States, Mexico, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, and Japan reflects its global appeal and commitment to quality.
Here's what people think of The Counter
As of recent, The Counter holds a 4.2-star rating based on 1637 reviews.
The Counter holds a solid reputation with a 4.2 rating based on over 1,600 reviews, reflecting general customer satisfaction. Positive reviews frequently highlight the restaurant’s customization options, praising the ability to build a burger exactly to personal preference, which appeals greatly to people with specific dietary needs or adventurous tastes. Reviewers often commend the variety of fresh ingredients, the quality of the proteins and toppings, and the flavorful made-from-scratch sauces. The atmosphere and service receive positive remarks for being welcoming and attentive, making it an enjoyable place to socialize and relax. Customers also appreciate the range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, which enhances its accessibility. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in food preparation, wait times during busy hours, and pricing perceived as on the higher side for casual dining. A few patrons noted that certain locations may experience slower service or smaller seating capacity. Overall, while some critiques exist, The Counter’s innovative and customizable dining concept combined with quality ingredients and a friendly atmosphere generally results in a satisfying burger experience. The feedback underscores that it remains a favored destination for burger enthusiasts seeking a personalized meal in a comfortable setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nikki L
Service is always on point. The comfortable seating and abundant natural light make it a perfect spot for a relaxing weekend lunch. The burgers, fries, and shakes hit the mark—classic diner fare done right.
Alan Chen
The very best burger place in the bay. Perfectly cooked, juicy and tender. I absolutely LOVE their Parmesan Cheese Fries, the perfect addition to any meal. Their service is very fast, with zero wait time. I have been coming here for the past two years and felt it deserved a review.
Mayank Agarwal
Absolutely amazing! Every bite felt like a flavor explosion. Easily one of the best burgers I’ve had in a while. 11/10, would go back just for this!
tylar morehead
Great food, service and a really nice looking restaurant. The blue cheese burger was delicious. I was surprised to see how rediculously thin their fries were but they were actually really nice. A little pricey but it reflects the quality of food. Would definitely go there again.
Janet Hurwitz
Great choices and fun. Good outdoor seating.
How to reach The Counter
None
Website: None
Rallying at The Counter with your friends is an excellent idea for several reasons. Firstly, this restaurant chain is renowned for its customizable burgers, which offer a wide range of options to suit everyone's taste. Whether you prefer classic beef, bison, or vegetarian options, The Counter's build-your-own approach ensures that each person can create a dish that meets their dietary preferences and cravings. Additionally, the casual and upbeat atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a fun and relaxed gathering. The Counter locations often have spacious seating areas, making it easy to accommodate larger groups. Moreover, while some locations may have mixed reviews regarding service and ambiance, the opportunity to enjoy a meal together in a lively setting often outweighs any potential drawbacks.
What Activities Are Available at The Counter?
The Counter offers a variety of activities and culinary experiences that make it perfect for group meetups. One of the main attractions is the ability to customize your meal, particularly with their famous burgers. This interactive element adds a fun dimension to dining out, allowing friends to get creative and share their unique creations. For those who enjoy challenges, trying different toppings and combinations can become a fun competition among friends. The Counter also provides a range of sides, such as fries and sweet potato fries, which are great for sharing and snacking. Furthermore, many locations offer happy hour deals, providing an opportunity for friends to enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers, making the experience even more affordable and enjoyable.
Beyond the food, The Counter's atmosphere is conducive to socializing. In many locations, there's a lively vibe with music and sometimes even TV screens, which can be great for watching sports or major events with friends. The decor is modern and trendy, creating a welcoming environment that encourages conversation and camaraderie. For larger groups, The Counter often accommodates parties and events, offering private dining rooms in some locations. This makes it an excellent choice for birthday celebrations, anniversaries, or simply a night out with friends. Additionally, the staff, despite some mixed reviews, generally strive to provide attentive service, which helps ensure that everyone in the group feels well taken care of.
Why Is The Counter Perfect for a Group Meetup?
The Counter is well-suited for group meetups due to its versatile menu and lively ambiance. The concept of building your own burger encourages interactivity and creativity among friends, which can lead to lively discussions and laughter as everyone shares their unique creations. The menu also offers a variety of options beyond burgers, such as salads and sandwiches, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. This ensures that everyone in the group can find something they enjoy, making it a great spot for inclusive gatherings. Furthermore, the casual setting helps keep the mood light and relaxed, allowing friends to focus on enjoying each other's company rather than formalities. While some locations may experience issues with service or ambiance, the benefits of a fun atmosphere and customizable food usually outweigh these concerns.
In addition to the atmosphere and menu, The Counter often offers special deals and promotions that can enhance group outings. Happy hour specials, for instance, provide an opportunity to enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers, which can be a great way to start a night out. Some locations may also offer themed nights or events, such as trivia nights or live music, which can add an extra layer of entertainment to your gathering. For those planning a larger event, The Counter's capacity to accommodate groups makes it an excellent choice for organized gatherings. Overall, The Counter's blend of great food, interactive dining, and lively atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for friends to come together and enjoy each other's company.
How Does The Counter Cater to Different Preferences and Dietary Needs?
One of the standout features of The Counter is its ability to cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. The build-your-own burger concept allows guests to choose from a wide range of meats, cheeses, toppings, and sauces, ensuring that whether you're a meat-lover, vegetarian, or vegan, there are options available. For those with gluten-free or low-carb diets, The Counter often offers alternatives such as lettuce wraps or portobello mushroom caps. Additionally, the menu includes a variety of salads and sandwiches that can be tailored to suit specific dietary requirements. This flexibility makes The Counter an excellent choice for groups with mixed dietary needs, as everyone can find something that fits their requirements.
Beyond the menu, The Counter's staff is generally equipped to handle special requests and allergies, ensuring that guests feel safe and accommodated. While service can be inconsistent in some locations, the staff's willingness to adapt to dietary needs is a significant advantage. Furthermore, the restaurant's modern and clean environment helps maintain a comfortable dining experience for all guests. For vegetarians and vegans, The Counter often provides innovative options that are both flavorful and satisfying, which can be a refreshing change from the usual limited choices found in many restaurants.
Are There Any Special Offers or Promotions at The Counter?
The Counter frequently offers special promotions and deals that make it even more appealing for group gatherings. Happy hour is a popular time at many locations, with discounted drinks and appetizers that can help kick off a fun night. Some locations may also have buy-one-get-one-free deals or other discounts, which can be especially beneficial for larger groups. Additionally, loyalty programs or apps may provide exclusive offers and rewards for frequent customers, offering another layer of savings and perks. Seasonal specials and limited-time offers are also common, featuring unique menu items that can add a touch of excitement to your dining experience.
Moreover, The Counter sometimes partners with local businesses or organizations to offer themed nights or events. These events can include trivia nights, live music performances, or sports viewing parties, which can enhance the dining experience and provide additional entertainment for groups. During holidays or special occasions, The Counter may offer special menus or deals that cater specifically to these events, making it a great choice for celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries. Overall, these promotions add value to the dining experience and make The Counter an attractive option for planning a fun and memorable outing with friends.
How Does The Counter's Ambiance Contribute to a Positive Group Experience?
The Counter's ambiance plays a significant role in creating a positive group experience. Despite some locations experiencing issues with music volume or lighting, the overall atmosphere is generally lively and conducive to socializing. The modern decor and bustling environment help create a dynamic setting that encourages conversation and interaction among friends. For those looking for a more laid-back experience, The Counter often offers outdoor seating, which can be a great spot to enjoy a meal in a more relaxed setting.
Moreover, the energetic vibe of The Counter is well-suited for groups looking to have a fun and casual night out. The music and modern decor help maintain a lively atmosphere that complements the interactive dining experience. While some locations may not perfectly execute this ambiance due to service issues or other factors, the concept itself is well-designed to promote social interaction and enjoyment. Additionally, the restaurant's ability to accommodate larger groups ensures that everyone in the party can feel included and part of the experience.
Can The Counter Accommodate Large Groups and Special Events?
Yes, The Counter is well-equipped to accommodate large groups and special events. Many locations have private dining areas or event spaces that can be reserved for parties, anniversaries, or other celebrations. The staff is generally accommodating and can help plan events to ensure that everything runs smoothly. For large groups, The Counter often offers special catering options or customized menus that can be tailored to meet the needs of the event.
In terms of special events, The Counter's ability to handle large gatherings makes it an excellent choice for organized meetups. Whether it's a corporate event, a birthday party, or a family reunion, the restaurant's flexible menu and spacious seating areas help ensure that everyone has a great time. Additionally, the restaurant's staff is trained to manage events efficiently, ensuring that guests receive attentive service and that the event flows smoothly. While some locations might have mixed reviews regarding service consistency, the overall approach to accommodating groups is generally positive and supportive.
How Does The Counter's Service Impact Group Meetups?
The service at The Counter can vary by location, with some reviews indicating excellent service and others highlighting issues with attentiveness or speed. However, in many cases, the staff is friendly and willing to assist, which is crucial for ensuring that a group meetup goes smoothly. The interactive nature of the menu, where guests fill out order sheets, can sometimes lead to delays if not managed well, but this also allows for more personalized service as guests can communicate their preferences directly.
Despite some inconsistencies, the staff at The Counter generally strive to provide a welcoming and accommodating environment. For larger groups, it's advisable to communicate with the staff in advance to ensure that all needs are met and expectations are clear. This proactive approach can help mitigate any potential service issues and ensure that the group enjoys a positive dining experience. Overall, while service may not be perfect across all locations, the effort to provide attentive and personalized service is evident and can contribute positively to group meetups.
What Are the Key Benefits of Choosing The Counter for a Group Meetup?
Choosing The Counter for a group meetup offers several key benefits. Firstly, the interactive and customizable nature of the menu ensures that everyone can find something they enjoy, making it an excellent choice for groups with diverse tastes or dietary needs. Secondly, the lively atmosphere and modern decor create a dynamic and social environment that encourages interaction and fun. Additionally, The Counter's ability to accommodate large groups and offer special event spaces makes it a practical choice for organizing gatherings.
Furthermore, the availability of promotions and happy hour deals can make the experience more affordable and enjoyable. The staff's willingness to accommodate special requests and dietary requirements is also a significant advantage. While some locations may experience service or ambiance issues, the overall appeal of The Counter's concept and its focus on providing a fun, interactive dining experience generally outweigh these concerns. Overall, The Counter offers a unique blend of great food, a lively atmosphere, and flexibility that makes it an excellent choice for hosting a group meetup.
How Does The Counter Compare to Other Restaurants for Group Meetups?
The Counter stands out from other restaurants in several ways, particularly in its focus on customization and interactivity. The build-your-own burger concept is unique and engaging, offering a fun and creative experience that encourages participation and sharing among friends. This interactive element is often missing in more traditional dining settings, where menus are fixed and less flexible.
In comparison to other casual dining restaurants, The Counter's ability to accommodate large groups and offer special event spaces is also a significant advantage. While some restaurants may offer similar menu options or promotions, The Counter's focus on customization and social interaction sets it apart. Additionally, the modern and lively atmosphere, despite some mixed reviews, generally provides a more energetic and engaging environment than many other casual dining spots. Overall, The Counter's unique blend of interactive dining, customization, and social atmosphere makes it a compelling choice for group meetups compared to more traditional dining experiences.
In conclusion, The Counter is an excellent choice for hosting a group meetup with friends or family. Its unique menu, lively atmosphere, and ability to accommodate large groups make it a standout option for casual gatherings. While some locations may experience service or ambiance issues, the overall appeal of The Counter's concept and its focus on providing a fun, interactive dining experience generally outweigh these concerns. With its customizable menu options, special promotions, and accommodating staff, The Counter is well-suited for creating memorable and enjoyable dining experiences for groups of all sizes.