The Counter in Lakeview is my family’s weekend burger hot spot.
Why should you spend each weekend here too? Well…
The overhead glass garage doors that open onto Diversey Parkway fill the entire diner with dappled sunlight, which always elevates the mood in winter, spring…or any Chicago season.
The menu is retro fab – milkshakes of the month include the ever popular birthday cake (yellow cake, ice cream and sprinkles blended and poured into a huge fountain glass) and my favorite – the legendary Chicago Frango Mint.
Next – what’s not to love about starting with a heaping plate of hot, crispy fries? I smile each time the server says "would you like to start with a fry combo?". I ask you, does anyone ever decline such an obvious question?
We always go with a fry duo, tasting double the flavor, double the fun. The sweet potato fries are perfection, and always a favorite. Today we tasted the fries of the month, Parmesan Garlic as well. One word – divine.
Now, here comes the clincher. You order your burger (beef, turkey, veggie or special of the month – today is the crabcake burger, served with bacon slaw) on a bun (bun of the month is the pretzel roll), or on a green salad (you choose the greens). What a concept! All the taste, less carbilicious guilt.
The cheeses, toppings and sauces are listed on your teeny tiny clipboard, to be checked off with your teeny tiny pencil, a modern take on scantron forms from high school. Four dozen unique flavors and tastes are listed: from horseradish cheddar or herbed goat cheese, black bean corn salsa or apricot chutney, balsamic glaze or sesame ginger.
Today I was quite torn: crabcake burger du mais or burger salad ontop field greens with carmelized onions, feta spread, black bean salsa, carrot strings, tomato and balsamic glaze? I chose the salad, and let me tell you, I ordered well.
Bon appetit!
