Who doesn’t love a good burger? Well, aside from Paul McCartney who just banned meat from his latest tour and all the vegans out there…who?
Judging from the 45 minute wait I had at The Counter in Santa Monica yesterday afternoon, I’m not the only one. These three burger joints in Los Angeles have upped the ante. Meat lovers can now enjoy hormone free, grass-fed, organic beef, local ingredients and inimitable ambiance.
The Counter-Anti-Established in 2003, The Counter tops the burger list. When you sit down, you are handed a clip board, checklist and infinite possibilities. The Counter’s strict standards go beyond the USDA and can make even the most stringent toxiphobe drop what she’s doing and head for one of their luscious, organic beef burgers with a side of sweet potato fries. Franchises are even popping up in Ireland and Australia. This restaurant’s burgeoning blend of cultural, culinary revolution and masterfully, meticulous marketing make it a standout. The Counter’s website even has an online community aptly named, “Counter Culture” where members can post their own revolutionary thoughts and be inspired by other, like-minded, carnivores.
All locations are clean, have fair to masterful service and each diner is guaranteed a uniquely crafted meal. Try the burger in a bowl! You’ll leave stuffed and guilt-free.
The Counter locations-
7919 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046, 323-436-3844,
2901 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica CA 90405, 310-399-8383,
4786 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey CA 90292, 310-827-8600
The Shack-Established in 1972, in Playa del Rey, mere steps from the sparkling Pacific, The Shack is a product of a group of imaginative, driven guys who decided, one day, life existed beyond their cookie-cutter corporate chain jobs. Their dream was to create a place in which patrons could enjoy, “California Cool, Laid Back Colorado, with more than a splash of Hawaii, mixed with Beautiful Locales, Dude Food, and all you can watch Sports.” Thirty-eight years later, the dream lives on. Not necessarily squeaky clean (somehow this supports the “Dude Food” code), the Shack’s atmosphere immediately makes you feel at home. Both the Santa Monica and Playa del Rey locations offer a no frills venue and a menu packed with manly ingredients to pile on your burger of choice (think split Louisiana hot link with grilled onions). Add some colossal and crunchy onion rings and cheer on the Eagles at the Santa Monica location (a destination for games). They also have three locations in Hawaii and one in Colorado.
The Shack locations-
185 Culver Boulevard, Playa Del Rey, CA, 310-823-6222
2518 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica – (310) 449-1171
In-N-Out-Here’s why this Southern California favorite joint wins out over fast food chains like MacDonald, Burger King or Carl’s Junior. In-N-Out burgers contain no additives, fillers or preservatives of any kind. The beef is premium quality chuck, and is inspected in a local-Baldwin Park, CA-facility by an internal team. Then, the company employs in-house butchers to carefully ensure that each and every patty will be prepared sans bone or gristle. Restaurants are everywhere in Southern California. If you land at LAX, you can reach an In-N-Out burger faster than you’ll get your bags. The employees work as a well oiled machine and each restaurant is Disneyland clean. Whether you drive-thru or eat in, you’ll always get a consistently cooked burger to order, fresh ingredients and perfectly cut and cooked crispy, skin-on, fries. Of course, the farm fresh potatoes are prepared in cholesterol-free vegetable oil. They even bake their own buns! Bring your appetite and your patience-even with fast-paced service, expect to wait during peak hours.
In-N-Out locations-
Toll free number: 1-800-786-1000
9149 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045
7009 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028
922 Gayley Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
http://beatcrave.com/2010-04-07/paul-mccartney-bans-meat-from-latest-tour/
http://www.thecounterburger.com/
www.the-shacks.com
http://www.in-n-out.com/
