2010 summer close out with a burger throwdown between BGR Burger Joint in Old Town Alexandria and Counter Burger at Reston Town Center!
The Rundown
BGR is similar to Fosters Grille. While Fosters runs the Nascar/Sports theme, BGR is rock ‘n roll–but not 1960s Hard Rock cafe style.
At BGR, its the ’80s with rock music videos running on a loop–all the better to remind the middle aged they are indeed older.
Yet BGR is popular amongst all age groups while targeting the retro ’80s crowd.
Counter is technically a sit down cafe with china plates and waiter service.
They also have a popular take out service. Decor and ambiance is Euro-bistro in increasingly chic-y steel and glass Reston Town Center.
Counter targets tech creatives and style mavens although is welcoming and comfortable to all but the cut offs crowd.
Check In
BGR has a typical fast food line up to order similar to Chipolte. Staff is never too busy to offer samples of shake flavors or engage in a friendly give ‘n take with customers or a point-wink at the kids.
Counter has a hostess stand and guests order appetizers table side prior to their burger main course.
The Fries
Counter Burger has various types of fries including the unique Parmesan fries–nearly shoestring with herbs topped by grated melted cheese.
At 1350 calories per single serving, no wonder they’re good!
A stop by Counter is worth it just to take out these fries! Huge serving easy to share.
At BGR Burger Joint, had the sweet potato fries. Always a fan of wedges, BGR’s too thin fries came a bit too oil soaked to fully enjoy the flavor of the sweet potato.
BGR even offers “Green Fries”: grilled asparagus spears sprinkled with Parmesan.
No thanks.
Fillin’ Up
BGR does the organic thing with its meat. Service is slow and they like it that way. All the better to cook up a great burger.
The burger itself is lean and depending on toppings, pretty big yet misses the fatty flavor of a Five Guys. The original BGR sauces ties it all together however.
Counter cooks slow as well yet their burger seemed to come out almost too lean. With no fat at all, the meat seems a bit dense–almost packed puree’d–and heavy/flavorless.
Yet the flavor responsibility is on the eater.
A long list of toppings is offered for the “custom built burger”. Don’t get too wild here. Some things just don’t taste good together. Ordering on paper is similar to Fosters. Many, many choices for those with conversation on their minds.
Shakes
Both places offer typical non/carbonated juices and drinks yet Counter comes through with a smoother chocolate shake than BGR’s still solid offering which wanders in the direction of kiddie sweetness.
Elevation Burgers still tops all with its smooth, slightly bitter chocolate, ice crystalized creme creations served in a frosted steel cup.
Throwdown Time!
Counter’s staff is very accommodating yet heavy crowds mean lines form quickly and out the door. Take out patrons wait outside as eager guests wait for an empty table.
The lack of semi casual restaurants at Reston TC means even the outside seating is insufficient to handle the busiest times. While Counter’s waiters offer desert, its just easier–and less calorific–to pay the bill and head next door the gelato place.
BGR Old Town has a wider space and booths add to a diner allure.
Both are solid places to eat but if a BGR were located right next to a Counter, I would walk into the BGR first.
Counter is a bit foo-foo for a real casual place.
The organic meat may have been taken too far.
One of our party felt the burger was just too big and took a doggie bag/tray. Later found out, horror of horrors, the leftovers were THROWN OUT! 
Uh, oh. Organic food may be fresh right now, but lack of preservatives means it doesn’t last.
BGR is a small local start up chain with stores inside the beltway and fits perfectly into the funky casual atmosphere of Old Town.
Counter is a So-Cal (southern California–2 states there you know) chain which is expanded to the east coast with its Reston store.
As the Sweet Green Salad assembly place and Red Velvet Cupcakery join the Pitango Gelato within sight of each other, demand for Counter Burger will only get busier. The synergistic restaurant cluster is on the Google side of RTC and fills up for lunch and dinner.
Whether BGR or Counter, Northern Virginia’s foodie culture is all the richer for the added burger choices.
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
And Happy FY2011!–okay, okay. Tuesday comes soon enough…:)
But Bobby Flay is opening a burger place soon in DC…lotsa *work* ahead :p.
Burger Throwdown I: In N Out Vs. Five Guys
Burger Throwdown II: Ray’s Hell Burgers Vs. Elevation Burgers
{ 0 comments }
