Rate-A-Restaurant #238: The Counter

Restaurant: The Counter

Location: 5779 Wilshire Blvd. (Miracle Mile)

Type of restaurant: Hamburgers/Sandwiches

We stipulated: The Counter was offering free lunches to patrons in advance of the opening of its new Miracle Mile location. We've been a fan in the past -- so we decided to make the trek to the Miracle Mile on a Saturday (even though I do that same damn drive every day of the week)



They stipulated: For the test lunch, almost everything was available. Here's how the Counter describes its concept: "Step into The Counter and you’re greeted with a clipboard and an extensive list of fresh ingredients that allow you to build your own gourmet burger. Our 312,120+ different burger combinations make every burger as unique as each customer. Rarely is the same burger made twice in one day."



What we ordered:
MIKE: Turkey burger with jalapenos, roasted corn & black bean salsa, roasted red peppers and organic mixed greens, plus chipotle aioli and housemade guacamole, on a multigrain bun

MARIA: veggie burger with soft ripened brie, mixed greens and applewood smoked bacon

EVAN: kids mini burgers (plate of two with American cheese and pickles)

SIDES: sweet potato fries/parmesan fries

Apple pie shake



High point: That Apple pie shake was pretty amazing. We normally wouldn't have tried it, but seeing how it was a test lunch, we couldn't resist. Also, the sweet potato fries are a consistent winner. And Maria was surprised at how good the veggie burger was. (She negated it, of course, by topping it with bacon.)

Low point: I keep ordering the turkey burger at the Counter, and it always comes back too charred. On another, more recent, visit, I ordered the chicken sandwich and was pleased. It will be chicken for now on.



Overall impression: The Counter brings a much-needed sit-down alternative to the horrific Marie Callender's on that block of the Miracle Mile. And it's always a good alternative when you're looking to meet with a bunch of people, particularly with kids.

Chance we'll go back: Definitely, we're plotting a visit soon to the Pasadena location.

Rate-A-Restaurant #237: City Sip

Restaurant: City Sip

Location: 2150 W. Sunset (Echo Park)

Type of restaurant: Wine Bar

We stipulated: We had a Groupon for City Sip set to expire, and a rare evening out. We had to check City Sip out.



They stipulated:
"Wine for the People": "Small production, boutique wines that are value priced. We have a wonderful staff of winos who will guide you through our very extensive wine list and find your perfect match."



What we ordered:
The Catalan Panini (jamon serrano, manchego, and piquillo peppers) $13

High point: The space is great; a no-pressure place to enjoy a glass of wine with minimal pretension.

Low point: City Sip doesn't open until 5:30, which makes it tough to meet early on a Friday. (We've got a limited time window because of the kids.)

Overall impression: Once upon a time, it wasn't easy to find a wine bar in Los Angeles. Now they're everywhere. But there was something warm and appealing about City Sip, including the Echo Park location.

Chance we'll go back: Why yes, we probably will. I'm particularly intrigued by "After Nine Every Sunday" -- from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays, all open bottles are half-off by the glass.

Rate-A-Restaurant #236: Bob's Big Boy Broiler

Restaurant: Bob's Big Boy Broiler

Location: 7447 Firestone Blvd. (Downey)

Type of restaurant: Diner/Coffee Shop

We stipulated: I've been looking to visit the Broiler ever since it sprang back to life in 2008. For the uninitiated: The Downey institution began life as Harvey's Broiler in 1958. The diner, designed by architect Paul B. Clayton in the popular "Googie" fashion of the day, eventually became known as "Johnie's Broiler." The location served its last meal in 2001, turning into a used car dealership after that.

The building, which had been home to Hollywood shoots like "Pulp Fiction," fell into disrepair. And then, in 2007, the used car dealership illegally began bulldozing the building.



The L.A. Conservancy's Modern Committee, among others, rushed into action. New owner Jim Louder rebuilt the building per Clayton's blueprints, and turned it into a Bob's Big Boy location.



They stipulated: Bob's Big Boy Broiler keeps up the car hop tradition, offering car service from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.


What we ordered: Maria -- BBQ Jack (bacon, pepperjack cheese, BBQ sauce and onion ring) $8.99


Evan -- kids' pancakes $4.99


Mike -- omelette with pepperjack cheese, mushrooms, green peppers and tomatoes (and egg beaters). $8.99


Inside -- love the space age light fixtures.


History of the revived Broiler is explained on a plaque by the front door.

High point: The building, of course. Beautifully restored to its glory days. It's a treat being inside.

Low point: Well, you don't really go to this Big Boy for the food. It's typical Big Boy diner fare.


The Big Boy out front.


Above, the original "Johnie's" mascot still gets a home.







Overall impression: I wouldn't generally hit a Big Boy -- there are too many other great breakfast places out there. But the environment makes it a win.

Chance we'll go back: It could be a tourist spot the next time my parents are in town; it's also a great spot if we ever do another "Amazing Race" style event.

Meanwhile, remember when I tried to I.D. the diner scene in the most recent "Mad Men" season finale? It's absolutely Bob's Big Boy Broiler. Check out the scene from the show:



And here's how it looks from our visit: