Best Hamburger Showdown: George's Vs. The Counter

Perennial Best of the East Bay winner goes up against the fancy new burger joint in Walnut Creek

Diablo's big Best of the East Bay issue just hit mailboxes and newsstands, so make sure to check it out. Just after the issue came out, a cool new burger joint opened in Walnut Creek. We decided to put our reader's favorite hamburger joint, the longtime fave George's Giant on Newell Ave. up to a taste test against The Counter, a trendy chain that has another location in San Jose's Santana Row. Here's the scoop:


BEST OF THE EAST BAY WINNER: GEORGE'S GIANT HAMBURGER

THE SCENE: George's Giant Hamburger is a classic burger diner tucked into a Walnut Creek mini mall, with a limited menu and loyal regulars. Cash orders are taken at the counter, and orders are grilled right in front of you. Sandwiches and fries are served plain in traditional plastic baskets linedwith paper, with a pickle on the side. George's attracts both groups and single eaters, at least seven people were dining alone during my visit.

THE GRUB: The meat was juicy and delicious, not surprising since it's ground fresh daily. There's a topping bar allowing you to pile on the toppings
yourself, a bonus for picky eaters. However, the bar carries only the basics, so luxury items like avocado and BBQ sauce are not available.

OVERHEARD: Randy Travis on the radio, and a patron realizing he forgot to bring his cash.

COKE or PEPSI?: Pepsi, but you'll have to pay for your refill.

PARKING: Don't bother parking in the front, there's plenty of room in the rear parking lot.

BONUS: George's is a deal, a classic cheeseburger costs only $5.35. Plus, it doesn't close between lunch and dinner, so it's perfect for late lunchers.
And if you're in need of an afternoon coffee fix, Pacific Bay Roasting Company is only a couple doors down.

George's Giant Hamburger, 1491 Newell Avenue, Walnut Creek, Open Daily 11am-8pm

THE NEW KID IN TOWN: THE COUNTER

THE SCENE: Tucked into the corner of the new Mercer condo complex in Walnut Creek, is the Counter, a hipster-contempo diner, with skateboards and paintings of Notorious B.I.G. on the walls. Seating at tables and a counter. Friendly, young, dare-I-say sexy staff.

THE GRUB: Very fresh and high quality ingredients. When you sit down, a server hands you a complex, build-your-own-burger menu, which offers extensive choices for meat, cheeses, toppings, and buns. The D.I.Y. effect is über-specialized, almost to a fault. Filling the form started to feel like doing my taxes, so I went with the Old School burger off the regular menu. The burger and all its components were delicious and high end, as was the chocolate shake (vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup blended in). A gourmet experience in a fresh, casual setting. Its also pricey. Most of a $20 disappeared on my burger, shake, and tip experience.

OVERHEARD: Hip-hop music playing loudly on the stereo, and the server and staff asking "how is everything?"  repeatedly. Also, the place was packed by noon.

COKE OR PEPSI: Coke, and all its siblings, including the elusive Mr. Pibb.

PARKING: Bring change for metered spaces along California Street.

BONUS: The Counter is a great location for employees of Diablo magazine, certain to compete with Marucci's as a quick and close spot for a bite.

The Counter, 1699 North California Boulevard, Walnut Creek, (925) 935 3795, www.thecounterburger.com/walnutcreek, open Monday-Thursday from 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday from 11am-11pm and Sunday from 11:30-9pm.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RESULT: Dead heat. George's scores points for its humble price point, tasty burgers, and local classic status, but the much-more-expensive The Counter has the high end ingredients today's foodies crave.

All month long, we'll be checking in on Best of the East Bay destinations , restaurants and activities here at www.diablomag.com, so check back often.

Posted at 01:02 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink