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Fast Casual · Custom Burgers

The Counter Menu Prices 2026: Build-Your-Own Burgers, Shakes & More

The Counter flips the fast-casual script by handing the menu to you: choose your protein, bun, cheese, sauce, and toppings from dozens of options to create one of more than 312,120 possible burger combinations. Founded in Santa Monica in 2003, the chain has grown to over 30 U.S. locations plus outposts in the UK and beyond, earning a loyal following for its fresh, never-frozen beef and craft-quality ingredients.

312,120 burger combosFast CasualFounded 2003
Jump to full menu Cheapest items
Sample · $$

Signature items

Classic Beef Burger$13.99
Turkey Burger$13.49
Veggie Burger$12.99
Hand-Spun Milkshake$7.49
Jump to: Quick answers Full menu Cheapest items Most popular Compare prices About FAQ
Quick answers

What to order — at a glance

Cheapest item
Side Salad $4.99
Most popular
Classic Beef Build-Your-Own from $13.99

312,120 combinations possible

Best value combo
Burger + Fries + Drink ~$20–22
Signature shake
Hand-Spun Milkshake $7.49
Combo meals

The Counter combo and meal deals

Burger + Fries + Drink~$21–23

  • Any build-your-own or signature burger
  • Classic Fries
  • Fountain Soda

Combo pricing varies by location; ask at the counter.

Full menu with prices

The Counter full menu and current prices

Prices are U.S. national averages based on publicly available data circa 2024–2026. Verify current prices with your local location.
Build-Your-Own Burgers6 itemsBuns & Bases4 itemsCheeses & Toppings8 itemsSignature Burgers6 itemsSalads4 itemsSides6 itemsShakes & Drinks6 items
Budget picks

Cheapest items on the The Counter menu

  1. 1Bottled Water$2.49
  2. 2Fountain Soda$3.49
  3. 3Classic Fries$4.49
  4. 4Crispy Onion Strings$4.49
  5. 5Sweet Potato Fries$4.99
  6. 6Side Salad$4.99
  7. 7Onion Rings$4.99
  8. 8Lemonade$3.99
  9. 9Truffle Parmesan FriesPremium upgrade$5.99
  10. 10Floats$5.99
What's new

New and limited-time items on the The Counter menu

Seasonal

Seasonal Signature Burger

Rotating limited-time signature built around seasonal ingredients — past versions have featured pumpkin aioli in fall and truffle butter in winter.

~$15.99
Calories + price

Most-ordered items: calories and price together

Approximate calorie counts for popular build-your-own items using standard base configuration (brioche bun, white cheddar, standard toppings). Actual counts vary by customization.

ItemApprox. CaloriesPrice
1/3 lb Beef Burger (base build)~650$13.99
2/3 lb Beef Burger (base build)~1050$16.49
Turkey Burger (base build)~520$13.49
Veggie Burger (base build)~500$12.99
Grilled Chicken (base build)~490$13.49
Classic Fries~380$4.49
Sweet Potato Fries~410$4.99
Hand-Spun Milkshake~620$7.49
Price comparison

How The Counter prices compare to competitors

Like-for-like comparison of burgers, fries, and shakes at premium fast-casual burger chains.

CategoryThe CounterThe Habit BurgerSmashburgerFive Guys
Entry-level burger$12.99$8.49$9.99$11.39
Signature / flagship burger$14.99–$15.99$10.49$11.99$13.99+
Large beef patty upgrade$16.49$11.49$12.99$15.39+
Classic fries$4.49$3.99$4.29$4.69
Milkshake$7.49$5.99$6.49$6.99
About

About The Counter

The Counter was born in 2003 when Jeff Weinstein opened the original location on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica, California with a single idea: let guests engineer their own burger from scratch rather than choose from a fixed menu. The concept clicked immediately. By pairing fresh, never-frozen beef with an extensive topping bar — more than two dozen cheeses, sauces, and mix-ins — The Counter calculates that diners can construct over 312,120 distinct burgers, a figure that became the brand's signature marketing hook and a genuine reflection of its kitchen philosophy.

Growth was swift through the 2000s and 2010s as the chain expanded across California and then nationwide via a franchise model, eventually reaching more than 30 U.S. locations alongside international outposts including the Soho, London location that put the brand on the map in the UK. The menu broadened to include turkey, veggie, and chicken patties alongside pre-designed signature burgers for guests who prefer a curated recommendation, while hand-spun milkshakes and craft-style sides like truffle parmesan fries elevated the experience well above typical fast-food fare.

The Counter positions itself squarely in the premium fast-casual tier — think Five Guys-level quality consciousness paired with the creative latitude of a build-your-own taqueria. Ingredients are sourced with attention to quality: cage-free eggs, applewood-smoked bacon, and fire-roasted Hatch green chiles appear as standard topping options. Gluten-free buns and lettuce wraps keep dietary accommodations front and center, reflecting the brand's California roots and its commitment to serving a wide range of guests without sacrificing flavor.

312,120+burger combinations
2003founded, Santa Monica CA
30+U.S. locations
$$price range

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many burger combinations does The Counter offer?

The Counter advertises over 312,120 possible burger combinations. That number comes from multiplying the choices across patty types (beef, turkey, veggie, chicken), bun options, cheeses, sauces, and the full topping bar. In practice, most guests settle on a personal favourite build after a few visits.

Does The Counter have a veggie or vegan burger?

Yes. The Counter offers a house veggie patty that can be built with the same topping options as the beef burgers. For a fully plant-based meal, opt for the lettuce wrap instead of a bun and skip any dairy-based cheeses and sauces — ask your server for guidance on vegan-friendly topping choices.

Is there a gluten-free option at The Counter?

The Counter offers a gluten-free bun for an upcharge of approximately $1.50, and the lettuce wrap is a complimentary gluten-free base. Cross-contamination risk exists in any shared kitchen, so guests with celiac disease should notify staff and assess their individual tolerance.

What is the cheapest item on The Counter menu?

The most affordable standalone items are fountain sodas (~$3.49) and classic fries (~$4.49). Among food items, the side salad at around $4.99 is one of the least expensive options. Burger prices start at roughly $12.99 for the veggie build.

How much does a meal at The Counter cost?

A typical meal — burger, fries, and a drink — runs $20–$25 depending on your protein choice and any premium toppings like avocado or bacon. Adding a hand-spun milkshake instead of a soda will push the total closer to $25–$28. The Counter sits firmly in the premium fast-casual tier, comparable to Shake Shack or Five Guys.

Does The Counter have a kids menu?

The Counter does not offer a dedicated kids menu at most locations, but the smaller 1/3 lb burger at $13.99 and simple sides like classic fries are commonly ordered for younger guests. Staff are generally happy to simplify builds for kids on request.

Can I order The Counter online or through an app?

The Counter supports online ordering through its website at thecounterburger.com at participating locations, and some locations are listed on third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. Availability varies by location, so check the website's location finder for your nearest restaurant's ordering options.

What makes The Counter different from Five Guys or Shake Shack?

The Counter's key differentiator is structured customization at scale — a formal build-your-own system with categorized choices across buns, proteins, cheeses, sauces, and toppings, yielding 312,120+ combinations. Five Guys offers free toppings but fewer base choices; Shake Shack focuses on a curated short menu with frozen custard. The Counter sits between the two: more creative latitude than Shake Shack, more premium ingredients and atmosphere than Five Guys.

Does The Counter have locations outside the United States?

Yes. The Counter has expanded internationally, with notable locations in the United Kingdom (including Soho, London), and has operated outposts in other countries through franchise agreements. International menu prices are set locally and may differ significantly from U.S. averages listed here. Check thecounterburger.com for current international locations.