The Counter

The Counter
“Custom Built Burgers”

Location: The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos 2785 Cabot Drive Suite 110 Corona, Ca 92883
Type of Food: Good old American hamburgers, sort of!
Price Range: $8.00-$13.00 per burger
Date Potential: A lunch date here, might be fun
Website: www.thecounterburger.com

True to its name, The Counter, is a one-of-a kind hamburger restaurant that allows its guests to custom build their burgers. Guests are given a menu with five steps and are asked to mark down exactly what they want, starting with what kind of burger: beef, turkey, veggie, or grilled, chicken and the size: 1/3 lb., 2/3 lb., or 1 lb. You can also choose to have a burger in a bowl—build your burger without the bun. Next, you choose your cheese, and move on to select toppings and sauce. Finally, you choose the bun. I must say the choosing your toppings and sauces are not as easy as it sounds. The Counter offers 27 different toppings and 17 different sauces! I had a very difficult time even deciding if I wanted a hamburger or if I wanted to try the burger in a bowl.

I finally decided to go with the burger in a bowl. I had grilled chicken on a bed of mixed baby greens, with a ton of toppings such as avocados, roasted corn and black bean salsa, Bermuda red onions, chili, and tomatoes, all topped off with a southwestern Caesar sauce. It was quite delicious and a perfect meal on a hot day.

The décor of the The Counter is very inviting. The open restaurant and patio seating is perfect for summer. The Counter has even thought of the kids and offers a game corner where the Wii can entertain the little ones. Although I would not recommend taking a date here for a romantic dinner, it is a perfect spot for a lunch date or a luncheon with the gals.

Wood Ranch Bar and Grill

Wood Rance Bar and Grill

Location: 2785 Lakeshore Dr. Corona, Ca

Type of Food: BBQ

Price Range: Expect to pay about $50.00 for two!

Date Potential: Perfect for a date!

Upon entering Wood Ranch Bar and Grill in Corona California you will notice a barbecue style decor with a fine dining flare. This dim light steakhouse features items such as prime rib, filet mignon, and other barbecue favorites accompanied by an extensive list of homestyle sides. These include mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and fresh vegetables.

The food at Wood Ranch resembles that of Claim Jumper with a bit more attention to detail. You will notice that the food on the plates are arranged perfectly and there is no sauce dripping off the side. A steak at Wood Ranch is also done to perfection. When you ask for medium, it comes out medium. Not medium well. One thing admirable about Wood Ranch is their bread. The garlic cheese bread comes out hot and differentiates itself from the ordinary.

The service at Wood Ranch is also exceptional. The staff is friendly and is helpful at communicating the special dishes of the day or any other query you may have. This is what separates Wood Ranch from other barbecue joints as the premium prices will reflect the excellent service.

I would definitely recommend Wood Ranch as a perfect spot for a night date. The area surrounding Wood Ranch also would seem favorable to walking around as there is shopping, ice cream, and a movie theater close by.