warjianrumoelliu

Another solid, four-star place… contrary to what you might think of the name of the restaurant, the best feature of this place is actually the sandwiches (although the pizza is pretty great—thin but crispy crust, super fresh ingredients).

I usually order a Chicken Parm sandwich or a Neapolitan Steak sandwich… very tasty and under $8 and huge… probably split it up for two meals. The bread is fresh baked; soft on the inside, and crunchy on the outside, slightly sour and complements the meat/marinara/veggies very well Give the Eggplant Parmigiana a try as well (I’ve heard it is good).

Probably the best chocolate croissant I’ve ever had… Also, location is primo… right on Santana Row, where you can watch all the hot women, I mean cars, roll by. Seriously, there are some beautiful cars that come out at night…

Only reason I can’t give this five stars is because I’m not a big coffee drinker or cake eater.

Not the cheapest burger, but hey, they have Garlic Aioli as a condiment choice…

The Counter has very tasty burgers in 1/3, 2/3, or full pound sizes, the option to go bun-less, or have a nice toasted wheat bun. They allow you to have four different toppings on your burger on top of your choice of cheese and spread… pretty much endless combinations.

I really love their sweet potato fries… they were double-fried, or something, super flaky/crispy and came with this southwestern sauce that had a little kick to it. Come here with a few hungry friends and split these fries (the size is huge, meant for sharing).

Definitely worth a few more visits.

Wow, the service was top-notch… the waiter was on our chips and salsa and our water without hesitation, and it looked quite busy at the same time (Saturday Night at 7pm).

I had a great burrito, a Super w/Al Pastor, and I must say, that’s how you barbecue mexican meats: well-done w/char-grilled marks, yet still tender and juicy.

Good prices as well.

The salsa is very fresh and has a little kick. Try the wet burrito for an extra dollar!

Only thing that would have made it better was more pizza sauce. The crust was super thin and yet crispy, how I imagine a good NY pizza would be like. It reminded me of La Monica’s in Westwood back in my college days.

Have yet to tr the calzones, and they have paninis too!

Go there on a nice day with some friends and sit outside… but there is definitely not enough seating in the restaurant (true hole in the wall, I didn’t even know it was there and I worked across the street at the old Guitar Center for over half a year!).

Prices are pretty good, and it hits the spot. Not an everyday place though, as the grease will probably catch up to you.

Forgot to add that I have tried the Air Jordan (Fresh Tomato and Basil), the Al Bundy (Sundried Tomato, Feta, Whole Roasted Garlic Cloves, and Basil), and the Wrigley Field (Grilled Chicken, Whole Roasted Garlic Cloves, Pesto, and Feta). All EXCELLENT.

And they are open until 10, and take dine-in orders over the phone… and when I was there at 9:15pm, they were still packed. I see business people here all the time.

Wow. I have had several places for deep dish including the Bay Area’s famous Zachary’s. This beats Z’s out slightly because of the crust… I’ve been here twice now, and both times, I have been very impressed.

The tomato sauce is slightly sweet, veggies super fresh, pesto rich and deep, and the crust is super crisp and thick. A true pizza pie.

Their soft drinks are free refills, and they have a nice Arnold Palmer, very brisk and tart yet sweet. They serve all their drinks in mason jars.

Two hungry guys can finish a medium, and two smaller appetites can finish a small.

I don’t think I have ever given the coveted five stars to anyone, but King Taco TIME and TIME again has never ceased to light up this palette with bold, savory, spicy goodness.

Try the combination burrito with carne asada and hot sauce, tacos with hot sauce, flautas with hot sauce… basically anything that can be a vehicle for the salsa roja is a good thing. Never had anything like it.

The carne asada is probably the juiciest, most succulent carne asada I’ve ever had.

Their restaurant is clean, and very close to Fuller Seminary and right on the edge of Old Town Pasadena. Definitely give this one a shot if you like spicy food.

Great Green Onion Pancake… super bubbly in texture, and it’s definitely got some pork fat action in there…

Xiao Long Bao (Juicy Pork Dumplings) were tasty, though not terribly juicy. Din Tai Fung down south in Arcadia is better.

The Pork and Veggie Dumplings in spicy sauce, the chili oil for those of you who know, is pretty tasty.

I also liked their Pot Stickers… really good crisp on them.

Service was as expected… no courtesy, and they forgot a part of our order, and brought one more of the Green Onion Pancake than we ordered.

Only reason this place doesn’t get five is because prices are a bit high (as with most Indian curry places). Expect to pay $10 per person if you really want to try their stuff with all the fixings (Naan and Rice).

I have had their Beef Nihari, Aloo Palak, Chicken Palak, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Aloo Mattar. All were good, but in my mind, the exceptional ones are the Chicken Palak and the Tikka Masala.

Try the Aloo Naan (curry potato-stuffed) and the Onion Naan… and if you know what’s up, try with plenty of raw onion, peppers, lime juice, all with that red powder, and a serving of Raita. What an amazing flavor adventure…

The other location on El Camino near Pizz’a Chicago is just as good.