My first visit and I already know I'll be back for more!  \n\nNcounter is on the corner of Mill and 3rd.  Metered street parking is available, but I used the parking garage farther down 3rd- first hour is free.\n\nLarge space packed with staggered tables to allow people to walk by, but I found it a little tight, and I'm petite!  There's a partition wall/counter that held the soda fountain and other accoutrements, and beyond that, more two- and four-top tables.  Lots of light shining through from so many glass windows- love it!  Ceiling fans were going full-blast; I couldn't find a table that offered respite from the strong breezes.\n\nOrdering food entails lining up at the counter- not my favorite thing to do, but the process went quickly after I decided what to order.  Staff was very helpful and took time to double-check ingredients info for me.  I ordered the banana walnut pancakes and the Grilled cheese \"Melt Down,\" with ciabatta bread instead of 12-grain (due to allergies).  Also ordered an iced mocha.\n\nThe banana walnut pancakes were delicious, and the pancakes had a nice texture! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ncounter-tempe?select=gpDF5uw_20j-D0gth23QLg#gpDF5uw_20j-D0gth23QLg  The bananas were a tad too ripe for my taste, but not too mushy I couldn't eat them, so I didn't complain.  I asked what kind of syrup it came with and was told \"artificial syrup,\" and was offered desert honey, which had great flavor and went well with the pancakes.  I liked that the walnuts were plain and not candied.  I will have to try other varieties, as I am not looking forward to eating very soft slices of banana here again.  The grilled cheese sandwich was exquisite! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ncounter-tempe?select=qCkmJETFCMlS7adhlkIR5Q#qCkmJETFCMlS7adhlkIR5Q  Five kinds of cheeses (jack, cheddar, Swiss, American, and cream), jalape\u00f1os, and bacon, with tomatoes omitted.  Ciabatta was toasted and had great textures (crunch/crusty on the outside and soft underneath).  The slices of jalape\u00f1o gave this sandwich just enough heat and tang-- I wish I was back at Ncounter having another sandwich just writing about it!  The potato chips were good enough to add crunch, but I could've done without.  Gives me yet another reason to return- to try other sides!  Such great comfort food, I kept two thirds of the sandwich to take home and enjoy later.  Mom tried a small portion and ended up eating most of the leftovers!  That says a lot-- the sandwich kept well AND Mom enjoyed it, and it's hard to impress her with anything, especially with leftovers!!  \n\nThe iced mocha was just OK.  A little watered down.  Hope I have better luck with other beverages next time, for there will be a next time... Mom has already requested more of the \"Melt Down\" for takeout.  :)