Whataburger, a beloved fast-food chain, has been satisfying burger cravings since its founding in 1950 by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Whataburger menu offers a wide variety of options, from classic burgers and chicken sandwiches to breakfast items and salads, with prices comparable to other major fast-food chains.
The restaurant’s signature item is the Whataburger, a large beef patty served on a 5-inch bun with mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and diced onions. Customers can customize their orders with additional toppings or create their own unique combinations. Whataburger also features limited-time offers and regional specialties that keep the menu fresh and exciting.
Whataburger’s breakfast menu, available from 11 PM to 11 AM, includes popular items like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit. The chain also caters to families with a dedicated kids’ menu and offers various sides, desserts, and beverages to complement any meal.
Historical Background
Whataburger, a beloved fast-food chain, was founded in 1950 by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson’s vision was to create a burger so big that customers would exclaim “What a burger!” upon first bite.
The original menu was simple, featuring only burgers, drinks, and chips. In 1962, French fries and hot pies were added, expanding the offerings.
Tragedy struck in 1967 when Harmon Dobson died in a plane crash. His wife Grace took over the business, supported by the Whataburger family.
The 1970s saw significant menu expansion:
- Whataburger Jr. introduced
- Jalapeños and onion rings added as toppings
- Breakfast items debuted in 1979
In 1982, Whataburger made a bold move by offering 24-hour service at select locations. This change, along with the introduction of taquitos and “Whatachick’n”, marked a new era for the chain.
By the early 1980s, Whataburger had grown to over 300 restaurants. The menu continued to evolve, always staying true to its Texas roots and commitment to quality.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Whataburger offers a diverse menu of beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, and specialty items. Their customizable options and signature flavors have made them a popular fast-food choice.
Beef Burgers
The classic Whataburger is the foundation of the menu. It’s a quarter-pound beef patty on a toasted bun with mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and diced onions. For bigger appetites, there’s the Double Meat Whataburger and Triple Meat Whataburger.
The Whataburger Jr. is a smaller version, perfect for lighter meals. Cheese can be added to any burger for an extra charge.
A standout is the Whataburger Patty Melt. It features two beef patties, grilled onions, and melted cheese on Texas toast.
The Avocado Bacon Burger is a premium option, combining fresh avocado with crispy bacon.
Chicken Sandwiches
Whataburger’s chicken offerings cater to different tastes. The Whatachick’n Sandwich is a breaded chicken fillet with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise.
For a healthier option, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich uses a marinated chicken breast.
The Spicy Chicken Sandwich adds a kick with spicy breading and a zesty WhataSauce.
All chicken sandwiches can be customized with extra toppings or sauces.
Specialty Items
The A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger is a unique offering, featuring A.1. sauce and crispy bacon.
The Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger combines sweet and heat with pepper jack cheese and grilled onions.
For breakfast, the Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit Sandwich is a popular choice, available for a limited time.
Whataburger’s All-Time Favorites menu includes the Patty Melt and other fan-favorite items that have stood the test of time.
Breakfast Options
Whataburger’s breakfast menu offers a variety of hearty and delicious options to start your day. From classic sandwiches to filling platters, there’s something for every taste and appetite.
Breakfast Sandwiches and Biscuits
The Breakfast on a Bun is a popular choice, featuring a ground pork sausage patty or bacon with eggs and cheese on a toasted bun. For those craving something sweeter, the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit combines crispy chicken with a honey butter sauce. The Breakfast Burger is a unique offering, priced at $5.39.
Egg sandwiches come in various forms, including the Egg and Cheese Biscuit. For a Tex-Mex twist, the Taquito with Cheese wraps scrambled eggs and cheese in a warm tortilla. Prices for these items range from $3.69 to $4.29.
Breakfast Platters
Whataburger’s breakfast platters provide a more substantial meal option. The Pancake Platter is a classic choice, often served with syrup and butter. Other platter options may include combinations of eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns.
These platters offer a complete breakfast experience, allowing customers to enjoy a variety of breakfast staples in one meal. Prices for platters typically range from $4.55 to $6.00, depending on the specific components included.
Sides and Beverages
To complement the main breakfast items, Whataburger offers a selection of sides and beverages. Hash browns are a popular side, available as traditional patties or as Hash Brown Sticks for a fun twist.
Coffee is a staple beverage option, perfect for those needing a morning caffeine boost. Other drink choices may include juices, milk, or soft drinks.
These sides and beverages can be ordered individually or as part of a combo meal, allowing customers to customize their breakfast experience to their liking.
Sides and Snacks
Whataburger offers a selection of classic sides and snacks to complement their burgers and main dishes. These options range from crispy fried favorites to lighter fare.
Fries and Onion Rings
French Fries are a staple side at Whataburger. They’re crispy, golden, and lightly salted for the perfect snack or meal accompaniment. Customers can order individual portions or opt for the Family Fry Box, ideal for sharing.
Onion Rings provide a crunchy alternative. These battered and fried onion slices offer a satisfying texture and savory flavor. Both fries and onion rings can be customized with additional seasonings or dipping sauces upon request.
Prices for these sides vary:
- French Fries: $3.53
- Onion Rings: $4.62
- Family Fry Box: $14.99
Others
Whataburger caters to health-conscious diners with options like Side Salads. These feature fresh greens and vegetables, offering a lighter alternative to fried sides.
For those seeking a sweet and nutritious option, Apple Slices may be available at select locations. This choice appeals to parents looking for kid-friendly sides or customers wanting a fresh fruit option.
Additional snacks might include limited-time offerings or regional specialties, depending on the location and season. Customers are encouraged to check with their local Whataburger for the most up-to-date menu options and pricing.
Salads and Healthy Options
Whataburger offers a selection of salads and lighter meal choices for customers seeking healthier options. These menu items provide alternatives to their classic burgers and fried foods.
Salad Varieties
Whataburger’s salad menu features three main options. The Garden Salad serves as a base, containing romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, grape tomatoes, and carrots. It provides a low-calorie option at 160 calories.
The Cobb Salad offers a more substantial meal, typically including mixed greens, grilled chicken, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs. Customers can customize their salads by adding protein options like grilled chicken, Whatachick’n, or spicy chicken.
Salad dressings are served on the side, allowing diners to control their calorie intake. The chain also offers a variety of dressing flavors to suit different tastes.
Lighter Meal Choices
For those seeking protein-rich options with fewer calories, Whataburger provides grilled chicken sandwiches. These sandwiches contain about 430 calories and offer 29 grams of protein.
Other lighter choices include:
- Grilled chicken strips
- Apple slices (as a side option)
- Unsweetened iced tea
These items allow customers to enjoy a meal at Whataburger while maintaining calorie control. The restaurant’s commitment to offering healthier alternatives alongside its classic menu items caters to a diverse range of dietary preferences and needs.
Drinks and Shakes
Whataburger offers a diverse array of beverages to complement their meals. Their drink menu features classic sodas, refreshing iced teas, and indulgent shakes and malts.
Soft Drinks and Iced Teas
Whataburger’s soft drink selection includes popular carbonated beverages like Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, and Sprite. These come in small, medium, large, and family-size options. For those preferring non-carbonated choices, Whataburger serves freshly brewed iced tea, available in sweet and unsweet varieties.
The restaurant also offers lemonade and flavored lemonades as a tangy alternative. Coffee lovers can enjoy hot coffee or iced coffee to accompany their meals. Whataburger ensures that customers have a wide range of options to quench their thirst, regardless of personal preferences or time of day.
Milkshakes and Malts
Whataburger’s milkshakes and malts are a popular treat among customers. The shakes come in three classic flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. These creamy concoctions are available in medium size, perfect for individual enjoyment.
For those who prefer a thicker consistency, malts are offered in the same flavors. Whataburger occasionally introduces limited-time shake flavors to celebrate seasons or holidays, such as pumpkin spice in autumn or peppermint during winter. These special offerings add variety to the menu and give customers new flavors to explore.
Desserts
Whataburger offers a selection of sweet treats to satisfy any craving. The dessert menu features both baked goods and classic pies, providing options for different tastes and preferences.
Baked Goods
Cinnamon Rolls are a popular choice at Whataburger. These warm, gooey pastries are perfect for breakfast or as an indulgent snack. The menu also includes Chocolate Chunk Cookies, which are generously studded with rich chocolate pieces.
For those seeking a more decadent option, Whataburger offers Brownies. These chocolatey squares are dense and fudgy, ideal for chocolate lovers.
Whataburger’s baked goods are made fresh and provide a comforting end to any meal or a satisfying standalone treat.
Pies and Other Sweet Treats
Hot Apple Pies are a staple on Whataburger’s dessert menu. These handheld pies feature a crispy crust filled with warm, spiced apple filling. They’re served hot, making them a comforting choice year-round.
For a breakfast-inspired dessert, the Pancake Platter is available. This option includes fluffy pancakes served with syrup, offering a sweet start to the day or a unique dessert choice.
Whataburger also offers seasonal dessert specials throughout the year, keeping the menu fresh and exciting for regular customers.
Kids’ Meals
Whataburger offers a variety of tasty and affordable meal options for children. The kids’ menu features both burger and chicken choices to satisfy young appetites.
Children’s Burgers
The Justaburger Kid’s Meal is a popular choice, priced at $6.28. This meal includes a smaller-sized burger perfect for kids. The Justaburger comes with a beef patty, mustard, pickles, and onions on a toasted bun.
For those looking for a cheese-free option, Whataburger offers a Grilled Cheese Kids Whatameal for $6.21. This meal features a classic grilled cheese sandwich made with melted American cheese between two slices of Texas toast.
Both kids’ burger meals come with a side of crispy French fries or apple slices, a drink or milk, and a cookie or fruit chews for dessert.
Children’s Chicken Meals
Whataburger’s chicken options for kids include the Whatachick’n Strips meals. The 2-piece Whatachick’n Strips meal is available for $6.52, while the 3-piece meal costs $7.01.
These meals feature crispy, breaded chicken strips that are perfect for dipping. Kids can choose from a variety of sauces, including honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch.
Like the burger meals, chicken strip meals come with a side, drink, and dessert. The combination of tasty chicken, sides, and a sweet treat makes these meals a hit with children.
Nutritional Information and Allergens
Whataburger provides detailed nutrition facts for their menu items. Customers can access this information to make informed choices about their meals.
The Whataburger menu includes calorie counts, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and sodium content for each item. This data helps diners track their nutritional intake.
Allergen information is also available for Whataburger products. Common allergens like gluten, soy, and wheat are clearly identified for menu items.
Some Whataburger options may contain egg, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, or tree nuts. The restaurant advises that cross-contamination is possible due to shared equipment.
Whataburger offers a range of menu items with varying nutritional profiles. Lighter options include salads and grilled chicken sandwiches. Heartier choices like the Double Meat Whataburger contain more calories and fat.
Nutrition facts can be found on Whataburger’s website or in-store. This transparency allows customers to select meals that align with their dietary needs and preferences.
Menu Customization and Secret Menu
Whataburger offers numerous customization options for their standard menu items. Customers can add or remove ingredients, adjust portion sizes, and mix-and-match components to create personalized meals.
The Whataburger Secret Menu provides additional options for adventurous diners. This unofficial menu features unique combinations and modifications of regular menu items.
Some popular Secret Menu options include:
- The Hulk: A green-colored shake made by mixing vanilla shake with green apple syrup
- Grilled Cheese: A simple yet satisfying off-menu sandwich
- Bun-less Bacon and Cheese Whataburger: A low-carb option served on a platter
The Breakfast on a Bun Ranchero (Ranchero BOB) adds a spicy twist to the regular BOB sandwich. It includes jalapeños and spicy sauce for extra kick.
Whataburger’s version of the popular animal-style burger is another secret menu item. It mimics the famous In-N-Out burger, featuring similar ingredients but with Whataburger’s unique flavor profile.
These secret menu items allow customers to explore new flavor combinations and customize their meals beyond the standard options. While not officially advertised, many Whataburger employees are familiar with these requests.
Restaurant Amenities and Services
Whataburger offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the dining experience. The restaurant caters to both individual customers and groups with various options and deals.
Dining Experience
Whataburger provides a welcoming atmosphere for customers to enjoy their meals. Many locations feature comfortable seating areas with booths and tables. The restaurants maintain a clean environment and often display Texas-themed decor, reflecting the chain’s origins.
Drive-thru service is available at most Whataburger locations, offering convenience for customers on the go. Some restaurants operate 24/7, allowing patrons to satisfy their cravings at any time of day or night.
Digital menu boards display the full range of menu items, making it easy for customers to browse options and place orders. Self-service drink stations are typically available for dine-in customers.
Group Ordering and Deals
Whataburger accommodates group orders with ease. The restaurant offers online ordering and mobile app options, allowing customers to place large orders in advance.
Group meals and family packs are available, featuring combinations of popular menu items at discounted prices. These options are ideal for gatherings or office lunches.
Whataburger periodically runs promotional deals and limited-time offers on specific menu items. Customers can find these deals through the restaurant’s website, mobile app, or in-store advertisements.
The restaurant’s rewards program allows frequent customers to earn points on purchases, which can be redeemed for free menu items or discounts on future orders.
All-Time Favorites and Limited Editions
Whataburger’s All-Time Favorites menu showcases beloved items that have stood the test of time. This selection includes popular sandwiches and meals that originated as limited-time offers but gained permanent status due to customer demand.
The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich is a standout on the All-Time Favorites menu. It features crispy Whatachick’n Strips layered with tangy honey BBQ sauce, creating a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Another notable item is the Patty Melt, priced at $7.79. This sandwich combines two beef patties with melted cheese, grilled onions, and creamy pepper sauce on Texas toast.
The All-Time Favorites menu also includes options like:
- Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger ($7.99)
- A1 Thick & Hearty Burger ($5.50)
Many of these items can be upgraded to Whatameals, which typically include fries and a drink. For example, the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Whatameal is available for those seeking a complete meal option.
Whataburger occasionally introduces limited-edition items to keep the menu fresh and exciting. These special offerings allow customers to try new flavor combinations for a limited time, with some potentially joining the All-Time Favorites lineup if they prove popular enough.