Whataburger vs Other Burger Chains: Prices, Sizes and Calories Compared
Whataburger stands apart from other burger chains for its 5-inch fresh-beef burgers, 24-hour stores (1,129 with a 24-hour drive-thru) and breakfast from 11 pm. A #1 is $5.99 and 590 calories; the trade-off is that it is only in 17 states.
What makes Whataburger different
Compared with national burger chains, Whataburger stands out in five ways, all from our data and Whataburger's store directory:
- Burger: the #1 Whataburger, a 5-inch patty on a 5-inch bun, $5.99 and 590 calories.
- Beef: 100% American beef, fresh, never frozen, cooked to order.
- Hours: 1,129 of its stores list a 24-hour drive-thru.
- Breakfast: 11 pm to 11 am, alongside the regular menu at 24-hour stores.
- Footprint: 1,217 stores in 17 states, 787 in Texas.
Size
Whataburger's regular burger uses a 5-inch patty and bun, wider than a typical fast-food burger, and its Jr. uses 4-inch. A #1 is 590 calories; the #3 Triple Meat 1,075. See how big is a Whataburger.
Price
A #1 Whataburger is $5.99 and a #1 Whatameal $9.59 at the Dallas store we checked. Prices at every chain vary by location, so compare menus at stores near you rather than national averages. Every Whataburger price is on Whataburger menu prices.
Breakfast and late night
Few burger chains serve breakfast through the night. At Whataburger, breakfast starts at 11 pm and the regular menu stays on at 24-hour stores, so a burger or a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is available at 3 am. That is a big part of its appeal in Texas.
Customization
Removing toppings is free and add-ons are priced individually (bacon $1.80, avocado $1.35), and Whataburger says its fan "secret menu" orders are available year-round. See the secret menu.
Chicken
Unlike burger-only chains, Whataburger has a full chicken line: grilled and spicy chicken sandwiches, Whatachick'n Strips, the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich and boneless WhataWings. The #11 Grilled Chicken Sandwich is 440 calories. See the chicken menu.
Value menu
Whataburger's value menu (Whatadeals) has a $3.00 Big Ranch Wrap and four $4 Jr. sandwiches, with meals at $6.00 and $7.00. That puts it in line with the value tiers most national chains run. See Whatadeals.
Ketchup and sauces
Few chains are known for a condiment the way Whataburger is for its Spicy Ketchup, which is also sold in grocery stores. Its sandwich sauces range from mustard (15 cal) to Creamy Pepper (60 cal). See Whataburger Spicy Ketchup.
Drive-thru culture
With 1,129 stores listing a 24-hour drive-thru, Whataburger is built around the drive-thru more than most chains, and its value grows at night, when many competitors have closed or switched to a limited menu.
Head-to-head pages
- Whataburger vs In-N-Out: the two fresh-beef regional favorites.
- Whataburger vs McDonald's: regional vs the biggest chain.
- Whataburger vs Chick-fil-A: the chicken sandwiches.
Where Whataburger is weaker
It is only in 17 states, so most Americans cannot try it without traveling. Delivery-app prices run about a quarter above store prices in our comparison. And the menu is burger-focused: there is one salad pair, no fish outside Lent and no veggie burger.
Frequently asked questions
Is Whataburger better than other burger chains?
It depends on taste; Whataburger's strengths are fresh beef, 5-inch burgers, 24-hour stores and breakfast through the night.
Is Whataburger bigger than other fast-food burgers?
Its 5-inch patty and bun are wider than a typical fast-food burger.
Is Whataburger more expensive?
A #1 is $5.99 at the store we checked; compare menus at stores near you, since prices vary by location.
Does Whataburger have breakfast all night?
Breakfast runs from 11 pm to 11 am, so it covers the whole night at 24-hour stores.
What is Whataburger's best-known item?
The #1 Whataburger, $5.99 and 590 calories, with Spicy Ketchup for the fries.
Is Whataburger only in Texas?
No. It has 1,217 stores in 17 states, though 787 are in Texas.
Is Whataburger open 24 hours unlike other chains?
Most stores are: 1,129 list a 24-hour drive-thru, and breakfast starts at 11 pm.
Does Whataburger have better chicken than other burger chains?
It has a broader chicken menu than most burger chains: grilled, spicy, strips, wings and the Honey BBQ sandwich.
Which burger chains are like Whataburger?
In-N-Out is the closest regional fresh-beef rival; Whataburger is also often compared with McDonald's and Chick-fil-A.
Does Whataburger use fresh beef?
Yes, 100% American beef, fresh and never frozen.