Texas fast-food legend open 24/7. Orange-and-white striped buildings serve made-to-order burgers with cult following.
Whataburger was founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas by Harmon Dobson, who opened his first stand with the vision of serving a burger so large that customers would have to say 'What a burger!' The chain has grown to over 900 locations across Texas and the American South, and remains one of the most regionally distinctive fast-food chains in the United States. The brand is so deeply embedded in Texas culture that it is treated not merely as a fast-food option but as a point of identity — license plate frames, T-shirts, wedding cakes, and commemorative items bearing the orange-and-white flying W logo are common across the state. Every Whataburger is built to order; no food sits under a heat lamp. The menu is broader than most fast-food competitors, extending to taquitos, honey butter chicken biscuits, and a breakfast menu available around the clock alongside the burger lineup. The signature Whataburger — a 5-inch beef patty on a 5-inch toasted bun with the customer's choice of toppings — is available in single, double, and triple formats. The Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, served during breakfast hours, has a following as passionate as the burger devotees. Mustard and jalapeños are default condiment options at Texas locations in a way that acknowledges the regional palate. Most locations are open twenty-four hours, cementing Whataburger's role as the defining middle-of-the-night option across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and the broader Gulf South.
Signature dishes
- Whataburger — $6
- Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit — $4
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Reservations
- Walk-in only
Location
Multiple locations in TX and Southern states
29.7604, -95.3698 View on map
Highlights
- Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit: the breakfast item that rivals the burger in devotional intensity among Texas fans
- Made-to-order at every location — nothing sits under a heat lamp; each order is assembled fresh
- Orange-and-white flying W architecture is a recognizable Texas landmark from the highway
- Founded in Corpus Christi in 1950; over 70 years of Texas fast-food history and cultural identity
- 24-hour operation across most Texas locations — the defining late-night food option across the Gulf South
Tips for visiting
- The Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is served during breakfast hours (typically until 11 a.m.) and is worth planning a morning visit around
- Building orders via the app avoids the counter line and ensures exact customization is communicated correctly
- Jalapeños can be added to any item at no charge — a Texan standard modification worth knowing about
- The triple Whataburger with cheese is the maximum expression of the menu and not for the faint-hearted
- Spicy ketchup (a Whataburger-branded condiment sold in grocery stores) is a fan favorite and can be requested in additional packets at the counter
Accessibility
Whataburger locations are drive-through focused but all include walk-in dining rooms with ADA-compliant accessible entrances, counter heights, and restrooms. Parking lots include accessible spaces. The 24-hour drive-through format is fully accessible to guests in vehicles. Specific accessibility information is available on the Whataburger website.
Frequently asked questions
What states have Whataburger locations?
Whataburger is concentrated in Texas but also operates in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The chain is heavily associated with Texas, where the majority of locations are situated.
Is Whataburger open 24 hours?
Most Whataburger locations are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This is a defining characteristic of the brand and a major contributor to its status as the go-to late-night option across Texas and the Gulf South.
What is the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit?
The Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is a Whataburger breakfast item consisting of a crispy fried chicken filet on a freshly baked biscuit with housemade honey butter. It is served during morning breakfast hours and has an intensely devoted following that some argue rivals the burger program.
Why is Whataburger such a Texas cultural touchstone?
Whataburger has been a Texas institution since 1950 and the brand has been deeply woven into state identity through generations. The orange-and-white architecture, the made-to-order model, and consistent quality at an accessible price have made it a source of genuine regional pride.
Is Whataburger better than In-N-Out Burger?
The comparison is a matter of fierce regional loyalty. Texans generally prefer Whataburger; Californians prefer In-N-Out. The two chains reflect different burger traditions — Whataburger is a larger, more customizable, and menu-diverse operation; In-N-Out is minimal and focused. Both are worth experiencing in their home regions.