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  • Whataburger is coming to the Triangle. Here’s a Texan’s guide to ordering

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    As a Texan, I’ve got strong opinions about particular culinary matters.

    Brisket is the best kind of barbecue. Beans do not belong in chili.

    But to opine on a friend’s choice of hamburger toppings? Wouldn’t be prudent.

    A Whataburger, french fries, onion rings and a Patty Melt are pictured at Whataburger in Mebane on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. The new restaurant is the chain’s 11th in North Carolina.
    A Whataburger, french fries, onion rings and a Patty Melt are pictured at Whataburger in Mebane on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. The new restaurant is the chain’s 11th in North Carolina. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer

    And this hesitation, I fear, caused a bit of anxiety for The News & Observer’s food writer, Drew Jackson, who accompanied me on a recent trip to Whataburger (not to be confused with What-A-Burger).

    The iconic chain headquartered in my hometown, San Antonio, just opened a location in Mebane, in Alamance County, not far from our neck of the woods here in the Triangle, where the company is building a few more restaurants.

    Mebane’s new Whataburger, located at 1004 Mebane Oaks Road, was decked out with orange-and-white flags to celebrate its grand opening.
    Mebane’s new Whataburger, located at 1004 Mebane Oaks Road, was decked out with orange-and-white flags to celebrate its grand opening. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer

    Now, I know my way around a Whataburger. For me, it’s been a go-to place for post-game and post-party fuel. My family has pulled into Whataburger drive-thrus for hot sustenance on many a road trip. My quirky childhood food habits were validated and celebrated with a blue “special” sticker sealing the wrapper of my plain and dry hamburgers.

    But Jackson had never experienced Whataburger, bless his heart. So when it was time to order, he looked to me for guidance. (Well, except, he did order a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit without my prompting — a proud moment for me.)

    As he clicked through the menu on the touchscreen kiosk, Jackson wanted to make sure he wasn’t making a mistake — as if that’s possible. I offered my knowledge of the popular items, of course the No. 1 Whataburger, fries, patty melt, chicken strips with gravy, etc.

    The News & Observer’s Drew Jackson and I, Renee Umsted, tasted a Whataburger, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, patty melt, fries, onion rings, Whatachick’n Strips and milkshakes outside the new Mebane Whataburger.
    The News & Observer’s Drew Jackson and I, Renee Umsted, tasted a Whataburger, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, patty melt, fries, onion rings, Whatachick’n Strips and milkshakes outside the new Mebane Whataburger. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer

    But Jackson wanted to get into the weeds. Which sauces did we need for each entree? Should any toppings be added to the burger?

    Whataburger’s philosophy in this matter is the same as mine: The correct way to order a hamburger is “just like you like it.”

    So I will share my Whataburger recommendations for first-timers, so y’all aren’t deer in the headlights at the order counter.

    But I will not dictate the best sauce for fries, or which toppings you need on your hamburger. That just doesn’t seem Texan.

    What to order at Whataburger

    Whataburger’s iconic table tents help restaurant staff deliver orders to their hungry customers. Whataburger knows people steal them, though the company does not encourage that practice. Table tents can be purchased on Whataburger’s online Whatastore.
    Whataburger’s iconic table tents help restaurant staff deliver orders to their hungry customers. Whataburger knows people steal them, though the company does not encourage that practice. Table tents can be purchased on Whataburger’s online Whatastore. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer

    If you happen to visit a Whatabuger between 11 p.m. and 11 a.m., you can order breakfast. And you should order at least one Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit — allegedly one of country music star Lainey Wilson’s favorites. It’s a breaded and fried chicken strip topped with honey butter between two halves of a biscuit.

    If you’re there for lunch or dinner, try a burger. There are several options on the menu, but really it just comes down to personal preferences and hunger level.

    • Looking for something small? Go for a Whataburger Jr., made with a smaller patty on a smaller bun.
    • The classic is a No. 1 — made with Whataburger’s signature thin patty and topped with lettuce, tomato, diced onions and mustard ($5.99).
    • A little hungrier? Get the double meat (No. 2 on the menu). Could eat a cow? Get the triple meat (No. 3).

    Whataburger’s fries are thin, salted and cooked to a not-too-crispy level. A large order of fries comes in a sturdy box.
    Whataburger’s fries are thin, salted and cooked to a not-too-crispy level. A large order of fries comes in a sturdy box. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer

    You could Whatasize your order, too, and get a large order of fries and a large drink.

    Remember, it’s just like you like it. Add cheese, jalapeños or grilled onions. Get rid of the rabbit food.

    Whatachick'n Strips with Texas toast and gravy come in a box with Whataburger’s signature orange and white stripes.
    Whatachick’n Strips with Texas toast and gravy come in a box with Whataburger’s signature orange and white stripes. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer

    If you’re not feeling a burger, chicken strips are a good choice ($5.99). Three breaded and fried strips come with Texas toast. You can make it a meal and get fries, too.

    As Jackson and I proved this week, feasting in sub-freezing temperatures, it’s never too cold for ice cream. Finish off your meal with a shake ($3.99). Whataburger serves the classics — vanilla, chocolate and strawberry — and has limited-time flavors. On our visit, it was the Blackberry Dr Pepper shake.

    Where to find Whataburger in NC

    Chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shakes are always on the Whataburger menu. Look out for limited-time offerings.
    Chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shakes are always on the Whataburger menu. Look out for limited-time offerings. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer

    No Whataburger restaurants have opened in the Triangle yet, though a few are on the way. The location at Six Forks and Wake Forest roads in Raleigh is under construction, but a “coming soon” sign is up. A public relations manager for Whataburger told The N&O in early December that “details on this location will be shared soon.” To date, no details have been shared.

    The chain is steadily expanding eastward, and there are 11 restaurants open in North Carolina, including the newest one, at 1004 Mebane Oaks Road in Mebane. Open 24 hours, it has an indoor dining room and a drive-thru.

    Several locations have opened around Charlotte, including in Gastonia and Mooresville.

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    Renee Umsted

    The News & Observer

    Renee Umsted is a service journalism reporter for The News & Observer. She has a degree in journalism from the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU. 

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    Renee Umsted

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