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

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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

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.