For those who live in Texas, a good old Whataburger with jalapenos is no big thing, a typical order from that state-favorite drive thru. But for those across the country who will shortly be seeing that orange and white establishment opening near them, it can be a whole new adventure. Whataburger has been in the Lone Star state since 1950, but now that the chain has been purchased by a Chicago-based company, it will start expanding throughout the United States.
This burger-flipping establishment got its start in Corpus Christi and has since become somewhat of legend in the state. It is sort of like the Texas equivalent of In N’ Out Burger, a regional chain with a very loyal following. Burgers, fries, and shakes are its mainstay, but Whataburger also offers chicken, fish, onion rings, salads, breakfast, and more. The burger that is central to its menu is a throwback to good old greasy spoons, and it is what keeps people coming back for more.
The standard burger comes with a thin but beefy patty that is cooked to order on the griddle. The cheeseburger comes with a slice of American cheese, though there are other types you can sub like pepper jack. Along with that they add tomato slices, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and mustard.
Now let’s talk about mustard on the burger for a moment. Mustard belongs on a burger! Everybody in Texas knows that, and that’s how we eat ‘em. You can add ketchup as well, but make sure you have the mustard. As for mayonnaise? It should NEVER be on a hamburger! In fact, at Whataburger, they will refuse to put mayo on your burger if you ask. Okay . . . maybe they won’t. But they should! Now maybe if you got some sort of fancy burger a mayonnaise-based sauce or aioli or remoulade might be acceptable. But on a basic hamburger, cheeseburger, bacon burger, etc., it’s mustard. Not mayonnaise!
Now back to our regularly scheduled review. The veggies on this burger are quite fresh, including the chopped onions which I like (though some may prefer to hold those off and they can deliver an oniony aftertaste). The American cheese is the standard fast food fromage and adds a nice creaminess and a bit of tang. The jalapenos are what brings the spice to this burger and they are quite generous with those. The pickled peppers add a nice kick bringing it close to medium heat. And here is where once again the mustard is a must-have. The tanginess of that condiment pairs well with the jalapenos and adds that little extra oomph to the burger.
Whataburger is more than happy to customize your burger (just note that additions usually bump up the price), and if you order online you can go crazy with the many options they have available (just don’t add mayo). Calorie-wise, the Jalapeno burger comes in close to 700 cals, so go easy on your sides. The small fries might be a good idea or the onion rings only add 300 calories (and they do some good onion rings). Just be sure to get the unsweet tea or just water, otherwise you will need to loosen your belt a notch or two.
Take note that since they make everything fresh after you order it at Whataburger, you will be waiting a little longer than you do in most fast-food joints. Of course that’s where the online ordering comes in handy. Just place your order about ten to fifteen minutes before you plan on getting there and that should time it just right.
When Texans heard that Whataburger had been bought by a national company, there was a collective gasp of dread. But the original family is still involved and the headquarters will remain right here in San Antonio. The new owner is targeting expansion across the country, so a location just may pop up by you in the near future. This gives you a chance to have a taste of Texas, and the Jalapeno burger is definitely a good choice for those looking for something with a kick.
Tale of the Tape:
Serving Size: 1 Burger
Calories: 680
Fat: 63 (12g Sat/1g Trans)
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 63g
Sodium: 1800mg