Whataburger versus In-N-Out

[KCJeep]

Texas based Whataburger made it to Kansas City in the last year or two and brought with it a huge reputation for fantastic burgers. So much so many stood in line for hours during grand opening week. I had no interest in that chaos, but when I did go in, I found a very good burger that didn't live up to the hype. In all fairness it was probably the best burger I've had from a place that had a drive through window. Every time I've been there, they have been friendly but slow. Maybe they are better in Texas.

I hear frequently lots of hype about California based In-N-Out as well. Never had In-N-Out and unless they do some major expansion east probably won't.

For those of you who have had both, which is better and why? Is there an even better "fast food" burger you've found?

I'm talking about fast food joints with a drive through here, not a sit down and order kind of place.

 

[mrsilv04]

Call me an idiot, but I've been a Fuddrucker's fan for decades.

 

[Bud_One]

Whataburger is what I prefer , but I'm biased being from Texas.
In all fairness you're right , it's ok but not what it used to be .

In N Out is not bad , but I don't go looking for it.
We have one locally and I've only eaten there once since it opened.

Fast food wise... Portillo's is the best burger I've had in a while.

 

[wander2039]

Whataburger is only good in OK and TX, the ones up here in KC don't taste the same. Jack in the Box was the same way. If they ever bring a In-and-Out here I assume it'll be the same compared to Cali. They all hit the spot if you go to the right locations.

 

[AZjeff]

Just learned In N Out is moving corporate headquarters to Tennessee. What's interesting is their menu compared to the original McDonalds menu. Coincidence? We find the food better than the big franchises can't comment on Whataburger.

 

[KCJeep]

My drive through go to here is Culvers. Really, really good, fantastic Chik-Fil-A type service and a very broad menu.

I'm an onion ring addict though, and as much as I like Culvers, Sonic has the best onion rings.

 

[Zee09]

We have neither here in eastern Maryland

 

[panthermike]

I don't eat meat these days, but when I did; I always found in and out hard to beat! Love their animal fries and shakes as well.

 

[raaizin]

Texas based Whataburger made it to Kansas City in the last year or two and brought with it a huge reputation for fantastic burgers. So much so many stood in line for hours during grand opening week. I had no interest in that chaos, but when I did go in, I found a very good burger that didn't live up to the hype. In all fairness it was probably the best burger I've had from a place that had a drive through window. Every time I've been there, they have been friendly but slow. Maybe they are better in Texas.

I hear frequently lots of hype about California based In-N-Out as well. Never had In-N-Out and unless they do some major expansion east probably won't.

For those of you who have had both, which is better and why? Is there an even better "fast food" burger you've found?

I'm talking about fast food joints with a drive through here, not a sit down and order kind of place.

Whataburger by far. In-N-Out was a big dissappointment to me

 

[KCJeep]

Whataburger by far. In-N-Out was a big dissappointment to me

Where did you have Whataburger? Texas?

 

[Pew]

Call me an idiot, but I've been a Fuddrucker's fan for decades.

Now that's a name I haven't heard in a while. Does it taste like Red Robin? The fuddruckers by my old house closed like 15 years ago, went to it during a school field trip but didn't have money for it.

 

[PandaBear]

I've had Whataburger I think in an airport in Texas (forgot which one, DFW?) or somewhere else. It was ok but not something I would remember for days. Maybe it would be better outside airport or a particular one, and better deal as well? I don't know.

In-N-Out is a good honest burger for the price. It is not the best burger I've ever had, nothing close to restaurant that charges 50% more like The Counter locally, or even Five Guys. However, for the price likr $4-6 a burger that's never frozen, with seared bun, fresh lettuce and tomato, it is probably the best burger you can get for that price around here. Some say Habit is better but they charge like $6-8 instead and their lettuce is not as crisp and tomato not as fresh.

I enjoy In N Out and lunch there all the time, but it is a fast food burger still, not a gourmet burger place.

 

[KCJeep]

We have neither here in eastern Maryland

So what’s a premium drive through burger on the East Coast then? Don’t say Wendy’s.

 

[himemsys]

Nostalgia will often play a role. It does for me. In-N-Out is what I grew up on. Then 15 years ago I moved to somewhere that doesn't have them. So every time I visit a location that has one, I stop by and it's amazing. I might have one or two In-N-Out burgers a year, and when I do, I'm in heaven. My go-to order:
Single cheeseburger Animal Style (or a Double-Single, Animal Style if I'm really hungry)
Fries well done, Animal Style

Their secret menu contributes to the culture and those who know it, love it.

There are Whataburgers in a 50 mile radius of where I live, but I haven't had one yet. I'm very open to trying one, just haven't had the opportunity yet. A good burger is a good burger.

 

[Pablo]

Popeye's chicken sammich, but Chikelfilets better.

 

[Zee09]

So what’s a premium drive through burger on the East Coast then? Don’t say Wendy’s.

Chick-fil-A isn't close
Popeyes...Dairy Queen

 

[Pablo]

Chkletenafilet had to bribe Bellingham over $500K just to get the permits to build. I bet the zombies will be protesting. Ima order 3, not two. Probably not complete until well into 2026

 

[maduroman]

Whataburger is what I prefer , but I'm biased being from Texas.
In all fairness you're right , it's ok but not what it used to be .

In N Out is not bad , but I don't go looking for it.
We have one locally and I've only eaten there once since it opened.

Fast food wise... Portillo's is the best burger I've had in a while.

Texas based Whataburger made it to Kansas City in the last year or two and brought with it a huge reputation for fantastic burgers. So much so many stood in line for hours during grand opening week. I had no interest in that chaos, but when I did go in, I found a very good burger that didn't live up to the hype. In all fairness it was probably the best burger I've had from a place that had a drive through window. Every time I've been there, they have been friendly but slow. Maybe they are better in Texas.

I hear frequently lots of hype about California based In-N-Out as well. Never had In-N-Out and unless they do some major expansion east probably won't.

For those of you who have had both, which is better and why? Is there an even better "fast food" burger you've found?

I'm talking about fast food joints with a drive through here, not a sit down and order kind of place.

We have whataburger here, it ain't the greatest , slow , just OK food , only been twice
BUT,when the only place I could get it was on vacation in Mississippi, it was the best

 

[cptbarkey]

Whataburger hands down.
P Terrys crushes In & Out in my book. Woe to anyone who tries their chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, my family cant get enough.

 

[Dborch41]

Whataburger and In-N-Out are very different approaches to the hamburger and both can be good for what they are. I live in the Home of the Whataburger, you could give directions using their locations as landmarks, so I admit to playing favorites. I've never tried In-N-Out so I can't judge, but I'd probably still like it, is previously mentioned a good burger is a good burger.
WB has a bit of a reputation for being slow but it's for a good reason. They don't prepare their food in advance and let it sit under a heat lamp, it's made to order (more or less). I also like their other menu items, they have quite a variety including a really good breakfast sandwich.
I hardly ever do fast food anymore, it's too expensive and I can do better at home, but every now and then it's a nice break.