Mike Sutter’s 5 Worst Burgers in San Antonio (Whataburger !? In-and Out Burger !?)

San Antonio Express News ^ | 05/29/2024 | Mike Sutter

[Responsibility2nd]

It’s time somebody came out and said it: Whataburger sucks. God forbid somebody in San Antonio should say that. We treat Whataburger like a hometown hero, never mind that it never was. And now it’s just another asset in a Chicago firm’s portfolio. Through orange-colored glasses, we failed to see the beat-down beef, the bun crushed by overreach and ennui. We failed to hold accountable the burger that tastes like the wrapper it came in, with the little round sticker that says “no onion” or “bacon” or “you can do better.”

[Responsibility2nd]

I've heard others say that since a Chicago firm took over operations, Whataburger has declined. I only eat there once or twice a year, and I haven't noticed.

I think I've only eaten an In-and Out once in my life. So I'm not able to comment.

What say you?

[CatOwner]

We had Whataburger several times in 2018 when we first moved to Central Texas. We agree that they aren't as good now.

I disagree with In-N-Out being on the list. It's a fine burger for what it is. But I do agree about their fries being unappetizing when ordered normally. Getting them cooked extra-crispy (aka, "Well-Done") helps a lot.

[broken_clock]

We have access to In and Out and generally like it. Haven’t tried Whataburger yet but want to. What I miss is Culver’s. Wish they would make their way over here.

[V_TWIN]

At the end of the day doesn’t it boil down to the individual location?

I know people where I am are waiting with baited breath for a new whataburger that’s about to open in my area.

Also, it’s been my observation that corporate fast food locations seem to almost always be superior in food quality and service to the franchise owned ones.

[MeganC]

I stopped at “San Antonio”.

I don’t go to cities that hold the Constitution in contempt.

[San Joaquin]

As a frequently travelling Californian, I’ve had plenty of In-N-Out at home and Whataburger on the road. Both are good.

In-N-Out is consistent no matter the location, but Whataburger is hit or miss. You either love or hate the fries at In-N-Out. I’m one of the few that love them, but I also love black licorice. Whataburger’s fries are meh, but are great to pair up with their spicy ketchup.

Yes, nothing beats a homemade burger or from a mom-and-pop drive-in, but with all the other fast food joints out there, neither belong in anyone’s bottom five list.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

I’ve had to visit Huntsville AL several times recently (and will again soon), eating at Whataburger is on my list.

[cherry]

In and Out is just an experience with a good tasting burger and french fries....I look forward to going there which isn’t more than once a year since we don’t have any within 300 miles....

[Responsibility2nd]

Get a Whataburger Combo #5. Delicious.

Enjoy this song about that great combo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px6evA4tESs

[DesertRhino]

Standard operating procedure for hack writers. Say something controversial, even borderline idiotic, and write a long article about it. This encourages a lot of angry communiqués to the editor, editor is supposed to conclude that his writer has a lot of people reading. Mark Twain covered this in how I edited a small town agricultural newspaper or some such title.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

You used to have to wait for them to cook what burgers. No more. I go ro hole in the wall joints now who serve everything fresh a d hot. It’s do simple.

[webheart]

In and Out is way overrated. The best thing is the fact that they use meat. Their catsup is decent. The bread has no flavor, the sauce is bland, the onions are too mild. I support diversity in potatoes so we don’t get another Irish potato famine but kennebeck fries just aren’t that good. They have great lemonade. They are fast and efficient and courteous so much that even liberals like to eat there. But the burgers are no better than McDonalds.

[KierkegaardMAN]

Yeah we got out. La Raza is dug in. The Castro family is corrupt.

[stanne]

Never had any of the above. The kids like whataburger for chicken. Not bad after removing multilayers of fried crap. The sodas are of the type of food/beverage that contributes to SA being top of the obesity awards. As Fran the Nanny said about a NY chain back inthe day, they should come with a lifeguard

I’ve had Freddy’s and 5 guys

Inedible

Chilis is good

[Tommy Revolts]

Don't like Whataburger, plus they are overpriced and they charge 55¢ for a slice of cheese.

I do like In-N-Out Burger, one of my favorites. Where I live,
a Cheeseburger is $3.50 and the Double-Double Burger is $4.90.

Next would be Culver's. I do like their Culvers Deluxe Double, more of a smash burger. However, also pricey at
$7.39.

My best burger is the one I make at home on the Weber using
Angus beef. It's a fat burger with a special seasoning that
includes a little brown sugar. I butter and toast the buns
on the grill too.

[smokingfrog]

As fast food burgers go, both are usually okay. Seems like Whataburger tends to use more onion & mustard than most though.

[Dr. Sivana]

I miss is Culver’s. Wish they would make their way over here.

They have opened up in Phoenix, but if you are in California, the ground is not fertile for new fast food except for maybe Panera. The Culver’s in Wisonsin was better.

[KierkegaardMAN]

Culver’s superior to both. In the Midwest Runza burgers are good for fast food. Nothing beats getting fresh ground beef and pan frying at home.

[AnglePark]

At the end of the day doesn’t it boil down to the individual location?

Yep, that's it in a nutshell. A friend and I ate at a Whataburger outside Corpus Christi and loved it. When we got back to San Antonio we told our wives about it -- they were attending a conference -- so we went to a Whataburger there the next day. Not nearly as good.

[Responsibility2nd]

Agree. Mike Sutton is our local food snob/critic.He routinely writes about restaurants nobody goes to and those that have closed because nobody went there.