Whataburger is now open at the Waldorf Astoria, which feels like even more of a mismatch when you type out those words on a keyboard. Yet the Texas burger chain is getting off to a good start, opening ahead of schedule — how about that, Las Vegas? — and tweaking the formula just enough to fit in on the Strip. So what’s it all about?
🍔 Texans Are Fiercely Loyal to Whataburger
The main reason: It’s always there. Another reason: Whataburger is picky about the ranchers who supply the beef, which is never frozen and sold in burgers within about a week of processing. Whataburger also uses two kinds of cheese (American and Monterey Jack), larger than average buns, and a choice of fancy or spicy ketchup — presented tableside in a touch Vegas will appreciate.
🧐 Off-Menu Items and Hacks
Whataburger is down to customize almost anything and has fun with secret dishes, seasonal weirdness (like the current Dr. Pepper shake), and a Hatch Chili Burger among the Vegas exclusives. You can even order Orange Chicken on the sly, since the Vegas franchise is owned by the company behind Panda Express.
🍸 Vegas Has the First Whataburger With Booze
Order beer, cocktails, and — since this is Vegas — spiked slushies to wash down those burgers. The upstairs lounge is actually quite stylish, with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor patio, and a license to print money during F1.
🤔 This Isn’t the First Vegas Whataburger
According to recollections on social media (which are never wrong), Whataburger was around as far back as the 1970s, but its presence fizzled out in the ’90s.
🏆 Whataburger Has the Healthiest Fast Food Cheeseburger
That’s based on a 2023 study that looked at nutritional stats. Keep in mind, McDonald’s was ranked ahead of Five Guys, so take those results with the same grain of salt that might spike your blood pressure levels.
