Whataburger and the Best Burgers in Corpus Christi: A Local's Guide

Corpus Christi, Texas, a vibrant coastal city, isn't just about beautiful beaches and rich history; it's also a haven for burger enthusiasts. Among the city's diverse culinary scene, burgers stand out as a favorite, and no discussion about Corpus Christi burgers is complete without mentioning Whataburger.

Founded right here in 1950, Whataburger has become a Texas icon, and its story is deeply intertwined with the city's identity. But beyond this beloved chain, Corpus Christi boasts a thriving burger scene with numerous local joints offering their unique takes on this classic American dish.

The Whataburger Story: A Corpus Christi Original

The story of Whataburger begins with Harmon Dobson, an ambitious entrepreneur with a simple yet powerful goal: to create a burger so big it required two hands to hold and so delicious that one bite would elicit a resounding, “What a burger!”.

On August 8, 1950, his vision became a reality when he opened the first Whataburger stand on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, across from Del Mar College.

That original Whataburger featured a quarter-pound beef patty served on a wide, five-inch bun, complete with fresh lettuce, three slices of tomato, four dill pickles, chopped onions, ketchup, and mustard. This recipe remained largely unchanged for years, solidifying Whataburger's reputation for quality and taste.

The burger cost 25 cents, a higher price than average at the time, but on their first day, they sold 551 burgers.

Whataburger quickly gained popularity, expanding throughout Texas and beyond. The company's distinct orange-and-white striped A-frame buildings became a familiar sight, and its commitment to made-to-order burgers with customizable options cemented its place in the hearts of Texans. As one local saying goes, You know you're from Corpus Christi when you can order your Whataburger meal without looking at the menu.

Today, Whataburger remains a beloved fast-food chain, still headquartered in Texas, serving up its iconic burgers and other menu items. While the company changed ownership in 2019, the Dobson family maintains a small stake, ensuring that the legacy of Whataburger continues.

Beyond Whataburger: Discovering Corpus Christi's Burger Scene

While Whataburger holds a special place in Corpus Christi's culinary landscape, the city offers a diverse range of burger joints worth exploring. From classic diners to upscale restaurants with a twist, there's a burger to satisfy every craving.

Casual Burger Joints:

• Snapka's Drive Inn: A family-owned icon since 1948, Snapka's serves up fresh, classic cheeseburgers with a retro drive-in vibe. Don't forget to order a side of their homemade onion rings.
• The Post at Lamar Park: Known for its juicy burgers and relaxed atmosphere, The Post is a local favorite. Try their signature 'Post Burger' topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and a fried egg. The Heisenburger put The Post on the list of best burgers, not just in Corpus Christi but in the Lone Star State as well.
• Vick's Famous Burgers: This is the perfect spot to grab a double meat double cheeseburger with a good old-fashioned lemonade. Pro Tip: order a side of chili cheese fries.
• Executive Surf Club: Merging all things rad about living on the Texas Gulf Coast, the Executive Surf Club is a Corpus Christi staple. The Classic Burger should not be overlooked.

Upscale Burger Restaurants with a Twist:

• The Yard Dog: This trendy eatery offers creative burgers like the 'Yard Dog Burger' topped with grilled shrimp, bacon, and a tangy remoulade sauce.
• Brewster Street Icehouse: This icehouse turned restaurant serves up burgers with unique toppings like caramelized onions and blue cheese crumbles. Their menu offers something for everyone, from the spicy Jalapeño Jammin' Burger to the fiery Hellfire Burger.
• What's Your Mama's: This restaurant offers a 'Mama's Burger' topped with grilled mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and a rich demiglace.

Local Favorites and Hidden Gems:

• Lucky's Diners: This retro-style diner serves up classic burgers with a side of nostalgia. Try their 'Lucky's Burger' topped with cheddar cheese and bacon.
• The Frisco Shop: This casual eatery is known for their 'Frisco Burger' topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and a tangy BBQ sauce.
• Padre Island Burger Co.: Offers gourmet burgers and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Wallbangers Gourmet Hamburgers: The best burgers in Corpus Christi are the made-to-order burgers at Wallbangers.
• El Vago Burger: El Vago Burger Corpus Christi is the hidden burger spot Texas locals love.

Whataburger's Secret Menu

Beyond the regular menu, Whataburger offers a secret menu with items like the Hulk drink, Apple Pie Milkshake, and Chicken & Pancake. Some other items include:

• Double Double Burger
• Breakfast Ranchero Sandwich

• Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whataburger's story?

Whataburger was founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas, by Harmon Dobson. His vision was to create a burger so large and delicious that customers would exclaim, "What a burger!" The first Whataburger served a quarter-pound beef patty on a five-inch bun with fresh toppings.  The company quickly gained popularity throughout Texas and beyond, becoming known for its made-to-order burgers and customizable options. Today, while the company changed ownership in 2019, the Dobson family maintains a stake, ensuring the legacy continues.

What are some popular local burger joints in Corpus Christi besides Whataburger?

Corpus Christi boasts a diverse range of burger joints beyond Whataburger. Some favorites include Snapka's Drive Inn for classic cheeseburgers with a retro vibe, The Post at Lamar Park known for its juicy burgers and laid-back atmosphere,  and Vick's Famous Burgers for their double meat double cheeseburgers. For something more upscale, consider The Yard Dog with creative burgers like the 'Yard Dog Burger' topped with grilled shrimp, bacon, and remoulade sauce, or Brewster Street Icehouse with unique toppings like caramelized onions and blue cheese crumbles.

What is available on Whataburger’s secret menu?

While Whataburger doesn't officially advertise a "secret menu," they do have several popular off-menu items. Some favorites include the Hulk drink, Apple Pie Milkshake, and Chicken & Pancake sandwich. Other options include the Double Double Burger, Breakfast Ranchero Sandwich, and Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich. These items are often created by combining existing menu items or using special requests.

Conclusion

Whether you're a lifelong Whataburger fan or a newcomer eager to explore the city's burger scene, Corpus Christi offers a delicious adventure for every palate. From the iconic Whataburger to the diverse offerings of local burger joints, get ready to discover your new favorite burger in this vibrant coastal city.

So, grab your appetite and embark on a burger journey through Corpus Christi – you won't be disappointed!