#141 of 198 Destin Restaurants

Whataburger

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Whataburger - A 24-Hour Fast-Food Chain with Nostalgic Charm
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Whataburger has been a popular chain for decades in the South, largely due to their big, bold burgers, breakfasts, and sides. This Destin location has a 24-hour drive-through, a friendly staff, and a big menu. Stop by for anything from fish filets to pancakes to biscuits and get ready for some serious flavor. 

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

Whataburger is a fast-food chain that began in 1950 with a simple dream. Throughout its many years of operation, it’s managed to hold onto a lot of the best parts of the past. While the burgers may be made-to-order, the company believes their friendly staff and quality service is the true heart of the business.

If you’re on Harbor Blvd. in Destin, Whataburger is a good spot for an affordable and fast meal that is anything but cheap. Stop by their 24-hour drive-through for a number of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Specialty burgers, chicken sandwiches, kids favorites, breakfast burritos: all the food is fresh, flavorful, and served piping hot. Whataburger’s menu is diverse, incorporating traditional heavy Southern foods with fresher options, like the apple and cranberry chicken salad. 

This chain has managed to remain popular on the Emerald Coast for so many decades because you can feel the commitment from the staff every time you walk through its doors or sail by the drive-through. Guests are consistently pleased by the level of service they receive, which is just one of the reasons you’ll find some fairly die-hard fans of this chain around this neck of the woods.

Whataburger got its start in Texas and it wasn’t long before it expanded into the rest of the South. You can spot Whataburger by its signature A-frame and orange-and-white striped roofs. Its whole concept was an intensely delicious burger that took both hands to hold and really made customers smile. 

Here are a few menu picks that will really make your stop worthwhile:

Double Meat Whataburger
Two large beef patties make this burger an indulgent choice, one that you’ll definitely appreciate if you’ve worked up an appetite on the beach. The mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and diced onions contrast with the richness of the meat and the toasted bun completes the perfect bite. 

Whatacatch Dinner 
If you don’t feel like pulling over to dine at one of the fancier restaurants on the coast, the Whatacatch dinner is a fish filet with fries that will fill you up and leave you satisfied. Comes with tartar sauce for plenty of dipping plus a medium drink. 

Biscuit and Gravy 
The South knows just how good a biscuit can be when it’s smothered in sausage gravy. While this creamy meal may not be the healthiest item on the menu, this staple is a must when you need some serious comfort food. 

Whatachick’n® Strips 2 Piece
These kid-friendly chicken strips have just the right amount of crispy breading to make them a fan favorite. This item comes with gravy for dipping, making it a good option for hungry little ones or a late-night snack. 

Chocolate Malt 
Malts may have been more popular back in the days of sock hops, but that doesn’t mean they’ve gone out of style. Upgrade your standard shake by trying this classic drink with your next burger. 

Whataburger is made for moments when you want good food without having to dress it up. Simple ingredients and excellent service make the Whataburger in Destin a destination for midnight runs and breakfast stops alike. 

Insider Tips:
– 24-hour drive-through at the Harbor Blvd. location with breakfast served from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. 
– Whataburger may be a national chain but each location is community-centric. 
– This is a popular spot and all burgers are made-to-order, so you may encounter a line when you go.
– Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for a few recommendations.