Virginia’s What-A-Burger Has Been Serving Top-Notch Burgers Since 1958
Hidden along Virginia’s highways, What-A-Burger has honored American burger tradition since 1958, its grills sending out the scent of sizzling beef that drifts across parking lots.
Unlike the Texas chain with a near-identical name, this regional classic keeps loyal diners returning with a no-frills style rooted in comfort and nostalgia.
From Newport News to Richmond, locations continue sliding flat-top patties onto buns that taste like a flavorful step back into another era of roadside dining.
1. The Classic Flat-Top Burger
Sizzling on well-seasoned griddles since Eisenhower was president, these hand-pressed patties develop the perfect crust while staying juicy inside. No fancy aiolis or artisanal buns here!
Just honest beef, American cheese melting into every nook, and fresh toppings that haven’t changed in decades. Regulars swear the flavor comes from decades of seasoning built up on those historic flat-tops.
2. What-A-Burger W Cheese
A fresh beef patty sizzles on the flat-top griddle until the edges crisp, then gets draped with a slice of melty American cheese.
The bun comes lightly toasted, giving just enough crunch before the soft middle sinks in. By tradition, the burger is dressed “all the way”: mustard for tang, pickles and onions for snap, plus lettuce and tomato for freshness.
3. Foot-Long What-A-Dog
Stretching nearly off the plate, this monster hot dog has fed hungry Virginians for generations. Smothered in homemade chili that simmers all morning, it’s topped with diced onions and yellow mustard in perfect harmony.
Locals know to grab extra napkins before tackling this beast. Though the recipe remains unchanged since the Eisenhower administration, each location’s chili carries subtle differences that regulars can identify blindfolded.
4. Chicken Burger
Chicken burger delivers a lighter counterpoint to the classic What-A-Burger cheeseburger while holding on to the nostalgic flavor regulars crave. A tender patty, seared golden outside and juicy inside, layers with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, tangy pickles, and sharp onion for balance.
For many longtime diners, chicken burger stands as more than an alternative, carrying the same sense of tradition that has defined the menu for decades. Every bite reflects community and continuity, a reminder that What-A-Burger remains rooted in flavors linking generations around simple comfort food.
