When Wawa finally launched its burger (which had been in a testing phase) nationally, I was still on the fence. My thoughts were, could a chain convenience store pull off a palatable burger for the masses?
I drove to Wawa around two in the afternoon, thinking I could beat the lunch crowd. Wrong. The Wawa burger and fries are part of a dinner menu starting at 4 PM.
Let’s flash forward to a few days in the future. I downloaded the Wawa app, thinking I’d use it only once. But instead, I can’t decide what to get on my burger.
Wawa’s burger features a one-third-pound Angus patty on a brioche bun. The beef patty is cooked one way, well done, and you can customize your sandwich with many toppings and condiments.
Wawa Burger with Fries
Wawa Burger’s Cheese, Topping, and Spread Options
The options are as follows.
CHEESE | ||
American | Cheddar | Pepper Jack |
Provolone | Swiss |
TOPPINGS | ||
Caramelized Onions | Cucumbers | Everything Seasoning |
Grated Parmesan | Green Leaf | Hot Peppers |
Jalapeños | Lettuce | Old Bay |
Oregano | Pepper | Pickles |
Salsa | Salt | Spinach |
Sweet Peppers | Tomato |
SPREADS | ||
Buffalo Sauce | BBQ | Chipotle |
Garlic Aioli | Ketchup | Mayo |
Pepper Relish | Ranch Dressing | Spicy Mustard |
Yellow Mustard |
How Was The Wawa Burger?
I ordered my Wawa burger with American cheese, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli.
The burger arrives in a Wawa-branded clam-shell container. Unfortunately, it is not hot, just a step above room temperature. I find the same issue with most sandwiches from many fast food joints.
The cheeses are partially melted, with one slice above and another below the well-done patty. The garlic aioli-smeared bottom bun and finely diced caramelized onions on top round out the sando.
I must admit that I enjoyed the Wawa burger, if we’re talking flavor. However, I found myself questioning my own burger integrity.
This meat puck goes against some of my burger beliefs, but I’ve loosened those over the years. It’s allowed me to enjoy particular fast food burgers and my nostalgia associated with them.
I skipped the fries and ordered mashed potatoes instead. I thoroughly enjoyed the potatoes, but I’m convinced I’ve lost my mind.
There is only one way to test my theory: a round two of tastings the following day.
Round 2, Let’s Go!
I spent the early afternoon convinced that it would take two burgers to make my final decision. This time, one burger with American cheese, ketchup, yellow mustard, mayo, and the other with American cheese, onions, pickles, and yellow mustard.
The latter is my attempt to create a burger with old-school toppings. In retrospect, I should have removed the cheese on that one.
I cave in and order the seasoned fries to find out what those are all about.
Again, both burgers were just above room temperature. When I approached the counter to pick them up, they were waiting for me. Now I know why these fellas aren’t hot. Maybe I shouldn’t be ordering via their app?
The fries have a nice built-in seasoning, but they were crispy and dried out. So after eating a couple of fries, I tap out.
Order It Old School
The old-school burger had an excessive amount of onions. Somehow, the unmelted cheese was on top of that mount and pickles. This one did not work for me. I would never order this combination again.
My kiddie burger with ketchup, yellow mustard, and mayo brought the Wawa burger average back up. If this one were hot, I would have enjoyed it. But instead, it reminded me of eating a burger with my late grandfather when I was a kid.
If Wawa is committed to creating an enjoyable burger, they’ll work on fixing the temperature issue. Their burger is good—or, if you prefer, I can use everyone’s favorite backhanded compliment—surprisingly good.
I’m not about to go out of my way to grab one, but I could see myself eating another in the right situation. Also, don’t forget to add salt and pepper; it goes a long way.
Sounds like too much mediocrity. Was hunger a factor? When I’m super hungry everything tastes better. After reading this, I would skip trying any of them. I keep meaning to go to Burger Fi at 104th. I used to go to the one on the Mile until one day I walked in and the smell of Pine Sol and bleach just destroyed my appetite. They closed shortly after. Anyway, haunted by the CEO Burger. Also love that I can get limp fries. The fries shown here look so over done, I would pass. Always enjoy reading your blog!!
fries at the Larchmont store in mt laurel, nj are soggy, limp and unappealing. the burgers are excellent.
I don’t see caramelized onions on the toppings list.
Great catch! I took the toppings list from the app but apparently my local Wawa is out of caramelized onions. I just updated the list.