In-N-Out and Whataburger could soon become intense rivals - and it's clear who makes a better burger

Whataburger is to Texas what In-N-Out is to California. Both companies are still family-owned, regional chains - an anomaly in a market that's dominated by national multimillion-dollar fast-food companies.

In-N-Outs are scattered throughout the Southwest, and the brand is expanding its Texas presence with plans to open another location in Houston. Whataburger, on the other hand, has locations throughout the South, from New Mexico to Florida. They meet in the middle, in Dallas, Texas, where I ate both side by side in a taste test last fall.

While Texans swear by Whataburger's more traditionally Southern menu items - Texas toast, patty melts, biscuits - Californians rave about In-N-Out's fresh ingredients and "animal-style" burgers. I ordered a burger, large fries, and a chocolate milkshake.