Alright, so imagine this: I’ve braved the fast food universe for years, frequenting nearly every big chain going, from the golden arches to the chicken sandwich home. But for some reason, Arby’s – the mythical “We Have the Meats” haunt – was this strange, untapped area on my gastronomic map. That is, until recently, when I finally did enter one and went on a wild taste test ride that completely revolutionized my entire understanding of drive-thru eating.
What ensued was a rollercoaster ride of surprises through curly fries, roast beef peaks, surprise gourmet additions, and some dishes that actually took my breath away. Arby’s didn’t merely plate food – it presented an bona fide flavour experience that’s been lying in plain sight. And although not every bite was a slam dunk, most came perilously close. Below is my personal analysis of what flew and what fell short.
After trying a broad sampling of menu offerings, I created a ranking that reflects a newcomer’s genuine response – no nostalgia coloration, no loyalty glasses. Purely taste, texture, creativity, and that hard-to-define “I’d order this again tomorrow” element. If you’re an old Arby’s hand, this may legitimize your staples or motivate a bit of menu shake-up. And if you’re an Arby’s newcomer like me, consider this your fast-pass to the good stuff.
The Classic Beef ‘n Cheddar – Irrefutably Iconic
This is the Arby’s staple, and truly, it’s worthy of the limelight. The thinly spread roast beef is piled high, the cheddar sauce is stringy and zesty, and that soft, subtly sweet onion roll brings everything together perfectly. It’s greasy, salty, savoury, and decadent – fast food royalty.
What sets it apart is the union of texture – the meat verges on melting, but the bun provides just a touch of chew. That kick of red ranch sauce gives that little something extra that makes every bite fascinating. As a newcomer, I quickly saw why this sandwich has a cult following. It’s homely and just off-centre enough to be different from the typical burger fare. Seriously, if you do nothing else, this is the one to try.
Curly Fries – A Crispy, Golden Revelation
You know fries – and then Arby’s comes along with their iconic spirals of seasoned, crispy bliss. These are not just fries; they’re a sensation, with every curl offering an optimal combination of crunch and softness. Tossed in a light spiced coating, they’re addictive to the core.
Even after being sat for a while, they stayed incredibly well – not soggy, not limp, just perfect. They also complement virtually everything on the menu. I dipped mine in Arby’s Sauce, Horsey Sauce, and everything in between and devoured them all. They’re not a side, they’re an order unto themselves. Seriously, they could be enough to carry the brand.
Mozzarella Sticks – Cheesy and Surprisingly Luxurious
Mozzarella sticks at a fast-food chain never really get me excited – but Arby’s? Yes. These were fresh, beautifully crispy on the outside, and packed with stretchy, melty cheese that tasted weirdly upscale. It’s the sort of cheese pull that would be all over your social media feeds.
They’re served with a nice warm marinara dipping sauce that goes very well with them. The breading seasoning isn’t excessively greasy or salty, which is a small miracle in the land of fried junk. I didn’t think I was going to like these as much as I did, honestly. They’re what you’d find at a good sit-down restaurant.
Chicken Bacon Swiss Sandwich – Solid, But No Fireworks. This was better – let’s begin there. The chicken filet was moist, the bacon provided crunch, and the Swiss cheese contributed a rich, mellow quality. It was a well-balanced, satisfying sandwich, and the honey mustard dressing imparted it with a sweet-savory quality.
But then again, it seemed like something you could find anywhere. Not bad, just not remarkable. In a lineup with Arby’s more exotic choices, this one did not impress. It’s a conservative option, perhaps even a good “beginner sandwich” for a guileless eater who’s not yet ready to commit to roast beef. But for me, myself, I’d opt for something more in-your-face next time.
Jamocha Shake – Dessert with a Twist
This surprised me. I didn’t think a fast-food milkshake could pack such intense mocha-coffee flavour, but look at this. It’s thick, it’s creamy, and it provides just the appropriate caffeine boost without ever tasting anything but dessert.
It complemented both the fries and roast beef (yes, I did dip). The sweetness is not overpowering, and it has a smooth finish. It’s not a shake you’d drink every day – but if you’re a coffee fan, it’s a treat. Think of it as Arby’s little surprise for bold palates.
French Dip & Swiss – A Niche Pleasure
Dunking a sandwich in au jus may not be the thing for everyone, but for me, this was a nice departure from the usual. The sandwich itself is simple: roast beef, Swiss cheese, soft roll. But dipped into that meaty broth? It’s a different game.
The jus adds warmth, saltiness, and a bit of umami kick that makes what could be an otherwise bland sandwich better. It’s comforting and nostalgic in its own right. All that being said, the bread becomes soggy quickly, so devour quickly. It’s a pleasant winter choice, but perhaps not a summer favorite.
Market Fresh Turkey Ranch & Bacon – Fresh but Forgettable. Arby’s also wants to let you know they can do fresh, deli-style sandwiches – and this one makes their point. The turkey was real (thank goodness), the bacon was crunchy, and the ranch dressing brought it all together. It was piled high and felt like something you’d bring with you on a road trip.
But, all the same, it didn’t impress me. The bread was too thick, and the ranch, creamy as it was, lacked impact. It’s filling, certainly, and could be a hit for those skipping hot sandwiches – but to me, it lacked pizzazz. A satisfactory, if unenthusiastic, lunch.
Sliders – Adorable, but Not Exactly
Little sandwiches are always precious, but they’re also a flavor miss often. I ordered the roast beef and the buffalo chicken sliders, and both tasted more like a snack than an actual bite of Arby’s wonder. The meat was decent, but the buns were dry.
If you’re ordering for a kid or want a mini sampler of flavours, these could work. But don’t expect them to carry the same depth or balance as their full-sized counterparts. They’re fun, not fabulous. Better as a sidekick than a star.
Crispy Fish Sandwich – Sadly Skippable. Fast food fish is never a sure thing, and Arby’s doesn’t quite outsmart the odds in this case. The filet of fish was thicker than the bun, so biting into the sandwich was slightly clumsy. Although the coating was crispy and there was plenty of tartar sauce, it was not fresh nor seasoned enough to make it stand out.
It’s not inedible, but in a world where Arby’s does meat so well, this just feels like an afterthought. I’d much rather double down on roast beef or try another chicken option. It’s a pass for me unless it’s Lent and you’re desperate.
Arby’s Sauce and Horsey Sauce – Secret Weapons. Now, I wouldn’t usually put condiments in a list, but these two are exceptions. Arby’s Sauce is sweet and tomato-y and perfectly tart; Horsey Sauce is a horseradish spread with surprising kick. Combined, they make sandwiches and fries more.
You can customise your entire meal’s flavour profile just by switching up your dipping strategy. They add variety without overwhelming the original taste of the food. It’s rare to find house sauces that elevate everything they touch, but Arby’s nailed it. Stock up at the counter – you’ll thank yourself later.
Final Bite: Arby’s Isn’t Just a Meaty Punchline
I went in hoping for decent roast beef and curly fries. What I ended up with was a far more surprisingly satisfying fast-food experience of comfort, creativity, and some truly bold flavors. Arby’s did me wrong, and in a busy field of cookie-cutter chains, that’s no small accomplishment.
There were some misfires the fish sandwich and sliders didn’t impress me. But on the whole, Arby’s deserves to be considered. With the classic Beef ‘n Cheddar and those impossibly crunchy curly fries, it’s obvious this isn’t another chain – this is a secret gem to be found.
Would I return? Yes. Now that I know what to get, Arby’s has officially won a spot on my drive-thru list. And if you haven’t tried it yet, perhaps this list is your cue to give it a shot.
