Arby’s never really got to the top of my fast food, its “We have the meats” catchphrase lodged in my head like a used car slogan rather than an offer to come and have a look. But a recent layover flipped that on its head, with a $38 banquet feeding a small army and giving sit-down restaurants a run for their money. Each bite of every meal, from burgers to similarly delectable sides, was a revelation that converted my skepticism into one of awe. It was not just a meal but a flavor bomb on a tour of a menu that resets the bar on what fast food can accomplish.
Arby’s is distinguished by its steadfast commitment to bold flavors and better ingredients. Each of the items, be it a skyscraper sandwich or simple appetizer, is meticulously prepared to order, dispelling the myth that fast food is cheap and quick. This list of the top twelve incredible menu items is proof of Arby’s excellence at preparing drive-thru food to excellence. If you forgot where Arby’s was like me, this review of their crème de la crème will have you visit and check out a menu that actually does live up to their legendary reputation.
1. Big Cheesy Bacon Burger
This burger ruined my perception of Arby’s as being just a roast beef joint. At $8.99, it’s a supersized patty bursting with dripping American and Swiss cheese, crunchy bacon, and zesty special sauce, all on a decadent brioche bun. It’s a taste-bud-friendly work of art that competes with upscale diner burgers. The pairing of rich meaty and tangy notes makes each bite unforgettable, showing Arby’s can own the burger game.
- Decadent Flavors: The name-brand sauce adds a tangy richness that’s skillfully balanced by the cheese and bacon.
- Textural Balance: Crispy bacon adds a pleasant contrast to soft bun and creamy cheese.
- Portable Perfection: Foil wrapping for easy portability of this decadent burger.
This burger is a game-changer, offering a premium experience at a fast-food price. Its filling nature and bold flavors make it a must-try for burger lovers. I’m already craving another, and it’s earned a permanent spot in my rotation. Arby’s has proven they can compete with the best in this category.
2. Mozzarella Sticks
For four for $3.59, Arby’s mozzarella sticks are a fast food champion side. They offer great cheese pull with stringy, tender mozzarella never rubbery. Unlike greasy disappointments elsewhere, they’re prepared with love, offering a nice crunch and rich flavor. They turn an average side into something magical.
- Crispy Exterior: Golden crust delivers good crunch without greasiness.
- Quality Cheese: Melty mozzarella offers a stretchy, full-of-flavor bite every time.
- Great Value: Four pieces for under $4 is a steal for such high-quality sides.
The marinara sauce was forgettable, but these sticks don’t need it to shine. They’re a delightful addition to any meal, proving Arby’s cares about quality even in their sides. I’d order these again in a heartbeat for their perfect texture and taste.
3. Jalapeño Bites
For only $3.59, the five jalapeño bites are a spicy, creamy delight. Spicy hot, they’re offset by rich cream cheese filling topped with a dash of pungent, snappy jalapeño pepper in a crispy shell. Bronco Berry Sauce gives a sweet-hot kick that is totally addictive. These poppers overwhelm appetizers at any restaurant, so they’re a winner.
- Balanced Heat: The heat of the jalapeño is intense but never overwhelming, but perfect for the majority of palates.
- Creamy Contrast: Melted cream cheese provides a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Special Sauce: Bronco Berry Sauce adds a sweet-spicy kick that elevates every bite.
These bites are a perfect mix of heat, creaminess, and crunch, making them irresistible. They’re a must-order for anyone craving bold flavors. I’m already looking forward to my next order, as they’re a highlight of Arby’s menu.
4. Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon Sandwich
This $7.59 sandwich is a protein-powered wonder that’s deli counter fantasy-come-true flavored. Cheddar, tomato, lettuce, and red onion are joined by fresh-flavored bits of turkey, crunchy bacon, and rich Parmesan peppercorn ranch on honey wheat bread. Quality components and generous portions make it a hit. It proves that Arby’s chicken is as spectacle-producing as their roast beef.
- Fresh Ingredients: The fresh-sliced taste of the turkey adds an extra kick to the sandwich.
- Flavorful Balance: Bacon and ranch add zesty, smoky flavors to balance the turkey.
- Hearty Portions: Stuffed before they hit the counter, they’re a favorite with big eaters.
This sandwich provides deli-grade taste in fast food convenience. It’s perfect for someone who needs a satisfying, well-crafted meal. Texture and flavor complement each other. Arby’s shows adaptability with this comfort food.
5. Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
It’s $5.99 and fills up on the retro buffalo flavor big-time. The creeping burn, topped by shredded lettuce and hot sauce, is a spicy, can’t-say-no situation that isn’t too hot to get down with. It’s an after-hours buffalo wing experience in sandwich form and resurrects the raucous, plebeian college days. New-fangled toppings and the yielding bun seal the deal.
- Fine-Tuned Spice: The heat seeps in, so it’s enjoyable but exhilarating.
- Fresh Toppings: Crunch and flavor are added with each bite from lettuce and sauce.
- Nostalgic Appeal: Reminds one of late-night post-party buffalo wing runs in college.
This sandwich is worth it for a spicy, filling meal. Arby’s does the buffalo justice, and it’s ideal for those who enjoy spiciness. Its retro charm and strong flavors keep you coming back time and again. It’s a comfort, craveable choice that earns it all the right marks.
6. Crispy Chicken Sandwich
For $5.99, this sandwich proves the adage “less is more” if done to perfection. Crispy chicken filet, spicy mayo, fresh tomato, and shredded lettuce sit atop a firm brioche bun. The texture and taste of the chicken are far better than most of the other fast food fare, offering a guaranteed, flavorful meal. Simple, but never boring.
- Fresh Balance: Mayo, tomato, and lettuce bring spicy crunch to counterbalance the chicken.
- High-Quality Chicken: Well-cooked with a crispy outside and juicy inside.
- Sturdy Bun: The brioche holds everything together without falling apart.
This sandwich is a go-to for a satisfying, no-fuss meal. Arby’s shows that basic can be extraordinary with this well-crafted classic. Its quality ingredients and balanced flavors make it a standout. You’ll want to keep this in your rotation for its reliability.
7. Classic Beef ‘n Cheddar
For $6.79, this sandwich is Arby’s in its purest form. Thinly sliced roast beef, covered in stringy cheddar cheese sauce and red ranch dressing, is placed atop a sweet onion roll. They form a homespun combination of salty, tangy, and just sweet flavor all combined. It’s the archetypal expression of Arby’s method.
- Signature Beef: The actual roast beef itself is rich and meaty, piled high for emphasis.
- Bold Sauces: The red ranch and cheddar sauce add bold, tangy richness.
- Specialty Bun: The sweetness of the onion roll adds to the entire sandwich.
It is a flavor explosion on top of Arby’s heritage. It is a must for those who are missing their original taste. The texture and flavor ratio is perfect. Double is the way to go for larger appetites.
8. Corned Beef Reuben
A price of $6.79 gets this Reuben New York-style deli flavor at the drive-thru. Corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing are stacked high on marbled rye bread. It’s a real, well-flavored sandwich bargain that’s as good as deli food.
- Deli-Quality Meat: The corned beef is soft, pink, and plentiful.
- Classic Flavors: Sauerkraut and Thousand Island give classic tangy flavors.
- Perfect Bread: Marbled rye gives a rich, earthy flavor that ties everything together.
A bit more crunch for the sauerkraut would be wonderful, but this sandwich is a hit. It brings deli-quality taste to fast-food prices. Its authenticity is what makes it stand out. Arby’s nails the deli button on this one.
9. BBQ Bacon Burger
This $8.99 burger is a tangy, smoky masterpiece. Juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, American cheese, pickles, crispy onions, and BBQ sauce provide a balance for a restaurant-quality taste. Every bite is a mix of texture and flavor, the same as a backyard barbecue in sandwich form. It’s a spicy counterpart to other Arby’s burgers.
- Strong BBQ Sauce: The smoky sauce ties everything together well.
- Textural Contrast: Bacon and onions add crunch to tender beef and rich cheese.
- Shared Distribution: Toppings are divided evenly so each bite is the same as the last.
This burger competes with sit-down restaurants with bold flavors and substantial weight. It’s a must for those looking for a burger with a twist. Arby’s is proving its burger mettle with this champion. Doubling it up is ideal for extremely hungry moments.
10. Smokehouse Brisket
This sandwich, available for $7.59, is a daring fast-food accomplishment. 13-hour-smoked brisket carries bold BBQ flavor with cheddar cheese, crispy onion strings, and BBQ sauce on a brioche bun. It’s a smoky, indulgent indulgence that tastes like it was made in a barbecue shack. The bold flavors are worth it.
- Authentic Smoke: The deep, smoky flavor of the brisket tastes like real BBQ.
- Crunchy Accents: Stringy onions add crunch and contrast with the sauce.
- Hearty Portions: Stuffed to the brim with meat, it’s a satisfying, hearty meal.
Thin slices as they are, the taste cannot be escaped. This sandwich will make one believe it is from a BBQ restaurant. It’s barbecue heaven for barbecue lovers on the move. Arby’s achieves this bold experiment with amazing success.
11. Greek Gyro
For $5.79, the gyro is Mediterranean magic. The tasty gyro meat, tangy tzatziki, and crispy lettuce, tomato, and red onion are all nestled in a toasty pita, which creates genuine street-food appeal. It’s a divergence from the fare of Arby’s worth experimenting with. The strong flavors make it a champion.
- Fresh Toppings: The vegetables provide crunch and counteract the creamy tzatziki.
- Perfect Pita: It’s warm and it’s soft, everything inside just in right place.
It’s street cart-level taste that competes with this gyro. It’s a flavorful, satisfying solution for trying something new. Arby’s nails the Mediterranean flavor with this one. It’s perfect for anyone needing a fresh, delicious escape.
12. Roast Beef Gyro
Worth $5.79, this gyro reinvents Arby’s fabled roast beef in a new light. With creamy tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, and red onion served on a soft pita, it marries beefy richness with cool, crunchy opposition. It’s a brave marriage that’s sure but thrilling. This is the apex of Arby’s offering.
- Signature Beef: Arby’s iconic roast beef brings its full-bodied richness to the gyro.
- Balanced Flavors: Veggies and Delightful Tzatziki add tangy crunch for balance to the meat.
- Innovative Fusion: Couples Arby’s classic beef with gyro-style presentation.
This gyro is a master display of Arby’s creativity and versatility. It’s a flavor thrill to get to indulge in their puffy roast beef in a new box. The mix of old and new makes it a winner. It’s perfect for couples seeking something new and familiar.
My Arby’s experience was skepticism turned delight, showing they’re far more than a quick bite. From substantial burgers to authentic gyros, every entree was quality close to sit-down restaurants. With $38, this meal raised its expectations, with bolder flavors and good value. I’m already choosing how to get back for more of Arby’s incredible menu, and so should you.
