Let’s get down to business: Arby’s has never been my first stop for a fix of fast food. That sassy slogan, “We have the meats,” always got my attention, but I thought it was all flash about roast beef sandwiches. Boy, was I mistaken. In the heat of the moment, I went all out and ordered a huge spread off of their menu, and let me assure you, it was a life-changer. For approximately $38, I provided three hungry adults with enough food, and each bite was filled with quality equal to sit-down restaurants. It was not greasy drive-thru food; it was considerate, delicious, and positively indulgent.
This was not some quick lunch – it was a complete culinary adventure that flipped my script regarding what fast food can be. I plunged into burgers that could stand up to gourmet restaurants, sides that cried out “treat yourself,” and sandwiches that stacked flavors like a master chef. The portions were large, the ingredients fresh, and the preparation perfect. It was as if Arby’s had been hiding in plain sight, waiting for doubters like me to discover it.
Following is my honest ranking of the best of that banquet – the first half of the top-shelf highlights that made a spur-of-the-moment experiment an enthusiastic obsession. From gooey melts to spicy jolts, these selections vindicate Arby’s as a restaurant worth including on every foodie’s radar. Buckle up; this is the meaty odyssey I had no idea I wanted.
1. Big Cheesy Bacon Burger
Right out of the gate, the Big Cheesy Bacon Burger grabbed me by the taste buds and refused to let go, landing squarely at number one on my list. I’d always pigeonholed Arby’s as a roast beef specialist, never imagining their burgers could steal the show like this. It was a total eye-opener, blending classic fast-food comfort with a polish that felt downright upscale.
- Cheese Galore: Melted American and Swiss stacked high make that irresistible stringy pull.
- Sauce Wizardry: Tangy special burger sauce brings it all together with a zesty kick.
- Bacon Genious: Crispy strips bring smoky crunch without overpowering the patty.
- Bun Harmony: Toasted brioche keeps it all together without sogginess, so it’s road-trip perfect.
The patty itself juicy and meaty, but it was the combination of toppings that tipped the scales – the special sauce slicing through richness like a pro, the cheeses melting into a creamy fantasy. Even the bacon, too often an afterthought other places, was shatteringly crisp, adding to every bite rich depth. Foil-wrapped for convenience but neatly packaged, it was mess-free to go but upscale enough for leisurely appreciation.
At $8.99, this burger packed way more punch than its price tag indicated, leaving me full and grinning. It wasn’t merely filling; it was memorable, the sort of meal that gets you questioning your fast-food pecking order. If Arby’s burgers continue to perform like this, they’re aiming for the number one spot in my arsenal – a revelation that had me texting buddies bite-with-a-smile.
2. Mozzarella Sticks
Sides are usually an afterthought in fast-food pickup orders, but Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks insisted on making themselves heard, turning my typical cynicism into full-on fandom. Too many variations have fallen short for me in the past, arriving oily and underwhelming, but these were a crunchy, cheesy respite that came across as a calculated indulgence, not a necessary aside.
- Crunch Factor: Golden crust shatters into the ultimate bite with no whiff of grease.
- Melt Mastery: Stringy mozzarella provides that bucket-list cheese pull every time.
- Quality Core: Fresh cheese on the inside, soft and delicious, no rubbery regrets.
- Value Vibes: Four pieces for $3.59? Pure indulgence with no guilt.
The breading was perfect – light but effective, containing the gooey cheese without frying. That initial stretchy pull was heaven, assuring these weren’t lazy; they were made with love. The packet of marinara that came with it was good but irrelevant; the sticks were great on their own, their natural savoriness speaking for itself.
At $3.59 for four, they were a bargain that punched up the entire meal, showing Arby’s puts money into details that make the mundane pop. It was a plate of small size that brought big delight, reminding me sometimes sides can steal the show. Double it next time – these are not negotiable.
3. Jalapeño Bites
If surprise were a food category, the Jalapeño Bites would be the undisputed champion; I placed them low on my expectations but booted them up high after the first searing, creamy bite. They weren’t merely good – they held their own against specialty appetizers at more upscale establishments, transforming a humble popper into a flavor bomb that consumed me from the initial dip.
- Heat Harmony: Jalapeños deliver heat without burning, constructing just enough.
- Creamy Core: Cream cheese that is melted softens the heat with smooth luxuriousness.
- Shell Snap: Crunchy crust provides a stunning contrast, no soggy centers here.
- Sauce Synergy: Sweet-tangy Bronco Berry magic turns up the wow value.
Sizzling fresh from the fryer, the warmth melted the cheese to a decadent sauce, tempering the jalapeño punch with ease. That Bronco Berry Sauce? A game-changer – its delicate sweetness twirled with the heat, converting morsels into complexities. Five pieces for $3.59, addictive bargains, devoured in seconds but remembered for hours.
These bites weren’t filler; they were fireworks, showing Arby’s nails bold flavor without gimmickry. I found myself rationing the final one, already scheming a solo order. In an ocean of safe sides, they’re the thrill ride you didn’t know fast food could be.
4. Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon Sandwich
The Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon Sandwich didn’t merely clear the bar – it soared over it, coming as a behemoth stack of freshness that shouted “protein powerhouse.” I entered expecting run-of-the-mill turkey fare, but exited extolling its deli-quality goodness, a warm sandwich hug that left all desire unmet.
- Meat Mountains: Abundant turkey and bacon stacks guarantee each bite is a winner.
- Fresh Focus: Slices have a premium deli cut taste, not pre-packaged filler.
- Sauce Swagger: Parmesan peppercorn ranch brings creamy, peppery zip.
- Veggie Vitality: Crunchy lettuce, tomato, and onion slice through with garden crunch.
Arby’s piled it high without stinting: rich, fresh turkey intermingling with crisp bacon, all coated in that ranch for piquant heaven. The honey wheat bread was a quiet hero, soft but substantial, supporting cheddar and vegetables in perfect harmony. For $7.59, it was a bargain giant, filling me up yet feeling elegant.
This sandwich was a game-changer, presenting Arby’s breadth beyond beef with seamless ease. It conjured lazy Sunday afternoons at a counter deli but faster and for less money. For turkey lovers or someone who requires fulfillment, it’s no-brainer – the sort of food that turns heads and finishes plates.
5. Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Spice lovers, rejoice: the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is your hot companion, delivering heat that escalates without bullying, all swaddled in a retro blanket of shredded ecstasy. It wasn’t overwhelming; it was welcoming, a spicy wink to late-night craving that had my taste buds singing in delight with nostalgia.
- Spice Sweet Spot: Escalating heat arrives just so, never too hard.
- Sauce Saturation: Hot sauce overlays bountifully for even buffalo euphoria.
- Crunch Companion: Shredded lettuce brings bright, cooling contrast.
- Nostalgia Nudge: It calls up college-night comfort in every saucy bite.
The sauce stuck like it meant business, imbuing the crunch chicken with zesty fire, and lettuce cooled the inferno with crunch. That slow-building heat was pure genius – just enough to thrill without alienating, conjuring up memories of post-party meals. At $5.99, it was a bargain that packed a personality punch.
This wasn’t formulaic spice; it was storytelling in a bun, combining bold and balanced into something desirable. It took me back to times past, showing Arby’s can stir emotion as well as taste. For a kick without mayhem, it’s my spicy soulmate now.
6. Crispy Chicken Sandwich
In an era of gaudy flavors, the Crispy Chicken Sandwich says “quality first,” showing plain sailing can be deep when it’s done well. It topped flashier chains with its modest brilliance, a steady rock that reimagined what “plain” chicken could do in the fast lane.
- Crisp Perfection: Outside shatters to golden glory, always dry.
- Tender Heart: Juicy filet within, cooked to impeccable doneness.
- Tangy Twist: Mayo drizzle brings zest without overwhelming the star.
- Fresh Finish: Tomato and lettuce stack on crunch and color.
The hero was the chicken – crispy outside, juicy inside, enhanced by a subtle mayo zip and veggie zing. Seated in a brioche that bowed but did not break, it was harmony in hand. At $5.99, it was down-home luxury, beating pricier rivals with greater substance.
Simplicity prevailed here, reminding me that fast food depends on execution, not excess. It became my “go-to” standard, the sandwich that sneaks up and steals devotion. Arby’s got the basics right, taking everyday to exceptional with subtle confidence.
7. Classic Beef ‘n Cheddar
If Arby’s has a crown jewel, it’s the Classic Beef ‘n Cheddar – the sandwich that embodies their ethos, transforming humble roast beef into a saucy symphony. It’s not flashy; it’s foundational, a time-tested triumph that whispers “this is why we’re here,” pulling me into the fold with effortless allure.
- Beef Base: Savory, thinly sliced roast beef in hearty heaps.
- Cheese Cascade: Gooey cheddar sauce drapes like liquid gold.
- Sauce Spark: Spicy red ranch dials back richness with zesty verve.
- Roll Royalty: Tender onion roll adds sweet chew for textural poetry.
The beef was tender poetry, but the cheddar sauce? Otherworldly – rich, creamy, nacho-like warmth that wrapped everything in its arms. That red ranch zapped in, balancing bold with bright, and the subtle sweetness of the onion roll brought it all back down to earth. Spending the extra cash for double the heft? Genius temptation.
At its street price (approximately $7 according to recent field testing), it’s value in the flesh, a template for how Arby’s survives. It was home, a reassuring steady in a sea of menu flux. This isn’t hyperbole; this is heritage, the sandwich that gets you for good.
8. Corned Beef Reuben
The Corned Beef Reuben transported me to a smoky NYC deli during drive-thru, its salty handsomeness refusing fast-food provenance with deli-hound sincerity. Replacing beef with corned was a stroke of genius, piling tradition into a hand-held tribute that appeared – and devoured – the part without affect.
- Corned Glory: Pink, tender strips shriek premium and abundant.
- Rye Rightness: Marbled bread’s sourness grounds the salty stack.
- Kraut Kiss: Tart sauerkraut brings sour zip, although more wouldn’t be bad.
- Dressing Depth: Thousand Island (with Dijon undertones) binds it tender.
To the eyes, it was stunning: ample meat sandwiched between rye that browned to earthy perfection, Swiss melty over kraut and dressing. The corned beef brine played a merry tune with the rye bite, a tasty standoff that sang in harmony. Certainly, the kraut could’ve packed a bigger wallop, but at $6.79, it was excusable subtlety.
This Reuben wasn’t imitation; it was mastery, surpassing more expensive pretenders with full-gut generosity. It summoned busy counters and communal bites, demonstrating Arby’s channels heritage modestly. For deli aspirations on a dime, it’s incomparable – a Reuben revolution.
9. BBQ Bacon Burger
The BBQ Bacon Burger is the Big Cheesy’s smoky cousin, saucing up the burger scene with tangy bravado that recalls backyard grills for under $9. It’s not shy; it’s stacked satisfaction, a flavor freight train that bombs through boredom with bacon-spurred fire.
- Bacon Blaze: Smoky rashers crisp up every layer with salty snap.
- Sauce Supreme: Smoky BBQ goes on thick, sweet-savory synergy.
- Cheese Cozy: American melts into molten harmony over beef.
- Crunch Carnival: Pickles and onions contribute pickle-punch and frizzled fun.
Even distribution was heavenly: sauce in every corner, bacon connecting bites, patties bulging and bouncy. Onions frizzled like upscale haystacks – our crunchy ride to restaurant heights. Double it for excess? Why not – this one murders solo.
Under $9 (about $8.99 per updates), it’s a cost controller, tasting double the cost. Arby’s burger audacity rings here, marrying convenience to craftsmanship. It’s the patty bash you intrude and overtake, and you finish sauced and in high spirits.
10. Smokehouse Brisket
Brisket in fast food? Suspect-sounding, but Arby’s Smokehouse Brisket quieted detractors with 13-hour-smoked braggadocio that aped pit-master verse. Hesitation gave way to wonder; this was not imitation – it was immersion, a smoky enticement that reimagined drive-thru BBQ.
- Smoke Signal: Strong, real aroma strikes before first bite.
- Meat Majesty: Thinly sliced packs rich, tender flavor punch.
- Onion Overture: Crisp strings wind together for textural victory.
- Sauce Backup: BBQ and cheddar back up brisket’s lead.
That smell alone was a hook: wood-smoked richness wafting from piled-thin perfection on brioche. Thinness tipped its hat to speed, but flavor exceeded – legit depth that fooled me into assuming “housemade.” Crispy onions swiped scenes, sauce sealing the smoky stamp.
At $7.59, it’s a brisket breakthrough, respecting tradition in a flash. Arby’s boldness is rewarded, converting speed to delicious fable. For BBQ faithful or brisket novices, it’s required – a pit without the pit stop.
11. Greek Gyro
Arby’s Greek Gyro transported an immigrant into Mediterranean alleys, filling pita with savory goodness in soft folds that had street-cart character despite its chain pedigree. It was not fusion nonsense; it was true. A gyro makeover that filled authenticity. Between every fold. For less than six bucks.
- Meat Mastery: Spiced, savory satisfactions abound from seasoned discs.
- Tzatziki Torrent: Garlicky waves of cool crash over warm heat.
- Veggie Verve: Lettuce, tomato, onion crunches coolly in contrast.
- Pita Poetry: Warm hug contains it all without heartbreak.
Pita steamed with potential, surrendering to spiced meat kissed by the tang of tzatziki, vegetables selling vibrancy. It resonated NYC carts – new, folded frenzy that felt worlds away from factory. Bountiful guts turned it a gyro guru.
For $5.79, it’s budget elegance with an ethnic flair, showing Arby’s travels the world in style. This was no tokenism; it was transportive, a sip of somewhere else that lingers. Gyro purists, listen – Arby’s nailed it.
12. Roast Beef Gyro
Arby’s Roast Beef Gyro turns convention on its head with their beefiest best, slice-thin fame into pita bliss that trumped its Greek counterpart for me. It’s creative closeness: homey beef in strange folds, a fusion snuggle that balanced home and exotic with ease. This gyro grew on me, proving innovation invites loyalty. Roast beef rules, rewrapped – a riff that resonates.
- Beef Brilliance: Thinly sliced roast beef reinvents gyro insides beautifully.
- Tzatziki Tango: Creamy chill quiets beef’s bold bravado.
- Veggie Vault: Crisp crew cuts richness with refreshing upheaval.
- Pita Panache: Warming wrap marries worlds without excess.
Thin beef belied bulk, tasting triumphantly in tzatziki’s tender embrace, veggies vivifying the vibe. It clicked counterintuitively – Arby’s ace in an unexpected ace. Why thicker elsewhere when this whispered “perfect”? At $5.79, it’s clever cuisine, leveraging legacy for lush novelty.
A Meaty Manifesto: Why Arby’s Won Me Over
Cleaning sauce from my chin after this $38 indulgence, I came away illuminated: Arby’s is not fast food; it’s flavor frontier, breaking silos with depth and surprise. From bacon-kissed burgers to gyro blessings, it’s a menu manifesto – quality unfettered, creativity unleashed. I slept on “We have the meats,” but awakened to its reality: they use them well, deserving of white-tablecloth hushes. Don’t hesitate; devour – your taste buds will reward you. Next round’s on me, in spirit; Arby’s, you’ve got a convert.
