Foodie fans of "The Simpsons" won't soon forget the iconic episode in which the children of Springfield find themselves lost in the woods, and one character remarks, "I'm so hungry I could eat at Arby's" ("Gosh" and "wow" remark the other kids). Even self-professed Arby's fans will likely admit that, yeah, the chain isn't exactly known for being top-quality, or for producing sandwiches that remotely resemble the advertised photos.
Founded in 1964 in Ohio, Arby's has been a mainstay of the American fast food scene ever since. While never the iconic, omnipresent force that rivals like McDonald's or Burger King are, it is still one of the 25 largest chains in the country, per QSR, and Arby's unique sandwich menu is unlike any other chain. But Arby's sales have been slumping, and NRN reported that it closed 48 restaurants in 2024.
There are a lot of ethics tied up with the food we eat. For some, that's why they choose a vegan diet. Others seek out things like fair trade-certified coffee or chocolate. Whether it's cage-free eggs or wild-caught salmon, there are many ways consumers can follow their conscience regarding the food they eat. In the world of fast food restaurants, some diners avoid Arby's since the chain has no policy on record about using beef raised without antibiotics.
Upon visual inspection, the item had all the components covered, from a buttery brioche bun to fresh crisp veggies to melted cheese and even a zesty sauce. But, a burger is only as good as its beef patty, and that of the Deluxe Burger was virtually inedible. It had a mushy, almost undercooked texture with a gamey, pungent flavor that we could only take one bite of.
Roast beef is the classic Arby's staple with a unique, unconventional preparation that locks in moisture and delivers a powerful umami punch. This, paired with a sharp, melty, and gooey cheddar cheese sauce is already a winning combination. Arby's zesty red ranch is the mysterious special sauce that completed the trifecta and dazzled our tastebuds; despite its name, it's a sweeter, tangier, and tomato-based sauce.
"Doubling the meat" isn't a universal add-on across all locations, nor does it apply to every sandwich the restaurant serves. According to the Arby's website, both the Classic Cheddar 'N Beef and the Roast Beef sandwiches come with the option to do a regular, double, or half-pound portion of meat. In addition, the French Dip, Greek Gyro, and Roast Beef Gyro sandwiches all give diners the option to add double the meat.
The next time a cookie craving strikes, do yourself a favor and skip Arby's salted caramel and chocolate chip cookie. While the name of the cookie sounds promising, expectations and reality clash upon first bite. Instead of a textured cookie that offers just enough chew before giving way to a tender center, Arby's cookie challenged our senses. The cookie itself was noticeably hefty and thick, but the baked cookie seemed to crumble like sawdust on the tongue.
