Arby’s has long been the punchline of fast-food jokes—The Simpsons made sure of that. But for the true believers (and curious skeptics), there’s a meaty surprise waiting behind that “We Have the Meats” slogan. Beneath the neon lights and curly fry baskets lies a menu full of hits, misses, and underrated gems that could change your mind about the chain entirely. We put the top items to the test and ranked them from forgettable flops to must-order standouts. Some will shock you. Some will haunt you. But all of them prove one thing—Arby’s is more than just roast beef.
Get the Recipe:
The Steak Nugget Bowl: Comfort Food Royalty
This is Arby’s masterpiece—creamy, savory, and surprisingly gourmet for a drive-thru. The white cheddar mac and cheese creates a silky base, while the steak nuggets bring salt, depth, and a little chew. Crispy onion strings add that final layer of crunch that makes every bite satisfying. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a hug in a paper bowl. Drizzle a bit of barbecue sauce on top, and you’ve got Arby’s at its peak.
Curly Fries: The Unbeatable Classic
Forget the competition—Arby’s curly fries are in a league of their own. Perfectly seasoned, endlessly snackable, and still tasty even when cold, these spirals of golden joy are the definition of “addictive.” Their crisp exterior and fluffy center hit the texture jackpot every time. Whether they’re a sidekick to your roast beef sandwich or the main event, they’re the one thing everyone agrees Arby’s got right.
Corned Beef Reuben: Rye Bread Done Right
Arby’s Reuben doesn’t pretend to be a New York deli masterpiece—but it doesn’t have to. The marble rye bread is rich, toasty, and easily the highlight of the sandwich. Thin, tender corned beef pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut and creamy dressing, creating balance instead of bloat. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just messy enough to remind you that good sandwiches are meant to be devoured, not daintily eaten.
Greek Gyro: Fairground Flavor, No Carnie Guilt
A gyro from Arby’s? Shockingly legit. The lamb and beef mix is spiced just right, tucked into a warm pita with fresh veggies and cool tzatziki sauce. It captures all the carnival energy—minus the questionable hygiene. The result is a fast-food take that actually honors its inspiration. Add a splash of buffalo sauce for a little extra fire.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Arby’s Hot Streak Continues
Arby’s may be known for beef, but their buffalo chicken sandwich deserves a mention. The sauce delivers real heat without drowning the chicken in grease or butter, and the meat itself stays juicy and clean. It’s spicy enough to feel exciting but not punishing. Add a scoop of white cheddar mac and cheese right on top if you’re feeling bold—it’s messy, but worth it.
Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon: A Deli-Style Surprise
This one feels like it came straight from a sandwich shop, not a drive-thru. Toasted honey wheat bread holds layers of deli-quality turkey, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch for a combo that feels fresh and balanced. The textures all play nicely—soft bread, crispy bacon, creamy dressing. It’s a solid alternative for anyone skipping red meat without skipping flavor.
Smokehouse Brisket: Delicious, But Heavy
Here’s where ambition meets excess. The brisket has a great smoky flavor and tender bite, but the fat content—and melted cheese—make it a bit too much for some. When it works, it’s deeply satisfying, with barbecue-level depth and a bold, meaty punch. Ask for leaner brisket and skip the cheese for a cleaner, more balanced bite.
Deluxe Burger: Arby’s Unexpected Curveball
Yes, Arby’s makes a burger—and it’s not bad! The patty’s thicker and juicier than most fast-food versions, giving it a homemade vibe. The bun’s a little too soft for the job, but the flavor’s there. It’s not the reason you go to Arby’s, but it’s a fine backup when you’re burger-bound. Think of it as Arby’s saying, “Yeah, we can do that too.”
Steak Nuggets: Protein Boost with a Caveat
They sound like a dream—bite-sized chunks of steak!—but the reality lands somewhere between gas-station jerky and road-trip snack. They’re salty, chewy, and high in protein, but not quite crave-worthy on their own. With a side of barbecue sauce, though, they turn into a decent snack that pairs well with fries. Consider them supporting actors, not the star.
Classic Roast Beef: The Icon That Built Arby’s
This sandwich is Arby’s DNA. Simple, savory, and strangely comforting, the paper-thin roast beef layers are the definition of “don’t mess with success.” Add a squeeze of Arby’s Sauce and you’ve got a perfect combo of salty, tangy, and nostalgic. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest menu item stands the test of time.
French Dip: Ambition Gone Awry
Arby’s tried to go French—and the result is more “oui non” than “oui oui.” The beef is solid, but the bread and cheese fall flat. Even the au jus can’t completely rescue it from mediocrity. If you’re craving a dip, skip this and grab a Classic Roast Beef with a side of sauce—it’s cheaper and tastes better.
Chicken Tenders: The True Afterthought
Every fast-food joint needs chicken tenders, but Arby’s version feels like a box they checked reluctantly. They’re soft, processed, and rely entirely on dipping sauce to taste like anything. Barbecue helps, but not enough to make them memorable. Unless you’re feeding kids or avoiding beef, this one’s a pass.
Arby’s Has Earned Its Redemption Arc
Arby’s might always be “that weird sandwich place,” but the menu tells a different story. From unbeatable curly fries to the surprisingly gourmet steak nugget bowl, this chain has more hits than haters want to admit. Sure, there are misses—but the highs are high enough to make you want to give it another shot. So, what’s your Arby’s order? Drop a comment and tell us—did your favorite make the list, or did we miss the one you swear by?
