Arby’s is a fast food sandwich chain founded in 1964 in Boardman, Ohio, best known for its slow-roasted beef sandwiches, curly fries, and signature sauces. It operates more than 3,400 locations across the US and seven other countries.
The brand ranks as the second-largest sandwich chain in America behind Subway. Its Reuben and Smokehouse Brisket receive consistent praise from food critics. Customer reviews average 2.6 out of 5 on Yelp, with quality varying widely by location. Prices range from $4.99 for a Classic Roast Beef to $22.49 for the Half Pound Cheesesteak.
This review breaks down what Arby’s serves, how the food actually tastes, what customers say, and whether it’s worth your time and money for a protein-focused meal.
What Is Arby’s?
Arby’s is a fast food sandwich chain with more than 3,400 locations across the United States and seven other countries, ranking as the second-largest sandwich chain in America behind Subway. Headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia, the brand operates under Inspire Brands. It generates nearly $4 billion in annual revenue and has served customers since 1964.
Here’s the thing most people get wrong: the name ‘Arby’s’ does not stand for ‘roast beef.’ It’s derived from the initials ‘R.B.,’ which stand for Raffel Brothers, the two men who started it all. That distinction matters because it reflects the brand’s identity as a family-built operation. And that family-first spirit still runs through the company today.
Who Founded Arby’s?
Arby’s was founded by brothers Forrest and Leroy Raffel on July 23, 1964, in Boardman, Ohio, after the pair spotted a gap in the market for non-burger fast food. Before opening Arby’s, the brothers owned a restaurant equipment business. Their first location served only roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and soft drinks. The initial roast beef sandwich was priced at 69 cents — almost five times the cost of a McDonald’s burger at the time.
By the late 1960s, the Raffels had expanded to more than 300 locations across nearly 40 states. They sold Arby’s to Royal Crown Cola in 1976 for $18 million. Forrest passed away in 2008 at age 86. Leroy lived until 2023, dying at age 96 as a celebrated fast food pioneer.
How Many Arby’s Locations Are There?
Arby’s operates more than 3,400 locations in the United States, with additional restaurants in Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Turkey. Most US locations function as franchises under the Arby’s Restaurant Group. The chain has maintained a steady footprint in the quick-service sector for over six decades.
Arby’s sits under the Inspire Brands umbrella alongside Sonic, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, and Jimmy John’s. That parent company ranks as the second-largest restaurant group in the US by total system sales. Arby’s US locations span all 50 states, covering both urban centers and suburban markets equally.
What Does Arby’s Serve?
Arby’s serves a broad menu anchored by slow-roasted beef sandwiches, but it also includes smoked brisket, gyros, chicken sandwiches, Reubens, turkey wraps, Market Fresh deli options, and a full lineup of sides and desserts. The chain is also known for its signature condiments: Horsey Sauce, Arby’s Sauce, and Honey Dijon Mustard. Limited-time items and seasonal specials rotate throughout the year.
In 1981, Arby’s introduced chicken to the menu. In 2001, it launched the Market Fresh line of deli-style sandwiches made with higher-quality ingredients. More recently, the chain added cheesesteaks, including a Half Pound Cheesesteak at $22.49. The menu now covers everything from value-tier items to premium, full-service-style sandwiches.
What Is Arby’s Best Sandwich?
The Reuben is widely regarded as Arby’s best sandwich, featuring corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing on toasted marble rye, delivering deli-quality results at fast food speed. Food critics consistently note that the ratio of sauerkraut to dressing is precise. The sauerkraut cuts through the richness of the corned beef, and the thousand island dressing adds a punch of tanginess. Many reviewers say it rivals Reubens found at legitimate delis.
The Smokehouse Brisket ranks a close second. It features brisket smoked for 13 hours (3 hours), cheddar cheese, smoky BBQ sauce, and crispy onion strings on a brioche bun. The Classic Beef ‘n Cheddar is another fan staple, pairing roast beef with cheddar cheese sauce and Arby’s signature sauce.
Top Arby’s Sandwiches Ranked:
- Reuben
- Classic Beef ‘n Cheddar
- Classic Roast Beef
- Smokehouse Brisket
- Roast Turkey Ranch and Bacon
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Does Arby’s Have Options Beyond Roast Beef?
Yes. Arby’s offers a diverse menu well beyond roast beef, including gyros, chicken sandwiches, turkey wraps, cheesesteaks, and a complete Market Fresh deli line with salads and whole-grain bread options. Chicken was added to the menu in 1981 and has expanded into multiple formats, including crispy, buffalo, and grilled. Turkey sandwiches and wraps now cover the lighter end of the menu.
The Jamocha Shake is a signature dessert — a chocolate-coffee milkshake that long-time customers consider a must-order. Sides include curly fries, crinkle fries, mozzarella sticks, and potato cakes. Desserts range from the classic Jamocha Shake to Reese’s peanut butter cookies and seasonal pastries like the Peach Cobbler Roll.
How Does Arby’s Food Taste?
Arby’s food delivers quality that consistently exceeds typical fast food expectations, with its roast beef and smoked brisket earning genuine praise for flavor and texture from both critics and casual reviewers. The brand has always positioned itself as a step above the average fast food chain. Many first-time visitors leave genuinely surprised by what they get. In fact, that surprise is one of the most common themes in positive Arby’s reviews.
Curly fries rank among the most praised items on any fast food menu, not just at Arby’s. The Reese’s cookie receives high marks for its richness. Mozzarella sticks get decent reviews but fall short of the sandwiches in terms of standout quality.
Is the Smokehouse Brisket Worth It?
Yes. The Smokehouse Brisket is genuinely worth the price, featuring brisket smoked for a full 13 hours that delivers a natural smokiness rare in fast food, priced at $7.99 for a generously sized sandwich. Arby’s even ran a 13-hour commercial to prove the smoking process is real. One Business Insider reviewer called the sandwich ‘moist and flavorful’ and said the size alone justified the price. The brisket spills out from the brioche bun.
To be clear, it’s not the same as a mom-and-pop BBQ shop. The brisket is sliced thin and can run slightly dry compared to a dedicated pitmaster’s product. But for fast food? The smokiness holds up, even when sampled without the BBQ sauce. Most critics rank it among Arby’s top two or three menu items.
Are the Curly Fries Any Good?
Yes. Arby’s curly fries are consistently rated as one of the best fast food fries available, known for their seasoned coating, crispy spiral shape, and signature spice blend that separates them from plain fries at other chains. Arby’s introduced them as ‘Curly Q Fries’ in the 1980s. A medium order is $3.89 (roughly 283 grams) and a large is $4.99. One reviewer specifically noted getting the ‘coveted perfectly curled curly fry’ and called it a highlight of the visit.
Crinkle fries are also available for those who prefer a different texture. The accordion-style grooves on crinkle fries maximize crispiness and are lightly seasoned with fine kosher salt. Both varieties hold their texture well if eaten promptly after ordering.
What Do Arby’s Reviews Say?
Arby’s holds an average rating of 2.6 out of 5 from 36,442 reviews across 2,372 US locations on Yelp, indicating that customer experiences vary widely depending on which franchise location is visited. Positive reviews focus on specific sandwiches and strong value. Negative reviews most commonly cite cold food, wrong orders, and poor service. Bottom line: the food is generally good, but the execution depends on the location.
The gap between the best and worst-rated Arby’s locations is significant. Some franchises consistently earn five-star marks for fresh food and attentive staff. Others face repeated complaints about order accuracy and temperature. Checking local reviews before visiting a specific Arby’s is a smart move.
What Do Customers Like About Arby’s?
Customers most frequently praise Arby’s for its unique sandwich options, particularly the Smokehouse Brisket, Reuben, and curly fries, which stand apart from the standard fast food offerings at competing chains. Reviewers consistently mention the variety of sauces — Horsey Sauce, Arby’s Sauce, Honey Dijon Mustard — as a highlight. Value for money comes up repeatedly, especially when multiple people are ordering.
The good news? A full Arby’s feast for two people can cost around $38 and leave food on the table. One reviewer noted that the same meal at a New York City sit-down restaurant would easily run $100. First-time visitors often report being ‘pleasantly surprised’ by the quality they receive for the price paid.
Most Praised Arby’s Items:
- Smokehouse Brisket sandwich
- Reuben sandwich
- Classic Beef ‘n Cheddar
- Curly fries
- Jamocha Shake
- Reese’s peanut butter cookie
Common Customer Praise:
- Unique sandwich variety not found at burger chains
- Strong value per dollar compared to sit-down restaurants
- Signature sauces (Horsey Sauce, Arby’s Sauce) add flavor depth
- Generous portions on premium sandwiches
- First-time visitors consistently report positive surprise
What Are the Common Complaints About Arby’s?
The most common Arby’s complaints involve incorrect orders, cold food, missing condiments, and inconsistent customer service across franchise locations, with some customers reporting the same issues on multiple visits. One reviewer received wrong orders on three consecutive visits at the same location. Another reported requesting sauce ‘for all’ sandwiches and receiving only two packets for five items. These issues tie directly to franchise-level management inconsistencies.
Broken ice cream and milkshake machines are a recurring complaint at some locations. Some reviewers describe staff as disengaged. Soggy buns and dry chicken appear in multiple critical reviews, suggesting food holding time is an issue at certain stores.
How Much Does Arby’s Cost?
Arby’s prices range from $3.29 for a basic drink to $22.49 for the Half Pound Cheesesteak, with most popular sandwiches priced between $4.99 and $7.99 per item. A typical individual meal, including a sandwich, medium fries, and a drink, runs $12 to $16. Large multi-person orders can total around $38 while still providing generous portions across multiple people.
The Classic Roast Beef is $4.99 — one of the most affordable protein-focused fast food options anywhere. The Smokehouse Brisket costs $7.99. Curly fries run $3.89 for a medium and $4.99 for a large. A four-piece mozzarella stick order is $5.59, and shakes are $7.49 in any flavor.
Arby’s Price Guide:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Roast Beef | $4.99 |
| Smokehouse Brisket | $7.99 |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich | $6.59 |
| Half Pound Cheesesteak | $22.49 |
| Curly Fries (Medium) | $3.89 |
| Mozzarella Sticks (4pc) | $5.59 |
| Shake (any flavor) | $7.49 |
| Reese’s Cookie | $2.09 |
Is Arby’s Worth the Price?
Yes. Arby’s delivers strong value across its menu, particularly when ordering multiple sandwiches, since a $38 order consistently feeds three to four people with high-quality meat-based items that satisfy well. Compared to a sit-down restaurant in a major city, the same meal might cost $100 or more. The portion sizes at Arby’s are generous, especially on premium items like the Smokehouse Brisket. And here is the best part: the price of core items hasn’t moved much year-to-year.
Value menu options keep costs accessible for budget-focused customers. The $4.99 Classic Roast Beef represents strong protein value for the price. Premium items like the Half Pound Cheesesteak cost more but reflect significantly higher-quality ingredients than what fast food chains typically offer.
Is Arby’s Healthy?
Arby’s offers a range of nutritional profiles, from lighter Market Fresh salads and turkey wraps to higher-calorie premium sandwiches and indulgent sides that vary widely in fat and sodium content. In 1991, Arby’s became the first quick-service chain to introduce a complete Lite Menu with items under 300 calories and 94% fat-free. That tradition of lighter options still exists on today’s menu. So you do have a real choice here.
Mozzarella sticks contain 440 calories for a four-piece order. Curly fries carry a significant calorie count depending on size. Customers seeking lower-calorie choices can find salads, Market Fresh sandwiches on whole-grain bread, and turkey-based options as the most nutritionally sound picks.
Arby’s Nutritional Tiers:
| Category | Examples | Calorie Range |
|---|---|---|
| Light Options | Market Fresh salads, turkey wraps | 250-400 cal |
| Mid-Range | Classic Roast Beef, Crispy Chicken | 400-600 cal |
| Premium / Indulgent | Smokehouse Brisket, Reuben, Cheesesteak | 600-900 cal |
| Sides | Mozzarella sticks (4pc), Large curly fries | 440-500 cal |
Does Arby’s Have High Protein Options?
Yes. Arby’s is one of the better fast food chains for high-protein eating, given its focus on slow-roasted beef, smoked brisket, turkey, and chicken as the primary protein sources across its menu. Roast beef sandwiches deliver a solid protein-to-calorie ratio compared to burger-heavy fast food competitors. The chain’s protein emphasis aligns closely with what our team at Eat Proteins recommends for muscle maintenance and recovery nutrition.
The Classic Roast Beef delivers lean protein from thinly sliced beef with minimal added fat. The Smokehouse Brisket and Reuben add higher protein alongside richer flavor profiles. Market Fresh turkey sandwiches offer the leanest alternative for customers actively managing caloric intake.
Where Can You Find Arby’s?
Arby’s has more than 3,400 locations across the United States, with a particularly strong presence in the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions where the chain first expanded from its Ohio roots. International locations operate in Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Turkey. The official site at arbys.com includes a location finder tool for the nearest restaurant.
Most Arby’s restaurants offer both dine-in and drive-thru service. Catering orders are available at participating locations with a minimum 24-hour advance notice. Customers can reach their local store at 1-800-599-2729 for catering inquiries or to provide direct feedback about their visit.
Does Arby’s Deliver?
Yes. Arby’s offers delivery through third-party platforms including DoorDash and Grubhub at participating locations, a convenient option for customers who prefer to order from home or the office. Delivery availability depends on the specific Arby’s location and proximity to the delivery radius of each platform. Customers should check their local address on the Grubhub or DoorDash app to confirm delivery eligibility before ordering.
Drive-thru service remains the fastest option at most locations. Dine-in seating is available at most standalone restaurants, typically with a decor that incorporates Western-themed art elements tied to the brand’s heritage. Arby’s in-restaurant experience is described by reviewers as notably quiet compared to burger-chain environments.
Should You Try Eat Proteins’ Favorite Arby’s Picks?
Arby’s stands out as one of the few fast food chains where the protein quality and menu variety genuinely justify a visit for meat-focused eaters, high-protein dieters, and anyone who’s grown tired of the same burger-and-fries routine. The Reuben and Smokehouse Brisket are must-orders on any first visit. Our experts at Eat Proteins recommend getting both on the same visit to experience the full range of what this chain does well. You won’t be disappointed.
You don’t need to spend a lot to eat well here. The $4.99 Classic Roast Beef is a smart protein play for budget meals. If you’re going once, add the curly fries and a Jamocha Shake. Arby’s consistently delivers more than most people expect from a fast food chain. Go in with low expectations and leave a convert.