Remember Arby’s? That place your grandpa swore by? Or the source of that questionable school lunch meat? Arby’s holds a special, often bizarre, place in our collective memory.
But nostalgia only goes so far.
We’re putting Arby’s under the microscope, separating the “good ol’ days” from the “what was that?” with 10 reasons it gets hate and 10 reasons it deserves a little love (or at least a second look).
1. Meat Mountain Madness
The overwhelming meat focus at Arby’s turns off many diners seeking lighter options. Their menu seems designed exclusively for carnivores with little thought for those wanting something fresher.
Even their salads come loaded with protein, making the place practically impossible for vegetarians. “We have the meats” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a warning!
2. Processed Food Perception
Critics often point to Arby’s roast beef’s unnaturally smooth texture and uniform shape. That perfect roundness doesn’t exactly scream “farm to table.”
The meat’s shiny appearance under those bright fast food lights doesn’t help either. Many customers wonder what exactly goes into creating those suspiciously perfect roast beef slices.
3. Sauce Overload
Arby’s drowns many sandwiches in sauces that overwhelm the actual meat flavor. That signature Arby’s sauce and Horsey sauce combo can turn your sandwich into a soggy mess faster than you can say “extra napkins.”
By the last bite, many customers are basically eating sauce-soaked bread. Not exactly the dignified dining experience some folks are after!
4. Premium Pricing Complaints
For fast food, Arby’s hits your wallet surprisingly hard. A full meal often costs several dollars more than competitors’ offerings.
That Market Fresh sandwich combo might leave your stomach full but your wallet empty. Many budget-conscious diners wonder if those extra ounces of roast beef really justify paying sit-down restaurant prices.
5. Digestive Distress
The infamous “Arby’s aftermath” has spawned countless memes and jokes online. Heavy meat portions combined with rich sauces create a recipe for stomach troubles.
Many customers report making emergency bathroom stops after their Arby’s adventures. Not exactly the kind of memorable dining experience most restaurants aim for!
6. Inconsistent Quality Control
Location roulette is real with Arby’s—some stores serve picture-perfect sandwiches while others deliver sad, sloppy disappointments. The franchise model means wildly different experiences depending where you go.
Nothing’s worse than remembering a great Arby’s meal, only to get a dried-out disaster at a different location. This inconsistency drives loyal customers crazy!
7. The Lingering Aroma
That distinctive Arby’s smell clings to everything—your clothes, your car, your hair. The powerful aroma follows you long after you’ve finished eating.
Some people can identify an “Arby’s customer” just by the scent they carry. When your fast food choice becomes your new cologne, it might be time to reconsider your lunch options!
8. Outdated Restaurant Vibe
Many Arby’s locations feel stuck in a 1980s time warp. The brown and orange color scheme, dated furniture, and overall atmosphere scream “needs a makeover.”
While some find it nostalgic, others see it as depressing. The dim lighting and worn-out booths don’t exactly create the upbeat dining environment that modern customers expect.
9. Drive-Thru Disasters
Arby’s drive-thru experience often involves long waits for food that’s supposed to be fast. Their complex menu items take longer to prepare than simple burgers.
Many customers report sitting in drive-thru purgatory while watching other cars zoom through neighboring fast food lanes. When your “quick lunch” turns into a 20-minute ordeal, the frustration is real!
10. Calorie Bombs
Nutritional nightmares lurk throughout Arby’s menu. A single Beef ‘n Cheddar with curly fries and a shake can deliver more calories than some people need all day!
Health-conscious diners often gasp when they see the actual nutritional information. Those delicious loaded sandwiches come with a side of guilt and expanded waistlines.
11. Roast Beef Mastery
Nobody does roast beef sandwiches quite like Arby’s. That thinly sliced, perfectly seasoned meat has a distinct flavor profile you can’t find elsewhere in fast food.
The warm, tender beef practically melts in your mouth. For roast beef enthusiasts, there’s simply no substitute for that signature Arby’s taste that’s been perfected over decades.
12. Curly Fry Superiority
Arby’s curly fries reign supreme in the fast food side dish kingdom. Those perfectly seasoned, spiral-cut potatoes deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite.
The unique seasoning blend adds a flavor kick that regular fries can’t match. Even Arby’s harshest critics often admit those curly fries are worth the trip all by themselves!
13. Sauce Selection Brilliance
Arby’s sauce game is unmatched in fast food. From the tangy signature Arby’s Sauce to the kick of Horsey Sauce, they’ve mastered the art of condiments.
These aren’t your basic ketchup packets! The sauces complement their sandwiches perfectly and have developed cult followings. Some fans even smuggle extra packets home for their own cooking adventures.
14. Menu Variety Victory
Unlike burger-focused chains, Arby’s offers genuine variety. From gyros to turkey sandwiches to brisket, their menu spans multiple protein options and styles.
Seasonal specialties like the venison sandwich show real culinary ambition. When your fast food craving doesn’t involve another basic burger, Arby’s diverse menu provides welcome alternatives.
15. Milkshake Magic
Arby’s milkshakes deserve way more recognition than they get. Thick, creamy, and available in unique flavors like Jamocha, they’re the perfect sweet counterpoint to savory sandwiches.
The consistency hits that perfect balance—thick enough for a spoon but still sippable through a straw. These shakes make Arby’s a legitimate dessert destination, not just a sandwich stop.
16. Market Fresh Innovation
The Market Fresh sandwich line shows Arby’s can do upscale fast food right. These sandwiches feature quality ingredients on thick-sliced honey wheat bread that’s a major upgrade from standard fast food buns.
The portions are genuinely filling too. When you want something that feels more like a real deli sandwich than typical drive-thru fare, these hit the spot perfectly.
17. Breakfast Menu Brilliance
Arby’s breakfast offerings fly under the radar but deserve serious praise. Their breakfast sandwiches feature real eggs and quality meats that put other fast food morning options to shame.
The biscuits are buttery perfection too. For early risers seeking something beyond the typical McMuffin experience, Arby’s morning menu delivers a tastier alternative worth waking up for.
18. Value Meal Victories
Arby’s 2 for $6 deals and other promotions offer surprising value for the quality you get. The portions are genuinely filling, unlike some competitors’ “deals” that leave you hungry.
Even their regular combo meals deliver substantial food for the price. Budget-conscious diners who look beyond the basic menu prices often discover Arby’s offers better bang for your buck than expected.
19. Late-Night Reliability
When hunger strikes after hours, Arby’s late-night service comes through with consistent quality. Unlike some chains where late means leftover, Arby’s maintains their standards even into the wee hours.
Many locations stay open when other options have closed. For night owls, shift workers, and anyone craving something better than gas station food at midnight, Arby’s reliability is a true blessing.
20. Gyro Game-Changer
Arby’s Greek gyros bring unexpected authenticity to fast food. The seasoned meat, tzatziki sauce, and warm pita create a surprisingly legitimate gyro experience without the specialty restaurant prices.
They’ve mastered flavors most fast food chains wouldn’t dare attempt. For Mediterranean food fans without access to local gyro shops, Arby’s version satisfies cravings that would otherwise go unmet.