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12 Reasons Arby's Is Actually Better Than McDonald's

Here's why Arby's should be your new go-to over McDonald's.

Arbys fast food restaurant
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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McDonald’s has plenty of locations worldwide, but some fast-food fans prefer to skip over the golden arches for Arby’s.

The restaurant chain has fewer locations than McDonald’s in the U.S., but some things make fans search out Arby’s for plenty of reasons.

Here’s why you rethink where you go when you’re trying to stretch your fast-food budget and why Arby’s may be a good alternative to the golden arches.

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Prices are better

Courtesy of Arby's arby's classic roast beef

A recent FinanceBuzz study found that you can save money by going to Arby’s rather than spending your cash at McDonald’s.

For example, a classic roast beef meal costs $8.99 at Arby’s, compared to a Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal that costs $11.99 at McDonald’s.

Arby’s has delicious curly fries

Courtesy of Arby's arbys curly fries

Every fast-food restaurant, even McDonald’s, has classic fries for a quick bite or as part of a combo meal. But Arby’s curly fries put it ahead of the rest of the pack.

“Arby’s curly fries can smack down literally any other fast food curly fries and it isn’t even close,” said Redditor mojito723, who also noted the curly fries have the perfect amount of flavor and crunch compared to other chains.

Arby’s hasn’t raised prices as much

Courtesy of Arby's arbys shake up your burger meal

Another interesting find from the FinanceBuzz study is that Arby’s has increased prices an average of 55% in the past decade, putting it in the middle of the fast-food pack with restaurants like Wendy’s, Burger King, and Chik-fil-A.

On the other hand, prices have skyrocketed at McDonald’s with an average 100% jump in the past decade.

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Arby’s has unique sauces

Maksim Shebeko/Adobe Dipping sauces

You may like McDonald’s dipping sauces, but Arby’s offers additional choices that make it stand out.

“The sauces make it,” said Reddit user 1235813213455_1. “Arby's sauce and horsey are the perfect combination.”

McDonald’s quality isn’t the same

Courtesy of Arby's chicken slider from Arby's

Some former McDonald’s fans have decided they don’t want to return because of the drop in quality and might choose to try something else, like Arby’s classic roast beef.

“The quality and size have decreased and the prices have gone up,” lamented Reddit user The_White_Ram about recent changes at the Golden Arches.

Arby’s has a better food selection

Courtesy of Arby's arbys greek gyro

It’s not just about the curly fries or classic roast beef sandwich that makes Arby’s special. It’s about everything else on the menu, too, according to some fans.

Reddit user xdylanxfrommyspace said they always end up with something good at Arby’s. “I’ve never had anything from Arby’s I didn’t think was scrumptious.”

Arby’s has great milkshakes

Courtesy of Arby's arby's jamocha shake

Want a milkshake at McDonald’s? Your options are usually chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry — and that’s if the shake machine is working.

That’s why some Redditors love Arby’s Jamocha shake, which blends coffee and chocolate flavors together for the perfect treat. “Best fast food milkshake flavor ever,” said Redditor Junior_Fig_2274.

Arby’s has the meats

Courtesy of Arby's arbys corned beef reuben

You’ve probably heard Arby’s advertising slogan, “We have the meats,” and that’s an accurate assessment, especially when it comes to the restaurant’s classic roast beef sandwiches.

“I just want to know what Arby's is doing to get their roast beef to be the way it is,” said Redditor dovetc. “No other roast beef I've ever had is anything like Arby's roast beef.”

You can buy Arby’s Sauce at the grocery store

Courtesy of Walmart Arby's sauce

Arby’s special Arby’s Sauce could be a great addition to your condiments at home for burgers, sandwiches, and anything else you want to add.

You can find the sauce at grocery stores like Kroger or even Walmart, and some Redditors suggest fans look for it so they can add it to their homes as well.

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Arby’s has good coupons

fotopak/Adobe discount coupons on white background

It can be hard to get a good-priced meal or feed a family with increasing fast-food prices, but Arby’s has you covered.

“We get a coupon book about every quarter, and we enjoy having a nice family meal there,” said Redditor dude_named_will, while According_Gazelle472 said they also love Arby’s coupons.

Its beef and cheddar sandwich is a fan-favorite

Courtesy of Arby's arby's classic beef ‘n cheddar

McDonald’s usually adds a slice of cheese to its sandwiches, but the Arby’s cheddar sauce gives it a boost with fans.

“I'm a sucker for the beef and cheddar,” said Redditor lvsnowden while other Redditors have also declared their love for the sandwich.

Arby’s just doesn’t get the attention it deserves

Courtesy of Arby's arby's-bbq chicken wrap

Some customers may default to McDonald’s, but true Arby’s fans know that there is a better option.

“Arby's is criminally underrated,” proclaimed Redditor ExTrafficGuy.

Bottom line

The Toidi/Adobe Arby's logo

Arby’s can be a great option, so give it a try if you're looking for ways to save money on dining out or if you're trying to find a new go-to spot when you’re on the road.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.