10 Reasons Arby’s Is Criminally Underrated

Arby’s has been around since 1964 and has over 3,400 locations worldwide. The fast food chain has been pop culture fodder for years, appearing on hit shows like "Seinfeld" and "The Simpsons" — although not always in a positive light.

But Arby’s actually rates higher with consumers than other fast food joints, and their low price points are a great way to save money. Here are 10 reasons Arby’s is a criminally underrated fast food joint.

While they absolutely don’t mirror the authentic Greek gyro experience, Arby’s does make some pretty popular gyros.

Try their signature roast beef option or their version of the Greek gyro with your favorite fries. Reasonably priced at $5.29 each, these pitas are loaded with lettuce, red onion, and tomato on top of your meat of choice.

If you’ve never tried Arby’s curly fries, you’ve been missing out. With soft insides and satisfying crispiness on the outside, these fries are perfectly seasoned and imperfectly shaped for optimal deliciousness.

A medium will cost about $2.49 on its own, so it’s usually a better deal to pair it in a meal.

While most fast-food chains focus on what makes them the most money, Arby’s seems to listen when its customers give feedback.

For example, customers pleaded with the chain to bring back its signature triangular, crispy golden potato cakes, which had been discontinued in 2021 and replaced with crinkle-cut fries.

But they returned this summer, and now you can get two for $2.49.

While jalapeño bites are often available at bars and restaurant chains, Arby’s version is a cult classic among customers and consistently high-quality, flavorful, and juicy.

A five-piece order will run you about $4.09, while an eight-piece is $6.29.

Historically, “nuggets” seem like a silly snack for adults. But, done right, they can be the base of an incredible meal.

Golden and breaded to crispy, seasoned perfection, Arby’s premium chicken nuggets are juicy and tender. They’re also some of the best chicken nuggets you can get on the fly, available for under $5 for nine pieces.

There aren’t a lot of fast food chains that specialize in chicken sandwiches that feel fresh. 

Sure, we love a good fried chicken with nothing but a pickle and some special sauce, but there’s nothing quite like getting the juiciness of a tomato and the crunch of some fresh lettuce in that bite.

Besides the super spot-on tagline “We Have The Meats,” Arby’s has run some really fun campaigns over the years.

People were so smitten with the commercials that customers still rave about them online. Fans are less impressed by recent Arby’s ads, but regardless of whether they’re redundant, annoying, or spectacular, they’re still absolutely memorable.

For the first five years, the Arby’s logo displayed a dark brown hat with the phrase “Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich is Delicious” brightly printed on it. After 1969, the simplified red hat outline logo was introduced.

Some locations managed to hold onto the original sign, but as of 2023, less than 100 locations still displayed the original cowboy hat sign, making it extra special to spot one.

Say what you want about the other dessert offerings at Arby’s, but the Jamocha Shake is bar none. Is it a morning coffee? A mid-day pick-me-up? IA dessert?

It’s all of them at the same time, and we’re happy to drive through and enjoy them any time of day. A regular shake is about $3.69, and a large will cost about $4.39.

Arby’s has kept a relatively nice selection on tap for those of us on a budget.

Sliders are on the menu for less than $2 each, and there’s currently a three-for-$5 mix ‘n match snack rotation. You can also indulge in a chicken wrap for less than $3.

Arby’s may get a bad rap sometimes, but it actually seems to be one of the internet’s most-loved fast-food chains. There’s a sense of community rallying around a menu that can’t really be matched elsewhere.

Plus, their budget-friendly items help you stretch your fast-food budget even further.