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10 Reasons Arby’s Is Criminally Underrated

What isn’t there to love about those incredible curly fries?

outside front of Arby's building
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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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.

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They have delicious gyros

jetcityimage/Adobe arbys retail fast food

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.

The curly fries are a standout

Oksana/Adobe Arby's bag on table

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.

Arby’s listens to its customers

The Toidi/Adobe Arby's restaurant neon logo

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.

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The jalapeño bites are a drive-thru treasure

wolterke/Adobe Arby's Fast Food Restaurant Exterior

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.

Arby’s chicken nuggets are delightful

Brett/Adobe Arby's fast food storefront

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.

Their crispy chicken sandwich feels fresh

Erik González/Adobe Main facade of Arby's restaurant

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.

Arby’s makes unforgettable commercials

Refrina/Adobe Arby's Fast Food Restaurant

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.

Some locations keep the original sign for nostalgia

JHVEPhoto/Adobe Arby’s restaurant in Salt Lake City

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.

The Jamocha Shake is great any time of day

Tada Images/Adobe Arby's restaurant in San Diego

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.

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Arby’s has a stacked value menu

Steve/Adobe Sculptured Arby's Restaurant building

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.

Bottom Line

Colin Temple/Adobe Arby's restaurant sign

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.

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Author Details

Meredith Schneider

Meredith Schneider is a writer, editor, and marketing professional with over a decade of experience across multiple industries. As a creative entrepreneur, she is always on the lookout for money-saving hacks to support her single-income household. Meredith is dedicated to finding high-quality products at affordable prices to elevate her life and those around her.