Not all sandwiches are created equal, and at Arby’s, the range from worst to best spans a surprisingly wide spectrum. From underwhelming attempts at chicken to their signature roast beef creations, here’s the definitive ranking of every major sandwich on the Arby’s menu.
7. Crispy chicken sandwich falls flat
Starting at the bottom, the basic chicken offering suffers from multiple issues. The chicken patty, while substantial at 4 ounces, often arrives overcooked and dry. The star-cut potato bun becomes soggy within minutes, creating an unpleasant texture contrast. Even fresh from the kitchen, the breading lacks proper seasoning beyond basic black pepper. The lettuce and tomato additions typically arrive wilted, while the mayo application tends to be inconsistently concentrated in the center.
6. Buffalo chicken sandwich needs more sauce
Adding buffalo sauce to the regular chicken sandwich should improve things, but the sauce application is notably inconsistent. Some bites might have none at all, while others drown in it. The sauce itself lacks the rich, buttery complexity of traditional buffalo sauce, offering more heat than flavor. The shredded iceberg lettuce does little for texture, and the ranch dressing distribution is often uneven. The underlying chicken issues remain unchanged, making this a missed opportunity for improvement.
5. Turkey ranch bacon disappoints expectations
The turkey itself deserves praise for its tender, well-seasoned quality, but the supporting cast lets it down. The bacon often arrives overcooked to the point of being brittle, while the lettuce and tomato lack the crisp freshness needed to elevate the sandwich. The honey wheat bread makes a noble effort with its subtle sweetness and hearty texture, but even its quality can’t overcome the sandwich’s fundamental assembly issues. The ranch sauce, when properly applied, adds welcome creaminess but is often unevenly distributed.
4. Smokehouse brisket shows potential
Moving into better territory, the Smokehouse Brisket offers genuine smoky notes that rival authentic barbecue joints. The meat, while occasionally cut too thin, delivers real Texas-style smoke flavor and tenderness. The crispy onions add welcome texture and a sweet caramelized note when fresh, though they can become soggy if the sandwich sits too long. The addition of smoked gouda cheese and barbecue sauce creates layers of complementary flavors, while the toasted specialty roll holds up well to the generous filling. This sandwich demonstrates Arby’s ability to execute more complex flavor profiles successfully.
3. Classic roast beef remains reliable
The sandwich that built the brand still delivers after all these years. Simple yet satisfying, the Classic Roast Beef features warm, tender meat sliced paper-thin and piled high on a soft, slightly sweet bun. The meat itself maintains a consistent quality rarely found in fast food, with just enough salt to enhance its natural flavor. Add horsey sauce for a kick of horseradish heat and Arby’s sauce for tangy sweetness to create the traditional experience that has kept customers coming back for decades. The simplicity of this sandwich is its strength, allowing the quality of the roast beef to shine.
2. Classic beef and cheddar elevates tradition
Building on the Classic Roast Beef’s foundation, this upgraded version adds warm, creamy cheddar sauce and a toasted onion roll that transforms the entire experience. The red ranch sauce provides the perfect finishing touch to this fan favorite, adding a tangy zip that cuts through the richness of the cheese. The onion roll adds both flavor and improved structural integrity, holding up better to the sauces than the standard bun. The combination creates a more complex flavor profile while maintaining the accessibility that makes Arby’s roast beef sandwiches so popular.
1. Half pound beef and cheddar maximizes flavor
The ultimate Arby’s sandwich takes everything great about the Classic Beef ‘n Cheddar and doubles down with a generous portion of their signature roast beef. The extra meat creates the perfect ratio with the cheese sauce and red ranch, ensuring every bite delivers the ideal balance of flavors. The increased portion size allows the meat to shine while maintaining harmony with the toppings. The onion roll proves especially valuable here, as its sturdy structure handles the additional weight without compromising integrity. When each element works together, this sandwich demonstrates why Arby’s stands out in the fast-food landscape, offering a truly satisfying meal that justifies its premium position on the menu.
The next time you’re scanning the Arby’s menu board, remember this ranking. While personal preferences vary, these assessments reflect hundreds of customer experiences and expert reviews. Sometimes bigger really is better, and in the case of the Half Pound Beef and Cheddar, it’s definitely true.
