I went to Arby's for the first time. I paid $38 for a delicious, meat-filled feast that easily could've fed 3 people.

Gabbi ShawAug 28, 2024, 22:15 IST

Our entire meal fit on a tray.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

I went to the fast-food chain Arby's for the first time, and I had no idea what to expect.
Arby's claims it "has the meats," and I found it to be true — the burgers were delicious.

I've tried my share of fast-food and fast-casual dining over the years, but somehow, I missed out on Arby's, a fast-food chain known for its roast beef and other meat sandwiches.

One September afternoon last year, my mom and I visited an Arby's in Long Island, New York, to see if it was worth adding a new fast-food spot to our rotation. We were delighted by the Smokehouse Brisket sandwich and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate-chip cookie we ordered, among other things.

Plus, our meal, which could have fed three people, was $38.56 after tax, which we thought was great value for what we got. (When I checked Arby's website to see how much this meal would cost now, it was $39.22. The 66-cent increase is because of tax; none of the menu items have increased in price since last year.)

Here's what our Arby's experience was like, and why we'll be returning sooner rather than later.

Arby's, a fast-food chain founded in Ohio in 1964, is best known for its meat sandwiches.

Outside of the Arby's next to my hometown.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

When we walked in at around 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, it was completely empty, though there were people using the drive-thru.

The ceiling had a unique design.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Here's an example of the Western art that's scattered throughout the dining area.

Another view of the Arby's.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

After ordering our food, I noticed the abundance of sauces available: Ketchup, Horsey Sauce, Arby's Sauce, Honey Dijon Mustard, and Spicy Three Pepper.

The sauce selection at Arby's was impressive.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Here's what we ordered: medium curly fries, a four-piece order of mozzarella sticks, the Classic Roast Beef sandwich, the Smokehouse Brisket sandwich, the Crispy Sandwich, a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cookie, and two small sodas. In total, it was $38.

Our entire meal fit on a tray.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Here's what we ordered: medium curly fries, a four-piece order of mozzarella sticks, the Classic Roast Beef sandwich, the Smokehouse Brisket sandwich, the Crispy Sandwich, a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cookie, and two small sodas. In total, it was $38.

First up, I dug into the Smokehouse Brisket sandwich. The packaging referenced Arby's famous slogan: "We have the meats."

The Smokehouse Brisket box was emblazoned with the Arby's slogan.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

This sandwich was huge, with the brisket spilling out from the buns. I thought it was worth the $7.99 in size alone.

The Smokehouse Brisket sandwich was the size of my face.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Simply put, this was delicious. It was moist and flavorful, and I couldn't believe it had come out of a fast-food kitchen.

The Smokehouse Brisket was delicious.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Next up, I tried my chicken sandwich, which was mislabeled — I got the Crispy Chicken, not the Chicken Bacon Swiss. It cost $6.59.

This packaging was mislabeled.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

This was also a pleasant surprise. My sandwich came with a hefty piece of crispy chicken, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

The Crispy Chicken sandwich.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

My least favorite sandwich I tried was the Classic Roast Beef, which is $4.99.

The Classic Roast Beef sandwich was my least favorite.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

I should've read the fine print — this was just roast beef on a toasted bun.

The Classic Roast Beef was underwhelming.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

I was recommended the curly fries, and I'm so glad I purchased them.

Arby's curly fries are legendary.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

I even got the coveted perfectly curled curly fry.

Few things are as satisfying as picking up a perfect curly fry.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

The other side we decided to try was the mozzarella sticks, which were $5.59 for four. They were good but not a standout.

The mozzarella sticks were just OK.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

The last part of our meal was a Reese's peanut butter and chocolate-chip cookie, which cost $2.09.

Everyone loves a sweet treat, including me.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

It was finger-licking good after sitting in the sun for 20 minutes.

The cookie was perfectly melted.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

On our way out — totally full — we passed a bell near the exit that told us to ring if we had great service.

More fast-food chains should have giant bells.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

I couldn't have been happier with my $38 Arby's feast. I'll be returning to try even more of the expansive menu ... but I'll make sure I leave room for a Jamocha Shake.

Arby's and a satisfied customer.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

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I went to Arby's for the first time. I paid $38 for a delicious, meat-filled feast that easily could've fed 3 people.

Arby's, a fast-food chain founded in Ohio in 1964, is best known for its meat sandwiches.

When we walked in at around 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, it was completely empty, though there were people using the drive-thru.

Here's an example of the Western art that's scattered throughout the dining area.

After ordering our food, I noticed the abundance of sauces available: Ketchup, Horsey Sauce, Arby's Sauce, Honey Dijon Mustard, and Spicy Three Pepper.

Here's what we ordered: medium curly fries, a four-piece order of mozzarella sticks, the Classic Roast Beef sandwich, the Smokehouse Brisket sandwich, the Crispy Sandwich, a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cookie, and two small sodas. In total, it was $38.

First up, I dug into the Smokehouse Brisket sandwich. The packaging referenced Arby's famous slogan: "We have the meats."

This sandwich was huge, with the brisket spilling out from the buns. I thought it was worth the $7.99 in size alone.

Simply put, this was delicious. It was moist and flavorful, and I couldn't believe it had come out of a fast-food kitchen.

Next up, I tried my chicken sandwich, which was mislabeled — I got the Crispy Chicken, not the Chicken Bacon Swiss. It cost $6.59.

This was also a pleasant surprise. My sandwich came with a hefty piece of crispy chicken, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

My least favorite sandwich I tried was the Classic Roast Beef, which is $4.99.

I should've read the fine print — this was just roast beef on a toasted bun.

I was recommended the curly fries, and I'm so glad I purchased them.

I even got the coveted perfectly curled curly fry.

The other side we decided to try was the mozzarella sticks, which were $5.59 for four. They were good but not a standout.

The last part of our meal was a Reese's peanut butter and chocolate-chip cookie, which cost $2.09.

It was finger-licking good after sitting in the sun for 20 minutes.

On our way out — totally full — we passed a bell near the exit that told us to ring if we had great service.

I couldn't have been happier with my $38 Arby's feast. I'll be returning to try even more of the expansive menu ... but I'll make sure I leave room for a Jamocha Shake.