Last Updated: November 10, 2026
Arby’s stands out among fast food chains because its identity is built around roast beef sandwiches rather than burgers. Thin-sliced roast beef, curly fries and a lineup of signature sauces set it apart, while the broader menu includes chicken, turkey, brisket and seasonal specials. This guide explains the main categories, some beginner-friendly orders, and tips for getting more from the menu.
Menus, availability and limited-time items vary by location and change often. Confirm current offerings on the official Arby’s menu or app before you order.
What Arby’s Is Known For
The Classic Roast Beef sandwich is the original signature, with thinly sliced roast beef on a sesame seed bun. The Beef ‘n Cheddar is another long-running favorite, topping roast beef with a warm cheddar cheese sauce and a tangy red sauce on an onion-style roll. Curly fries, seasoned and spiral-shaped, are the iconic side. Two sauces define the brand: Arby’s Sauce, a tangy and slightly sweet red sauce, and Horsey Sauce, a creamy horseradish-style sauce.
The chain’s tagline about having the meats has also helped it stand out. In addition to roast beef, you will often find turkey, ham, corned beef in season, brisket, and several chicken options.
Main Menu Categories
Roast Beef Sandwiches
This is the foundation. The Classic Roast Beef is a simpler sandwich, and the Beef ‘n Cheddar adds sauce and cheese. Larger versions, often labeled with terms like Double or Half Pound, offer more meat. Some versions pair roast beef with other toppings, depending on the promotion.
Specialty Meats
Smoked brisket sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, and pit-style or smokehouse items appear on the menu, with offerings changing over time. Corned beef sandwiches have historically returned around certain seasons. Gyro-style sandwiches have also been featured at times.
Chicken
Chicken choices include crispy chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and wrap-style items. They offer a non-beef path through the menu for those who want it.
Market Fresh and Wraps
Some locations offer larger deli-style sandwiches and wraps with lettuce, tomato and other toppings. These can provide a lighter alternative to the roast beef lineup.
Sides
Curly fries are the signature, followed by potato cakes, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno bites, onion rings and fried cheese-style items. The sides list is built for sharing and snacking.
Salads
A few salads, typically topped with chicken, are available at most locations. They are not the focus of the menu, but they provide a lighter choice.
Shakes and Desserts
Shakes such as the Jamocha Shake, which blends chocolate and coffee flavors, are a distinctive offering. Turnovers and cookies may appear as dessert items.
Breakfast
Breakfast is available at select locations, usually featuring biscuits, egg sandwiches and sides. Check your restaurant because this is not universal.
What First-Timers Might Try
- Classic Roast Beef: a simple sandwich that shows the brand’s core approach.
- Beef ‘n Cheddar: a popular upgrade with cheese sauce and a tangy topping.
- Curly fries: the iconic side and an easy add to any meal.
- Mozzarella sticks or jalapeno bites: sharable extras for a group.
- A Jamocha Shake: a dessert with a unique flavor profile.
Customization and Ordering Tips
Arby’s sauces are a major tool for customizing. Arby’s Sauce and Horsey Sauce are the most famous, but you can also find barbecue, ranch, honey mustard and other dips depending on location. Many people ask for extra sauce packets to use on sandwiches or fries.
The roast beef sandwiches can be customized by asking for extra meat or by choosing a larger size. If you want something that is less saucy, request the sauce on the side. Cheese can often be added or removed, and some sandwiches can be requested with different toppings. Sandwich builds change with promotional offerings, so check what is currently available.
The Arby’s app supports mobile ordering and offers a rewards program. You can browse the full menu, customize your order and choose a pickup method. Family meals and bundled boxes may be available for groups, though specific combinations vary. Catering options typically include sandwich trays and sides. For ingredient and allergen information, consult the official website or app.
- Request extra Arby’s Sauce or Horsey Sauce if you want more flavor.
- Pair curly fries with a dipping sauce for a change.
- Choose a larger roast beef sandwich if you want a heartier meal.
- Ask whether seasonal sandwiches are available.
- Use the app to avoid long drive-thru waits during lunch.
Planning Your Visit
Arby’s restaurants are widespread across the United States, and the menu is built to be easy to scan from a drive-thru lane. Sandwiches are listed by meat type, which makes it simple to pick between roast beef, chicken, turkey or brisket. For a group order, a mix of sandwiches, a large portion of curly fries and a few extra sauce packets usually covers a range of tastes. If you are visiting at a busy time, the app can help you avoid waiting and confirm which promotional sandwiches are offered.
Quick-Reference Table
| Category | Typical Items | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Roast Beef | Classic Roast Beef, Beef ‘n Cheddar | The signature experience |
| Specialty Meats | Brisket, turkey, seasonal corned beef | Variety |
| Chicken | Crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders | Non-beef options |
| Sides | Curly fries, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno bites, potato cakes | Sharing |
| Sauces | Arby’s Sauce, Horsey Sauce, barbecue | Customizing flavor |
| Shakes | Jamocha, vanilla, chocolate | Dessert |
| Salads | Chicken salads | A lighter meal |
Menu Variation by Location
Menus, availability and limited-time items vary by location and change often. Breakfast, specialty meats and regional items may be offered only at certain restaurants. Seasonal sandwiches come and go. For accurate details, check the official Arby’s menu or app for your location.
FAQ
What is Arby’s best known for?
It is best known for its roast beef sandwiches, curly fries and signature sauces, particularly Arby’s Sauce and Horsey Sauce.
What is in a Beef ‘n Cheddar?
It generally features roast beef, a warm cheddar cheese sauce and a tangy red sauce on an onion-style roll. Details may vary by location.
Does Arby’s offer non-beef options?
Yes. Chicken, turkey, brisket and other meat options are typically offered, along with a few salads at some locations.
Are Arby’s sauces available separately?
Dipping sauces are commonly offered with sides and sandwiches, and some locations sell them in bottles or packets. Ask at your restaurant for details.
Best Neighbor Hoods Seattle in 2026: What to Know Before You Buy
Iced Matcha Drink Recipes: Latte, Lemonade, Coconut, and Strawberry Versions
