Taste of Tradition: Revisiting Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich
Have you ever wondered if anyone likes roast beef sandwiches from Arby's? The consensus seems to be that yes, there are those who do, and I was one of them. Arby's roast beef sandwiches offer a delightful change from the ubiquitous hamburger, and they’re particularly special when paired with their iconic barbecue sauce. However, the evolution of Arby's offerings, including recent changes to their roast beef menu, has brought some questions to the fore. Let’s explore this beloved fast food classic and share our thoughts on whether it really holds up.
A Return to Classic Choices
Once a regular at Arby’s, I would relish the taste of their classic roast beef sandwich. It was a staple, and my personal favorite would be to pair the sandwich with some of their BBQ sauce and a side of potato cakes. Whether I ate there or not, the satisfaction of that delicious taste remained for me a treat unlike any other.
But life changes, and so did Arby’s. They burnt down, and it took a long time for them to rebuild and reopen. When I finally returned, something felt different, and unfortunately, it wasn’t good. This prompted me to wonder if it was time to give Arby’s another chance.
A Vancouver Perspective
Living around Vancouver, BC, we used to have several Arby’s locations in the area. However, it seems that the market demand wasn’t high enough, and all of them eventually closed. Recently, though, a new Arby’s opened in Tsawwassen, conveniently close to where my daughter works. I’ve been making a regular visit there to try out their new offerings, and here’s a detailed breakdown of what I found.
On the Plate: A Review
The classic Arby's roast beef sandwich has a
Cheese and Condiments: The Imperfect Ingredients
The cheese on their roast beef sandwich is a particular concern. It’s described as a disgrace, reminiscent of a liquid cheese similar to cheese whiz. Even though they aim for a Philly cheesesteak-like experience, the cheese doesn’t quite measure up. The meat, on the other hand, is praised for its good flavor and texture, though it is cooked a bit overdone, favoring medium well to well done rather than my preferred medium rare.
The condiments are minimal. Although lettuce and tomato are available, they are not always included, which I find quite disappointing. This is a significant oversight considering the traditional recipe for a good roast beef sandwich. As for the fries, they offer a bit of a change with their curly cut, but they are saltier than usual.
Price and Quality Consistency
While the prices of Arby's roast beef sandwich are slightly higher compared to a comparable burger from a place like Wendy's, the use of coupons helps balance out the cost. However, if you are a frequent visitor, you might want to think twice before parting with your money. Despite the higher pricing, is the taste and quality truly justifying it?
Final Thoughts and Future Prospects
While the basic roast beef sandwich at Arby's has room for improvement, the variety of specialty sandwiches they offer shows a commitment to innovation. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes dilute the focus on their core offering. Is it enough to bring back customers who left due to changes in the sandwich? Or might it be time for Arby's to return to its roots to satisfy those who seek a genuine taste of tradition?
In the end, it boils down to personal preference. If you’re a fan of traditional roast beef, it might be worth giving Arby's another try. But if you’re someone who craves consistency and authenticity, you may want to tread cautiously.