Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Reigns Supreme
When it comes to roast beef sandwiches, there’s one chain that customers consistently crown as king. Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Sandwich stands as the most iconic and best-selling roast beef sandwich in America, featuring thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef piled high on a toasted sesame seed bun. First introduced in 1964 at 69 cents – more than four times the cost of a McDonald’s hamburger at the time – this sandwich set Arby’s apart as something fast but more refined. Despite facing criticism about sourcing practices, including an “F” grade in a 2024 report for failing to adopt meaningful antibiotic restriction policies, customers keep coming back for that signature slow-roasted flavor. The sandwich costs just $4.49 today and delivers a satisfying 23 grams of protein with only 360 calories.
Jersey Mike’s Roast Beef Surprises Critics
The roast beef at Jersey Mike’s actually is quite good, sliced thin so you won’t run into any tough, chewy pieces that you may find in other roast beef sandwiches. The meat on this sandwich is quite possibly the best fast food chain roast beef available, with fresh taste and nice beefy flavor that’s on par with something from a very decent deli. However, many food critics noted that while the meat quality excels, the sandwich itself feels incomplete. The sandwich is still considered boring as basic sandwiches go, making customers wonder why they don’t just make something similar at home. Customer reviews on Yelp tell a different story, with one enthusiast declaring it “boss” and praising Jersey Mike’s overall sandwich quality.
Potbelly’s Missing Roast Beef Mystery
Here’s where things get interesting – Potbelly Sandwich Shop, despite being a major player in the sandwich game, doesn’t feature roast beef prominently on their menu rankings. Food critics have tried every sandwich on the Potbelly menu, ranking them from worst to best, yet roast beef doesn’t appear among their standout offerings. Although Potbelly isn’t one of the larger sandwich chains and didn’t crack the QSR 50 list of quick-service restaurants with the highest sales figures, they’ve focused their energy on newer innovations. In November 2024, Potbelly released two slow-cooked pulled-pork sandwiches, ushering in a new era of pork offerings. This strategic shift away from traditional roast beef suggests customers weren’t demanding it as much as other protein options.
McAlister’s Deli Falls Short of Expectations
If you’re looking for the most shocking revelation in the world of chain roast beef sandwiches, McAlister’s Deli might just break your heart. Food testers were thoroughly dismayed by their first-ever trip to McAlister’s Deli, a chain with a shiny reputation for high-quality ingredients. The Horseradish Roast Beef & Cheddar sandwich packs 740 calories and a whopping 2,210 mg of sodium, yet fails to deliver on flavor. The lettuce, tomato, and mayo seemed like unnecessary elements that added nothing, though the bread was at least solid and the meat sufficiently tender, despite needing more flavor from the beef. Critics noted it was definitely an upgrade from some weird flavor combinations, but still left much to be desired for a premium-positioned chain.
Regional Champions Rise Above the Chains
Boston.com readers were asked where they go for the best roast beef sandwich in Greater Boston and beyond, revealing 71 top roast beef sandwich shops that cater to both plain sandwich lovers and North Shore three-way enthusiasts. Top-rated local favorites include Maverick’s Real Roast Beef, Mayslack’s, and Wally’s Roast Beef in Minneapolis, proving that regional shops often outperform national chains in customer satisfaction. Yelp released an inaugural list of the top 100 sandwich spots around the country, ranking businesses using total volume and ratings of reviews. These local gems typically feature fresher ingredients, unique preparation methods, and community connections that big chains struggle to replicate, making them the true winners in customer hearts and taste buds across America.
