What to Order at Arby's: The Roast Beef Sandwich and Beyond
Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich Is the Chain's Signature Item
Arby's built its reputation on roast beef sandwiches, and the Classic Roast Beef remains the most recognizable item on the menu. It's a thin-sliced, seasoned roast beef piled on a toasted sesame seed bun with Arby's signature Arby's sauce and red onions. The sandwich costs between $4 and $6 depending on location and current promotions, though prices vary across South Carolina.
The roast beef itself is sliced fresh throughout the day at most locations—not pre-packaged. Arby's uses a rotisserie-style cooking method for the beef, which gives it a distinct texture and flavor that sets it apart from other fast-food beef sandwiches. The meat is leaner than you might expect from a fast-food chain, which is why the sauce and toppings matter so much to the overall taste.
If you're ordering at an Arby's in South Carolina, you can customize your roast beef sandwich by adding or removing toppings, requesting extra sauce, or choosing a different bun. Most locations will honor these requests without extra charge for simple modifications.
Key Takeaways
- The Classic Roast Beef sandwich is Arby's most famous menu item and costs between $4 and $6 at most South Carolina locations.
- Arby's slices roast beef fresh throughout the day using a rotisserie method, which creates a texture different from typical fast-food beef sandwiches.
- You can customize your sandwich by adding or removing toppings, requesting extra sauce, or choosing a different bun at no extra charge.
- Arby's offers larger roast beef options like the King's Roast Beef and the Beef 'n Cheddar for readers who want more meat or additional toppings.
- Most Arby's locations in South Carolina are open for lunch and dinner, with some locations offering drive-through service only during certain hours.
Variations on the Classic Roast Beef Sandwich
Beyond the Classic, Arby's offers several roast beef sandwiches with different sizes and toppings. The King's Roast Beef uses the same meat and bun as the Classic but with a larger portion of beef—roughly double the amount. The Beef 'n Cheddar adds melted cheddar cheese and onions to the roast beef, creating a richer sandwich that appeals to readers who want more flavor complexity.
The Roast Beef and Swiss swaps cheddar for Swiss cheese and is sometimes available as a limited-time offering. Arby's also rotates seasonal roast beef sandwiches, so what's available in spring may differ from what you find in fall. Checking the menu board or asking your cashier about current offerings is the best way to discover what's in stock that day.
Each variation costs more than the Classic—the King's Roast Beef typically runs $1 to $2 higher, and specialty versions with added cheese or toppings fall somewhere in between. Prices shift based on location and promotions, so exact costs vary across South Carolina.
What Comes with Your Roast Beef Order
When you order a roast beef sandwich at Arby's, you're getting the sandwich itself. Sides and drinks are ordered separately, though many locations offer combo deals that bundle a sandwich, fries, and a drink at a discounted price compared to ordering each item alone.
Arby's signature sides include curly fries and crinkle-cut fries, both seasoned with Arby's proprietary spice blend. The chain also offers mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and a rotating selection of other fried items. If you're looking for something lighter, some locations have side salads, though availability varies by restaurant.
Drinks range from soft drinks and iced tea to coffee and milkshakes. Arby's also offers bottled water and unsweetened tea at most locations. Combo pricing usually saves you $1 to $2 compared to ordering items separately, making it worth asking about when you order.
Arby's Sauce and Condiments
The roast beef sandwich comes with Arby's sauce by default—a tangy, slightly sweet condiment that's been part of the chain's identity since the 1960s. If you don't want it, you can request your sandwich without sauce. If you want extra, most locations will add more at no charge, though some may charge a small fee for additional sauce packets.
Arby's also offers Horsey sauce, a creamy horseradish condiment that pairs well with roast beef and is popular with readers who like spicier flavors. Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, and other condiments are available depending on what you're ordering. You can mix and match sauces on your sandwich or ask for them on the side for dipping.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask your cashier about sauce ingredients. Most Arby's locations keep ingredient lists available, and staff can tell you which condiments contain common allergens like dairy or gluten.
Finding Arby's Locations Across South Carolina
Arby's has locations throughout South Carolina, with restaurants in major cities like Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, as well as smaller towns and highway exits. You can find a nearby location using the Arby's website location finder or Google Maps by searching "Arby's near me."
Most South Carolina Arby's locations are open for lunch and dinner, typically from late morning through evening. Some locations near highways or in busy commercial areas stay open later or open earlier. A few locations may operate drive-through only during certain hours, so calling ahead or checking the location's hours online before visiting is a smart move if you're planning to dine in.
Many South Carolina Arby's locations accept mobile ordering through the Arby's app, which lets you order ahead and pick up your sandwich without waiting in line. This option is especially useful during busy lunch and dinner hours when the restaurant is crowded.
How Arby's Roast Beef Compares to Other Chains
Arby's roast beef sandwich differs from competitors in several ways. Roast beef sandwiches at other fast-food chains are often made from processed beef or ground beef formed into a patty, while Arby's uses sliced roast beef that's cooked fresh. This gives Arby's a texture and flavor profile that feels closer to deli roast beef than to a typical fast-food burger.
The price point is similar to other fast-food sandwiches in South Carolina—a Classic Roast Beef costs roughly the same as a burger or chicken sandwich at competing chains. The main difference is the ingredient quality and cooking method, which some readers prefer and others don't notice. Taste is personal, so trying it yourself is the only real way to know if it's right for you.
Arby's also emphasizes its roast beef in marketing and menu design more than other chains emphasize their signature items, which means the sandwich is usually available and consistent across locations. You're unlikely to find a South Carolina Arby's that's out of roast beef or has changed the recipe significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arby's roast beef real meat?
Yes, Arby's roast beef is real beef—not a processed patty or ground meat product. The chain uses a rotisserie-style cooking method and slices the beef fresh throughout the day. The exact cut and preparation method are proprietary, but the ingredient is genuine roast beef.
Can I get a roast beef sandwich without sauce?
Yes. You can request your sandwich without Arby's sauce, with extra sauce, or with a different sauce like Horsey sauce. Most locations honor these requests at no extra charge. Tell your cashier your preference when you order, or ask for modifications at the pickup counter if you're using mobile ordering.
Does Arby's offer roast beef sandwiches as part of a combo meal?
Yes. Most Arby's locations offer combo deals that bundle a roast beef sandwich with fries and a drink. Combo pricing typically saves you $1 to $2 compared to ordering each item separately. Ask your cashier about current combo options and pricing.
Are there roast beef sandwiches with fewer calories?
The Classic Roast Beef is one of the lighter sandwich options at Arby's. You can reduce calories further by requesting no sauce, choosing a side salad instead of fries, or ordering water or unsweetened tea instead of a soft drink. Arby's website lists nutrition information for all menu items if you want exact calorie counts.
What time does Arby's start serving roast beef sandwiches?
Most Arby's locations serve roast beef sandwiches during all operating hours—typically from late morning through evening. Hours vary by location, so check your nearest restaurant's schedule online or call ahead if you're planning to visit early or late in the day.