Arby’s is currently the center of internet jokes. Online users joke about eating at Arby’s and describe the food as unappetizing or strange compared to other fast food restaurants. Students here have their own thoughts about the restaurant, matching what people say online.
Freshman Dev Chhatwal ordered a large meal when he visited Arby’s. He got fries, a “meat mountain” – an infamous “secret menu” sandwich, and a drink. “I got the fries and meat mountain with a large Coke Zero [because] it cancels the calories,” he said.
Chhatwal described the food as unusual but somehow entertaining to eat. The roast beef texture reminded him of car tires, but he still enjoyed the experience in a funny way. “The texture was similar to eating a tire, which honestly boosted the experience to another level for me,” he said.
Chhatwal gave mixed opinions. “If you’re a beginner, I would start out with a half pound beef and cheddar with fries, but I’m a pro so I always end up getting one of everything,” he said.
Chhatwal said that users online treat Arby’s as a joke, but he believes the food can still appeal to people who have specific, different tastes. “I honestly think it’s best for hitting your protein goals because of the never-ending assortments of meat,” he said.
Sophomore CJ Arthus had a contrasting reaction after eating at Arby’s. He ordered a different meal during his visit. “I think it was chicken nuggets and fries,” he said.
Arthus described the texture of the food in a simplistic but negative way. He connected the experience to the restaurant’s online reputation. “The texture was oddly wet and uncomfortable, probably because it’s just Arby’s,” he said.
Arthus said he wouldn’t recommend Arby’s to others. He said that it could still work as a joke when hanging around friends and that it would be a terrible restaurant choice. “Joke? Yes. Real? No,” he said.
Arthus agreed with users online who criticize Arby’s and the meals they offer. He said the food tasted as bad as people online describe it. “My experience matched with a lot of people online, it was an awful one,” he said.
Arthus also said the meat didn’t taste fresh or fully cooked. This explains another reason as to why he doesn’t recommend the restaurant to others. “The meat tasted horribly raw,” he said.
Junior Connie Chen said the internet jokes around Arby’s are why students talk about the restaurant. She said that people sometimes visit the restaurant just to validate the jokes. “People online always talk about Arby’s like it’s a dare instead of a restaurant,” she said.
Chen said the internet has shaped how students think about the food before trying it themselves. She said social media jokes influence people and expectations. “Before people eat there, they already expect it to be bad because of what people say online,” she said.
Essentially, students’ opinions on Arby’s reflect what people say online. They agreed with internet jokes that describe the food as unpleasant and odd. Most mention Arby’s in a humorous and unserious way when around their friends.
