A Meaty Surprise

Arby's, a brand synonymous with "the meats," has finally embraced the world of burgers nearly six decades after its inception. Known for its adventurous meat options, the chain introduced its first-ever burger lineup in 2022, shaking up its menu with a mix of American wagyu and traditional beef. Fast forward to 2024, the wagyu has been swapped out for a permanent selection of all-beef classics. As a self-proclaimed roast beef aficionado, I embarked on a culinary journey through Arby's new burger territory, ranking each from my least to most favored.

Double Trouble: The Big Cheesy Bacon Burger

Starting with the most indulgent, the Double Big Cheesy Bacon Burger is a towering feast of two beef patties, bacon, a medley of toppings, and a duo of American and Swiss cheese. Priced at a hefty $9.99, it's a burger that challenges both appetite and wallet. Despite its impressive size and homemade-style patties, the overwhelming amount of meat overshadows the other flavors, resulting in a less harmonious bite. The bacon, unfortunately, falls short of expectations, lacking the crispiness and smokiness desired in a good slice of bacon.

The BBQ Bacon Burger: A Smoky Endeavor

The Double BBQ Bacon Burger, another heavyweight option, brings together two patties with BBQ sauce, crispy onion strings, and the standard fixings for $9.49. The burger's dryness, compounded by a scarcity of BBQ sauce, places it lower on my list despite the potential of its components. The crispy onions, however, stand out as a highlight, offering a much-needed crunch and flavor boost.

A Classic Reimagined: The Double Deluxe Burger

At $8.49, the Double Deluxe Burger scales back on the extravagance, omitting bacon and Swiss cheese for a more traditional burger experience. This version is the best among the doubles, offering a familiar taste profile that, while overshadowed by the sheer volume of beef, manages to maintain a semblance of balance among its ingredients.

Scaling Back: The Big Cheesy Bacon Burger

The single-patty Big Cheesy Bacon Burger, priced at $7.49, corrects the excesses of its double counterpart. With a more manageable size, the quality of the beef shines through, complemented by a harmonious blend of toppings and sauces. However, the bacon once again underperforms, detracting from an otherwise enjoyable burger.

Back to Basics: The Deluxe Burger

The Deluxe Burger strips down the extravagance to deliver a straightforward yet satisfying burger experience for just $5.49. It embodies the essence of a classic burger, with well-balanced toppings and a focus on the quality beef patty. It's a reminder of the simple pleasures of a well-constructed burger, making it a strong contender against more established fast-food offerings.

The Clear Winner: BBQ Bacon Burger

Finally, the single BBQ Bacon Burger emerges as the top choice at $6.99. It perfects the balance between savory beef, tangy BBQ sauce, crispy onions, and pickles, creating a burger that could easily rival specialty burger joints. While the bacon remains the weakest link, it's easily forgiven amidst the overall excellence of the burger.

In conclusion, Arby's new burger lineup offers a range of options to satisfy any craving, from the overly ambitious doubles to the refined simplicity of its single-patty selections. While not every burger hit the mark, the journey revealed a few gems that could tempt even the most loyal roast beef fans to stray. The BBQ Bacon Burger, in particular, stands out as a testament to Arby's ability to craft a memorable burger that holds its own in the fast-food arena.