An Unconventional Burger from Arby’s
Arby’s is known for its divisive reputation. You either love it or avoid it like the plague. Personally, I proudly belong to the former group. While Arby’s confidently declares “We Have the Meats,” they’ve never included a hamburger in their menu over the past 58 years. Strangely enough, I’ve found some satisfaction in this absence. In my imagination, I run a successful Arby’s franchise that still serves delectable potato cakes. I appreciate Arby’s for doing things differently and not succumbing to the pressure of serving an average burger. However, what happens when Arby’s decides to offer a burger? Maybe they realized they had already covered most legal meat products and wanted to outshine their competitors in the ground beef realm.
The Deluxe Wagyu Steakhouse Burger: A Unique Blend
Arby’s introduces the Deluxe Wagyu Steakhouse Burger, featuring a 6.4-ounce patty crafted from a blend of 52% American Wagyu and 48% ground beef. This mouthwatering creation is topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, and burger sauce, all nestled between a toasted brioche bun. Since Arby’s restaurants don’t have grills, they’ve opted for a sous vide cooking method to deliver a medium-well burger—something rarely found in fast food establishments.
A Classic Burger, Done Right
At first glance, this burger appears to be a classic with a handful of well-chosen ingredients. However, upon closer inspection and, of course, consumption, it becomes evident that it’s a substantial patty. Although I often shy away from excessive amounts of ground beef offered by fast food chains—such as Quarter Pounders or double beef options at Taco Bell—the Arby’s burger defied my expectations. It has a delightfully meaty flavor, and the interior of the patty matches the attractive pictures shown in their advertisements. It boasts a pinkish hue, juiciness, and avoids the common gray appearance found in most fast-food hamburgers served within minutes of placing an order.
Quality Toppings and Impeccable Melting Cheese
The cheese on the Deluxe Wagyu Steakhouse Burger is perfectly melted, while the vegetables bring a fresh and flavorful element to the overall experience. The pickles offer a satisfying crunch, with thicker slices that add a distinct taste. The red onion provides a pleasant bite without overwhelming the palate. As for the sauce, it’s a standard combination of condiments. I personally enjoyed it, perhaps even more than Big Mac sauce. However, there’s one minor quibble—the quantity. Arby’s applies the sauce generously to both the top and bottom buns, making it a bit messy. Given the superior quality of the wagyu beef, they could have showcased it more by using less sauce.
A Drive-Thru Surprise
While you won’t find a smoky char on the patty’s exterior due to the absence of grilling, the texture and quality of the meat and toppings surpass the expectations one typically has for burgers obtained through a drive-thru window. If burgers are part of your fast food repertoire, I urge you to seize this opportunity and give the Deluxe Wagyu Steakhouse Burger a try. It’s available until July 31st. After that, Arby’s will retire its burger game, leaving both fans and (pretend) franchise owners like me reassured that they don’t have to serve burgers—but if they want to, they definitely can.
Purchased Price: $6.99
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 715 calories, 43 grams of fat, 17 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 97 milligrams of cholesterol, 1567 milligrams of sodium, 46 grams of total carbohydrates, 3 grams of dietary fiber, 14 grams of sugars, and 39 grams of protein.
For more information, visit the official Hook’d Up Bar and Grill website.