Arby’s has long been the king of fast-food meats, carving out a niche that sits comfortably between traditional burger joints and high-end delis. While most people head to the drive-thru for a Classic Roast Beef or a Beef ‘n Cheddar, there is a dedicated following for one of the more “sophisticated” items on the menu: the Corned Beef Reuben. If you are craving that perfect blend of marbled rye, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss, you are likely wondering about the logistics of your lunch. Specifically, how much is a Reuben sandwich at Arby’s in today’s economy, and is it worth the price compared to a local deli?
Understanding the Arby’s Reuben Price Point
When looking at the cost of an Arby’s Reuben, it is important to realize that fast-food pricing is no longer a monolith. Depending on where you live, the price of a single sandwich can fluctuate by a dollar or more. On average, a standalone Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben typically costs between $6.29 and $7.49.
If you are looking to make it a meal, which includes a side—usually their famous curly fries—and a drink, you can expect the price to land somewhere between $10.49 and $12.99. These prices have seen a steady increase over the last couple of years due to rising supply chain costs, particularly the cost of beef and specialized ingredients like marbled rye bread.
Factors That Influence the Cost
The reason you might see different prices on the menu board in New York City versus a small town in Ohio comes down to several operational factors.
Regional Economic Differences
Franchisees often have the liberty to set prices based on their local overhead. In high-cost-of-living areas, rent, utilities, and labor costs are significantly higher. This overhead is passed down to the consumer. Therefore, if you are in a major metropolitan hub or at a rest stop on a major highway, expect to pay at the higher end of the spectrum.
The Complexity of Ingredients
Unlike a standard hamburger, the Reuben requires specific, premium ingredients that Arby’s doesn’t use in many other sandwiches. The marbled rye bread must be sourced specifically for this item, and the Thousand Island dressing, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese add layers of inventory management. Corned beef itself is generally more expensive to produce and slice than standard roast beef.
Limited Time Offers and App Discounts
One of the best ways to circumvent the standard price is through the Arby’s mobile app. Arby’s frequently runs “2 for $7” or “2 for $8” deals, though the Reuben is often excluded from these value menus because of its higher food cost. However, personalized rewards and “percentage off” coupons available in the app can often bring the price of a Reuben meal down to under $10.
Breaking Down the Arby’s Reuben Experience
To understand if the price is justified, we have to look at what actually goes into the sandwich. Arby’s markets its Reuben as a “New York-style” sandwich, which is a bold claim for a drive-thru establishment.
The Meat: Brined and Sliced
The star of the show is the corned beef. Arby’s uses meat that has been brined and then thin-sliced. While it may not be the thick-cut, steaming mounds of brisket you find at Katz’s Deli, for a fast-food option, it is surprisingly tender and flavorful. It provides that salty, cured punch that Reuben lovers crave.
The Bread: Toasted Marbled Rye
The use of marbled rye is what sets the Reuben apart from other Arby’s sandwiches. To get the best experience, the bread needs to be toasted. In the Arby’s kitchen, the bread is typically heated to ensure the cheese melts. If you are making a similar sandwich at home, you would typically aim for a pan temperature of about 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get that golden-brown crust without burning the rye.
The Toppings: Kraut and Dressing
Sauerkraut is a polarizing ingredient, but it is essential for a Reuben. Arby’s provides a consistent portion that offers the necessary acidity to cut through the richness of the meat and cheese. This is paired with Thousand Island dressing, which adds a creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy finish.
Comparing Arby’s to Local Delis and Competitors
When you ask how much is a Reuben sandwich at Arby’s, the follow-up question is usually: “Should I just go to a deli instead?”
A traditional Jewish deli will likely charge anywhere from $15.00 to $22.00 for a Reuben. While the portion of meat at a deli is significantly larger—often piled four inches high—the Arby’s version serves as a “middle ground.” It offers the specific flavor profile of a Reuben at about half the price of a gourmet deli.
Compared to other fast-food chains, Arby’s is one of the few national drive-thrus that consistently carries a Reuben. While some sub shops might offer a seasonal version, Arby’s has made it a staple of their “Market Fresh” line, giving them a virtual monopoly on the “fast-food Reuben” market.
Nutritional Value vs. Cost
For those conscious of what they are eating along with what they are spending, the Reuben is a heavy hitter. A standard Arby’s Reuben contains approximately 680 calories. It is high in sodium, largely due to the brining process of the corned beef and the fermented nature of the sauerkraut.
If you are looking for the best “bang for your buck” in terms of satiety, the Reuben is quite filling. The combination of protein from the beef and fats from the Swiss cheese and dressing means it stays with you longer than a standard thin-patty burger might.
How to Get the Best Value
If the $7.00 price tag for a single sandwich feels a bit steep, there are strategies to maximize your investment at Arby’s.
- First, always check the physical mailers. Arby’s is one of the few remaining chains that heavily utilizes paper coupons sent to residential mailboxes. These coupons often feature “Buy One Get One Free” deals on the Market Fresh sandwiches, including the Reuben.
- Second, consider the “Half Pound” option if available. Occasionally, Arby’s offers a double-meat version of their sandwiches. While it increases the price, the ratio of meat to bread becomes much more favorable, mimicking the experience of a high-end deli for a fraction of the cost.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Price?
Ultimately, the Arby’s Reuben occupies a unique space in the fast-food world. It is more expensive than a basic roast beef sandwich, but it offers a complexity of flavor—bitter, salty, sweet, and sour—that you simply can’t find elsewhere for under $8.00.
Whether you are a Reuben purist or just someone looking to break the monotony of burgers and chicken nuggets, the Arby’s Reuben provides a reliable, accessible, and relatively affordable way to satisfy a very specific craving. While prices will continue to shift with the market, it remains a flagship example of Arby’s commitment to “The Meats.”
FAQs
What ingredients are in the Arby’s Reuben?
The Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben consists of thinly sliced corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, all served on toasted marbled rye bread. It is part of their Market Fresh line, which aims for a more deli-style feel than their standard roast beef offerings.
Is the Arby’s Reuben available all year?
Yes, the Corned Beef Reuben is a permanent fixture on the Arby’s national menu. While some specialty sandwiches come and go as limited-time offers, the Reuben has maintained its spot due to consistent popularity among customers looking for a non-burger alternative.
Can I customize my Reuben at Arby’s?
Absolutely. You can request extra sauerkraut, no dressing, or even extra cheese. Some customers prefer to swap the corned beef for roast turkey to create a “Rachel” sandwich, though availability for this swap depends on the specific location’s inventory and POS system.
How does the Arby’s Reuben compare in size to a deli sandwich?
The Arby’s Reuben is smaller than a traditional New York deli sandwich. While a deli might use 8 to 12 ounces of meat, the Arby’s version typically uses around 3 to 5 ounces. However, the price reflects this difference, as the Arby’s version is much more affordable.
Does Arby’s offer a turkey Reuben?
In the past, Arby’s has offered a Turkey Reuben as a limited-time companion to the corned beef version. While it is not always listed on the main menu board at every location, many stores can still make it upon request if they have the turkey breast in stock, using the same rye bread, sauerkraut, and dressing.