Honestly, there’s something almost primal about sinking your teeth into a perfectly constructed roast beef sandwich. The tender meat, the juices, that satisfying chew of fresh bread. Roast beef, rare and sliced thin or shredded and well done, served with horseradish or with plenty of gravy, is an American staple, and fans across the country have fierce opinions about where to find the absolute best version. From coast to coast, certain spots have earned legendary status among devoted roast beef enthusiasts, with rankings that spark passionate debate in online forums and family dinner tables alike.
Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Takes the Crown
Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Sandwich stands as the most iconic and best-selling roast beef sandwich in America, featuring thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef piled high on a toasted sesame seed bun. First introduced in 1964 at 69 cents – more than four times the cost of a McDonald’s hamburger at the time, this sandwich transformed fast food history. The sandwich typically costs around $4.50 today and delivers a satisfying 23 grams of protein with only 360 calories, making it both affordable and surprisingly reasonable from a nutritional standpoint. Despite facing some controversy, the meat, while a bit on the salty side, was absolutely meltingly tender, with a texture that ran miles around the rest of the contenders, according to taste test evaluations from 2024.
Jersey Mike’s Surprises the Critics
Let’s be real, Jersey Mike’s doesn’t always get credit for their roast beef, yet they absolutely deserve recognition. The roast beef at Jersey Mike’s actually is quite good, sliced thin so you won’t run into any tough, chewy pieces that plague lesser sandwiches. The meat on this sandwich is quite possibly the best fast food chain roast beef available, with fresh taste and nice beefy flavor that’s on par with something from a very decent deli, proving regional chains can compete with the big names. Still, many food critics noted that while the meat quality excels, the sandwich itself feels incomplete. The sandwich is still considered boring as basic sandwiches go, which keeps it from claiming a top spot.
North Shore’s Three-Way Tradition
Up in Massachusetts, roast beef sandwiches represent serious business, and the North Shore three-way style has cultivated an almost cult-like following. A local Facebook group with nearly 30,000 people dedicates itself entirely to documenting and rating these sandwiches. The North Shore style beef sandwich features roast beef that is cooked nicely rare, and the “3-Way” presentation is the default at Kelly’s–rare beef with mayonnaise (Cain’s, generally, the Extra Heavy variety mainly available in Food Service packages); American cheese (generally white American cheese from my experience); and barbecue sauce, universally James River barbecue sauce. The specificity matters tremendously to devotees.
Philadelphia’s Nick’s Roast Beef Holds Court
While Philly’s famous for cheesesteaks, roast beef deserves attention too. Nick’s Roast Beef sandwiches feature excellent roast beef sandwiches (best in Philly), the most amazing onion rings ever, fries loaded with roast beef, gravy, and provolone are to die for, creating a uniquely indulgent experience. The place maintains old-school charm and consistency. It’s a simple menu and a modest environment, but it’s just the best place for a hot, tasty roast beef sandwich anywhere, proving that sometimes simplicity wins.
St. Louis Lion’s Choice Commands Respect
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Lion’s Choice opened in 1967 with a simple roast beef sandwich on the menu. The recipe involved top-quality beef that was slow roasted for three hours, thinly shaved, and served medium-rare on a toasted and buttered bun with a sprinkle of secret seasoning. The regional chain has maintained dedicated followers for decades. Lion’s Choice serves REAL RoastBeef, prepared exactly as it should be and seasoned perfectly. Eat here once and you’ll never touch Arby’s again, according to passionate local reviewers, though national availability remains limited.
Chicago’s Italian Beef Distinction
Chicago does beef differently, and Johnnie’s Beef represents that tradition beautifully. This local favorite delivers an unforgettable experience with its thinly sliced, expertly seasoned roast beef, generously drenched in a rich, flavorful gravy. The Italian beef sandwich differs significantly from traditional roast beef styles. Thinly sliced, expertly seasoned roast beef, generously drenched in a rich, flavorful gravy creates something messy, delicious, and distinctly Chicago. You can’t talk about American roast beef sandwiches without acknowledging this Windy City innovation.
Philippe the Original’s French Dip Legacy
Philippe the Original, a historic landmark in Los Angeles since 1908, is revered for its iconic French dip roast beef sandwich. The French dip, a culinary masterpiece, features tender, juicy roast beef generously dipped in a rich, savory jus, along with a baked French roll dipped in the same gravy. Here’s the thing: when you’re eating history, the sandwich tastes different. Operating since 1908, this Los Angeles landmark serves up history with every order, and that vintage atmosphere adds something intangible to the experience that modern chains simply cannot replicate.
Regional Champions Rise Above Chains
Top-rated local favorites include Maverick’s Real Roast Beef, Mayslack’s, and Wally’s Roast Beef in Minneapolis, proving that regional shops often outperform national chains in customer satisfaction. It’s fascinating how geography shapes preferences. If you’ve never heard of a beef commercial sandwich, don’t worry, because it’s only called that in parts of Minnesota and the Dakotas. It’s made up of roasted beef sandwiched between two slices of bread, served with mashed potatoes and topped with gravy, demonstrating how regional variations create entirely different sandwich experiences.
The Controversy Behind the Meat
Here’s something most customers don’t consider while enjoying their sandwiches: sourcing matters. According to a 2024 report, Arby’s received an unmistakable “F” grade for failing to adopt any meaningful policy on restricting the use of antibiotics in its beef supply chain. This isn’t just about one chain either. According to the Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT), Arby’s received an “F” grade in 2024 for not establishing policies to restrict antibiotic use in their meat supply chains. Arby’s isn’t the only quick-service restaurant to receive a failing grade for antibiotic use in its meat supply. Others on the list include Dairy Queen, Sonic, Olive Garden, and Little Caesars. It makes you think differently about convenience versus quality standards, doesn’t it? Did you expect finding the best roast beef sandwich would involve considering antibiotic policies and supply chain ethics?
What Makes a Roast Beef Sandwich Worth the Hype
Let’s get real about what separates a legendary roast beef sandwich from just another lunch option. It starts with the beef itself – thinly sliced, properly seasoned, and ideally cooked in-house rather than arriving pre-packaged. The best spots understand that temperature matters too. You want that meat warm enough to release its flavors but not so hot it turns chewy or dry. Then there’s the bread situation, which honestly makes or break the whole experience. A sturdy roll that can handle juice without falling apart is non-negotiable, whether that’s a buttery onion roll in Boston or a crusty French roll out West. The toppings debate gets heated too – some purists insist on nothing but horseradish sauce, while others pile on cheese, vegetables, and special sauces without shame. What’s surprising is how many acclaimed sandwich shops still hand-slice their beef daily, a practice that’s becoming rarer as labor costs climb. That commitment to craft, combined with family recipes passed down through generations, creates an eating experience you simply can’t replicate with corporate efficiency.