Arby’s Dips into Chicago Flavor with New Italian Beef Sandwich and Value Meal
Published: 2026/01/23 09:18:11
Arby’s is making waves with the launch of its new Italian Beef Dip sandwich, a menu item inspired by the iconic Chicago classic. This limited-time offering is already generating buzz among fans, and is accompanied by the release of a new value meal, the “Meat & 3” box.
A Taste of Chicago: The Italian Beef Dip
The Italian Beef Dip sandwich aims to capture the essence of its Chicago counterpart. it features slow-roasted beef – Arby’s signature roast beef,slow-cooked in-house for four hours to achieve a tender and juicy texture – complemented by melted Swiss cheese,tangy pickled Giardiniera,and a savory au jus designed for dipping. The combination promises a flavorful and satisfying experience.
Arby’s collaborated with Whitney Leavitt on the launch of this new menu item. Leavitt expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Partnering with arby’s has become such a fun and unexpected way to get me feeling at home in NYC and to prepare for my upcoming stage debut.” She further explained that the sandwich helps her immerse herself in Chicago’s culture and spirit while preparing for her role.
Early Reviews and Comparisons
Initial reactions to the sandwich have been largely positive. One Redditor shared their experience, noting, “Really enjoyed this one. I’ve been somewhat critical of Arby’s recently but there was little to nitpick with this one. Maybe 7.79 for just the sandwich is the biggest gripe I had,but it tasted good and the au jus was nothing fancy but quite tasty and effective for its purpose.”
Comparisons to Chicago’s renowned Italian beef institution, Portillo’s, are inevitable. While some acknowledge that Arby’s version doesn’t quite reach the same level as Portillo’s,many are pleasantly surprised by the quality. As one commenter put it, “it’s not in the same universe as Portillo’s. BUT (but!) it’s pretty good? Arby’s does hot beef sandwiches respectably. The roll is warm and soft, the giardiniera has good flavor and a little heat. I was genuinely surprised at the quality. If you don’t live in Chicago or have portillos access you could do a lot worse with $8 for lunch.”
Value on the Menu: The “Meat & 3” Box
Alongside the Italian Beef Dip, Arby’s is introducing a new value meal designed to appeal to budget-conscious diners. The “Meat & 3” box offers a complete meal for $7.99, including:
- Entrée Choice: Classic Roast Beef or Crispy chicken Sandwich
- Side: Small Curly Fries
- Appetizer: 2-Piece Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce
- Dessert: NEW Peach Cobbler Roll
- Drink: Small Drink of your choice
This value box provides a substantial meal at an attractive price point, making it a compelling option for those looking for a swift and affordable lunch or dinner.
Limited-Time Offer: Don’t Miss Out
Both the Italian Beef Dip sandwich and the “meat & 3” value box are available for a limited time only. Jeff Baker, Chief Marketing Officer at Arby’s, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, stating, “We’re always working to bring guests appetizing new ways to try our iconic Roast Beef. italian Beef is having a cultural moment, thanks to restaurants like Mr. Beef, and we’re excited to give guests this authentic flavor at Arby’s across the country.” Customers are encouraged to visit their local Arby’s soon to experience these new offerings.
