Arby’s

It is easy to overlook the commonplace, especially ubiquitous national fast food chains like Arby’s. But it is important to congratulate who many may perceive as ordinary particularly when they consistently do an extraordinary job. Such is the case with the Arby’s in Middleton out by the Costco.
I and my family have been coming here since they opened a number of years ago. The store has always been clean and well lit with welcoming and courteous employees. Indeed, we have tried their patience many a Friday night as various parts of our extended family get together there for dinner. Maybe 15 or so of us, with little kids to boot. We can sometimes be like a plague of locusts decending upon the store – kids, wrappers, straws, chiding parents and grandma flying about. We always have to apologize for visiting our plague upon them. Yet they are always hospitable and tolerate our clan with grace and aplomb. (We do make extra efforts to clean up after ourselves though so that helps, I think). While many other things have changed over the years in Madison, this hasn’t. Admirable, hey?
I’ve always considered Arby’s as a place for adult fast food. The menu does not particularly cater to children, although there are certainly many things children would like. Chicken strips, ham and cheese sandwiches, fries, etc. The menu is a little upscale with interesting sandwiches and salads, all at modest prices. They always seem to have interesting and fun specials. Now, they are doing a Hawaiian fish sandwich special. «Meat from the sea,» is how they describe it. Tasty breaded fish fillet, tomato, cheese, and tartar sauce sandwiched between a Kings Hawaiian sweet bread bun. The bun was a little soft for my taste. But they were just like that when I have them growing up in Hawaii. So all told, just as it should be. Tasty! At under $ 7 including tax, that’s a good value!
Also, great curly fries and a fine selection of condiments (Arby’s sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, and ketchup – all out of pump dispensers) and a nice selection of soft drinks. They even have Diet Dr Pepper on their self serve fountain. My favorite!
Finally, I love their selection of music that they play. It is a nice mix just right for someone like me who just splits the line between Baby-​Boomer and Generation Xer. There have been a few times when they have played long-​lost but much loved songs which I quickly put onto my Apple Music playlist never to be forgotten about again. (Tom Tom Club’s «Genius of Love» anyone?)
I’ve been to other Arby’s around town but this is by far the best. (Second place goes to the one on E. Washington Ave. – same solid menu and people. Just not quite as neatly kept).
See you there!

As far as fast food goes, Arby’s is up there in terms of quality and taste. I love their chicken sandwiches and their curly fries are definitely something that I crave. It’s also nice that they have a wide selection of sauces available.

This Arby’s is close to work for me. I like stopping here for lunch or even a late night snack. The guys have always been really nice when ever heading in for a meal. Always thank me by name. Food always delivered fresh and common areas always well kept. Good food, standard Arby’s prices and great customer service.