Arby's 8-Meat Sandwich Was A Cheap Customer Favorite That Became A Rare Secret Menu Item

Arby's elevated its slogan "We Have the Meats" to extremes in 2014 when it showcased the assortment of meats it offered. A promo poster displaying Arby's various meaty selections went viral, and customers began asking Arby's employees to pack sandwiches with each option. Instead of pushing back, Arby's embraced the demands, and the towering Meat Mountain became an unofficial creation. This culinary zoo packed eight different meats into a star-shaped bun: chicken tenders, roast turkey, ham, corned beef, brisket, Angus steak, roast beef, and pepper bacon into one stack. And that's not counting the slices of Swiss and cheddar cheese. "Looks like a great time and a bad decision," wrote one user on Reddit.

For about $10 at the time, this 1,000-plus-calorie serving would be a challenge as one meal, or it could be split between two meals. "I hate that I want it," wrote one user on a separate thread on Reddit. For those who aren't satisfied by eight meats, adding a fish filet bulks up the beast even further. This Meat Mountain was so hefty it couldn't fit into standard packaging and had to be wrapped in paper. One former Arby's worker revealed that the butcher paper used to wrap the orders was intended for heating tortillas. "It took more than twice as long to make than a regular sandwich," wrote the worker on Reddit. 

Though the Meat Mountain never completely disappeared, its à la carte set of ingredients has meant that the cost has risen from its initial price. Depending on the location, the same order can tally up to $20 now, and you'll have to ask for it by name or give the employees specific instructions. Those who have sampled it have been satisfied, however. "When I tell you that sandwich was amazing I'm not lying," wrote a fan on Reddit.

Those who tried the behemoth noted that it can run salty, as some of the meats don't play off each other and the temperature can be lukewarm, but that the textures can play off each other to result in a delicious experience. "It was the least appealing sandwich from Arby's I've ever had," wrote one sampler on Reddit who noted that the texture of the meat was "weird." Other onlookers have written their observations on Reddit, describing it as "a sloppy, damp pile of thinly sliced meats and a chicken patty of dubious texture." Others have noted that the build requires sauce to be palatable. For the determined, others have suggested that a liberal application of Arby's sauce can transform the pile. Regardless of who tastes it, Arby's Meat Mountain is a perfect example of a customer-driven concept that carries significant weight.