Arby’s is launching its first burger ever. Here’s how it tastes, and when you can buy it

For years, Arby’s has claimed to have the meats. Unless it’s a burger.

That changes Monday after the fast-food chain announced it will launch a Wagyu Steakhouse Burger, the first time it’s ever added a burger to its menu.

The Wagyu Steakhouse Burger includes an American Wagyu blended burger, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion and a special burger sauce on a toasted brioche bun. There’s also a Bacon Ranch Wagyu Steakhouse Burger, which includes bacon and ranch dressing as the name suggests.

“We’ve spent over two years of dedicated research and development to deliver a premium burger that redefines what’s possible from a drive thru,” said Arby’s chief marketing officer Patrick Schwing in a statement.

The burgers will be available for a limited time starting May 23, with prices starting at $5.99.

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How does Arby’s new burger taste?

With the introduction of its first burger, Arby’s definitely tries to live up to its “we have the meats” motto.

I got to sample both the regular and Bacon Ranch versions of the burger. First impression: They’re huge.

Both burgers feel substantial in size. The patty itself, which Arby’s says is a blend of 52% American Wagyu and 48% ground beef and cooked Sous Vide style, is pretty thick for a fast-food burger.

The burgers also taste quite good. The burger itself was pretty juicy, and the bun is an ideal size for handling the burger and all its toppings. The burger sauce on the standard Steakhouse Burger reminded me of the Big Mac.

But if I had to choose one, I’d go Bacon Ranch because it offers a more savory flavor, not to mention bacon is awesome at all times.

The burgers did go heavy on the sauces and dressings though. It’s literally dripping from the burger. If you’re someone who prefers a burger lighter on the condiments, then this burger might not work – or you might want to ask them to go easy on the sauce when you order it. But for someone like myself who has been asked whether I want fries with my ketchup, I just made sure to keep extra napkins nearby.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.