The One Fast Food Chain Alton Brown Trusts

Step into the world of fast food, where culinary choices often spark heated debates. If you’ve found yourself cutting back on fast food or avoiding it altogether—much like the culinary connoisseur Alton Brown—it’s natural to wonder if any chains still hold a place in your heart (or stomach). While many have their go-to “guilty pleasure” spots, for Brown, there’s one establishment that stands out from the rest: Arby’s.

Yes, you read that right! Despite the relentless online banter questioning Arby’s worthiness, the esteemed food personality has come to its defense. In a revealing January 2025 interview with Chowhound, Brown shared that although his cravings for fast food have diminished over the years, if he ever felt that nostalgic tug, it would strongly be towards Arby’s iconic roast beef sandwiches. “If I was going to feel the pull, the magnet pull, it’d probably be Arby’s,” he declared.

The Comfort of Familiar Flavors

Perhaps there’s something truly magical about a bite of nostalgia. Brown, who often claims that his favorite food is fried chicken, finds an allegiance to Arby’s roast beef sandwiches, recalling them as “freaking magical.” In a world where fast food often tastes unrecognizable from what we remember as children, Arby’s stands as a comforting constant for many—including Brown himself.

Why Alton Brown Shies Away from Fast Food

Fast food may dominate convenience and cravings, but for Brown, it’s a realm filled with disappointment. His search for quality and optimal nutrition has led him to distance himself from burger joints and drive-thrus. In his eyes, most fast food has lost its unique flavor, morphing into something entirely different from the sumptuous meals of yesteryear. “Every other fast food tastes different to me than from my childhood,” he lamented, particularly noting that he can no longer enjoy the taste of McDonald’s without being overwhelmed by the sweetness.

A Nostalgic Affair with In-N-Out

Yet, Alton Brown’s culinary journey hasn’t entirely excluded fast food from his repertoire. In his younger years, he was a devoted fan of the West Coast’s beloved In-N-Out for its fresh burgers and creamy shakes. However, with only a handful of locations across the U.S. (only eight states to be precise), and being based in Georgia, getting his hands on a Double-Double is quite the challenge. But nostalgia remains a powerful motivator, evoking memories of meals that were simpler, fresher, and filled with heartfelt flavor.

It’s clear that while Alton Brown may not indulge in fast food regularly, his heart still has a soft spot for the storied flavors of Arby’s.

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If you’re curious about Alton Brown’s affinity for fast food and the wavering standards of flavor, read the original article on The Takeout.