Arby’s Potato Cake: Is It Worth Ordering in 2026?

I still remember the first time I bit into an Arby’s potato cake after they brought it back, and honestly, it was better than I expected. If you’ve been wondering whether the Arby’s potato cake lives up to the hype, I’m going to walk you through everything I know from actually ordering it, more than once.

This isn’t a copy paste nutrition label post. I’m a longtime Arby’s regular, and I’ve eaten my fair share of these things straight out of the bag in the parking lot. Let’s get into it.

What Is an Arby’s Potato Cake?

An Arby’s potato cake is a small, oval shaped patty made from shredded potatoes that’s seasoned and deep fried until the outside turns golden and crunchy. Think of it as a denser, thicker cousin of a hash brown, with a crust that holds up better and a soft, almost fluffy center.

They’re not new. Arby’s has been serving some version of this side since the chain started back in 1964. It just took a long break in the middle.

The Comeback Story Behind the Arby’s Potato Cake

Curly fries pushed potato cakes off the menu back in 1988, and then they disappeared entirely in 2021 when crinkle fries took over. Fans did not let it go quietly. Social media kept the demand alive, and Arby’s noticed.

The chain brought the potato cake back as a limited time item, leaned into the nostalgia hard with a tongue in cheek marketing campaign, and the response was strong enough that Arby’s made it a permanent menu item again. As someone who covers this menu closely, I’ll say it plainly: this was the right call.

Why Fans Never Stopped Asking for It

It comes down to texture. Curly fries are fun, crinkle fries are fine, but neither one gives you that crispy shell and soft potato interior in one bite. The potato cake fills a gap the fries never really covered.

What Does an Arby’s Potato Cake Actually Taste Like?

Here’s my honest take. The outside is crunchy in a way that holds up for the whole car ride home, which is rare for fried potatoes. The inside is mild, a little salty, and it soaks up sauce better than any fry Arby’s makes.

It’s not fancy. It’s comfort food, plain and simple. If you grew up eating hash browns at a diner counter, this will feel familiar in the best way.

My honest opinion: I’d take two potato cakes over a small curly fries any day, especially if I’m dunking them in Arby’s Sauce.

Arby’s Potato Cake Price and Portion Sizes

Pricing varies a bit by location, but here’s roughly what you can expect:

Pricing and nutrition vary slightly by region, but here is what you can expect at most locations in 2026:

How Many Should You Order?

If you’re eating them as a side to a sandwich, 2 pieces is enough. If potato cakes are basically your meal, which happens more than you’d think, go with 3 or 4 and add a sauce.

Arby’s Potato Cake vs Curly Fries vs Crinkle Fries

People ask me this constantly, so here’s the breakdown from someone who has ordered all three back to back.

Curly fries win on seasoning and crunch factor across every bite. Crinkle fries are the safe, familiar choice that most people default to without thinking twice. The potato cake wins on texture contrast and how well it pairs with dipping sauces, since the dense center holds sauce without turning soggy.

If I’m being honest, it’s not really a fair fight. They’re different snacks trying to do different jobs.

The Best Way to Order Your Arby’s Potato Cake

My go to move is swapping the fries in a combo for potato cakes, then dipping them in Arby’s Sauce or ranch. If you want to build a full Arby’s order around the classics, I’d also point you toward my breakdown of the copycat Arby’s roast beef sandwich recipe, since the roast beef and potato cake combo is basically the OG Arby’s meal.

If you’re the type who checks the menu before you leave the house, take a look at this week’s Arby’s specials before you order, since potato cakes sometimes show up bundled into value deals.

Is the Arby’s Potato Cake Gluten Free?

No, and I want to be upfront about that. The potato cake is coated in a batter that contains wheat flour, and it’s fried in shared oil with other menu items. If you’re managing a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, this is one to skip, and I’d recommend asking staff directly since fryer setups can vary by location.

If mornings are more your thing, I’ve also put together a full guide to the Arby’s breakfast menu, in case potato cakes at lunch turn into a habit that starts earlier in the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arby’s Potato Cakes back permanently?

Yes, following overwhelming demand after their initial return, Arby’s restored the potato cake as a permanent fixture on their regular menu alongside curly and crinkle fries.

Are Arby’s Potato Cakes healthier than curly fries?

A 2-piece order of potato cakes contains roughly 250 calories, which is comparable to a small curly fry (approx. 250–300 calories). However, potato cakes offer a different sodium profile and a denser texture that feels more filling to many customers.

I’ve ordered this side more times than I can count since it came back, and it’s earned a permanent spot in my usual order. It’s not trying to reinvent fast food potatoes, it’s just doing one thing, crispy outside and soft inside, better than the fries do.

If you haven’t tried it yet, order the 3 piece next time you’re at Arby’s and dip it in the sauce. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Have you tried the Arby’s potato cake yet? I’d genuinely love to hear what you thought of it compared to the fries.