Summer isn’t just about sunshine and swimming—it’s prime time for epic eating. Across the U.S., food challenges take center stage at diners, BBQ joints, burger bars, and festivals, offering brave eaters a shot at glory, a free meal, or a spot on the wall of fame.
From massive milkshakes to scorching-hot wings, these challenges aren’t for the faint of heart (or stomach), but they make for unforgettable vacation stories. Whether you’re looking to test your limits or just watch someone else try, these wild culinary contests are uniquely American—and totally worth the detour.
So loosen your belt and grab some napkins—these 18 food challenges serve up serious portions and legendary bragging rights.
The Kitchen Sink Sundae – San Francisco Creamery, CA
In sunny California, the Kitchen Sink Sundae is not just a dessert—it’s a spectacle. Picture eight giant scoops of creamy ice cream, topped with bananas, brownies, and an avalanche of whipped cream. Can you conquer this colossal treat solo in under an hour? Triumph, and your name immortalizes on the illustrious “Wall of Fame.”
This challenge doesn’t just test your sweet tooth but your endurance. With each bite, the flavors meld into a sugary symphony, tempting and taunting in equal measure. Are you ready for this creamy conquest under the Californian sun?
The Big Texan 72oz Steak Challenge – Amarillo, TX
Deep in the heart of Texas lies a carnivorous gauntlet—the Big Texan 72oz Steak Challenge. Imagine tackling a 72-ounce steak, paired with shrimp cocktail, baked potato, salad, and a roll, all to be devoured within 60 minutes. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a test of grit and gastronomic prowess.
Succeed, and your meal is on the house, fail, and you’re stuffed and $72 lighter. It’s a battle of wills, and stomachs, in the Lone Star State. Do you have the appetite for Texan-sized glory?
The Inferno Wings Challenge – Smoke Eaters, CA
The Inferno Wings Challenge at Smoke Eaters is a rite of passage for heat seekers. These wings are cloaked in ghost pepper sauce, a fiery trial that has left many in tears. The task is simple: devour a dozen blazing wings in 10 minutes. The aftermath? Scorched lips and eternal respect.
Ghost peppers rank among the hottest chilies, ensuring an experience that’s as thrilling as it is fiery. Do you have what it takes to withstand this infernal trial, or will you be left fanning the flames of defeat?
The Big Fat Ugly Sandwich – Fat Sandwich Company, IL
In the heart of Illinois, the Big Fat Ugly Sandwich is both a marvel and a monster. Stacked with burgers, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, and gyro meat, this two-pound behemoth challenges not just your hunger, but your pride.
Each bite is a savory journey through layers of indulgence, where flavors collide in a symphony of heartiness. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a testament to your appetite’s resilience. Will you rise to the occasion, or will the sandwich prove too mighty a foe?
The Fire in Your Hole Wings – Munchies 420 Café, FL
In the vibrant heart of Florida, the Fire in Your Hole Wings are not for the faint-hearted. These wings, bathed in ghost chili sauce, are a fiery testament to your spice tolerance. Survive this scorching ordeal, and you’re rewarded with more than just a t-shirt and a shout-out—perhaps a trip to the ER.
This challenge is synonymous with bravery and endurance, a true test of one’s fiery spirit. Will you rise from the flames victorious, or retreat with scorched taste buds?
The Monster Burger – Mallie’s Sports Grill, MI
Mallie’s Sports Grill in Michigan is legendary for its larger-than-life burgers. Here, the Monster Burger awaits, a 10-pound colossal patty draped with toppings. It’s a carnivore’s dream, a challenge that beckons the brave-hearted.
While the 200-pound burger may be out of reach, this smaller version still demands courage and a cavernous belly. It’s not just about eating; it’s about conquering a Michigan legend. Do you have the chops to make it to the final bite?
The Donut Challenge – Psycho Donuts, CA
At Psycho Donuts in California, donuts take on a new dimension. The challenge? Devour a half-pound donut stuffed with mini donuts within three minutes. It sounds deceptively simple but proves to be a sweet sprint against time.
This whimsical challenge teases your taste buds with each bite, a race where sugar meets strategy. Will you let this donut daunt you, or will you conquer its sugary goodness and etch your name in donut lore?
The Kitchen Sink Pizza – Big Pie in the Sky, GA
In Georgia, Big Pie in the Sky presents the ultimate pizza challenge. A 30-inch behemoth loaded with meat, cheese, and dreams of culinary victory, this pizza must be vanquished by two people in under an hour.
It’s not just food; it’s a shared adventure, a testament to teamwork and tenacity. Will you relish in triumph, or will the pizza prove too mighty a mountain to climb?
The Giant Burrito – Jack-n-Grill, CO
At Jack-n-Grill in Colorado, the Giant Burrito is a breakfast behemoth. Weighing in at seven pounds, it’s filled with eggs, potatoes, cheese, and meat. It’s not just a meal; it’s a rite of passage for the brave of belly.
Complete the challenge, and you earn not just a free t-shirt but a story to tell. Can you withstand the weight of this colossal culinary challenge, or will it roll over your ambitions?
The Five Pound Philly – Geno’s Steaks, PA
Geno’s Steaks in Pennsylvania offers a cheesesteak challenge like no other. The Five Pound Philly, brimming with fixings, dares you to finish in 45 minutes. It’s a race against time and appetite, in the city where cheesesteak legends are born.
Can you claim your place among the Philly elite, or will this hefty hoagie have the last laugh?
The Crazy Big Breakfast – Clinton Station Diner, NJ
At Clinton Station Diner in New Jersey, breakfast is a hearty affair. The Crazy Big Breakfast features stacks of pancakes, eggs, sausage, hash browns, and toast. It’s a morning marathon that tests your early hour resolve.
For those who wake up ravenous or just a little delusional, this challenge is a generous offering of breakfast abundance. Will you conquer the morning feast, or will you be left dreaming of lighter fare?
The Volcano Curry Challenge – Brick Lane Curry House, NY
In New York, the Volcano Curry Challenge at Brick Lane Curry House is a fiery feat for spice adventurers. Finish this insanely spicy curry in under 30 minutes, and you earn a t-shirt and your photo on the wall.
This challenge is a dance with danger, where each bite brings you closer to culinary glory or a fiery defeat. Can you handle the heat and emerge victorious?
The 12-Scoop Ice Cream Cone – Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor, IL
At Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor in Illinois, the challenge is as sweet as it is towering. A 12-scoop ice cream cone, teetering with flavors, is your foe. The race is on to finish before it melts away, leaving only sticky remnants.
This towering treat is a test of both speed and stamina. Will you savor the sweet victory, or will you be left with a melted mess?
The Gravy Challenge – Southern Soul Barbeque, GA
In Georgia, Southern Soul Barbeque offers a heaping platter of biscuits and sausage gravy, with a side of bacon as your challenge. Finish in under 20 minutes, and victory is yours. The trick is not to breathe in the pepper.
This Southern delicacy tests your resolve and timing. Can you savor the soul-warming flavors and emerge as a champion?
The Spaghetti Sundae – Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, IL
The Spaghetti Sundae at Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder is an unexpected delight. This towering pasta dish, with marinara, sausage, cheese, and garlic bread, looks innocent enough until you’re halfway through.
It’s a hearty endeavor that challenges both your taste buds and your stamina. Are you ready to dive into this saucy spectacle or will it be too much to swallow?
The Lobster Roll Gauntlet – Bar Harbor, ME
In picturesque Bar Harbor, the Lobster Roll Gauntlet is a seafood lover’s dream. Try three 1.5-pound lobster rolls from different shops in under an hour. It’s a challenge of speed and seafood savvy.
With each bite, you gain not just bragging rights but serious seafood cred. Can you claim victory on the coast, or will the lobster rolls leave you longing for lighter fare?