Food

Top 10 Insane Food Challenges in the United States

By  | 

Food challenges have become popular in the United States over the past few years, with restaurants and diners offering up some of the most outrageous and insane eating contests imaginable. These challenges often require participants to consume an enormous amount of food in a limited amount of time, with some of them even featuring spicy or exotic ingredients. From towering burgers to spicy wings, these challenges are not for the faint of heart. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 insane food challenges in the United States that have left many brave participants feeling both satisfied and stuffed.

The 8th Wonder Burger Challenge

Location: Clinton Station Diner, Clinton, NJ

The challenge that tops the charts in terms of craziness requires the collaboration of a team of ten individuals. Participants have 60 minutes to demolish the gargantuan 8th Wonder Burger, which weighs in at a staggering 100+ pounds! The victorious team earns the privilege of enjoying the $500 burger for free and a $2,000 cash prize. However, the losing team is likely to suffer from massive stomach aches.

Humpy’s Kodiak Arrest Challenge

Location: Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, Anchorage, AK

The Humpy’s Great Alaskan platter presents a daunting challenge for seafood enthusiasts – devouring seven crab cakes, 14 inches of reindeer sausage, 4 pounds of Alaskan King Crab legs, and side dishes, along with a wild berry crisp and ice cream dessert, all within 60 minutes. Although this $250 meal is not complimentary upon victory, successful participants earn a coveted spot on the hall of fame and receive an “I got crabs at Humpy’s” T-shirt as a memento.

The Zellagabetsky Challenge

Location: Kenny and Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen, Houston, TX

If you desire a complimentary slice of the delectable cheesecake from Kenny and Ziggy’s, then you must first conquer the monstrous 4-pound Zellagabetsky sandwich. This colossal sandwich consists of 8 layers, piled high with pastrami, salami, corned beef, roast beef, turkey, tongue, and Swiss cheese, all of which are slathered with coleslaw and Russian dressing. This $65 challenge is not for the faint-hearted, as it requires an iron stomach and an unwavering determination to win.

The Pho Superbowl Challenge 

Location: Dong Mamma’sodles, Seattle, WA

The Pho Superbowl Challenge appears to have been designed for aficionados of soup, although those with a tendency towards masochism may also be drawn to it. Participants are given a strict time limit of 90 minutes to consume a grand total of 9 pounds of broth, noodles, and meat. Victors of this challenge will receive the $90 meal free of charge, as well as a cash prize of $100.

The 15 Dozen Club Challenge

Location: Acme Oyster House, New Orleans, LA

To earn a spot in the exclusive Acme Oyster clubhouse, you must devour 180 raw oysters in a mere hour, which amounts to 15 dozen. But that’s not all – regurgitation is strictly forbidden. Successful challengers will receive a hat, a T-shirt, a prominent place on the Wall of Fame, and a generous 50% discount on their bill.

The Classic Whale Challenge

Location: Spread Bagelry, Philadelphia, PA

Do you have a deep love for bagels? Here’s an opportunity to demonstrate it! Spread Bagelry offered a challenge for bagel enthusiasts to exhibit their passion for this delicious food. The task was to consume a massive 14-pound bagel, accompanied by 3 pounds of salmon, 2 pounds of cream cheese, and 2 pounds of whitefish salad, within a time limit of 60 minutes (for an individual eater). Successfully completing this challenge would result in a free $125 meal. Teams of two and three participants were also allowed to participate, with a reduced time limit of 45 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively, to finish the enormous bagel.

Eat Heat Challenge

Location: In any Quaker Steak & Lube restaurant

If you’re feeling bold, you can attempt to devour six chicken wings coated in Quaker Steak & Lube’s spiciest sauce to date, the Eat Heat Sauce. However, you must first sign a waiver in case the scorching blend of scorpion pepper venom, concentrated capsaicin, and sweet, succulent wild berries cause you to breathe fire. If you succeed, you’ll receive a free T-shirt to show off your triumph.

The Weiner Works Challenge

Location: Gators Pub and Lumberjack’s Pizza, North Smithfield, RI

If you can consume 25 hot dogs, a pound of fries, and a 32-ounce beverage, either beer or milkshake, within 45 minutes, you’ll receive the $26 meal for free. Alternatively, you can replace the hot dogs with a 4-pound Italian grinder with all the fixings, which will cost you $30 if you are unable to finish it within the given time frame.

The 72-ounce Steak Challenge

Location: Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo, TX

For over 50 years, this challenge has remained a popular tradition that shows no signs of disappearing anytime soon. To emerge victorious, you must consume a 72-ounce steak along with a shrimp cocktail, baked potato, salad, and dinner roll with butter in under an hour. If you manage to complete the challenge within the given time frame, you’ll receive the meal free of charge. However, in the event that you are unable to finish, you can still take home the leftover steak.

The Kitchen Sink Challenge

Location: The San Francisco Creamery Co., Walnut Creek, CA

The Kitchen Sink Challenge is perfect for ice cream enthusiasts. To secure free ice cream for an entire year (yes, that’s a lot at stake!), you must devour a colossal sundae in under 30 minutes. First, however, be prepared for the challenge ahead. The sundae comprises eight scoops of ice cream, three bananas, eight servings of your favorite toppings, and a generous helping of almonds, cherries, and whipped cream.

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By agreeing you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.

Privacy Settings saved!
Privacy Settings

When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Control your personal Cookie Services here.


We use Google Tag Manager to monitor our traffic and to help us AB test new features.

Decline all Services
Accept all Services