31 Awesome Michigan Food Challenges
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Michigan is known for many iconic foods including coney dogs, pasties, Vernors, and Faygo. But Michigan also has a way with food challenges, creating some truly unique concoctions.
From juicy hamburgers to massive omelets to heaping bowls of ice cream, hungry (and daring) Michiganders have plenty of choices when it comes to food challenges. At least one Michiganders has gained fame completing food challenges and hundreds more are immortalized in walls of fame across the state.
So if you feel daring, take a seat, order one of these massive meals, and see if you can complete a Michigan food challenge.
Food Challenges in the Upper Peninsula
Lucchesi Burger | Calumet Twp
The Hut Restaurant, 58540 Wolverine St #41, Calumet Twp
Fans of juicy burgers can wrap their mitts around this legendary five-pound burger, named for the man who finished it in 30 minutes. Those who can finish this huge burger in 30 minutes or less get the meal free and a plaque on the Hall of Fame wall.
Big “G” Challenge | Sault Ste. Marie
Guido’s Premium Pizza, 2673 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie
This massive 16-by-16 Chicago-style pizza pushes challengers to the limit. The pizza weighs a staggering seven pounds and is stuffed with ham, pepperoni, pineapple, mushrooms, and more.
Challengers who can polish off this pizza in an hour or less get the meal free as well as a gift card, a T-shirt, and their picture enshrined on one of the restaurant’s tables.
“Jolly Giant” Omelet Challenge | Germfask
Tovey’s Jolly Inn, 8019 M-77, Germfask
The hungriest food challengers can tackle this massive seven-pound omelet that’s packed with ham, sausage, bacon, hashbrowns, and more. Finishing this sizeable breakfast meal awards challengers a spot on the Wall of Fame, a Tovey’s hat, and they get the meal free.
El Jefe Burrito Challenge | Drummond Island
Esther’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 9299 E Channel Rd, Drummond
Start the clock and eat fast as you dig into a six-pound burrito (with beef, pork, or chicken) smothered in sauce and served with chips and salsa, a drink, and a sopapilla. Finish it all within 30 minutes and earn bragging rights, a T-shirt, a spot on the Wall of Fame, and the whole meal is free.
Food Challenges in Northern Michigan
Colossus Burger Challenge | Cheboygan
Hoppies Tavern, 7987 Mullett Burt Rd, Cheboygan
This Northern Michigan institution has been slinging burgers since 1940 and the biggest of them is known as the Colossus. This burger is so big, that it can feed eight people and is topped with three different fries, tomato, lettuce, pickles, and onions.
Those wishing to attempt the challenge must give Hoppies 24 hours’ notice and make a credit card deposit. The entire meal costs more than $100, but it’s free if one person can finish it.
Big Juan Burrito Challenge | Traverse City
La Senorita, 2455 US 31, Traverse CIty
Each April, La Senorita rolls out its Big Juan Wet Burrito, a nearly five-pound behemoth that contains the customer’s choice of shredded beef, pork, chicken, and ground beef.
There’s no time limit to finish the challenge and if you order the Big Juan, you get a free shirt. Those who finish get their photo in the Big Juan Hall of Fame.
Food Challenges in West Michigan
Southern Slam Challenge | Holland
The Wooden Shoe, 441 US-31, Holland
Those who love starting the day with a big breakfast can start with this colossal collection of deliciousness at a Holland breakfast institution.
The challenge is a meal fit for a king: 12 eggs, cheese, sausage, onion, and hashbrowns, all topped with a hearty layer of sausage gravy and served with toast, hashbrowns, or pancakes.
Finish the whole thing in 45 minutes or less, and the meal is free plus you get a free T-shirt and your picture in the Southern Slam Wall of Fame.
Hoginator Challenge | Grant
Old Iron Bar & Grill, 189 S Maple St, Grant
This feast isn’t for the faint of heart — in fact, only four people have been successful — but there’s no question that it’s tasty!
The challenge consists of a pound of sliced smoked ham, a pound of bacon, and a pound of pulled pork on a one-pound sourdough bun. The tower of pork is topped with BBQ and horseradish sauce and the sandwich is served with a pound of fries.
Those who finish the Hoginator get the meal for free, a T-shirt, and their picture and name on the Wall of Fame.
Chili Dog Challenge | Rockford
Corner Bar, 31 N Main St, Rockford
What began as a fun contest in 1968 has turned into a popular competition that’s drawn thousands of people from all over the world and some of the biggest names in competitive eating.
Hungry customers who can finish 12 scrumptious chili dogs in one four-hour sitting will have their names added to the Corner Bar Hall of Fame. The Hall is so big that it’s got a searchable database.
FireBird Challenge | Muskegon
Bernie O’s, 321 Center St, North Muskegon
If you like spice, this pizza may just be your new favorite. The pizza includes breaded chicken, bacon chunks, and cheese tossed in tangy wing sauce and topped with celery, Frank’s Red Hot, and homemade ranch.
Customers can pick their heat level starting at mild with diced jalapeno, spicing it up further with jalapeno and a cayenne pepper powder mix, or going all out and adding jalapeno and a ghost chili mix.
50-Wing Challenge | Greenville
The Winter Inn, 100 N Lafayette St, Greenville
Chicken wings are the ultimate finger food and every Sunday, hungry customers can try their luck taking on the 50-Wing Challenge.
Those who order this heaping pile of wings have an hour to eat all 50. Those who go all the way get bragging rights, a plaque on the Wall of Fame, a T-shirt, and a gift certificate.
Super Burrito Challenge | Grand Haven
Arturo’s Tacos, 305 N. Beacon Blvd, Grand Haven
Hungry customers looking for their fill of Mexican food can tackle this gigantic 5-7 pound burrito.
These monstrous burritos are filled to the brim with your choice of meat, cheese, lettuce, and rice. Those who can finish this epic burrito within an hour get the meal free and an Arturo’s T-shirt that entitles them to a free taco every time they visit.
Food Challenges in Mid-Michigan
Coney and Bitty Burger Challenges | Mt. Pleasant
Pixie Restaurant, 302 N Mission St, Mt. Pleasant
This cheerful Mt. Pleasant diner offers hungry customers a choice of food challenges: Finish six coneys or 10 bitty burgers (think sliders) in an hour. Do it and you earn a spot on the Pixie Wall of Fame.
Sorry Bastard Challenge | Mt. Pleasant
The Barn Door, 3029 S Coldwater Rd, Mt. Pleasant
Hungry customers can come to sink their teeth into juicy burgers that are bursting with flavor and toppings.
The challenge is built from the bottom up and features a 1/3 pound burger topped with mayo, bacon, lettuce, tomato, two slices of cheese, an onion ring, and a bun. Here’s the kicker. That process gets repeated twice more for a sizeable challenge that’s served with a pound of fries and two shots of hot sauce.
If customers manage to finish the entire meal in 18 minutes, it’s free.
DC Challenge | Mt. Pleasant
Dog Central, 111 E Michigan St, Mt. Pleasant
This challenge has been featured on Man vs. Food and tackled by competitive eaters from all over. The challenge consists of three hearty footlong hot dogs, a bed of fries, a stack of onion rings, and a drink.
There isn’t much time on the clock — just 25 minutes — both those who can finish it get the meal free, a T-shirt, a spot on the Wall of Fame, and $10.
The Sherminator Challenge | Farwell
The Nest Diner, 310 W Main St, Farwell
This ultimate Philly sandwich is definitely a filling meal! The challenge is 18 inches of batard bread smothered in corned beef hash, pulled beef, five eggs, Swiss cheese, green pepper, onions, and mushrooms.2
Eat the whole sandwich with a side of fries and receive a free T-shirt. It might be one of the most inexpensive challenges in Michigan too at just $16.99.
Carnivore Challenge | Lansing
Meat BBQ, 1224 Turner Rd, Lansing
Hungry customers who love BBQ can try their best to tackle this massive pile of meat.
The heart of the challenge is the Boss Logg; a meat-wich with smoked turkey, pulled chicken, pulled pork, three kinds of cheese, beef brisket, egg, bacon, jalapeno, gravy, four layers of fries, and hot garlic sauce. The additions include a choice of a side and a portion of made-to-order mac-n-cheese.
Those who can whoof the whole thing down in 45 minutes, with no breaks, are crowned as the ultimate carnivore and receive the meal for free, a picture on the wall, beer on the house, and a free T-shirt.
Food Challenges in East Michigan
Mega Monster Burger Challenge | Flint
Mega Classic Diner, 4462 Corunna Rd, Flint
Hungry customers have to eat fast to finish this behemoth burger! The Mega Monster is a tower of 10 beef patties, lots of cheese, and plenty of vegetables stacked on top. Finish it in 30 minutes and a free T-shirt is yours!
Cat Man Do Challenge | Unionville
Cat Man Do, 3029 Bay Street, Unionville, MI
Food challenge enthusiasts can come for the food, but stay for the theme, which celebrates legendary Michigan rocker Bob Seger.
Each table has a unique theme, ranging from a Bob Seger table to an Elvis table, to a Detroit Tigers table, to an American flag-themed with a flag made from bottle caps.
The challenge is an entire Evil Edna sub, a loaded ham sandwich featuring more than a pound of meat and veggies, and a basket of fries. Those who can finish it in 30 minutes get a T-shirt and their picture on the Wall of Fame.
Falconator Challenge | Columbiaville
Falcon’s Nest, 4586 Water St, Columbiaville
Bring a big appetite and prepare to take the Michigan food challenge with perhaps the coolest name.
The Falconator is a mammoth burger piled high with toppings. It all starts with a pancake batter bun piled with sausage, eggs, bacon, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, and peanut butter, along with a side of slaw, onion rings, fries, and homemade chips.
Demolish it in 45 minutes and the meal is free. Competitors can leave off one item (bun and burger not included).
Food Challenges in South Central Michigan
Dare to Be Great | Jackson
The Parlour of Jackson, 1401 Daniel Rd, Jackson
This iconic Jackson ice cream stop has dozens of ice cream flavors, but the crown jewel here is the ‘Dare to Be Great’ sundae challenge.
This tower of sweetness features 21 scoops of ice cream and requires a person to finish it in an hour. If they do, the sundae is free.
Even if you’re not hankering for 21 scoops of ice cream, visitors will love the ambiance and old-school decor, including red and white stools and old-fashioned ice cream parlor attire.
Brooklyn Dump | Brooklyn
Swiss Swirl, 195 S. Main St, Brooklyn
Bring a spoon and your sweet tooth as you prepare to tackle 32 ounces of ice cream loaded with nearly a dozen toppings. This extra-large sundae comes loaded with chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, peanut butter, marshmallow, peanut butter cups, M&Ms, Butterfinger, Whoppers, and Oreos.
It’s an affordable challenge at just $10.25 (as of 2023) and earns those who finish it a spot on the Wall of Fame.
Grave Digger Sundae Challenge | Hell
Screams Ice Cream, 4045 Patterson Lake Rd, Pinckney
It may be hot in Hell, but a trip to the creamatory for the Gravedigger Sundae is a great way to cool down!
This massive sundae includes three scoops of ice cream and a variety of toppings, including Twinkies, gummy worms, and cherries.
Those who finish it get a death certificate, which certifies them as being “dead as a doornail” after consumption of the Grave Digger Sundae.
Torti Burrito Challenge | Battle Creek
Torti Taco, 5275 Beckley Rd, Battle Creek
This challenge costs just $14, but it packs a punch! Two 14-inch tortillas are loaded with the works: The challenger’s choice of meat, rice cheese, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, and torti sauce, which is said to be spicy.
There’s no time limit, but it must be finished in one sitting and the meal is free for those who complete it.
Food Challenges in Southeast Michigan
10-Pound Burger Challenge | Southgate
Mallie’s Sports Grill and Bar, 19400 Northline Rd, Southgate
Mallie’s has a sizeable menu to satisfy every appetite, but they also have several big items on the menu, including a two-pound taco, a 2,000 burger (price negotiable), and a 10-pound burger challenge.
The 10-pound burger is topped with pickles, onion, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Those who can finish this humongous burger in two hours or less get the meal for free plus $100.
2-Pound I-94 Burger Challenge | Farmington
Detroit Burger Bar, 32350 W 8 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills
This massive burger is packed with flavor and ensures customers a spot on the Wall of Fame if they finish it.
Two pounds of Angus burger patties are topped with four cheeses, mushrooms, bacon, and grilled onions. Hungry customers who finish it get a free shirt in addition to a place on the Wall of Fame.
Five Pound Banana Split Challenge | Harrison Twp
Lori’s Lick ‘Em Up Ice Cream, 35610 Jefferson Avenue, Harrison Charter Twp
The banana split is a classic ice cream treat, but Lori’s kicks it up with a five-pound sundae bursting with bananas, cherries, whipped cream, crushed nuts, and more.
Finish it by yourself and the whole thing is free!
Seven Pound Burrito Challenge | Shelby Township
Azteca’s Margarita Bar & Grill, 45581 Mound Road, Shelby Township
Come hungry and eat quickly if you’re brave enough to attempt this huge seven-pound burrito challenge. Challengers have just 30 minutes to finish the challenge, but if they do, they get a T-shirt, a spot on the Wall of Fame, and a 50-dollar gift card.
Food Challenges in Southwest Michigan
Ben’s Ultimate Breakfast | Vicksburg
Yogi’s Diner, 2070 VW Ave E, Vicksburg
Hungry challengers need to eat quickly to finish this ultimate breakfast. This 10-egg scramble is loaded with meats, cheeses, and plenty of toppings, all covered with sausage gravy. It’s served with a side of hash browns, toast, and a pancake.
All of it needs to be finished in half an hour. Successful challengers get a T-shirt and a spot in the Yogi’s Hall of Fame.
Bob’s Big Bomb | St Joe
Thorton’s Hometown Cafe, 613 Pleasant St, St. Joe
Bring your appetite to St. Joe for the most important meal of the day! Bob’s Big Bomb is a jumbo omelette, that features bacon, sausage, ham, onion, three cheeses, mushrooms, green pepper, and tomatoes. It also comes with a challenger’s choice of potatoes and toast.
Challengers who clean their plates receive a free T-shirt and a mug.
Viking Challenge | Kalamazoo
Maggie’s Cafe, 3290 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo
This heaping breakfast platter is fit for a challenge and packed with plenty of breakfast favorites. The challenge includes four eggs, hash browns, a slice of ham, four sausages, four bacon, and three pancakes, with toast.
Challenge who can wade through this pile of deliciousness to earn a spot on the Viking wall.
Meet the Michigan Man Crushing Food Challenges
Battle Creek resident Nathan Klein has gained fame in Michigan for completing food challenges all over the state. He began in 2018 and has completed several dozen challenges each year.
Klein has completed more than 75 food challenges in Michigan and keeps a database, which he adds to by being tagged on social media.
Klein studies, trains, and plans his food challenges carefully and keeps interested viewers posted on his progress on YouTube.
Try a Michigan Food Challenge Today
Food challenges in Michigan aren’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re hungry they can be a whole lot of fun. So bring your biggest appetite, sink your teeth into some of Michigan’s biggest plates of food, and see if you can beat the clock. Even if a challenge seems daunting, you may surprise yourself and walk away with a free meal, a free shirt, or even eternal food glory!