Michigan Food Challenges That Are Sure to Make You Hungry
Order up! Michigan may be known for its beautiful scenery and outdoors, but Michiganders know all too well that the state boasts some of the best restaurants around.
While many of these hometown spots offer delectable classics, a few others bring something far 'bigger' to the table. We rounded up tasty eating challenges across the state that are available to try year round. Prepare your stomach and mind for these gargantuan Pure Michigan food challenges.
1. Dog Central – Mt. Pleasant
If you’re heading to Mid-Michigan, ask around. Many of the Mt. Pleasant locals will know about the famed Dog Central Challenge. Dubbed as a test of both mental and physical toughness, challengers are tasked with taking down three foot-long hotdogs with chili and your choice of two toppings, a bed of French fries, stack of onion rings and a 20 oz. fountain pop to wash it all down. If you complete the challenge, your determination earns you a spot on the Wall of Fame. But be warned! Losing the challenge earns you a spot on the Wall of Shame.
Other Dog Central challenges include: most hot dogs eaten in two hours, most hot dogs eaten in one half hour, and the Ghost Chili Challenge (three hot dogs with ghost pepper chili).
2. The Grill House – Allegan
Do you have what it takes to join the Lumberjack Club? This 42oz Top Sirloin is not for the faint of heart. The record time for eating this monstrous steak is 5 minutes and 26 seconds, but you get one full hour to take on this mountain of meat. Don’t worry if you can’t finish it in under an hour – you’ve still had a wonderful steak dinner, and now you can have a tasty steak and egg omelet for breakfast!
3. The Winter Inn – Greenville
Every Sunday, challengers are invited to take part in the famed 50-wing challenge. You’ll have one hour to eat 50 of the Winter Inn’s delectable wings in the hopes of earning a plaque to put on the Wall of Fame. If you’re able to finish the challenge, you’ll receive a Winter Inn t-shirt, $15 gift certificate, and, of course, bragging rights as the wing champion.
4. Mallie's Sports Grill and Bar – Southgate
Burger lovers are flocking to Mallie's Sports Grill and Bar to get their fill or unique and BIG burgers! Most notable of these burgers is Mallie's own monstrous creation, four-time Guinness World Record holder for the "Largest commercially available hamburger" and was featured on Man vs. Food! This 1,800 pound behemoth comes with all the fixings and is the most expensive item on the Mallie's menu, topping out at $9,000. Gather all of your close and distant friends and relatives and head to Southgate for this fantastic feast!
5. Tio's Mexican Cafe – Ann Arbor
If you’re looking for a challenge in Ann Arbor, take a trip to Tio's Mexican Cafe and see if you can conquer Mt. Nacheesmo. You’ll come face to face with a five pound platter of nachos that was featured on the television show Man vs. Food. It is the world's largest plate of nachos piled with beans, beef, chicken, pork, Monterey jack and cheddar cheese, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, black olives, sour cream, guacamole and creamy queso.
The challenge is to consume the entire platter of nachos in 45 minutes or less. If you complete the challenge you get the nachos for free, get featured on the Nacheesmo glory wall and receive a t-shirt. Lose and you'll have to pay the $50 for the meal.