Food Challenges and Eating Contests

Some want a meal. Others want a challenge. For those folks, here are some of the top food challenges in the state. Come hungry. We believe in you.

“Mile of Hell” Wing Challenge

Food: 7 insanely hot wings
Time Limit: 7 minutes
Business: Chute Rooster
Location: Hill City
Reward: T-shirt and a place on the Wall of Flame

7 wings, 7 minutes and one “Mile of Hell” — that’s the challenge at the Chute Rooster in Hill City. Surrounded by the beautiful Black Hills, you get to wash this down with a pint of beer.

Boss Hog Challenge

Food: 28-inch pizza
Time Limit: 1 hour
Team Option: 2 people
Business: Boss’s Pizza & Chicken
Locations: Brookings, Keystone, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Tea, Yankton
Reward: $200 in gift certificates and no charge for the challenge pizza
Price: $75 (but free if you finish)

Pick three toppings (two of which must be meat) and dive in at Boss’ Pizza & Chicken across the state to win $200 in gift certificates. You also have the option to take the challenge with a friend. No bathroom breaks, no leaving the table. Can you be the Boss?

Yard Bird Challenge

Food: 16 pieces of chicken, 1 lb. of French fries, and two sides
Time Limit: 45 minutes
Business: The Keg
Location: Sioux Falls
Reward: A t-shirt, your picture with the Yard Bird Challenge Champion Belt, a place on the Wall of Fame, no charge for your competition chicken, and they’ll post your picture on their Facebook page. Karen M. knocked the challenge out in 21 minutes in 2025. Can you beat that?

Pick your sides and attack this challenge. The Keg’s chicken is legendary, so you’ll enjoy the ride whether you win or not.

Nick’s Hamburger Eating Record

Food: Nick’s legendary sliders
Time Limit: 75 minutes
Business: Nick’s Hamburgers
Location: Brookings
Reward: A spot on the Wall of Fame, a hooded sweatshirt, a coupon for a free burger, and no charge for your competition burgers.

These sliders are legendary for SDSU students past and present. Don’t let the small size fool you. To conquer this challenge, you must beat the record (27 hamburgers in 58 minutes, as of 8/15/22). The challenge is only available from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, so prep your stomach and your watch as you prepare for grilled-meat greatness.

5-Lb. Indian Taco Challenge

Food: A 5-lb. Indian Taco with all the toppings
Time Limit: 25 minutes
Business: Watecha Bowl
Location: Freeman
Reward: $150 cash and a $100 Watecha Bowl Gift Card

This uniquely South Dakota experience is definitely a challenge. No bathroom breaks. Just one giant piece of frybread covered in ground beef, cheese, lettuce, salsa, olives, tomatoes and cheese. Many have tried. Few have succeeded. Game on!

Uncle Louie’s Challenge

Food: A 6-lb. hamburger & fries meal
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Business: Uncle Louie’s Diner
Locations: Sturgis and Spearfish
Reward: Free meal and a t-shirt

Known for its welcoming diner atmosphere, Uncle Louie’s two South Dakota locations offer this legendary challenge that has yet to be conquered. Are you the person to change that?

Big J’s Wing-Eating Contest

Food: Traditional wings
Time Limit: One sitting
Business: Big J’s Roadhouse BBQ & Grill
Location: Harrisburg or Humboldt
Reward: $100 and a gift card to pay for the meal

Exact specs can change and differ by location, but the wing competition is available at both spots. We definitely know that Tyler Lems set a record of 50 wings in 2018. Most challengers hit Big J’s on Wednesday for the all-you-can-eat wing special.

Over Time Nacho Challenge

Food: 5 pounds of chips, waffle fries, cheese, beef and toppings
Time Limit: 45 minutes
Business: Over Time Sports Grill & Bar
Location: Sioux Falls
Reward: Shirt, hat, a plaque on the Wall of Fame, and no cost for the nachos ($19.99)

It’s not on the menu, but the Wall of Fame proves the existence of this challenge. Are you prepared to break a most crunchy record?

Victory Lap Burger Challenge

Food: 5 lbs. of food
Time Limit: 1 hour
Business: Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews
Locations: Rapid City & Sioux Falls
Reward: T-shirt, name on Wall of Fame, and no charge for the $49.99 challenge

Strap in. The top and bottom “buns” of this burger are patty melts. Not decadent enough? The middle bun is a grilled cheese, and the sandwich features burger patties, bacon, pulled pork, boneless chicken wings, BBQ and sriracha sauce, and fried eggs, jalapenos, and pickles. Plus fries. BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE!

Macho Nacho

Food: Nachos covered with cheese, beef or chicken, onions, tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, and jalapenos
Time Limit: One sitting
Business: Stadium Sports Grill
Locations: Spearfish and Belle Fourche
Reward: A t-shirt and the meal is free

“We dare you.” That’s what the Stadium menu says. Will you channel your best Macho Man Randy Savage for the occasion? We sure hope so.

Rock Bottom Burger Challenge

Food: A massive burger, 1 lb. of fries, and a 22-oz. beverage
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Business: RB GrillHouse and Sports Bar
Location: Yankton
Reward: Your name goes on a plaque on the wall, and the meal is free

This burger may be messy, but it’s not messing around. Three pounds of beef, five slices of cheese, and pulled pork, onions, mushrooms, homemade coleslaw and some secret sauce make this burger legendary. Will it make you a legend? Only one way to find out...