Foodie Feats: Metro Detroit’s Daring Food Challenges

November 13, 2024
giant Burger and fries challenge about to get eaten

Metro Detroit is a hotspot for those looking to test their culinary limits, with some great yet daring food challenges. From massive bowls to towering plates of food, these dining spots turn mealtime into a high-stakes contest. Ready to grab a fork and take the plunge? Here’s your guide to some of Metro Detroit’s most epic food feats…

MILKHOUSE CAFE PIG PEN ICE CREAM CHALLENGE

4189 Keewahdin Road, Fort Gratiot Township

Have a sweet tooth that knows no bounds? Head to Milkhouse for the Pig Pen Ice Cream Challenge. This is a banana split taken to new heights, consisting of your choice of eight scoops of ice cream, eight toppings, two bananas, chocolate brownies, crushed nuts and candy, and eight cherries to top. Winners that finish it all get a t-shirt to proudly display their ice cream-eating abilities. Think you can handle it? Only time (and your stomach) will tell.

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TIPSY MCSTAGGERS TIPSY TOWER CHALLENGE AND WING CONTEST

7280 East 12 Mile Road, Warren 

Located in Warren, Tipsy McStaggers invites brave souls to conquer its eating challenges. Stack after stack of delicious food awaits, as does a looming time limit. The Tipsy Tower Challenge consists of a burger with 5 patties loaded with cheese and toppings, a pound of fries, cole slaw, and a pickle spear, all to be finished within 20 minutes. And if wings are more your thing, the wing-eating contest might just be calling your name. Think you can finish 50 in 15 minutes? In both challenges, victory means a full belly and a spot in the Tipsy Hall of Fame.

PHO LUCKY BIG BOWL CHALLENGE 

3111 Woodward Ave, Detroit

23838 Joy Road, Redford Charter Township

39777 Grand River Ave, Novi

Pho Lucky’s Big Bowl Challenge is perfect for pho lovers seeking a supersized slurp. Known for its delicious Vietnamese cuisine, Pho Lucky brings the heat with its massive bowl of pho challenge, which requires challengers to finish a gigantic, flavorful bowl in under an hour. With its generous portion of noodles, tender slices of meat, fresh herbs, and spicy broth, this challenge is as tasty as it is tough. Luckily, you don’t have to finish off the broth. Those who complete it within the time limit get their bowl for free, earn a spot on the wall of fame, and some serious bragging rights.

MOMMA’S DESSERT BAR ICE CREAM CHALLENGE

56752 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township

Momma’s Dessert Bar is where dessert dreams (and possible sugar comas) come true. Mikey the manager shares, “We are a family-owned and operated shop, with many flavors (including vegan options!). Mom loves to bake so our desserts range from homemade brownies and bundt cakes to cookies too.” As for the ice cream challenge, you’ll be facing 15 scoops, covered in three toppings, hot fudge, caramel, and whipped cream. If you can finish it all by yourself in 15 minutes, it’s free! It’s a feat that will leave you full and happy, or with a brain freeze. 

giant ice cream sundae from momma's dessert bar - food challenge
Photo courtesy of Momma’s Dessert Bar

MALLIE’S SPORTS GRILL TACO CHALLENGE

19400 Northline Road, Southgate

Mallie’s Sports Grill takes taco night to a whole new level with their 2lb Tacos Challenge. Known for its laid-back vibe and legendary menu items, Mallie’s offers a taco challenge that’s not just for Taco Tuesday but any day you’re ready for an intense food experience. If you can finish three of their ginormous tacos in 30 minutes or less, you’ll be the newest recipient of a $100 gift card (plus your tacos will be free!). With tacos bigger than your head, you’ll want to dive right in, if you dare. Finish if you can, and get celebrated for your taco-crushing skills. 

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on August 30, 2022, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.

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